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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

The Light Beneath the Dark: Motorcycle Club MM romance (Dark River Stone Collective Book 1) by JP Sayle: New Release Review

November 25, 2020 by Denise

Lincoln Stone is President of the Dark Angels motorcycle club, and he’s been accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Will this finally be his downfall?

Lincoln lives a life that straddles the fine line between right and wrong. Now he stands accused of a crime that could see him losing everything he holds close and breaking a promise to the one person who loved him unconditionally, his sister.

That is, until Mason.

Mason Davenport believes in the law and what it stands for. When his father asks him to take on Lincoln’s case, he learns some things are not as clear cut as they seem. Can he see beneath the exterior Lincoln hides behind to help him battle for his freedom and keep what he treasures most? Or will those who are conspiring against Lincoln win?

The Light Beneath the Dark is a standalone MM gay romance, with a sassy little girl that can offer one man freedom and another what he never realized he wanted, a daughter.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

JP Sayle is a new to me author, although she has quite a back list of books she has written. I’ve seen her around on social media and I absolutely loved the cover of this book. Between the cover and the title, I thought I would be getting angsty goodness. I was wrong.

This is another case of “could have been”. But just way too much was wrong for me. Let’s start with the crime the main character, Linc, is accused of. In this day and age, having a main character accused of rape- as revenge pretty much- is incredibly tone deaf. There are many other crimes he could have been set up for without it being rape.

Next is Linc’s niece/daughter. I honestly don’t know if he officially adopted her or is just her guardian. His sister died in childbirth. Which is the first chapter of the book before a time jump. Not for nothing, but describing the birthing mother as being bloody kind of gives everyone a big hint that something is wrong. But the nurse and doula think it’s no big deal. Yanno, until she dies. Ok, so back to the little girl River. Adorable, precocious, of course. But on my good the way she spoke. I actually had to stop and look up the author to see if she had children. She does! But ok, she lives in the UK. So what is she using as her model of the way American children speak? I thought it was just River, but she meets another child and he speaks the same way! “I’s River, what’s your name?” Honestly, I was waiting for her to say “I don’t know nothin about birthin no babies!” Because that is what she sounded like. And at the same time, she makes statements that are WAY too mature for a child of five. Reading her dialogue (and there is quite a bit) was painful.

Moving on. The rape case gets taken care of quickly but we still have half a book to go. The second plot is about a possible coup in the motorcycle club that Linc is president of. It was so weak. Ugh. What a waste.

There were other things- Linc and his sister living in the motorcycle club after their mother died. They were children. Thirteen and eight. And no one from social services came? School? They had no one to take care of them? Who paid the bills? Bought them food and clothes? And then Linc was able to become a business owner as an adult? There were just so many plot holes.

Linc and Mason together weren’t enough to save this book. Mason said he was a vers, but mostly topped, but sure, he was fine to be Linc’s “bitch”. No. Just no no no.

I normally have no issues when an author from one country writes a story set in another country. But do your research.

2 Pieces of Eye Candy 

Filed Under: Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 2 stars, author, Book Reviews, gay, JP Sayle, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

Cupcakes and Christmas: A Bake Off inspired MM Christmas Romance by RJ Scott: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

November 23, 2020 by Denise

The story of long nights in a wintry mountain hotel, a baking show with secrets, a snowman called Jeremy, and finding the greatest love of all.

After winning season four of ratings hit the World’s Best Baking Show, Brody Thomas had become a sought-after cake maker to the stars. Happily married, he dreamed of a bright future, but his perfect life imploded when he discovered that his husband had done nothing but lie to him. A year later, Brody is mid-divorce, and his life has been turned upside down, so being part of the WBBS charity event is excellent timing. He’s sure it will give him time away from home and space to get his head straight, only he never expected to meet the man of his dreams in a snowy Alberta.

Winning season one of WBBS gave Justin Mallory a chance to outrun the demons of a childhood lost in the foster system. He’s a social media influencer, with millions of followers, and works every hour to make money that equals security for the rest of his life. His marketing team signs him up for the WBBS Christmas charity show, but he’s convinced he’ll fall at the first hurdle. Only, after a few days in the competition, his worry isn’t that he’ll be the first to leave, it’s that he’ll lose his heart to a rival baker, Brody.

Title: Cupcakes & Christmas

Author: RJ Scott

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Length: 67,000 words approx.

Amazon

This book was sweetness, 100%. How could it not be with a title like Cupcakes & Christmas? It was like getting that cupcake with the most decadent filling, coated in icing. It could be too much sweetness, but you still have to have it all. 🙂

I don’t watch much TV, and so haven’t seen much of these baking shows, but you can tell that the author has loved every second of them, and made me want to run out and watch them myself. What I loved though was that the two MC’s clearly had a love for baking, especially as they kept watching the show even after they won their own seasons. At one point one of the MC’s mentions baking every day. (Don’t you want to live next door to him???). Having had crushes on each other during the other’s season, I thought it was fun how the author brought them together with a reunion show as the backdrop (oh, and now I really want to go to Banff!). This added a little drama, but honestly it was mostly drama free. It was about the two MC’s finding their way to each other despite their lack of communication.

