• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • TCO Exclusives
    • Gateway books
    • Author Spotlight
  • Audiobook Reviews
  • Cover Reveals
  • Contact Page
    • Reviewer Bios
    • Author Post Submission
    • Review Submission

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

The Deepest Blue by Christina Lee : Quick Review

December 14, 2015 by Denise

The Deepest Blue Cover

synopsis

Lee exchanges skyline for swampland in the next book of her male/male romance series, Roadmap to Your Heart.

Rugged and conventional Callum Montgomery enjoys running Shady Pines hunting preserve, except for the secret that’s eating him alive. When his sister brings a date for a family wedding, he can’t stand the arrogant city slicker with the stick up his perfectly fine ass. He doesn’t understand his draw to Dean, who pushes his buttons at every turn, but he’d never dream of betraying his sibling over some lust fueled fantasy.

Handsome and conscientious Dean Abbott is a research assistant in his university’s biology lab. When his roommate, Cassie, begs him to be her pretend date in front of her meddling family, he begrudgingly agrees to help. He doesn’t anticipate being enchanted by the countryside, the colorful cast of characters, or her sexy and brooding straight brother.

When contempt turns to passion and leads to stolen moments in a sugar cane field, Callum can’t help longing for the kind of connection he believes he can never have. But not even the world’s most heart-melting kiss can bridge the vast philosophical differences between the men.

Dean’s return to his urban lifestyle leaves him restless, his mind continually wandering to the charming setting that spoke to something missing deep inside him. Because you can take the city boy out of the country but you can’t make him forget the intriguing man he left behind.

Author: Christina Lee

Title:  The Deepest Blue

Series Title and Number: Roadmap to Your Heart #2 (can be read as a standalone)

Publisher:  Self Published

Release Date:  12-4-15

Genre:  LGBTQ Romance

Tags:  Contemporary, M/M Romance

Heat Level (1 being no sexual content, 5 being erotica): 4

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 250 pages

buy now

Amazon

12351122_1743413032545009_1575604686_n

Most of the time, every book in a series follows the same characters in the same world. Early in The Deepest Blue by Christina Lee, I felt a bit lost because there was nothing about this book that followed The Darkest Flame, which is the first book in the series. That feeling didn’t last long, because Christina Lee is a master storyteller and she sucked me into the Montgomery family and left me needing more.
The biggest fear with this book was that it could’ve easily taken on a Duck Dynasty feel with the southern, backwoods family and the city boy. It didn’t. It toed the line a few times, but never stepped over into something cliche and annoying.
I wanted to slap Callum on more than one occasion, because it was so obvious to me, the reader, that most of his family loved and supported him. But it wasn’t just his family he had to worry about, and he acted the way he did because he was trying to protect his family. Was that necessary? Quite probably.
Yes, there were some moments that seemed a bit out of character, mostly on Callum’s part. Yes, there was a moment or two where I wanted to slap Dean for treating Callum like an uneducated hick. But overall, I love this book just as much, if not a little bit more, than the first in the series.
Christina Lee has written two complete standalone books that have a very minor tie holding them together. That’s a good thing, because you will lose nothing if you pick up The Deepest Blue without having read The Darkest Flame. That being said, you really should grab both of them because both are among my favorite reads of this year.
4.5 pieces of Eye Candy
4.5-pieces-of-eye-candy

Filed Under: Quick Reviews Tagged With: book, Christina Lee, gay, lgbtq, m/m romance, review, romance

Champagne Kisses by Lynda Aicher : Blog Tour Stop and Giveaway

December 14, 2015 by Denise

ChampagneKisses_TourBannerHi! I’m Lynda Aicher, and I’m currently touring the internet talking about my latest release Champagne Kisses. Thanks to the wonderful blog hosts for having me and to you for joining the fun. Don’t forget to check out the full list of tour stops and leave comments along the way for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

ChampagneKisses_600x900
synopsisThe Christmas Eve wedding Evan Cleary pulled together in four weeks is crashing down around him and taking his fledgling event planning business with it. With an empty altar and over a hundred guests arriving soon, he turns to the resistant, gorgeous brother of the runaway groom for help.

When Richard Patterson’s flamboyant brother storms out hours before he’s scheduled to marry his equally dramatic partner, Richard is left dealing with the fallout. The last thing he wants is more drama, yet he can’t deny his attraction to the effeminate event planner trying to salvage the wedding.

