2.5 stars

The Way to a Man’s Heart by Ann Marie James: New Release Review

June 28, 2021 by Denise

The heart wants what the heart wants…

Christian Diaz grew up as the best friend and unofficial bodyguard to the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Corazón. After an incident left him questioning his place in the castle, Christian joined the military and didn’t return for ten long years.

Now he’s been assigned to the castle as Royal Military Liaison to investigate the source of some recent threats against the crown. The annual Midsummer’s Ball is the perfect place for the anti-monarchy group to make their next move, so that’s where Christian will be too. If it gives him a chance to reconnect with his friends in the castle and make a play for the man he has compared all others to, it’s even better.

Max Ramirez is now the head chef for the castle. He started as a sous chef at age twenty when Christian was just an awkward teen. Now that Christian’s back at the castle, all grown up and interested in Max, the chef is determined not to let an opportunity with Christian pass him by.

When someone tries to sabotage the Midsummer’s Ball, Max and Christian need to work together to track down the people determined to make this event their last.

Amazon

I was looking forward to the premise of this book. A fictional monarchy, some suspense, intrigue…but it just fell flat for me. The MC’s in this romance did not date before Christian left town for 10 years. He shows back up, and immediately, as in right away, they are dating and living together, and said I love you a few days later. I understand insta-love, but this to me should have been more of a second change. However, these two never spent time together as a couple, and there was no learning new things about each other. It was just a look across a ballroom, and they were in love.

There was some backstory with the father of Christian, not sure we learned anything about Max’s backstory, and that was solved in a quick meeting with the King. Then some intrigue that really didn’t lead much of anywhere, and they moved in together and were talking marriage.

This book was rushed, which I can understand if you are working on a novella. However, there just wasn’t the story to allow the reader to understand the connection these men had, which left me feeling like it was a missed opportunity.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Love on the Horizon (New Adventures in Love Book 1) by R.J. Peterson: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

June 2, 2021 by Denise

Two years after losing his husband, the last thing widower Rob Asher wants to do is go on a cruise-for-two by himself. But after some practical advice from his best friend, Rob realizes that his husband wouldn’t have wanted him to hide away from the world with only his grief for company. So despite some lingering doubts, Rob packs his bags for his cruise adventure and flies to Barcelona to board the Ocean Wanderer.

Actor Ben Rockingham has just finished a whirlwind promotional tour around Europe and is looking forward to a week long cruise so he can relax and unwind. He’s felt alone for far too long and doesn’t foresee that changing anytime soon. But a chance encounter in a hotel bar has Ben feeling things he hasn’t contemplated for a very long time.

He and Rob hit it off right away and Ben is both intrigued by and attracted to this conflicted man. Is it possible that Rob is the one who’s been missing from Ben’s life all these years, and can Ben help Rob move past his grief so they have a chance at a future together? They have one week aboard the Ocean Wanderer to find out and the stakes are high on the high seas.

Love on the Horizon

R.J. Peterson

Gay Romance

Release Date: 05.04.21

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Ben rolled over and looked at the clock on the nightstand. The alarm on his phone would go off in fifteen minutes. Just enough time to lie there and think about yesterday. Meeting Rob at the bar had been a pleasant surprise. And though Rob recognized him right away, he didn’t act like he was an over-the-top fan who only wanted to chat with Ben for bragging rights later. He just seemed like an all-around nice guy.

Rob was handsome, but there was more to it than just his good looks. Sure, Ben had always found both men and women attractive, but no man had put butterflies in his stomach since Ryan back in college. Until now. Fuck, was there any chance that Rob maybe felt the same way? Yes, he was gay, but his husband died two years ago and he was obviously still in mourning; only natural considering how long they had been together.

What do I know? I haven’t had feelings like this for such a long time—wait, do I have feelings for Rob?

Something is definitely going on here, but I’m not really sure what. Ryan was a great boyfriend, but it was the ‘80s then and we had hidden our feelings from pretty much everyone. We’d known each other for years and just kind of fell into a romance after admitting that we found each other attractive. At the time, there was so much homophobia out there and neither one of us had been ready to be out and proud. Over time, we had drifted apart and then I met Caroline. And while we got along great at the beginning, our relationship had mostly been rocky, if I was being honest. We did have Kyle though, so it hadn’t been all bad.

