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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Jared’s Evolution by Riley Hart: Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway

November 21, 2017 by Denise

He wants to dominate me…to discipline me. He wants me to call him Daddy… 

I’ve always taken care of myself–worked hard to become king of the courtroom and excel in the cutthroat business of winning cases. I’m fierce…brutal…confident. I’m a lie. Underneath my armor, I’m drowning, losing myself under the weight of life. At thirty-three years old, I should be able to handle the pressure.

My neighbor Kieran sees past my spotless suits and manufactured control to the real Jared. The one who secretly craves being dominated, to serve, and to give up control–not just in the bedroom, but in every aspect of my personal life.

I can’t want this…but I do… When I’m under Kieran’s command–spanked, rewarded and caged–I’m free. With Kieran’s care and guidance, my mind is unburdened as my body soars to new heights, and Kieran becomes what we both need him to be: Daddy.

It’s a journey of dominance and submission–of rules, schedules, security and discipline. He opens my world, teaches me, changes me…but he doesn’t let me in. It’s temporary, Daddy tells me, and I’d be wise to remember that, so I don’t get hurt.

Warning: Jared’s Evolution contains BDSM elements, domestic discipline, spanking, and daddy kink–without age play–between two consenting adults. If any of those things offend you, reading this book might not be a good idea.

Jared’s Evolution is part of the Desires Unleashed collection. Some books in this collection will have darker themes. Please be aware Desires Unleashed are er*tic and not your typical Riley Hart romance. You can expect the mental and emotional journey to be led by the physical/s*xual moments–which will be intense, frequent and kinky.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 

Today we have Riley Hart stopping by to chat about her new release Jared’s Evolution.    Welcome Riley!! Thanks so much for having me!

Jared’s Evolution is the start to a new collection from you.  How is it different than your Contemporary Romance books? Jared’s Evolution is part of the Desires Unleashed collection. So far, any books that I have planned for the collection will likely have BDSM and kink themes. Some will be darker than others and they’ll likely all be erotic romance instead of just really sexy romance like I usually write. These books will be about journey and discovery—often times sexual or through sex and kink. I’ll be very true to these books in how they come to me, which means some typical “romance rules” could be broken. But as of now, any of the books I have planned in this collection will have an HEA.

Where did the idea of Jared’s Evolution come from?  I’ve wanted to write a book like this for a long time—years, honestly. I’m fascinated with BDSM and kink and I really wanted to write a book about someone coming into their own and learning who they are through it. So much of BDSM and kink is mental and not just physical. It’s about a connection that’s deeper in so many ways. That’s so interesting to me.

Jared’s story is done in 2 parts.   Why did you separate the 2 parts? The story really did unfold that way to me. Plus, it takes place over quite a long time. Each part does almost feel like it’s own story—a different stage Jared and Kieran are in their journey.

When will part 2 be released? End of November/beginning of December. Release date coming soon!

The book has a warning attached to it stating it is not your typical romance.  Can you elaborate on what that means? I think there are certain expectations in a romance novel, as there should be. Romance has it’s “rules” the same as horror, or thrillers or any other genre and romance readers come into romance expecting those things—again, as they should. While there is love and sex in their journey, and there will be an HEA…this is about more than the romance. It’s about Jared’s journey and how he comes into his own. About discovering who he is, how strong he is, what he wants. That kind of discovery takes exploration, and things that often happen in real life, but don’t happen in most books. Not every relationship plays by the same rules and not playing by those rules don’t make it wrong…just different. Some people share…some people break up…some relationship are open. I won’t close the door on any possibility that’s right for the couples in these books.

There has been some discussions within the community regarding BDSM/kink and whether or not it is a trend.  What are your thoughts on that?  I don’t see it as a trend. BDSM/kink is a niche market that will always have a smaller reader base than “mainstream” (except those few books explode onto the scene) but I feel like people are more comfortable being sexual, and exploring BDSM and kink in ways we haven’t always been. I’ve always believed everyone should see themselves in the books they read, and that means everyone, so I see the growth in BDSM as more people giving readers the chance to see themselves and their relationship in books and to explore desires they might not have felt comfortable exploring a few years ago.

What is it about Daddy Kink that draws you in?  How did you incorporate that into Jared’s book? I love the dynamic. For me it’s not about the word Daddy but about the give and take…it’s about someone who needs to take care of another person, and that person who needs to be taken care of. The world is such a big place and to find someone who’s needs match your own…that’s a beautiful thing.

How did you decide it was time for you to write a BDSM/Daddy kink book? I got tired of being scared…tired of waiting for the right time. I went into this book knowing that some of my current reader base wouldn’t be into it—and that’s okay! We read for pleasure so we should read the kind of books we want but I felt this story so deeply and kept it inside because…what if it scared some of my readers away? What if everyone hated it? What if I couldn’t do this story justice. I don’t know if people realize how many “what ifs” plague us as writers. I stressed and worried and over thought—should I wait? Should I use a pen name? And finally I just…let go…and wrote…and fell in love. I didn’t know what I would do with Evolution when I finished…I just wrote. And in the process, I let go of the fear and followed my heart.