Evan thinks his crush on Richard is a lost cause, but one steaming kiss later, he learns different. What starts as a night of hot sex turns into a connection neither expected. But Evan knows their relationship is hopeless unless the ultra-conservative Richard can embrace every part of him—both in private and in public.

meet the author

I love to read. It’s a simple fact about me that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. This love of reading transferred to young romance (the early version of Young Adult when the stories weren’t plagued by vampires, werewolves, and death) which hooked me on the romance genre and the fulfillment that comes with a happy-ever-after ending.

Twenty-five years later, I’m still an avid reader of all types of romance. The diversity of writing in the market ensures that there is always something new to read. I’m still a sucker for the happy-ever-after because there are more than enough not-so-happy endings in the real world that I don’t need to read about them. I read a book for enjoyment and I want to feel good when the story ends.

I have the luxury of being a full-time writer, that is, a full-time writer around my duties as mom, wife, cleaner, cook, chauffeur, master scheduler, banker, cheerleader, volunteer, and tutor. Writing has to be a priority, or it would never happen.

I live in the Pacific Northwest which provides many months of rain-filled incentive to stay indoors and write. However, I’m a Midwesterner at heart. A perfect day has the snow falling outside, a fire warming the room, a football game on the television, a roast cooking in the oven, my family hanging out around me and a good book to read.

I’m thrilled to be nominated for a 2015 Romance Writers of America RITA® award (that’s the Oscars of the romance world) for my Male/Male book Bonds of Denial. This is the first time any M/M books have been nominated and I’m humbled to be a part of such a great event.

Connect with Lynda:

  • Website: com
  • Facebook: facebook.com/lyndaaicherauthor
  • Twitter: @lyndaaicher

giveaway

To celebrate the release of Champagne Kisses, Lynda Aicher is giving away a $50 gift card to Amazon! Your first comment at each stop on this tour enters you in the drawing. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 19, 2015. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. Entries. Follow the tour for more opportunities to enter the giveaway, and don’t forget to leave your email or method of contact so Riptide can reach you if you win!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Blog Tours, book, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, Lynda Aicher, m/m romance, romance

With This Bling by L.B. Gregg : Blog Tour and Giveaway

December 11, 2015 by Denise

WithThisBling_TourBannersynopsis

 

Caesar Romano’s catering career is doing better than he’d ever dreamed. And so is his love life—even if his boyfriend’s house in Staten Island is way too far from civilization for his liking. But then in short order, Caesar is duped into helping his cousin propose, is tricked by his best friend and business partner into appearing on live television, and is harassed by a thug-like personal trainer and his far too beautiful wife. In fact, Caesar is almost too busy to notice that somWithThisBling_600x900ething is troubling his PI boyfriend, Dan Albright.

Almost.

Laid-back, open, charming—that’s the impression hunky former NYPD Detective Dan Albright gives everyone. Caesar can add sexually adventurous and a bit of an exhibitionist. But he also knows that Dan is hiding something—something dark and a little dangerous—and when Dan’s silence over his mysterious past threatens to harm them both, it’s Caesar’s turn to save the day.

But then again, a break-in, a gallery party, an heirloom ring, a new suit, and a stalker with bad BO are all just a typical week for Caesar Romano.

 

 

meet the author

When not working from her home in the rolling hills of Northwestern Connecticut, author L.B. Gregg can be spotted in coffee shops from Berlin to Singapore to Panama–sipping lattes and writing sweet, hot, often funny, stories about men who love men.

For more info on L.B., because surely one can never get too much of a good thing, you can follow her on her preferred social media, Facebook. You can also e-mail L.B. at lbgregg at lbgregg dot com, visit her website www.lbgregg.com, be her GoodReads pal or follow her sporadic appearances on twitter.

giveaway

To celebrate the release of With This Bling, L.B. Gregg is giving away a Romano and Albright mug with swag, and a $40 gift card to Amazon! Your first comment at each stop on this tour enters you in the drawing. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 12, 2015. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. Entries. Follow the tour for more opportunities to enter the giveaway! Don’t forget to leave your email or method of contact so Riptide can reach you if you win!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Blog Tours, book, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, romance

Jinxed by Sandrine Gasq-Dion : Blog Tour, Excerpts, Review and Giveaway

December 11, 2015 by Denise

Title: Jinxed
Series: The Rock Series #2
Author: Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: October 29, 2015
synopsis

Jinx Jett is a rock superstar. As such, the hunky Skull Blasters drummer thoroughly enjoys the many perks of willing groupies, earning him a reputation as the band slut. Making it big and scoring hot women is something Jinx never expected. There’s a little voice in the back of his mind constantly reminding him of how he used to be — shy, overweight and acne prone. One night in a gay bar turns life upside down when Jinx runs into Jayden Dempsey, a kid he’s been fantasizing about since giving him his autograph at a mall. Long-held insecurities keep Jinx from fully committing to anyone, and he may lose Jayden if he can’t put his past behind him.