I loved Brody’s family, especially his twin, and that even though they’d been through some serious challenges the previous year due to Brody’s marriage, they were all still completely behind each other (and later Justin as well). Meanwhile, Justin was just trying to figure out how to transition to a career he could be proud of, and still feel successful, with a balance in the bank.

Jeremy was the icing on the cupcake. I loved that little piece of the book. It was just awesome that that became their time together, their place to talk, to work through issues or even to be alone. We all need a Jeremy in our lives.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

RJ Scott is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military heroes to every-day heroes, she believes that love is love and every man deserves a happy ending.

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook – Also, Never miss a release


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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 3.5 stars, author, Blog Tours, book, Book Reviews, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

Blind Warrior (The Weavers Circle Book 3) by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliot: RDB, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

November 23, 2020 by Denise

Grey Ackles

The Soul Weaver feels useless.

A burden endangering his brothers.

The last battle with the pestilents cost Grey his sight and powers.

Now he’s dependent on his vision rehabilitation therapist Cort to learn how to function on a daily basis.

But as he grows closer to Cort, Grey is left wanting his powers back for a new reason—how will he ever know if the man he’s falling for is actually his soul mate?

Cort Newton

There is some really weird stuff going on at that house.

Spell books, guns, and a giraffe in the backyard?

But no matter how strange it gets, Cort is not going to leave the grumpy writer.

Adjusting to sudden blindness is hard for everyone, but Grey clearly has deeper reason for needing his vision back at any cost. Cort just wished Grey would confide in him.

Even with Grey’s secrets, Cort has never been drawn to a man like he is with Grey and he will do anything to keep this man safe.

Blind Warrior is the third book in the Weavers Circle series. It includes fast-paced action, running through Savannah, secrets, shapeshifting, brainwashed assassins, a gorilla, sexy times, fun with water, insecurity, three crazy old ladies, and magic!

Title:  Blind Warrior

Series: The Weavers Circle #3

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott Publishing LLC

Release Date: November 20, 2020

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 98k

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Goodreads

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Grey reluctantly got out of the vehicle and felt his way to the warm hood. “Gotta be a lot of glass bottles in there for me to knock over,” he warned as Lucien placed a hand on his biceps.

“We’ll steer you in the right direction.” Lucien pressed on his arm as they started walking. “You need the exercise.”

“Makes more sense for me to wait in the—” he broke off when a horrid smell hit his nose. It was like rotting meat left out on a hot summer day. “Shit, pestilents,” he hissed. Fear gripped his heart, his lungs freezing in his chest. How the hell was he supposed to protect himself?

Pestilents were these…humanoid creatures…from another realm who were trying to kill him and his brother Weavers. Their world was dying, and they wanted to leech energy off this one to save their own. Grey and the other Weavers had been tasked to stop them, using magic they’d gained from three goddesses. Insane. All of it sounded absolutely insane, but it was now his life.

One positive was that they were easy to spot, thanks to their awful stink. They rotted slowly in this world because they didn’t belong.

“I just smelled them, too,” Lucien grumbled under his breath.

“Can you see them?” Grey asked.

“They have to be in the store. Do pestilents drink alcohol?” Baer’s voice was moving away from Grey, possibly toward the Jeep.

“How the hell would we know?” Lucien led Grey back, too. Doors opened around him and he reached out with his left hand, coming into contact with the familiar durable fabric covering the rear bench seat in Baer’s Jeep.

“That’s it? We’re going to run?” Grey slid inside the vehicle, inwardly fuming. They were running to protect him.

“You expect us to just attack them in broad daylight in a wine shop?” Baer’s voice came from the driver’s side this time. “I can’t believe they’re rallying forces this fast. We had a three-month break last time.”

“There is obviously more than one set out there, or they wouldn’t have been chasing us over the United States.” Grey grabbed the front seats and pulled himself forward to lean between them as Lucien got into the passenger side. “I don’t think we should just leave them.”

Lucien cleared his throat. “I see only one at the counter now.”

“Doesn’t mean there aren’t more in the back,” Baer countered.

“Why don’t you go in there and lure him out?” Lucien suggested. “See that field behind those trees? We could fight it there.”

Grey saw nothing, but he didn’t bother to point that out. All he knew was, he felt wrong running and leaving any pestilents free to attack them later. Or even an innocent human who just happened to get in their way. If there were only a few, Baer and Lucien would be able to easily take care of them on their own. “I think that’s a good idea. But you should both go inside, just in case there are more than one.”

“And leave you help-er…alone out here?” Baer snapped. He cursed softly. “Sorry, Grey.”