If you could choose one thing that readers would take out of Jared’s Evolution, what would it be? That different doesn’t mean wrong…just different. That there are so many different ways to love and be in a relationship and as long as it’s consensual, and you’re not abusing someone, then there’s no wrong way to do it. That what’s right for me might not be right for someone else, and that’s okay. That it’s okay to be who you are. That BDSM and kink are about more than whips, ropes and commands. That it’s about connection, a fulfillment of needs, and that it’s very much a give and take. That there are so many places to find beauty and wherever someone finds that beauty, is okay. I guess that’s more than one thing. Lol.

How many books do you have planned for the Desires Unleashed Collection?  I have no idea! There are two Jared and Kieran books but I plan to keep writing kink and BDSM along with my other books. Whatever I write that fits with the Desires Unleashed theme, will go into that collection.

What can we look forward to from you in 2018? I plan to release the second Last Chance book (Color Me In) January or February. I have the third Wild Side book to write and a novel called His Truth already written. And whatever else I co-write with Christina or Devon. LOL.

Thank you so much for stopping by.   Congratulations on your new release!!! Thank you!

 

The next couple days, I did exactly as Kieran had told me. Or Daddy. Should I think of him as Daddy? I still wasn’t sure about that. All of it felt weird and made me slightly uncomfortable, if I was being honest. But still, I did as I was told, because that part felt right. The schedule calmed me. I also went to bed at nine as he’d said, ate three square meals a day, and browsed the site he’d given me.

Some things I learned right away weren’t for me. I wasn’t sure the idea of most pain did much for me…but my dick got hard when I read about getting spanked. The confusing part was I also knew I wanted the spankings for discipline. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much care went into that act. How much care went into making sure I was good, and letting me know when I wasn’t. For teaching me a lesson when I was bad so I wouldn’t do it again. So how could something both turn me on and be used as punishment at the same time?

I also didn’t like it when men spit in another man’s face, or slapped his face. Watersports, I didn’t think were my thing either. I couldn’t imagine a situation where I would want Kieran to pee on me or to drink his urine. I didn’t knock it of course, because to each their own. It was all so much fucking information; I wasn’t sure what to do with it all.

I felt very settled on both Thursday and Friday though. I liked the schedule, knowing exactly what I had to do outside of work to take care of myself. It took a lot of the pressure off me. There was a security to rules that soothed me, likely because I’d lacked them most of my life. Nothing was ever stable, growing up. My parents left me for days at a time and they weren’t really parents even when they were there. But as soon as I thought about it that way, I got nauseated and weak because who in the fuck wanted someone else to schedule their life for them because they couldn’t handle it?

I’d never had anyone there for me. Everything I’d done in my life, I’d done on my own and I was damn proud of that fact.

Why was my brain playing tricks on me now?

I was nervous to go to Kieran’s condo on Saturday. More nervous than I’d ever been for anything in my life. My brain was at war with itself and I hadn’t figured out who was the winner—the part of me who felt weak by the things I’d read, or the part of me that quietly desired them.

I’d decided I was going to tell him no.

Then yes.

Then no again.

In the end, I figured I’d wing it. We’d talk and would likely both realize this was a mistake and go our separate ways.

My hand shook as I knocked on Kieran’s door.

He opened it a moment later and smiled. His white-blond hair was wet, and he didn’t have a shirt on. Droplets of water slid down his shoulders, and chest, some even racing down the lines of his clearly defined abdominal muscles. He was bigger than me, both taller and broader, and I liked that very much. His size made me feel as though he could protect me.

“You don’t play fair,” I told him as my dick stirred at the sight of him. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“I play to win, Jared. Come in.”

I did so automatically. Kieran walked toward the dining room table, rather than the one we often sat at in his kitchen.

“Sit,” he told me.

I did before saying, “I don’t know if I want this.”

He cocked a brow at me. “Don’t you? Ignore what you think the answer is supposed to be. Ignore what society would say, and answer honestly. Did you have to think twice before doing as I said the past few days? Sitting when I told you to just now? Even before you realized you were obeying me the past few weeks, you were. You follow direction so beautifully, Jared, and it would be a crime to yourself not to take what you need.”

What I needed? Not what he thought I wanted, it’s what he thought I needed? He was fucking crazy. This wasn’t a necessity. Maybe a part of me wanted it but that’s as far as it went.

“I don’t need a damn thing.”

“Time will tell about that.” He sat in a chair beside me and asked, “You did as you were told since Wednesday, right?”