Jayden Dempsey always wanted out of his life in small-town Alabama. When his parents kicked him out after he told them he was gay, Jayden decided the time was right to move on. He crosses the country to try out for ‘Singers!’, a show that propels unknowns to stardom. In a twist, producers choose him and three others as winners and form a boy band called London Boys.This season, the show brings Jayden and the guys back for the finale. Surprise! The contest’s heavy metal finalist will be singing with Skull Blasters.

Jinx and Jayden’s initial meeting doesn’t go so well, and Jayden’s stunned when the guy he’s crushed on for years turns out to be a total jerk. It doesn’t stop him from falling into Jinx’s arms every time they’re alone, but Jayden didn’t sign on for one nighters. He wants Jinx Jett, baggage and all.

Can a former teen outcast put rejection behind him and embrace the acceptance standing right in front of him? How much will one boy bander put up with from his rock idol before enough is enough? Can they make it work? Or are they jinxed in love?

buy now
morgan review

I really enjoyed this new addition from Sandy. I couldn’t wait for Jinx’s story. I am definitely hooked on this new series. Her characters are fun and so full of life. You never know what to expect.

Jinx has some issues he is working through and falling in love was the last thing he expected. He’s the love em and leave em kind of guy. Seeing him brought to his knees was a sight to behold.

Jayden grew up in a small town in Alabama. When he came out to his parents, it turned his whole life upside down. Jayden picked himself back up and chased his dreams. He was such a sweet guy.

Jinx and Jayden had amazing chemistry and the sex was scorching. Both of these men had struggles they had to overcome before they could make the relationship work. I loved getting to watch them fall in love.

The secondary characters in Sandy’s stories never disappoint. She makes us fall in love with each and every one. There is a sneak peek at her next book in the series at the very end of Jinxed so make sure you check out Fret if you haven’t already. Sandy always tells a wonderful story full of every type of emotion and she nailed it again with Jinxed.

5 pieces of eye candy from me.

5-pieces-eye-candy3

 

“This book was one that I couldn’t put down once I started reading, and I absolutely loved the storyline, and it actually changed how I thought of Jinx too, he is not a shallow person at all, in fact he is the complete opposite. I also look forward to seeing how Jayden and Jinx get on together in future books too.”~ Gay Media Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆

 


“Well, Sandrine Gasq-Dion has done again by banging out another winner with Jinxed, her second book from her Rock Series.”~ Goodreads Reviewer ☆☆☆☆☆

 

“I am quite anxious for the next book in this story, Gasq–Dion has been teasing it for two books now. Definitely a must read series, full of sexy rockers that are passionate about every aspect of their lives, personal and professional.”~ Author T.M. Smith ☆☆☆☆☆
excerpt

The stall next to the one I was in opened and a man walked out. His eyes met mine and widened.
“Oh, fuck me,” he whispered.
In two seconds flat, I was back at the mall with that golden-haired hottie with the bubbled ass of fantasies. His clear, blue eyes were still fixated on me as I moved forward.
“I know you,” I said stupidly.
“Oh my God! I thought … the door closed, so I thought … holy shit! I just sucked Jinx Jett’s cock?”
“Could you not yell that?” I snapped. “I’m not … well, you know …”
“Gay?” he drawled. “Here’s a tip — don’t come to a gay club and stuff your cock into a glory hole!”
“It’s Jayden, right? You’re the guy from the mall?”
“You remember my name? Wait, okay, back up here for just a minute. Why are you here?”
“I was, um, curious?”
“Well, that’s just great. Another guy ‘curious’ about gay men.” Jayden lifted his fingers to indicate air quotes.
“I didn’t know if I should stay or what. I mean, how does this work? Do I thank you for a fabulous blowjob? Tipping seems to cross a legal line …”
“You liked it?” Jayden gaped in astonishment.
“Like it?” I laughed. “Fuck yeah, I fucking loved it.”