But he was fucking helpless, and he knew it. Before losing his sight, his powers hadn’t done a lot when it came to fighting, but he’d been able to shoot a gun, use a knife. He wasn’t bad in a fight. And he’d been able to serve as a lookout, offer cover for his brothers. Now, he didn’t even have that.

Of course, his powers were tied to his sight, so he couldn’t use those. All he got were the occasional broken thoughts and emotions from others. His ability to see auras had been nipped in the bud. As was his ability to see into people’s souls, to read their past, motives, desires, and thoughts. He didn’t know if he could still manipulate people, hadn’t even tried.

“I’m going in,” Baer announced. “I’ll lure him into the field and shift into something fierce. We’ll dispatch this asshole, grab our booze, and go home.”

I have been eagerly awaiting this book! This is book 3. It is not a stand alone, you absolutely have to read books 1 and 2 as it is a continuing story. That being said, spoiler from book 2 coming. Although the title kind of gives it away.

Grey, the Soul Weaver, introvert, mind reader, goes blind after the last big battle with the pestilents. And even though Dane, the healer, can help with everything else, he cannot restore Grey’s sight. Without his sight, Grey has no powers. Without powers, Grey can’t help the other Weavers in the war against the pestilents. Oh, that was the cliff hanger for book 2 and why I couldn’t wait for book 3.

We pick up pretty much right where we left off. A week or two has passed, Grey has been to a doctor who couldn’t do anything except offer the number of a vision rehabilitation specialist so that he can learn to manage his life better.

There were some funny scenes when they were all trying to keep the whole Weaver thing from Colt- the VRS. “Was that a giraffe?” BAHAHA! They tried, but keeping the secret was next to impossible.

And so they brothers continue on, trying to figure out a way to beat the pestilents for good, while trying to come up with a healing spell to get Grey his sight back, and Grey and Cort slowly falling for each other.

Even with a story taking place almost solely at one house, with the same people always interacting and the two main characters thrust together because of necessity, there is still some really sweet and romantic scenes. And Grey does know how to use his words to woo Cort. And woo he does.

There is a bit of drama when Grey hears one of Clay’s thoughts. Working through that was tough for them.

Oh wait! I forgot we also got another Weaver! This time it is the Water Weaver. (PS- I love the diversity of the characters. Out of 7 there are two black men and one Asian man.) He isn’t freaked out at all and takes to it like a duck to water. Whomp whomp. Sorry, had to.

There are battles and invaders and spells and shifters and everything that makes this series so fun, intriguing and readable.

I loved it and can’t wait for book 4. Luckily there was no cliff hanger on this one.

4 pieces of eye candy

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | eMail

http://drakeandelliott.com/

https://www.facebook.com/drakeandelliott/

https://twitter.com/DrakeandElliott

drakeandelliott@gmail.com

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Filed Under: Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 4 stars, author, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, gay, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, paranormal, review, romance

We Have Till Dawn by Cara Dee: RDB, Excerpt, and Release Day Review

November 23, 2020 by Denise

It wasn’t like he’d never done this before…

Nicky Fender retired from sex work two years ago and never looked back. Then an offer he can’t refuse comes his way, and he agrees to one last exclusive arrangement. Good money and an apartment in Manhattan? He’d be a fool to turn that down.

The deal is dusk till dawn for two months. But once he meets Gideon—an older, quirky, autistic, filthy, uncertain businessman who wants to explore his sexuality—Nicky wishes sunrise would never come.

Title: We Have Till Dawn

Author: Cara Dee

Series: Standalone

Genre: Gay Romance

Tropes: Autism, Musician, Age Difference, Role Play, Family, First-Time Experience

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Nicky Fender

“Let me get this straight,” I said, scanning the document. “The wife is the client? I mean, she’s the one setting her husband up with a male escort?”

“Correct.” Tina sat back as our server approached with dinner. “Well, her fiancé.”

I hummed and kept my mouth shut until we were alone again. Fuck, the pizza looked good. Of course, meeting with Tina meant it had to be some fancy pizza. She wouldn’t be caught dead with a regular slice. She wouldn’t be caught dead in Brooklyn either, which was why I’d met up with her in Manhattan at some swanky Italian place. But hey, she was buying.

“I’m waiting for the reason for why I’d agree,” I admitted bluntly. I hadn’t whored out my sweet ass in two years, and I was doing much better now. I worked three jobs for very little pay, I lived with my big brother, and I had practically no time for any hobbies. What’s not to love?

I’d thought about going back to Tina for some time, but whenever I considered it, there was this rock in the pit of my stomach that no amount of money could crush.

“I wanted you to see the requirements first,” she replied.