“Yes,” I answered before shifting uncomfortably. It didn’t sit well with me how easily I’d obeyed Kieran and the peace I’d found in it.

He smiled. “I knew you would.” I tried to turn away but he grabbed my chin and didn’t let me move. “Did it help? Answer truthfully. I’ll know if you’re lying. I’ve been studying you these past few weeks, Jared. Learning to read you as a good Dom should. Don’t disappoint me by lying.”

“Yes,” I replied, without fighting his grasp. “But that doesn’t mean anything. Maybe I like schedules.”

“Maybe you like my schedules. Maybe you like giving up control because it’s so goddamn hard to know what to do sometimes, isn’t it?”

I opened my mouth but, before I could reply, he said, “Don’t lie.”

“I can’t.” I shook my head and he dropped his hand. I missed the contact instantly. My skin tingled where he’d held me. “I don’t know.”

“See?” he asked. “You told the truth. You said you don’t know. You won’t always have all the answers, Jared, no one does. But you were a very good boy because you admitted that, rather than saying no.”

I nodded as a jolt rushed through my body and I trembled. Good boy. I had been Kieran’s good boy and it made my body come alive in ways I tried to deny. It made me feel like too much electricity was running through my body, making it hard to sit still.

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook – https://m.facebook.com/rileyhartwrites/?fref=ts

Website/Newlsetter – http://rileyhartwrites.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=fd4d3feb40bf50237c9e6a36c&id=e748308e14

Twitter – https://twitter.com/RileyHart5?s=09

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Filed Under: Author Spotlight, TCO Exclusives Tagged With: author, book, Book Excerpts, excerpt, exclusive, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, Riley Hart, romance

Ice, Snow, and Mistletoe by Jocelynn Drake: Release Day Review

November 21, 2017 by Denise

John Sullivan is escaping to Denver. Even with a massive snow storm on his heels, he plans to hide away in his cabin in the mountains and ignore Christmas. It’ll be just him and a bottle of whiskey until the new year when he must return to Cincinnati for his best friend’s wedding.

At least, that’s the plan until he runs into Oz at the airport.

Oz … the man who should have been just a fling. The man who was fun and laughs but quickly turned into so much more before he completely kicked John out of his life.

Oz who desperately needs his help…

John is ready to leave Oz stranded at the Denver airport in the coming blizzard, but he finds himself possibly staring down at the reason Oz pushed him away, and John can’t say no.

Second chances don’t come around often, but John is willing to fight for one with Oz.

Amazon

 

I loved last year’s Christmas novella by Jocelynn Drake, Walking on Thin Ice, the first in this series (well, I don’t know if its a series or not, but its one of two, so there you go) and was super glad to get to read this one as well. It was awesome to see more than a glimpse at Spenser and Evan’s HEA, as we watched Oz and John try to navigate to their own.

First, I will say, I was not quite sure I fully bought Oz’s reasoning for leaving John, except that when you saw what their relationship had been like, it made it more realistic. They both felt something for each other during their relationship five years prior, but communication (as can often happen with two men) was lacking, so neither felt they could say something. So, when Oz ended it, although it was hard for me to understand why he wouldn’t say a word, I could see how that might have been difficult for him to say to someone who he’d shared a connection with, but not felt close enough to tell the tough stuff to.

Now, you couldn’t help but love Lizzy. She was at that age that made the reader enjoy every second, as John found out so quickly. He just couldn’t turn that sweet girl away, despite the fact that he was still so hurt by Oz’s rejection. Even a temper tantrum (which I love that the author wrote in, because what 5 year old DOESN’T have a temper tantrum, especially at Christmas) wasn’t enough to sway John away from loving and working towards that family he had dreamed of.

John honestly had a heart of gold. To be as hurt as he was, and still take in two people over the holidays, knowing his own secret would likely be outed took a lot of courage. He knew that he would likely be hurt again once the storm ended and life went back to normal, but he still put his heart on the line, and let them both in. Then after being hurt once again, he took another chance. His heart was so big, and he was so ready for love, it had me bawling on the couch more than once!

Jocelynn Drake can write some hot and heavy sex scenes, and wow, she didn’t disappoint! These two men smoked up my kindle, and I was happy to go back and read it again. 😉

Another solid winner by Jocelynn, and I hope that she finds a way to continue this series! Whatever that looks like for her. 🙂

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Okay, so I LOVED the Unbreakable Bonds series and Ward Security spin off, so I just knew I’d love this one. Hot dads with cute kids are my weakness!

In this one, we have Oz, who’d met John on his way out for an obligated date to get his friend off his back but got distracted by the mans laugh after passing him and his friend on the street. He followed him into a bar and that started Oz’s exploration into men….. However, after a few months of “fun” that was more serious than either let on, Oz had a surprise pop up, that left him scrambling and afraid and he hurt John pretty bad in the process. So bad in fact, I was surprised he was so callous, I didn’t think he was like that. I understand where he was coming from but he could’ve handled it a LOT better and I wish he had because John is so great, I hated that he got hurt.