excerpt

“Talk.” Gareth pointed at me.
“I had sex Saturday night,” I blurted out.
“Okay, that’s not exactly ‘stop the presses’ stuff.” Gareth raised his brows.
“It was with a guy.”
“Hmmm. Still not major news.”
Hammer chuckled and my head snapped toward him. He winked at me and went back to what he was doing. What the fuck? The guy never speaks but he winks? Gareth snapped his fingers in front of me and I turned back to him.
“What do you mean ‘not major news’?” I asked curiously.
“Hello? You’re talking to little Gareth O’Donovan, remember? I was at your house a million times as a kid. I remember your secret CD collection and your love of Lance Bass.”
“Could you keep your voice down?” I leaned forward, trying to see the other guys up front.
“Whatever. What do you care what they think? They’ll have your back, and you know it. You were my hero when I was a kid. You’d always talk to me about the guys and the newest album you got. Hell, you loaned me one of them. You always had time for me.”
I stared at Gareth and he smiled. Damn, the kid had grown so much. I still couldn’t believe he was married. It seemed surreal.
“It was because of you that I realized I wanted to have sex with Justin Timberlake,” Gareth chuckled.
Hammer busted out laughing at that point and we both turned to stare at him. He shrugged his shoulders and grunted.


excerpt

“I was with Jinx Jett on Saturday night.” Evander tripped and I grabbed his elbow before he fell. His mouth opened, then shut, then opened again. I ushered him into the bathroom and checked all the stalls. I felt like I was back in high school.
“You fucked him?” Evander’s eyes were wide.
“That’d be a no. I was the catcher.”
“Wow.” Evander leaned against the wall. “I didn’t think he was gay.”
“I think he might be bi. I mean, it didn’t really seem to faze him that he fucked a guy.”
“Well, he’s never really addressed that in interviews, either. I think the last interview he did with the band, the question was raised and he said, and I quote, ‘Does it really matter?’” Evander smiled at me. “You like him.”
“Um, yeah. Did you not get that when we saw him at the mall?”
“Well, he is hot.” Evander shot me a wicked grin.
“It’s not even how he looks. Have you seen his pictures when he was a kid? He was so adorable, even back then. Those pouty lips, those eyes.” I sighed. “He’s so damn talented, too.”
“Yeah, you mentioned that in our radio interview,” Evander laughed. “I think you spent the last five minutes of it talking about Jinx.”
“Hey, they asked,” I shrugged.
“We need to get to practice.” Evander opened the bathroom door. He looked back at me. “So, no details about his dick?”
“No.”
“A guy can try.”

excerpt

“Jayden? What are you doing here?”
“I’m in the show.”
“Oh, are you a finalist? I didn’t see you in the lineup.”
“Nope. I’m last season’s winner.”
“Last season?” Jinx furrowed his brow. “I missed last season.”
Evander and the guys came back, trailed by Sebastian, Jericho, and one of the other finalists whose name I couldn’t remember no matter how many times I was reminded. Jericho winked at me and I smiled.
“Well!” Sebastian’s voice boomed over the empty stage. “I see you guys are all getting to know one another. This is Jericho, our first heavy metal finalist, and this is Scott,” Sebastian motioned to the other guy. “He’s more of an alternative kind of guy. Gareth, where are the rest of your guys?”
“Right behind us,” Gareth answered.
“Oooh, I sense some chemistry over there,” Scott crooned. “Heavy metal is joining the boy band? I didn’t know you liked them so … pretty, Jinx.”
“Wait, what?” Jinx spun around.
“Oh yeah,” Scott continued maliciously. “Jayden and his merry band of mates make up London Boys.”
Jinx spun back to me, a look of absolute horror on his face. “You’re in a boy band?” he almost whispered.
“Guilty.” I held up my hands.
“You like ’em, huh, Jinx?” Scott leered.
I wanted to slap Scott in the face. No wonder I couldn’t remember his name — it wasn’t worth remembering. Jinx backed away from me and I took a step forward.
“Don’t.” Jinx lowered his voice so that I only I could hear him. “I can’t believe you’re in a fucking boy band! You guys barely sing, you just go na-na-na-naaaa, and you don’t even play instruments!”
I recoiled as if I’d been the one slapped. Jinx was staring at me as if I were a serial killer. The anger boiled up and I lashed out.
“Fuck you, Jinx!” I stomped offstage, Evander hot on my heels.