Well, there were a lot of them. I hadn’t gone through the entire list yet. After placing the document next to my plate, I cut into my fancy pizza and continued reading the list. There was plenty on hygiene, but nothing that went beyond what I was used to. I was to be blindfolded the whole time? All right… I’d never see the client’s face—or the client’s fiancé—which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“I get the impression from the client that the man wants to explore something before he agrees to marry her,” Tina revealed. I’d heard of weirder dynamics. “She hinted that it would be a one-time arrangement, and she placed emphasis on following instructions that seem to cover every inch of your body.”

Lovely.

“That’s a lot of exploring,” I pointed out. “He wants to meet with me four nights a week for two months.”

Tina lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug and sipped her wine.

More specifically, I had to be available for him between the hours of ten PM and six AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

I scratched my ear.

The pay better be out of this world, ’cause I would have to quit at both Applebee’s and Starbucks. Not that I’d mourn those shifts, but I’d been at Applebee’s long enough to possibly make assistant manager when the current one quit next month. She was having a baby and moving to Jersey.

I stuck a piece of pizza into my mouth and eyed the requirements for safety, at which I almost choked on a pepperoni slice.

“How loaded is this couple?” I asked through a cough. The man demanded exclusivity, meaning I wasn’t allowed to be sexually active with anyone else for the duration of our arrangement. And that cost a fucking mint.

“Read on…” Tina smirked wryly.

I furrowed my brow—then spotted one of my few hard limits. I shook my head and wiped my mouth with the napkin. “No fucking way. Tina, you—no. Fuck this.”

I didn’t mess around without protection. Not a chance in hell.

“This is why I asked you, Nicky,” she told me patiently. “Considering your stance on protection and your sad little Facebook statuses on how single you are—” she ignored my glare “—not to mention that you’re not the type of guy who walks around with a string of hookups, I can count on you passing a screening with flying colors and taking on someone who wants exclusivity. You’re my only candidate.”

“Candidate to say no,” I retorted.

Tina adopted a smug expression and reached down to dig something out of her purse. “There’s a reason I wanted to save the perks for last,” she said. “Okay, so you know the requirements. An exclusive arrangement for both parties—during which you’re sexually active only with each other—four nights a week for two months. You won’t see him. He won’t violate your limits—”

“Going unprotected is a limit, Tina,” I grated. Fuck, I was getting pissed. Part of me had carried foolish hope that this would be such a golden case that I’d jump on the opportunity and earn some good dough before the rock in my stomach returned.

“And when you’re an escort dealing with multiple clients a week, nothing else would make sense,” she answered, extending another document to me. “I wouldn’t even try to approach my other sex workers with this, Nicky. You’re the exception only because you quit the field.”

“Hmpf.” I cast a disgruntled look her way before I lowered my gaze to the piece of paper.

Ahem.

Holy fuck.

Three grand a week—minus Tina’s finder’s fee of ten percent—plus living arrangements. There would be a studio apartment in my name, so to speak, rent and utilities paid for by the client. Corner of West 39th and Ninth Avenue—not a shabby address at all. One of my best friends lived in the Garment District. Adjacent to Hell’s Kitchen where another friend lived.

A Manhattan address and $3,000 a week for two months.

A guy could do worse.

I shifted in my seat and cleared my throat. “Is there, uh, any way to ensure safety by making sure the guy gets tested too?”

“Of course, Nicky.” The compassion in Tina’s crystal-blue eyes reminded me of the fact that she ran an ethical business based on choice and vetting. She didn’t headhunt sex workers; they had to come to her, and they—we—had to go through a selection process before she could, in good conscience, give us work.

Today, I was an exception for her, and my answer would be an exception too.

’Cause it looked like I was moving to Manhattan.

Most, if not all, of the Cara Dee books I’ve read have been BDSM in nature. This one wasn’t- but it did involve kink and a sex worker. It is also set in NY, which I enjoy since it is “my” city (but I live in the ‘burbs).

This book had so much! First time gay, autism, rich, poor, family, kink, sex work…whew!

Nicky is a former sex worker who’s former boss/manager contacts him for a unique job. Five nights a week for two months from about 10pm to 6am. There are rules to follow including a blindfold and no talking. Nicky doesn’t want to do it really, but the money is just way too good. AND he would get a nice studio apartment in Manhattan for the duration. Meaning he can move out of his brother’s place in Brooklyn at least for a little while.

Gideon is super rich, has autism, is bisexual but never had the chance to explore, and is engaged to be married to a woman. Apparently she is giving him this time to explore that side of himself before they marry.

And so they begin with a bit of a clinical association. Nicky is blindfolded, lights off, no talking and he isn’t allowed to reciprocate or touch. Honestly, it was pretty hot. Because Nicky wanted so much to reciprocate, make noise, encourage. One of the hottest submission scenes that wasn’t even meant to be a submission scene.