Cut to, five years, at an airport where Oz was flying to pick up his daughter from her terrible mother’s house over the holidays, he runs into John again, catching them both off guard and bringing back old hurts and old feelings. Especially since a snow storm keeps them stranded in Denver, where John is spending the holiday’s alone.

I know how it had to cost John to invite them to spend the holiday’s with him and again, my heart broke for him. He was so patient and understanding and ….sigh…. he was pretty perfect, I wanted to crap slap Oz a few times, even if I did kind of see where his reservations came from…. Not enough to keep hurting John though. I was team John the whole time. Team John and Team Lizzy both.

Over the course of their stay, things so good, but all good things come to an end, right?.. John was constantly fighting for Oz and Lizzy, but Oz needed to be the one to fight for something. So, as hard as it was for John to do, he had to let go….

All’s well that ended well though, with some help from John’s friend Spencer, Oz comes through when he needs to and puts my fragile, broken heart back together again, just like I needed him to.

This was a perfect little Christmas read and now I gotta go back and read Spencer and Evan’s story because how had I missed that??

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

Filed Under: New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 4.5 stars, 5 stars, author, Book Reviews, gay, Holiday, Jocelynn Drake, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, novella, review, romance

Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Katie Porter: Blog Tour and Giveaway

November 20, 2017 by Denise

​
Up-and-coming film producer Kyle Wakefield lives in the closet rather than risk the wrath of his influential, conservative parents. The only time he took a chance on love was a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. But when Nathan proved himself hell-bent on self-destruction and wound up in prison, Kyle closed off his heart.

Almost a decade later, Kyle’s production partner hires Nathan’s stunt company, Second Chances, to work on a big-budget action film in London. Nate is floored by his explosive reunion with Kyle. But he sure as hell isn’t surprised that Kyle still treats their mutual needs—and Nate—like dirty little secrets.

As the London holiday season casts its dazzling spell, the two men find themselves falling in love again. Kyle is one breathless kiss away from declaring himself to Nate—and to the world—but they cannot ignore secrets borne of youthful mistakes. To protect their bright new future, Kyle and Nathan will need all their passion and trust . . . and a little Christmas magic.

Publisher’s note: This is a lightly edited reprint of a previously published novel.

#CameUponAMidnightClear #NetGalley

 

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

 

20% of all proceeds from this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

Each year, Riptide Publishing releases a holiday collection in support of an LGBTQ charity. Twenty percent of the proceeds from this year’s collection will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

The Russian LGBT network was founded in April 2006. It is an interregional, non-governmental human rights organization that promotes equal rights and respect for human dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. They unite and develop regional initiatives, advocacy groups (at both national and international levels), and provide social and legal services.

To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website: https://lgbtnet.org/en.

This collection would not be possible without the talent and generosity of its authors, who have brought us the following holiday stories:

  • Cecilia Tan, Watch Point
  • Roan Parrish, The Remaking of Corbin Wale
  • Katie Porter, Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Pre-ordering this collection will allow you to download each story two days prior to its official release date, as well as save 20% off the list price of the individual books.

Katie Porter is the co-writing team of Lorelie Brown and Carrie Lofty, friends and critique partners of six years. Both are multi-published in several romance genres. Carrie has an MA in history, while Lorelie is a US Army veteran.

Generally a high-strung masochist, Carrie loves weight training but she has no fear of gross things like dissecting formaldehyde sharks. Her two girls are not appreciative.

Lorelie, a laid-back sadist, would rather grin maniacally when Carrie works out. Her three boys love how she screams like a little girl around spiders.

Connect with Lorelie and Carrie:

  • Website: katieporterbooks.com
  • Twitter: @MsKatiePorter
  • Goodreads: goodreads.com/Katie_Porter_Books

To celebrate the release of Came Upon a Midnight Clear, one lucky winner will receive a $10 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 25, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Filed Under: Holiday Reads Roundup, Randomness, Uncategorized Tagged With: author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, Holiday, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, romance

Reservations by Kindle Alexander: Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

November 17, 2017 by Denise

Title: Reservations
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: October 30, 2017

Wildly successful entrepreneur, Thane Walker is stubbornly set in his ways. Adamantly resistant to the shackles of commitment, he’s seen enough unhappy endings to learn the best way to play is by keeping his men on the payroll.

Levi Silva’s dream of graduating from one of the country’s top medical schools is in his grasp, until news from home changes everything. Now, he’s raising his two teenage brothers and trying to keep everyone’s head above water, emotionally and financially.