excerpt

“Can I get some clothes?”
“I like you in a robe.” Jinx waggled his brows.
I started for the door and Jinx jumped up and grabbed my hand. He pushed me into the wall and gently pinned my hands above my head.
“Jinx …”
I gasped as his thigh insinuated itself between my legs, rubbing my balls.
“Yeah?” his breath caressed my lips.
“I … fuck … stop doing that,” I panted.
“This?” Jinx raised his knee higher and rubbed my dick.
My God, my mouth actually started watering as Jinx leaned in closer to me, letting his tongue trail my bottom lip. I wanted to taste him so fucking bad my whole body hurt. I wanted him. I couldn’t deny it.
“Fuck, you are sexy as sin,” Jinx rumbled against my lips. “Love your lips, your eyes, even your fucking hair turns me on.”
I clenched my eyes shut and tried to stay in control.
“Yeah? Even if I’m a talentless pretty boy?”
Jinx stiffened. He pulled back slowly and searched my eyes.
“I’m sorry I said that.”
“Yeah? Why did you say it? What’s your problem with me being in a boy band?”
Jinx sighed and let my hands go. He rubbed his hands down his face and exhaled slowly. I continued to speak because by that time, my word vomit had begun.
“I don’t even like boy bands, but you know what? This is where I am and fuck it! I’m successful. Do you know I auditioned with one of your band’s songs?” Jinx’s gasp was very audible in the room. His eyes widened. “Yep, that’s right. I sang Manwhore; the song fits you.”
“I deserve that.”
“Are you going to tell me what your problem is?” I placed my hands on my hips, glaring at him.

excerpt

Oh fuck.
“I thought…” Jayden blinked and shook his head.
“Are you all right, Jinx?” Achilles asked sharply.
“I’m fine.”
“Ma’am? Could you button your blouse, please?” Achilles addressed the woman with no expression on his face.
I walked around Arielle and approached Jayden. He backed up, still shaking his head.
“Jayden…” I reached out to him.
“No.” Jayden lifted his chin. “Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
He turned and ran down the corridor and I started to follow, but Achilles gripped my bicep and held me back. Arielle walked past us, straightening her shirt.
“Maybe next time?” she cooed, completely oblivious.
No and just … no. God, was I so wrapped up in Jayden that I couldn’t even function with women? Seemed that way.
Achilles dragged me into the corridor and shut the bedroom doors behind me. He turned to face me and I saw anger in those cool eyes.
“What?” I said in defiance. “This is who I am.”
“Bullshit,” he snapped. “It’s who you used to be. Jayden was worried you’d been drugged or something so he came and found me.”
My mouth dropped open in surprise. I’d never heard Achilles speak that forcefully. His brows were furrowed and his glare went right through me.
“Don’t play with people’s emotions, Jinx. That’s not you,” he continued.
“How the fuck do you know who I am?”
“I’ve been watching you. I know more than you think, Jinx. Jayden sees you, the real you, not the guy you show everyone else. Either let him go, or reel him in ─ but don’t fuck with his head.”

meet the author
Best selling author, Sandrine (Sandy) was born in Inglewood, California. Raised by “Old School” French parents, she later moved to Tucson, AZ. It was there that writing became a hobby. Always told she had a great imagination, Sandy wrote short stories for her friends in High School. In college, she took more writing classes while working on her Criminal Justice degree, but it wasn’t until a soap opera caught her eye that she got involved in male on male romances. On the advice of a friend, Sandy dipped her toes into the world of M/M Romance. Sandy takes the writing seriously and has had countless conversations with gay men as well as hours of research. She’s been involved with the military in one way or another for over twenty years, and has a great deal of respect for our men in uniform. She’s traveled the world, but has finally returned to Arizona.

giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Reviews, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, review, romance, Sandrine Gasq-Dion

For Want of a Christmas Miracle by Olley White : Blog Tour, Excerpt, Guest Post and Giveaway

December 10, 2015 by Denise

forwantofachristmasmiraclesynopsis

When one down-on-his-luck gardener and one garden centre owner meet, neither could predict the attraction they’d feel towards each other. Toby is just about turning round the business he’d inherited from his dad, and it’s all going well—until a risk he took looks like it might not pay off. Rhys’s employment at Toby’s garden centre is temporary, just to cover the Christmas sales, and frankly he’d much rather be outside gardening. And avoiding Christmas.