In between his time with Gideon, we see Nicky with his brother quite a bit. They work together at his brother’s music school in Brooklyn. We also get their Nonna- and trust me, if you are from NY or NJ, you know a Nonna just like her- and their father. Gideon remains a mystery. Which is interesting since he is such a mystery to Nicky. We are only seeing Gideon as Nicky sees him.

But Nicky wears Gideon down slowly. If Gideon really wants to explore this side- he needs to let Nicky participate. Being that Nicky works with some kids with autism, and talks to his brother who has more experience with autism, he really tries to understand what Gideon is good with, not good with, how far to push him, when to step back. And he did it all so respectfully. There was never any condescension. They seemed to fit together like 2 puzzle pieces.

Nicky and Gideon overcoming what they thought were obstacles was swoony. There was a misunderstanding, but no big drama. No big fight and weeks of angsting over each other. They realized what they had together was special- even after two months.

This was one of the most “real” connections I have read in a long time.

Back to the NYC thing. I loved how authentic 99% of it was. Brooklyn vs Manhattan, “the neighborhood”, the crazy mix of languages, everyone knows everyone and gets in your business and rumors spread like wildfire. Even most of the slang was awesome. There was only one slang Italian curse word was wrong, but not many will know that.

This is definitely my favorite of hers. I really hope Nicky’s brother gets his story. He deserves a happily ever after as well.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

I’m often awkwardly silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there’s so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex.

There’s a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly.

Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve.

I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.

Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.

I’m a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, cooking, baking, and geeking. There’s time for hockey and family, too. But mostly, I just love to write.

Find Cara on social media here: https://www.caradeewrites.com/cdwlandingpage

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 4.5 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, Cara Dee, excerpt, gay, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

Strawberry Kisses by Charlie Novak: RDB, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

November 23, 2020 by Denise

Patrick’s To Do List:
1. Tell family I’m gay
2. Make giant cake for anniversary party
3. Convince Connor to be my fake boyfriend for the weekend
4. Try to keep my hands off Connor
5. Make sure Connor doesn’t find out I’ve been in love with him for the last three years

Connor’s Steps for Success:
1. Perfect pole routine for Chrome Stars
2. Continue search for perfect music
3. Survive weekend with Patrick’s family without mauling him while sharing a bed
4. Prevent feelings from exploding like a glitter bomb
5. Make sure Patrick doesn’t find out I’ve been in love with him forever

Strawberry Kisses is a 78,000 word standalone, contemporary MM romance featuring a sweet pastry chef, sassy pole dancer, a nosy but loving family, fabulous make-up, fluffy feels, and copious amounts of cake.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Patrick

Connor took my hand, leading me through the empty house towards the stairs. I followed without hesitation. When we got to the stairs, he paused, stepping onto the bottom step and looking at me over his shoulder. “Don’t worry. We won’t do anything more than you’re comfortable with. But I do want to find out what you look like when you come.” He turned and leant in close, his eyes burning with heat. “I bet you look fucking gorgeous.”

Then he turned and started walking again, leaving me speechless behind him. I nearly tripped up the stairs as I followed. My eyes never left his perfect, round ass, which swayed enticingly in front of me. I couldn’t think of anything except his last few sentences. God, I wanted this to be good for him.

I wanted to be good for him.

I wanted to kneel down in front of him and worship him from head to toe because Connor was my world and I needed him to know just how much I adored him. Even if I could never tell him, I hoped I could show him so, when all this was over, he’d never forget what had happened between us.

Connor opened the bedroom door and ushered me inside, clicking it shut behind us and sliding the lock into place. I knew nobody would come looking for us, but it was nice to know nobody was going to come barging in on the off chance we were missed. He took my hand, pulling me towards the bed. I swallowed, feeling suddenly too hot in my shirt, like my skin was on fire, and I just needed to jump into a pool to cool off.

“Take off your shirt,” Connor said. His voice was soft but firm, and my hands moved before he’d even finished speaking.

His eyes roamed over me appreciatively. Part of me felt like I should be nervous because I looked nothing like the man I thought Connor deserved, but then I remembered he wanted this. He wanted me.

Charlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.

She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters — because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that loves comes in all shapes and sizes.

Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…

Connect with Charlie:

Website: https://charlienovak.com/
Newsletter https://charlienovak.com/newsletter-sign-up/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/charlienovakauthor/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/charlie-novak
Twitter https://twitter.com/charlienwrites
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charlienwrites/
Facebook Group, Charlie’s Angels https://www.facebook.com/groups/charlienovaksangels/

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Giveaway, New Release Book Blast, Randomness, TCO Exclusives Tagged With: author, blog tour, book, Book Excerpts, Charlie Novak, excerpt, exclusive, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, romance

Surrounded by Silence by Eric Huffbind: RDB, Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway

November 18, 2020 by Denise

Lonely billionaire, Samuel Barron, has finally met someone he finds himself falling for, but can he handle a romance for a gentleman whose entire world is surrounded by silence?