When Levi’s new job puts him in Thane’s path, their chemistry explodes, but their fear of being involved in relationships keeps them apart. Unfortunately, despite the intense desire drawing them together, neither man can move forward until they get past their own…Reservations.

Amazon Review – ““Reservations” by Kindle Alexander is a rare gem in the world of M/M Romance, because it is genuinely compelling story telling!”

Amazon Review – “Thane & Levi stole my heart!!”

Amazon Review – “Thane and Levi!! Simply amazing”

Amazon Review – “A beautifully written love story that is guaranteed to melt you heart!”

 

 

I love Kindle Alexander’s books so I was not so patiently waiting for this book to release. I like how past characters always pop up throughout the book and thoroughly enjoy reading about them again.

Levi has had to put his dreams of finishing med school on the back burner and return home to raise his two younger brothers after his father loses his battle with cancer. Levi is working as a physical therapist and a coffee shop but can barely keep them afloat. When Levi gets word that the coffee shop is going out of business he is left scrambling to find another job until one of his past patients makes him an offer that is too good to be true.

Thane is the owner of Reservations, a club for gay men to mingle, dance, eat dinner or find a partner for the night in a safe space. Thane has the whole world in his grasp and has never found someone that couldn’t be bought until he sets his sights on Levi and finds out that not everything has a price.

In order for Thane to get what he wants he will need to stop wielding his money like a sword and trying to slay all of Levi’s dragons for him. Levi is as independent as they come, bordering on control freak so Thane will have to prove he’s serious before Levi will let him in. Just when Thane and Levi begin to figure it all out someone from Levi’s past shows back up to upset the delicate balance that they were just starting to enjoy.

Such a great read, it was a really long book but the story moved along at a decent pace the whole time. There weren’t any parts where I felt like the story dragged along. I think the length helped Levi overcome his fears and put the doubts to rest without it feeling rushed or like he let Thane strong arm him. The execution was well done!

Levi: Such a great character. Nurturing to his brothers, he never makes them feel guilty that he’s put his schooling on hold. Independent and strong, I love that about him. Even though he’s struggling he never takes what Thane is trying to give because he has such strong self worth.

Thane: Billionaire playboy. Jaded by his parents failed relationship he only has time to entertain escorts, never wanting feelings to get involved. Once he finds out that his parents relationship is not what he remembers it causes him to re-think his whole outlook. I love his tenacity, he never stopped pursuing Levi, however whenever Levi said he was uncomfortable with something Thane stopped and reflected and came at him from a different angle.

This story is full of great new characters, Aunt Linda is one of my favorites, but we also get to see old favorites. Tristan and Dylan and Kellus and Arick make a few appearances. I really think it’s time for me to re-read some old favorites.

5 pieces of eye candy

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it’s true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women’s hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life – I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations – regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal… I don’t want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I’m going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I’ll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died – weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn’t have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It’s everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness – it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It’s its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn’t be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com



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Filed Under: New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Reviewer: Deanna Tagged With: 5 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, excerpt, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, Kindle Alexander, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, review, romance

The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed by Felicitas Ivey: Exclusive Release Day Guest Post

November 16, 2017 by Denise

A billionaire and a Bedouin girl—each with a shocking secret.

Billionaire Fathi al-Murzim is a workaholic businessman, too busy running the family’s companies to even think about marriage. Too bad he never told his grandfather he’s gay, because Grandfather just announced a childhood betrothal—to a Bedouin girl Fathi never heard about before.

Ikraam din Abdel was raised as a woman by his avaricious and abusive older sister, who didn’t want him to be their father’s heir. He’d never thought to be married either, and is surprised when his sister informs him of his betrothal.

When Fathi and Ikraam meet, they are drawn to each other in a manner neither of them expected. As the plans for their wedding progress, they both realize they need to tell the other the truth. But can they, with both cultural taboos and family pressures to deal with?

Title: The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed
Author: Felicitas Ivey
Release Date: November 15, 2017
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 212

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

A lot of people, mostly my family and co-workers, ask me how I get my ideas for my novels and short stories. I do refrain from telling them I get a once a month delivery of ideas from super-secret source, and just tell them my ideas come from everywhere around me. I’ve written a couple of novels just to have my characters run around odd sections of Boston. Most of time when I write a novel or a story, it’s because I have one idea I was able to get a short story or a novel from that idea.

I used to be a pantser, and now I’m slowly trying to plot out things, so if I get ‘stuck’ I can go on to something else in the novel down the road and link it back. Aside from plotting, I’m now trying to work on only one novel at a time. The best advice I ever heard was to ‘Not cheat on your novel with another one’. Or only concentrate on one thing at a time and don’t multitask several stories at once, writing-wise. I have edited novels while writing other things, and it was a little disorienting.