When an accident means Toby can’t be at work at a crucial time, it’s time for Rhys to step up to the mark. But can the Christmas Scrooge make the difference required for the man he’s starting to love?
Author: Olley White

Title: For Want of a Christmas Miracle

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: December 7, 2015

Genre: Gay, Contemporary Romance

Tags: Holiday Romance, M/M, Erotic-Romance

Pairing: M/M

Length: Novella

 

deanna review

Such a great short holiday read!
Rhys is an out of work gardener who finds a seasonal job at a garden center. Even being around the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Rhys is having a hard time getting into the spirit of the season. Toby, the owner of the garden center has taken a huge risk in doubling his holiday Christmas tree stock, he will need a Christmas miracle to pull off the biggest gamble of his professional life.

When an accident with Toby’s Dad keeps him away from the store at a crucial time, Rhys steps in to make sure this is the garden center’s best holiday yet. Working together to make Rhys’ idea come to life sparks fly and both wonder if these new feelings will last further than the holiday season.

This was such a cute holiday read. I loved it. It’s sweet, it’s romantic without being cheesy, it’s perfect!

4 pieces of eye candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy2

buy now

Amazon Buy Link

NineStar Press Buy Link

excerpt

Toby appraised the area in front of him again. He couldn’t believe it; he honestly thought he was going to have a good couple of hours work out here before he could start shifting the Christmas trees that had been delivered earlier. He spent longer looking than it was really worth; it was only a clean shop floor after all, but all the time he spent looking at it meant he didn’t have to meet the gaze of the employee in front of him. He needed a moment to gather himself. A moment was all it took though, and his natural confidence returned.

Turning, he smiled again at Rhys, taking in the tall wiriness of the man and accepting the beat his heart skipped before he spoke.

“So, you’re our newest employee, huh?” he repeated.

“Yep. Just temporary over the holiday period.” Rhys faced him, dark eyes flitting momentarily to his before darting to stare back over the cleared space. “Well, I suppose I’d better go in and see what my next job is.”

Toby supposed Rhys should as well, but he didn’t want him to. “Have you been out here all afternoon?”

Rhys glanced at his watch and nodded. “Since tenish,” he said, and a serene look settled on his angular features.

“You’ve been stuck out here all day?” Damn. It was freezing. “I’ll have a word with your supervisor; nobody should be stuck outside all day. It’s meant to work on a rota system. It’s too cold.”

“No.” Rhys reached and grabbed Toby’s sleeve. “I mean, I don’t mind. I like it outside. I’m a gardener; I’m used to it.” Rhys’s eyes flicked to the shop and the bustle and brightness inside. Toby watched a small frown cross the man’s face.

“Nobody likes it out here at this time of year. Nobody. In the summer, I can’t get the staff to stay indoors, but this time of year, it’s the opposite problem. It’s why I end up doing a lot of it myself. I like it outside, whatever the weather.”

“God, yes, me too. Who’d want to be stuck inside when you can be out in the fresh air?”

Toby narrowed his eyes. “There’s not going to be TV crew coming to tell me I’m the butt of a practical joke, is there?”

Rhys looked at him blankly.

“Never mind. I thought I’d never find anyone who was willing to do the outdoor jobs in winter.”

“Well, I’m more than happy to. But now, I’d better go in and get my next job.” Rhys repeated, turning towards the shop. A look of mild horror crossed his face as he took in the customers looking through the plants, knick-knacks and endless boxes of Christmas decorations.

There was something about the reticent look that tugged at Toby’s heart. He found himself wanting to know all about the newest employee of Brambley Garden Centre; not a good idea, he knew that. He did, he really did.

Still, having someone who didn’t mind working out in the cold was a godsend. It meant he didn’t have to do it all by himself and that was the only reason he made his next suggestion to Rhys. At least that was what he was telling himself.

Guest Post from Olley White

Hi, Two Chicks. Thanks so much for having me on the blog today. It’s a pleasure to be here.

You asked me what it takes to write a Christmas novella. Well for me it started with Rhys. I knew Rhys pretty much inside out before I started. He was the character who came to me first. There were things I knew about him from the beginning. I knew he wasn’t the biggest fan of Christmas; I knew he wasn’t having the best time workwise; I knew he was a hard worker; and I knew he needed someone to see the real him under the slightly grumpy, antisocial exterior. It was obvious to me that he was not someone who would work your average 9 to 5 in an office. He was the start of my tale.