After public humiliation, Sam Barron has come to the realization his billions can’t buy him love or happiness. Despondent and feeling like his life is in a downward spiral, he comes to realize he needs some professional help. Despite trepidations, Sam turns to Jason Parker, a social worker who at his heart, is a rescuer. Even though Sam had been so hateful towards him in the past, Jason can’t help but think Sam deserves to suffer. Jason tells Sam straight out, “You’re a spoiled brat without a shred of humility!”

Jason has deep concerns about helping Sam, but might be willing, if Sam volunteers at a soup kitchen. Grudgingly, Sam accepts Jason’s condition, and while performing his volunteer work, meets the flirtatious Noah Wagner. Noah is close in age, attractive, and Sam likes the way he feels whenever he’s around him. Noah is the first person Sam has known who is profoundly deaf. So, how is Sam to navigate a romantic interest with a man who can’t hear a word he says?

Surrounded by Silence, a Contemporary Gay Male Romance, is a sequel to Mr. Huffbind’s debut novel, The Rescuer. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone. If you enjoy a story where the villain becomes the hero, you will love Surrounded by Silence.

Book Title: Surrounded by Silence

Author: Eric Huffbind

Cover Artist: Eric Huffbind

Release Date: October 14, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary Gay Male Romance

Trope/s: Billionaires, Hurt/Comfort, Post-Divorce, Middle Age

Themes: Learning what it means to be selfless rather than selfish.

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length:  71 000 words/259 pages

This is a sequel to The Rescuer, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Goodreads

Amazon US- Kindle Unlimited

Amazon CA- Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK- Kindle Unlimited

Do you use images to develop your character’s looks? As a matter of fact, I do, but not entirely. I have a vague vision in my head as to what I want based on the character’s age. Considering age, I search for photos of male models who fit the image I have in my head. Then I can use those pictures to help refine the details of the physical description based on what the cover model actually looks like.

Are your characters based on people you know? Most definitely! In both my first book, The Rescuer, and this book, Surrounded by Silence, Jason Parker, is based on me. I’m a retired RN, and I have always thought of myself as a rescuer. As Jason discovered in The Rescuer, trying to mix being a rescuer with romance often ends badly. With the man I fell in love with and married, there was definitely no rescuing required.

Do you use your experiences in your books? Absolutely! I constantly pull from real life experiences to fuel the plot of my story. It’s like the old adage they tell authors. “Write what you know.”

Do you ever get writer’s block? God yes! I feel this is the huge downside I find myself in, because I am a pantser rather than a plotter. You look at your manuscript and you see you have only written 35,000 words, yet you’re looking for 70,000 words. I need to come up with a lot more plot. This can result in a huge writer’s block, because I have no idea where I want the story to go. I have had writer’s blocks for as much as 3 weeks before I’m struck with an epiphany.

What do you think makes a good story? That’s a good question, but somewhat challenging. It’s like asking me what makes my favorite ice cream flavor peanut butter chocolate chip. I suppose two minimal requirements must be present. Firstly, the plot has to be easy to follow. I don’t want to need to constantly go back and reread passages to process what I just read. Secondly, for the big reason many readers enjoy the Romance genre, I want a ‘Happily ever after.’

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author? Occasionally, I will receive an email from a new fan who has been profoundly touched in some way by my book. That is quite gratifying.

What do you do when you’re not writing? I typically work a full time job as a Travel Agent, but with the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic, I am currently on a 3-month furlough. The virus has had a devastating impact on the travel industry with sales that have fallen off a cliff.

Do you like music or silence when your write? Most definitely silence

Thank you.

Coming through the front door of their apartment, Jason called out, “Honey, I’m home. Where are you?”

Poking his head out, Christopher announced, “I’m in the kitchen making dinner.”

Strolling into the kitchen, Jason gave Christopher a kiss, and asked, “How was work today?”

“Oh, it was okay, same old same old. Not particularly exciting. How about you?”

Jason took a small step backwards and began rubbing his eyebrows. “Well, an old friend of yours came to see me today, without any forewarning, of course!”

“An old friend of mine? I can’t imagine what old friend of mine would come to see you.”

“I’m being facetious,” Jason said. “Calling this man a friend is a bit of a stretch, and he’s someone I wasn’t happy to see.”

Christopher’s eyes narrowed as he squinted. “Please, tell me it wasn’t Sam Barron?”

“I’d be happy to tell you it wasn’t Sam Barron… but I would be lying. Yes, it was Sam. Admittedly, I was floored! And as you can imagine, especially since he showed up unannounced, I was less than ecstatic to see him.”

“Dear God, almighty! What in the hell did he come to see you about?”

“As you might suspect, I was a bit miffed. Not trying to change the subject, but something smells awfully good. What’s for dinner?”

“Just a frozen entrée of lasagna. Don’t get too excited, but it’s your favorite brand. So, go on, why did Sam show up at your office?”