With plotting a novel or a short story, I use two methods so not to backslide into my pantser ways. The Marshall Plan by Evan Marshall has a system of X number of sheets per book, depending on the length of the book, is it a romance, how many viewpoint characters and things like that to write out your novel. I’ve figured out one sheet is about 1200-1500 words, depending on what’s happening in the novel or short story then. And most of the sheets have helpful labels about who is the viewpoint character at the time and how many sheets they get. It’s fairly easy if you follow the plot you’ve laid out. I still wander take a left turn at Albuquerque sometimes and wander away from the plot. I eventually get to the end, even with that left turn. And if you get that joke, you know how old I am.

What I don’t like is the character sheets for the Marshall Plan. They’re interesting, but not my cuppa of tea. What I use for character creation is Karen Wiesner’s ‘First Draft in 30 Days’ character sheets. They’re in a format I’m more comfortable with, more like writing a draft then filling out the small boxes the Marshall Plan uses. You can write out several paragraphs of back history, likes and dislikes very easily.

I have a novel I’m working on, one plotted out and I start working on notes for the next several novels when an idea strikes me. I have a lot of scattered notes in odd folders scattered in my study. I’ve found that plotting on paper is easier for me then trying to deal with an excel or numbers spreadsheet. Also, a paper folders can also hold other things like various maps, house plans and pictures of characters. Also, any articles I might be interested in and useful for the novel. Research is the basis of any novel, even if it’s a contemporary romance.

The novel I’m working on now is a gothic romance. I’ve plotted it out, researched mansions and where that mansion could be located. I’ve spent a lot of hours poring over maps, trying to find the perfect location for it. Now I just have to get my characters to fall in love with each other.

My next novel I’m treating it like a roleplaying game, filling out character sheets for the main characters. It should be an interesting experiment. It’s a romantic horror novel, set in rural New England. New England is a great place to set horror. I’m basing it on the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game books. I have a lot their gaming books, as well as their fiction.

I don’t know if it’s going to go anywhere, but plotting is half the fun of writing. I have a friend and we bounce ideas off of each other all the time, in person or over a chat program if we’re at work. Sometimes I get shower or driving ideas and I try to write them down before I forget them. Those notes go into the correct folder after I write them.

I set most of my work in New England, since that’s where I’ve lived all my life. You can tell I’m a Boston girl as soon as I open my mouth, since I have the accent wicked bad. J I’ve spent a lot of vacations in Northern Vermont also, so I’m familiar with the area and like to set some of my work there. Northern Vermont is a perfect place to set either a horror novel or a romance. The trees can be either cheery and romantic or at night, creepy and threatening. The area’s quiet nights cry out for an evil monster or to snuggle down with a lover.

I’m trying to be more productive writer, but there is only so many hours in the day. Plotting and prep work do make the process faster, so I’m trying to lose my pantsers ways.

 

Felicitas is a frazzled help-desk tech at a university in Boston who wishes people wouldn’t argue with her when she’s troubleshooting what’s wrong with their computer. She lives with three cats who wish she would pay more attention to them, and not sit at a computer pounding on the keyboard. They get back at her by hogging most of the bed at night and demanding her attention during the rare times she watches TV or movies. She’s protected by her guardian stuffed Minotaur, Angenor, who was given to her by her husband, Mark. Angenor travels everywhere with her, because Felicitas’s family doesn’t think she should travel by her lonesome. They worry she gets distracted and lost too easily. Felicitas doesn’t think of it a getting lost, more like having an adventure with a frustrated GPS.

Felicitas knits and hoards yarn, firmly believing the one with the most yarn wins. She also is sitting on hordes of books, which still threaten to take over her house, even with e-books. Between writing and knitting, she brews beer, wine, mead, and flavored liqueurs. Felicitas also bakes, making cakes whenever she needs to work out an issue in her novels. Sometimes this leads to a lot of cakes. Her coworkers appreciate them though, with the student workers buzzing about on a sugar high most of the time.

Felicitas writes urban fantasy, steampunk, and horror of a Lovecraftian nature, with monsters beyond space and time that think that humans are the tastiest things in the multiverse. Occasionally there’s a romance or two involved in her writing, with a happily-ever-after.

Website: www.Felicitasivey.com

Facebook: felicitasivey

Twitter: @felicitasivey

Email: felicitas.ivey@gmail.com

 

Filed Under: Author Guest Post, TCO Exclusives Tagged With: author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, gay, guest post, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, romance

Snowcroft Restoration by Christi Snow: Release Day Review with Giveaway

November 15, 2017 by Denise

Two years ago, Law Wyman went undercover for an FBI investigation that went sideways. It cost him both the love of his life and his sanity. The nightmare still haunts him, and so does some unfinished business…Ian Mayne, the son of the man who ruined his life.