I admit, I’m a “pantser”; I cannot plot or plan to save my life. I started the opening scene knowing that Rhys wasn’t happy; that life was not going as he’d anticipated. From there, I just started writing. The journey took me to the garden centre and to my other main character, Toby, and then the story really took off.

My favourite part of Christmas is the tree, so I wanted to include trees. There is something incredibly evocative about the tradition of trees; they are so personal.

I also have the idyll of a perfect white Christmas (let’s blame Dickens and ignore the fact that I’ve not actually experienced a proper white Christmas), so I had to include snow. I wanted romance and family and that feel-good factor that sums up the cheesy films I devour at this time of year. And as I wrote, all these factors wove themselves into my story.

Really, it was all about Rhys and Toby and the tale they wanted me to share. I just added the glitter and metaphorical mistletoe.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and that you enjoy reading about Rhys and Toby’s Christmas miracle as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Olley White x

meet the author

Olley White is the alter ego of Lori Powell. Her home is in England with her husband, children and animals. She uses the fenland where she lives AuthorPhotoas inspiration for her writing. She loves romance in stories – boy/girl, boy/boy, girl/girl…if they’re in love she loves them.

Website: http://olleywhite.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xLori.x

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LorixGlic

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/

Email: pglicp@googlemail.com

 

giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Quick Reviews Tagged With: Blog Tours, Book Excerpts, gay, giveaway, lgbtq, m/m romance, novella, Olley White, review, romance

The Greatest Gift by Felice Stevens : Release Day Blitz and Review

December 10, 2015 by Denise

The GreatestGiftRDBBanner

The Greatest Gift

Memories, Book 3

Felice Stevens

M/M Romance

GreatestGiftCover

Cover Designer: Dar Albert/Wicked Smart Designs

Cover Photo: StockPhoto

Release Date: 12.10.15

synopsis

After five years, Alex Stern and Rafe Hazelton have what seems to be the perfect marriage. Alex is entering his last years of residency and Rafe’s veterinary business is busier than ever. For Rafe, all that is missing is a child, but Alex, afraid of ending up to be a man like his father, isn’t as sure. He doesn’t want to make any mistakes.

When a new patient enters the hospital, Alex is drawn to the young, desperately ill single mother, who shares her fears for the future of her young son. Rafe worries about the toll on Alex becoming emotionally invested in a patient, yet he too can’t walk away once he meets the little boy, and together they vow to help in any way possible.

Families are not always born of blood— love is a gift no one can plan for. And sometimes from the darkest of tragedies, the brightest light will shine.

This is a 25k word novella in the Memories series.

buy now

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/21Rr0lf

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1Njkl9F

AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/1U5kwds

GreatestGiftFinal

denise review

Did I need tissues? Yes, of course I did, its a Felice Stevens book after all. 🙂 But they were happy tears-mostly.

Reading this was all about revisiting with old friends, Alex and Rafe, Micah and Josh, their combined families, as well as meeting new friends, Jude and the little boy that captures the heart of the family.

What I enjoyed most was not just revisiting with them, but finding new places for these men to go in their lives. Alex was so determined to keep pushing the idea of a child aside, and yet fate, despite all of Alex’s grumblings, stepped in and took over. With his residency, and his fears, the only way to get through to him was to just have fate decide for him.

I liked that it wasn’t a quick fix, or even a quick timeframe for these men to fall in love with this little boy. Felice didn’t make this happen in three days of (book) time. There was time written in, outings that happened, and even just hanging out, and learning to love each other as a family.

So worth every second.

4 pieces of Eye Candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy2

excerpt

“Okay, Alex. I can see Dylan likes you and Jude is a smart girl. She wouldn’t give her baby to just anyone. But let us know where you are throughout the day, please.”

“Of course.”

They said their goodbyes and Valerie gave them her car seat for Dylan. Rafe expertly buckled it into the backseat of their car and off they went to the Bronx Zoo.

Rafe steered the car up the FDR Drive toward the zoo, and Alex decided to sing a song to keep Dylan entertained. He searched his memory for a song and only one came to mind. He started to sing and Rafe glanced over at him in disbelief.

“Alex.”

“What?” He bit his lip to keep from smiling.

“That is not an appropriate song for a four year old to sing.”

Alex could see Rafe fighting to keep from bursting out in laughter.

“I couldn’t think of anything else.”

“More. Sing more, Alex.” From the backseat, Dylan continued the song. “Hundred bottles of beer on the wall…”

“I can’t believe you’ve had this child less than an hour and you’ve already taught him a drinking song.”