Jason took a seat at the small dinette table. “As hard as you might find this to believe, he came seeking my professional help. As far as I can gather, ever since all the bad press in the media hit the airways, he’s fallen into a deep depression. Perhaps, a deep depression isn’t the best choice of words. Significant emotional distress is more accurate. Complains of loneliness and being guilt-ridden.”

Christopher said sharply, “And why should you care if he’s guilt-ridden? He deserves to feel guilt-ridden!”

“You’re not going to get an argument from me. Still… I felt bad for him. It was as if he was pleading for forgiveness, and begging for my help. He says he wants to become a better person. The guy was crying. Sounded desperate.”

“Christopher responded, “It sounds like he needs a psychologist, not a social worker.”

“Exactly! That’s what I told him, but he insisted he wants me.”

“No offense, but why does he want your help?”

“You know Sam,” Jason answered. “He always wants the best. In his mind, I’m the best. In addition, I’m gay, which is especially important to him, and I get that.”

Christopher started shaking his head in utter disbelief. “Wait now! Wait just a minute here! After the way that man treated you! And treated me for that matter! He has the gall to come and ask you for help!”

“He said he was a nervous wreck coming to see me! He knew damn well I wasn’t going to be happy having him show up on my doorstep. The thing is, honey, I felt bad for him, and believe me, I hear myself saying this, and yet, I can’t believe these words are coming out of my mouth.”

Christopher crossed his arms against his chest. “Let me guess! Your inner rescuer kicked in.”

Jason nodded his agreement of his husband’s quick and accurate assessment.

Jason waved his hand in a gesture to encourage Christopher to sit down with him. He pushed the chair away from the table giving Christopher easier access to sit.

“He saw how much I helped you. So, he trusts me. That’s why he wants my help. You’re right, of course, my inner rescuer did kick in. I told him I had to speak with you, and I would only help him if you granted me permission to. I wasn’t going to do it without your consent. The guy looks pitiful. He said I could name my price! He even offered to pay me five hundred dollars an hour. Mind you, not during my regular working hours. He knows this is something that must take place outside the realm of my job. He was willing to come here, or I could go to his home. Tell me, what do you think? How do you feel about it? Would you be okay if I worked with him? Trust me, I have my own reservations, and… I can’t lie, the money does sound appealing. I’m not a licensed therapist, but what I do isn’t such a stretch from what a psychologist would do. So, I’m asking, would you be comfortable with this?”

Christopher asked, “The question you should be asking yourself is, how do you feel about it?” Although, I must admit, I know that man. If he wants you bad enough, he’ll pay you whatever price you want. Ever since you sold your condominium and decided to live in my apartment, you’ve wanted to buy a house for us. Remember the model home we saw? The one built by Kirkland Home Builders. That money could help a lot towards a down payment. It’s just so ironic! This is the same man who sent you into a panic attack, and now he comes crawling to you for help. Although, I know what you’re talking about. There’s a side of Sam Barron he doesn’t let people see. I’ll be okay with it—if you’re okay with it.”

Eric Huffbind is a man of many talents. Over the course of his lifetime, he has worked as a Registered Nurse, a Travel Agent, and an Uber driver. He characterizes himself as a hopeless romantic and is the eternal social butterfly. Among his passionate interests are history, genealogy, romance books, and travel.

Although his novels focus on the romantic relationship of two gay men, regardless of your sexual orientation, his stories are meant to rekindle the spirit and euphoria of falling in love.

Eric is a lifelong resident of Southwest Ohio. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he currently resides in West Chester, Ohio with his husband Paul and their Pomeranian, Linus.

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

We are two chicks who love books (m/m romance with an HEA) and enjoy our eye candy. http://twochickso

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

7 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨Did you see?✨FIGHT ME, BREAK ME by @authorkimberlyknight & @rachellynadams is available NOW! Grab it in KU!#OneClickNowbooks2read.com/u/mVpG0M Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥MM Romance🔥MMA/Sport Romance🔥Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers 🔥Second Chance Romance🔥Forced Proximity🔥Opposites Attract🔥Boy Next Door🔥First Love🔥Hurt/Comfort🔥Slow BurnKeaton Stafford knows exactly how dangerous Rowan Cross can be.#newbookalert #kimberlyknight #rachellynadams #mmromance The Author Agency ... See MoreSee Less

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

7 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨Did you see?✨ FOR FRAT’S SAKE by @rileyhartwrites & @devonmccormack is available NOW! Grab it in KU! #OneClickHeregeni.us/ForFratsSakeWhy you need #ONECLICK this book…🔥MM Romance🔥Enemies-to-Lovers🔥Grumpy/Sunshine🔥Opposites Attract🔥Protective MC🔥Plenty of Spice🔥Marking/Rough play#rileyhart #devonmccormack #newbookalert #mmromance The Author Agency ... See MoreSee Less