Two years ago, Ian had to face the truth about how his father spent a lifetime torturing and trafficking LGBTQ teens. Ever since, Ian has done everything he can to make up for his dead father’s many sins through his law enforcement job. Too many paid in horrific, horrible ways at his father’s hands while Ian kept the truth about his own sexuality hidden.

Law is doing all he can to save Ian, but Ian doesn’t necessarily want to be saved.

Two men…both horrifically haunted by what happened. Is it possible they can find healing together? Only if they have the courage to face their demons and each other…

Trigger Warning: This is a hot story about two men who have both survived past abuse.

All the details…
Title: Snowcroft Restoration
Series: Book #4 in the Snowcroft Men series
Genre: male/male romantic suspense
Book length: ~94,268 words
Release date: November 15, 2017

1. Snowcroft Lost

2. Snowcroft Safehouse

3. Intertwined Hearts

4. Snowcroft Restoration

Amazon

Everywhere else

Goodreads

I think every reader goes through phases in their reading. You may go through a stretch where all you want are sweet stories, with puppies, ice cream and rainbows. Other times you want some kink, and you read everything you can get your hands on. Lately, I have been on a mystery/suspense kick (Thanks C.S. Poe!), and anything in this sub-genre has been voraciously read by this reviewer. And then you add in that Christi Snow wrote it, well, you didn’t need to ask me twice. This even though I knew at some point I would be curled in a fetal position on the couch, freezing to death cause I didn’t want to leave to get a blanket. (It’s happened more than once…). I snatched up Snowcroft Lost the very first day it came out, and have loved Christi’s stuff ever since. Waiting for Law’s book was a little bit of torture for me.

Law had been through so much, it was tough to read again just how much he had been through. He definitely needed some time to heal, learn to deal with his PTSD and grief, and how to recover mentally and physically from the torture and loss he endured for week’s as a result of his FBI undercover operation. The man he had loved had given his own life to save Law’s. That is a sacrifice that is beyond loving, and yet can leave survivor’s guilt. Taking the time he needed, and not rushing himself back to work, or whatever his next steps would be, allowed him to work through as much as he could with his therapist. However, even from the beginning of the book, you could see that he was ready to come back to the world of the living, to step into what would be his new life.

Ian, meanwhile, had been through many similar situations as Law, from his father’s extreme punishments to finally finding out what his father truly did with the camp that he kept in Snowcroft. He had his own form of PTSD, and had managed to work through most of it on his own. Ian came through the torture and the pain of growing up with his horrific father with such a positive personality. He spent his entire life trying to make up for what his father did, by trying to save his friend, working for the Forestry Service, even his choices with regards to the camp he inherited.

These two men didn’t just work on solving the case that brought them together in the first place, but really tried to connect with each other to find what they needed to make their relationship work. Even when the unthinkable would happen (and it did several times-one of those times ended with me in that fetal position spoken of previously), rather than hiding, or running away, they connected back to their bonds and found what they needed to move forward.

This author knows how to write suspense so well. There were a few times in the book that I swore I knew what was going to happen next…until it happened, and I looked up from kindle wondering where that came from, why didn’t I see it? Then two chapters later, something else happens, and I am shocked once more. She weaves in the mystery, some guns, maybe a bomb or two throughout this series, and you never quite know what to expect. As a reader, that is exactly what I want. I want to walk in knowing I am going to have a great story, and have no freaking idea where it will lead to. Small spoiler...what she did with the house…the visuals I had…that is some fantastic writing to get me there, cause houses are not supposed to do that-ever. (That’s all I’m saying…you will know what I mean when you read this book).

There’s definitely some hotness with these two, although very carefully written considering the traumas Law been through. So well done here, too. The reader got some smoking hot scenes, yet intertwined with the caring and the necessity to acknowledge how difficult this was for Law. It helped to bring Law and Ian closer, even as they had to use some additional therapy options to find a way to not let each other go. Great research on the part of the author.

Few characters deserved a happy ending more than these two men, and I am so glad I finally got to read it. And now…now I am looking forward to seeing what Christi does with _ and _ (I can’t tell you, but when you read it, you will know who…), because how do you redeem a character when you have seen them _ someone’s _ with a _. 😉

Without question another 5 pieces of eye candy read for me, from the amazing Christi Snow. How she has time to write with all her reading, I will never know, but I am thankful she does! Bring on Snowcroft Book 5!!!!