“Okay,” he said aloud, “I had a short relationship with a guy thirty-plus years ago and then a longer relationship and marriage with a woman a few years after that, and not much of anything since then.” He paused a moment, trying to organize his thoughts. “Both of those relationships had taken a while to develop. I’d never experienced ‘love at first sight’ or ‘lust at first sight’ or whatever the hell this was. Sure, a few dates here and there, but nothing that really felt completely right. For so many years I thought that either I was bi or that Ryan was just a one-time thing.”

But now, after spending just a few hours with Rob, he’s all I can think about.

Ben remembered a movie set he had been on a few years ago. He’d been chatting with one of the crew one day and the guy mentioned that he was ‘demi.’

“Demi? What the hell is that?” Ben had wanted to know.

“Demisexual,” the guy had replied. “I like girls and I like guys, but unless I have an emotional connection to them, I can’t get serious. Casual sex just doesn’t do it for me, but if we connect emotionally, it’s magical.”

That had stuck in the back of Ben’s mind and sometimes he thought that maybe he was demisexual too. He had done a bit of research at one point and it seemed like the emotional connection took a bit of time to develop. That certainly fit in with what he’d experienced before. It had been so long since he felt anything for anyone, he had started to think maybe he was asexual. Now, those emotions were starting to stir again when he thought of Rob. Was this really happening?

Ben’s phone began to chime, so he reached over and shut off the alarm, then got up and began to get ready for the new day.

This is one of those times I really wish the author had betas and/or editors that weren’t friends. I am totally assuming that the beta readers were friends with the author. Because I can see the platitudes. And here I am, trying to word this well.

The books is…nice. The characters are nice. The story is nice. The setting is nice. The writing can use a bit of polish.

Every meal they eat is described. And so much of the book reads like a big ole advertisement for the cruise industry. It was just kind of tedious. Oooh he chose a lemon danish! That rebel! Oh you can get your cruise wristband made into a necklace. Awesome!

I needed MORE. A lot of time is spent with Rob thinking about and talking about his deceased husband. But where’s the rest? He is 58, he was with his husband 20 years, he had been dead for 2. That is still a lot of background that could have added so much interest to the character.

Even Ben, famous actor. He is only recognized like twice and is very gracious about it. And when he talks about his career it is all sunshine and roses. And he rarely talks about it or himself.

And they constantly use each other’s names. The language was just very formal and a bit stuffy.

It was a valiant first effort for a book. Seriously. But some constructive criticism and an honest beta reader or two can go a long way.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

R.J. Peterson is a retired graphic designer.

He is an avid reader, preferably while sipping a vodka martini or some bourbon on the rocks. RJ’s had a long and varied career, including library page, car wash attendant, customer service representative, interpreter for the deaf, travel agent, and graphic designer in the marijuana industry. He also worked in banking for twenty-five years. In addition to starting up a writing career, he still works as a freelance designer, creating book covers and other items for several authors.

RJ loves to travel and has been on 40+ cruises. When not on a cruise, he and his husband live in New England.

Love On The Horizon is his first book.

Where to find RJ

Website: www.rjpeterson.net

Email: rjp@rjpeterson.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/138818084707307

Twitter: @RJPeterson4

Snowbody Like You by Ariella Zoelle: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

May 27, 2021 by Denise

Getting stranded with an attractive stranger in a hotel room with only one bed is something Jude’s dreamed about forever. When he finds himself in that situation for real, can it live up to his expectations?

Jude Moore

I never expected a blizzard to turn one of my daydreams into a reality. The meet-cute gods generously bless me with the perfect costar to act out my favorite scenario about being snowed in at a hotel room with only one bed. Rigby is my ideal fantasy man brought to life: tall, adorable, with a dash of academic nerdiness thrown in to make him absolutely perfect. The best part is that he’s actually real and not just a figment of my imagination.

Is it too soon to ask if he wants his next starring role to be my boyfriend?

Rigby Pasquali

Falling in love with a charming cutie at the airport during a flight delay was not on my to-do list, but a chance encounter with Jude teaches me that the impossible is actually possible. He’s full of endless surprises like that. Once we get back home, my favorite discovery is learning that his creative imagination is as vivid as mine. That’s when things get really exciting as he makes all of my dreams come true.

Jude is made of magic and muchness, so how could I not love him with all my heart?

Snowbody Like You is the first book in the Suite Dreams series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features an instalove, role-playing, height difference, only one bed romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Snowbody Like You was originally featured as a 14k short story in the Winter Wonderland giveaway. It has been expanded into a 61k full-length novel, which means there’s more of Jude and Rigby to love!