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

1 week ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
My reviewSuck by Cora Rose and EM LindseyI really wish we could do half stars because this was a solid 4 1/2 for me. And I am not one to read monster or alien books. I did read the first couple of chapters of this when the teaser was released and I couldn't wait for the whole story.It's a post pandemic world and Everest has lost his parents and is living with a very strict aunt and uncle. There are some time jumps which are done really well. From when he first lost his parents up to when he turns 18 and can move out and finally present day when he is 21 and can "do his duty". And I can't say a lot about that because I will be censored but see title and I'm sure you can figure it out.At first Everest was intrigued. And then a little freaked out. Then angry. But he still followed through with what Rathyn wanted. Which was him basically at his beck and call.They definitely developed a relationship that went far past their original agreement even though it wasn't explicitly allowed. Everest didn't really know that at first because the alien world was kept from humans for the most part. Very little was known and what was known, humans had to sign an NDA.The world building was really well done. Both on Earth and Erethar. Earth sounded so desolate after the last pandemic but Erethar sounded just beautiful.What kept that 1/2 a star from my rating? Two things. First, Everest basically abandons his best friend. Yes, he does call and see him after a while- but it is after some time. These guys were bff. Moving into an apartment together when they turned 18, hanging out together all of the time, etc. Didn't seem right.And even though Everest identified as straight at the beginning he moved right into being bi (or gay or pan or whatever just not straight) with Rathyn and didn't do any questioning of it. I know, monster alien but still. A little soul searching maybe.So yes, I thought it was a super fun read that was sexy and swoony and kept me turning the pages.Can't wait for book 2!4 1/2 pieces of eye candy ... See MoreSee Less

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

1 week ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨Let’s celebrate! It’s release day for SUCK, a MM Monster Romance by @authoremlindsey &@coraroseauthor! Grab it in KU!#OneClickNowmybook.to/feedandfeastbook1Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥Monster/human🔥MM Romance🔥Hurt/Comfort🔥Sexual Awakening🔥Monster Peen🔥Opposites Attract🔥First Times🔥Lots of Sucking🔥Body Piercings🔥Monster World🔥Power Dynamics🔥High HeatWhen portals from another world split open the sky, humanity braces for war… only to discover the monsters from Erethar aren’t here to conquer. They need something from humans. Something oddly specific in order to survive.And that's when the government begins recruiting for a ritual that sounds a lot like a cross-dimensional booty call.Normally an exclusivity contract with a monster called Rathyn of the Dark Vale would be a hard pass, but the more time I spend with him, the more I realize there’s more to this whole monster/human thing than what the government is telling us.I want to believe it’s nothing more than an arrangement, but the way he melts under my touch, and the way he’s constantly seeking more, makes me believe that maybe his fate is wrapped up in my own.It’s no longer about what I can do for him.It's about what we mean to each other.I’m Everest Hale, and I’m doing my part to save the world with my… Well, I’m not at liberty to discuss, but let’s just say it’s given with vigorous enthusiasm.You’re welcome, Earth.Suck is the first book in the MM Monster Romance series Feed and Feast. It contains a clueless human who’s just looking to do his duty for humanity, a naïve monster who has no idea how much humanity will change him, so much sucking, swooning, antagonists to lovers, cuddling as a love language, body piercings, secret romance, and a toe-curling happily ever after.#newbookalert #corarose #emlindsey #monsterromance The Author Agency ... See MoreSee Less

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

1 week ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨EXCERPT: LICKED by @charlienwrites releasing May 12th!#PreOrderNowmybook.to/lickitoneThis was a date. A romantic date. One that I desperately wanted to go well. So well that Alfie might even be open to kissing me. That would be wonderful. I just couldn’t get my hopes up, because if it went badly, or even if there was no kissing, I’d be devastated. I tried to think about other things as I walked into town towards Vito’s, a small Italian restaurant in the middle of town where we’d agreed to go for dinner. I’d been there before quite a few times and always enjoyed the food, although it could get a little loud and overwhelming at the weekend when it was busy, simply due to the size of the space. But no matter what I tried to turn my thoughts to, they all came stubbornly back to Alfie and how I wanted tonight to go. Eventually I gave up trying to think of anything else, and instead let myself create a list of questions or talking points, just in case we ran out of things to say. Which seemed impossible considering how much we messaged, but it was always good to be prepared. When I rounded the corner to Vito’s, I stopped dead in my tracks, my eyes not fully processing what was in front of me. Alfie was stood just outside on the cobbles in a pair of cream trousers and a pale pink shirt, his honey-blond hair clearly styled… and a bouquet of deep red roses in his arms, wrapped in paper and tied with black ribbon. He looked so gorgeous it stole my breath, but the roses… I’d never had anyone bring me flowers before. #charlienovak #mmromance #kindleunlimited The Author Agency ... See MoreSee Less

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