TCO is giving away an ebook of Christi’s (even Snowcroft Restoration), in honor of her release day. Just respond with which of her books is my (Denise’s) favorite. (pppsssstttt…it’s a trick question, because I love all her books and I couldn’t possibly pick one). Anyway, name any one of them, and you’re entered. 🙂

 

Filed Under: New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 5 stars, author, book, Book Reviews, Christi Snow, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, review, romance, series

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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

1 week ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨Did you see?✨BLUEBIRD by @brookeblaine1 is available NOW! Grab it in KU! #OneClickNow 💜U.S. amzn.to/4cdwvGI💙Worldwide mybook.to/BluebirdebookWhy you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥Amnesia🔥Golden Retriever🔥Tattooed MC🔥Paramedic🔥Ugly Cry🔥Someone to Watch Over Me🔥Forgotten Past🔥Biawakening🔥Strangers to Lovers🔥Hurt/Comfort🔥ProtectorEvery morning, I stop at the same gas station for coffee before my shift.Same routine. Same quiet moment before the sirens start.And the same beautiful stranger.#newbookalert #brookeblaine #amnesiaromance 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
Whit Ravens by . AE Via Enemies. Survivors. The final two Ravens. 🐦‍⬛A cinematic enemies-to-lovers romance filled with assassins, brutal loyalty, passion, and the kind of love that fights back.🔥 Opposites attract🔥 Forced proximity🔥 Touch him and die🔥 Found family🔥 Dangerous men who love harder#TheWhiteRavens #DarkRomance #MMRomance #ActionRomance #EnemiesToLovers #AEVia ... 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
✨TEASER: SHADOWS NEVER LIE, book 1 in the Shadow Duet, by @larktaylorauthor releases May 1st! #PreOrderHere mybook.to/NeverLie Why you will love this duet:🔥Enemies to Lovers🔥Brother’s Best Friend🔥Double Bi-Awakening🔥Opposite Attract🔥Virgin MC🔥Only one bed🔥Angst🔥College Romance🔥MM RomanceDominic Walker has always been a good liar.Dominic stands where I am supposed to — at my identical twin’s side. His confidant. His right- hand. His best friend. The brother he would choose. I’ve been cast aside, relegated to the shadows. Forced to watch as Max and Dominic get everything they want. Everything I secretly want. But then, Dominic suddenly sees me and issues an offer I can’t refuse. A challenge, actually. One he never expects me to follow through on.With anyone else, I wouldn’t have considered it. But I’ll be damned before I let Dominic get the better of me. It has me sinking to my knees. Literally. A decision that changes everything.Dominic pulls me out of the shadows, and I never want to go back.But it’s not the shadows I need to be afraid of.No, it’s the path that leads somewhere far darker than I could ever have imagined. Somewhere where truth and lies become shadowed.✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up here to promote this awesome release: bit.ly/shadowduetLTsignup#larktaylor #shadowduet #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
✨TEASER: FOR FRAT’S SAKE by Riley Hart & @devonmccormack releasing April 30th! #PreOrdergeni.us/ForFratsSakeWhy you need #ONECLICK this book…🔥MM Romance🔥Enemies-to-Lovers🔥Grumpy/Sunshine🔥Opposites Attract🔥Protective MC🔥Plenty of Spice🔥Marking/Rough playDAXMiles Tanner hates me for no reason.Me—lovable, easygoing, sexy-as-hell Dax Armstrong, always there when a fellow fratbro needs a hand…or if that fratbro would like to enjoy more than just my hand…Miles is the broody artist-type who just got off probation for starting the fire at Sigma Alpha.Basically, a walking red flag.But for a guy who’s always looking to start a fight with me, I can’t wrap my mind around a night when I was a little too tipsy and he helped me back to Alpha Theta Mu.Since then, he’s hot and cold. One minute he’s telling me to stay away from him. The next, he moves in for a touch.Or a kiss.In these unguarded moments, all those problematic, confusing red flags fade to the background.Maybe he’s right and I shouldn’t mess with him, but for frat’s sake…where’s the fun in that?✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up here for this awesome release: bit.ly/forfratssakesignup#rileyhart #devonmccormack #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
COVER REVEAL from A.E. Via Thank you Jay Aheer!!! BLURB: The Ravens are supposed to be perfect weapons, therefore Scar and Gage should not exist.Oscar “Scar” Calloway was one of the most feared gang leaders on Chicago’s South Side—cold, brutal, and ruthless, even before the assassin enhancements.Gage Harrington was something else entirely—a man whose faith, compassion, and discipline made him a liability in a program built on violence.Both men were taken from desperate circumstances and promised rebirth.But when the science collapses and transformation fails, leaving one blind and the other unpredictable, they get marked for execution.With raw instinct and out of sheer desperation, Scar and Gage form an unlikely alliance to escape the place meant to bury them.Scar is uncontrolled fury, a predator shaped by the streets, and Gage navigates the world with empathy and calm strength.They should hate each other.But the more they fight, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them.Their trust is fragile and their natures at odds.Yet, together, they forge something rare and invaluable the Ravens didn’t know they needed to complete the flock.Preorder Link: www.amazon.com/White-Ravens-Book.../dp/B0FRYNC87F...Go to her group for an enticing Excerpt!!! 😍😍www.facebook.com/groups/636610423028342/ ... See MoreSee Less

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