Snowbody Like You (Suite Dreams, Book 1)
By Ariella Zoelle

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Chapter 3: Jude Moore

“Remember how I said my mom and sister pray for me to find Mr. Right every time I fly?”

I didn’t blame Rigby for looking confused by my jump in conversation. “Yeah?”

“My sister’s biggest fear is I’ll be unprepared when I finally meet the love of my life.”

He couldn’t hold back a laugh. “That’s her biggest fear?”

“Well, that, and spiders,” I joked. “Lucy takes it upon herself to ensure that never happens.”

“Meaning?”

“Even though I haven’t been with a guy in five years, I have condoms and lube in my bag thanks to her. I can show you her texts about it if you don’t believe me.”

The spark of interest in his blue eyes made my prick perk up at the promise of some horizontal fun together in our near future. “After hearing your stories about Lucy, I totally believe you, but I also kind of want to see her texts.”

More than happy to indulge his curiosity, I took out my phone. I showed him Mom and Lucy’s group chat messages about keeping an eye out for my Hallmark hottie before I pulled up the private texts with just my sister.

Lucy: How could you let your condoms expire unused? What’s wrong with you?

Jude: It’s not like I need them for solo action.

Lucy: The point is using them with someone else, dumbass! I shouldn’t have to explain that to you. It really has been too long if you don’t know that.

Jude: Sorry, I’ve been too busy being single to fuck around. It takes up all my free time.

Lucy: That’s bullshit, and you know it. Please try not to waste the new box I snuck into your bag.

Jude: It’s not sneaking when you announce you’re responsible for it.

Lucy: One day you’ll thank me for making sure you’re prepared for meeting Mr. Right McDreamy.

Jude: You act like we’ll be fucking in an airplane bathroom the minute we meet

Lucy: Would you rather get back to your apartment with him and realize you can’t get laid because you don’t have condoms?

Jude: I’m about to go through security. I look forward to getting this lecture again in a few years when they expire unused.

Rigby laughed hard as he scrolled through our exchange. “Wow, and I thought I was close with my sister. I can only imagine Lucy’s reaction when she finds out you finally put them to good use.”

The confirmation that we were definitely going to fuck gave me a semi. “She’ll gloat about it for the rest of my life, but I can live with that when you’re the reason I’m getting ribbed.”

He snickered. “Did you just make a ribbed condom joke?”

“I sure did.”

Rigby came over to me and helped me stand up from my chair at the table. Our sizable height difference made me extra horny. “Remind me to thank her afterward.”

To my great delight, Rigby leaned down to kiss me. He was tentative, almost like he feared I’d reject him. There wasn’t a snowball’s chance in hell of that.

I tugged on his sweater to pull him closer as I kissed him back with five years of pent-up lust. Moaning against his lush lips, I was already rock-hard and ready to fuck.

His tongue teased mine, making me crave more. I laced my fingers through his hair as I resisted being swept away by our ardent passion.

When we paused for air, we were both breathless and aroused. He was the first to breathe in awe, “Wow.”

“I’d say.” I couldn’t stop grinning. “And here I was afraid it had been so long that maybe I’d forgotten how to kiss.”

His laughter filled me with indescribable levels of joy. “Oh my god, I was worried about the same thing!”

“Want to see if we remember how to get naked?”

Get ready for Book 2
Flawsome Explorations

Coming July 23

Unexpected sparks fly when a shy, straight, nerdy sweetheart meets a flirtatious, sexy, older Frenchman. Is Zio brave enough to take a chance on Armand?

Fabrizio “Zio” Revello

I embrace the philosophy that nobody is perfect by studying the art of imperfection. But then I meet Armand, forcing me to completely reevaluate my world view. From his gorgeous face, teasing sense of humor, and a French accent to die for, everything about him makes me forget one very important detail: I’ve never been attracted to a man until him. I shouldn’t let him tempt me, but the glimpse of the real Armand behind his playful flirtations makes him impossible to resist.

I’ve never been the adventurous type, but Armand makes me want to be brave and daring. Isn’t a lifetime of happiness with a person who understands me worth the risk?