“Hey,” said Alex, protesting Rafe’s accusing tone. “I can’t help it if he’s a smart kid and picks things up quickly.”

“Impossible.” Rafe muttered under his breath, turning into the parking lot of the zoo and finding a spot to pull into. He killed the engine and turned to face Alex who gave him a wide-eyed stare.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t pull that innocent look on me.” Rafe huffed. He tried to affect a stern look but Alex could see the twinkle in his eyes behind his glasses.

“It would help your outrage if you didn’t look like you were about to laugh yourself.”

“Hmmph.” Rafe turned away, but not before Alex saw his lips twitch with suppressed laughter.

“Hey,” said Alex. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

That got him a full blown smile and a kiss.

meet the author

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter: http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?

Filed Under: New Release Book Blast, Quick Reviews Tagged With: Felice Stevens, gay, lgbtq, m/m romance, novella, romance

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 368
  • Go to page 369
  • Go to page 370
  • Go to page 371
  • Go to page 372
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 408
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Social Media

  • View FB.com/TwoChicksObsessed’s profile on Facebook
  • View @2chicksobsessed’s profile on Twitter
  • View two_chicks_obsessed’s profile on Instagram
  • View TwoChicksObsessed’s profile on Pinterest
  • View TwoChicksObsessed’s profile on YouTube
  • View twochicksobsessed.tumblr.com’s profile on Tumblr

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,350 other subscribers

Partner Ads

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed with the ID 1 found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Recent Posts

  • Over and Above (Mount Hope book 4) by Annabeth Albert: Quick Review
  • Alfie: Part Two (Alfie & West Book 2) by Cara Dee: Excerpt and Release Day Review
  • The Fly-Half (Lincoln Knights, Book 2) by Charlie Novak: New Release Review
  • I Think They Love You by Julian Winters: New Release Review
  • Savage (Park Avenue Kings Book 1) by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank: Release Day Review

We’re on Twitter

My Tweets

Top Posts & Pages

  • Review Submission
    Review Submission
  • Mountainway Chant (Coulter and Woodard, Book 2) by M.J. Calabrese: Quick Review
    Mountainway Chant (Coulter and Woodard, Book 2) by M.J. Calabrese: Quick Review
  • In Safe Keeping by Victoria Sue: Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway
    In Safe Keeping by Victoria Sue: Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway
  • Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN Book 1) by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review with Exclusive Giveaway
    Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN Book 1) by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review with Exclusive Giveaway
  • What Works For Us by Colette Davison: RB, New Release Review and Excerpt
    What Works For Us by Colette Davison: RB, New Release Review and Excerpt
  • Adrift in the Embers (The Game Series Book 7) by Cara Dee: Excerpt and Release Day Review
    Adrift in the Embers (The Game Series Book 7) by Cara Dee: Excerpt and Release Day Review
  • Save The Date by Annabeth Albert & Wendy Qualls: Release Day Review with Giveaway
    Save The Date by Annabeth Albert & Wendy Qualls: Release Day Review with Giveaway
  • Pros & Cons of Vengeance and Pros & Cons of Deception by A.E. Wasp: Audiobook Tour and Reviews
    Pros & Cons of Vengeance and Pros & Cons of Deception by A.E. Wasp: Audiobook Tour and Reviews
  • Wrapped With Love by Beth Bolden: Release Day Review, Blitz and Excerpt
    Wrapped With Love by Beth Bolden: Release Day Review, Blitz and Excerpt
  • Handsome Death by Sara Dobie Bauer: Excerpt and New Release Review
    Handsome Death by Sara Dobie Bauer: Excerpt and New Release Review

Tags

2.5 stars 3 stars 3.5 stars 4 stars 4.5 stars 5 stars Aimee Nicole Walker Andrew Grey Annabeth Albert Audio Book author bdsm blog tour Blog Tours book Book Excerpts Book Reviews Cardeno C. Charlie Cochet cover reveal erotica excerpt exclusive Felice Stevens gay giveaway Giveaways guest post historical L.A. Witt lgbtq Lily Morton m/m romance menage mmromance N.R. Walker new release novella paranormal release day review review Riptide romance series Victoria Sue

Goodreads

Cover for Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
2,176
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

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

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

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

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

New to M/M Romance?

Copyright ©2020 · Two Chicks Obsessed - All Rights Reserved · Website by SloanJ Designs

 

Loading Comments...