Armand Bellamy

I approach Zio in search of a no-strings-attached evening of fun to kick off my business trip to Hawaii. But I get way more than I bargained for when I discover a shy, nerdy sweetheart who finds beauty in my flaws. He even accepts the hidden parts of my heart that I hide from the world. It makes me want to make him mine—not just for one night but for every night of the rest of our lives.

He says he’s straight, but when have I ever let that stop me from getting what I want?

Flawsome Explorations is the second book in the Suite Dreams series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features a bisexual awakening, shy/flirt, age gap, instalove, opposites attract romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Pre-Order Link

Goodreads

So. Hmm. Well…it was…cute?

I get it, it was a bit of a riff on Hallmark Christmas movies. Strangers in an airport, snow, forced proximity, etc. Cute. But oh my.

There is literally almost zero plot to this book. It is almost ALL sex. And- there is tons of conversation DURING sex. And not even related to the sex. Like, a conversation about something not sex related WHILE THEY ARE HAVING SEX.

And, of course, insta love. Literally saying they love each other after less than 24 hours.

Jude constantly talking about how tall Rigby is and how much he loves it.

Jude’s sister and mother were a bit over the top. Ok, maybe if you have a really close relationship with your sibling you might openly talk about sex as in depth (eek, sorry) as they do. But his mom as well?

Oof, sorry. This one was a pass for me.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Ariella Zoelle previously published as A.F. Zoelle. She adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. That means she writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. Her vast knowledge of weird, wild, and wonderful randomness colors her writing, meaning her characters have some pretty strange and entertaining interests.

There are even rumors that she’s a time management wizard who uses her magic powers to create enough free time to turn her massive horde of plot bunnies into sassy M/M romance novels. Her next feat will be turning herself into a full-time author.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Connect with Ariella:
Website: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/
Newsletter: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/newsletter
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazingafzoelle/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/extraafzoelle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriellaZoelle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellazoelle/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ariellazoelle
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ariella-zoelle

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Sweet Hart (Hart Consulting Book 1) by Rae Marks: New Release Review

May 12, 2021 by Denise

FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBT ROMANCE RAE MARKS

Book one in the Hart Consulting series

When Brayden stumbles into a covert operation, Sam has to keep him alive. Together they navigate their unexpected attraction and the world of the Ukrainian mafia.

Brayden Hart needs to find his older brother Mason and time is running out. Mason disappeared after being discharged from the military two years before. While on leave from the army, Bray follows a lead his friend has been able to find. When he knocks on the door of a dingy apartment outside Miami, the last person he expects to meet is the gorgeous but grumpy Sam Wheeler.

Sam denies knowing Bray’s brother and turns him away. But Sam is Bray’s only lead. Luckily, Bray’s childhood friend is one of the best hackers in the country and helps Bray follow Sam to Ukraine.

In Kiev, Bray falls blindly into the fray of a covert operation and Sam steps in to keep him alive. While navigating the choppy waters of the Ukrainian mafia, Bray and Sam fall into the bedroom. But what happens when the mission ends?

Amazon

Pride Publishing

For a first time author, at least I assume since this is the only title listed on their Amazon page, it was an okay book. But it definitely needed some cleaning up, editing, scenes cut and scenes added.

We jump right in with no back story. Just immediately Bray knocking on Sam’s door looking for his brother Mase. From there we head to the Ukraine. Sam is undercover trying to…do something? I know he is dealing with the mob and the mob deals with drugs and human trafficking. But it’s kind of fuzzy what Sam’s goal was. Whatever the goal, he has Bray there with him- which was not part of the plan.

There’s a lot of back story that is slow to be revealed. Several things were never wrapped up. Taking so long to find out what made these guys tick really kept me from connecting with them. There are quite a few Ukrainian characters and I still don’t know what all is going on there.

The story evened out a bit toward the middle and it was easier to read, but it was also chock full of sex scenes. The story that is there is just muddled.

If there is a book two (kind of seems as though there will be), I am sure several unanswered questions will remain unanswered and that bugs me.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Falling for His Bodyguard by April Wilson: Quick Review

March 23, 2021 by Denise

A young Hollywood celebrity meets an older, ex-military bodyguard. Sparks fly, and somebody’s finally ready to lose his virginity. Can a passionate one-night stand lead to something more?

Devon Carter, star of a hot teen drama series, goes home to Chicago for Christmas break. When his bodyguard has to rush back to LA, Devon finds himself with a temporary bodyguard, an older ex-military man who makes Devon’s body tingle. Kyle Monroe is a strict, non-nonsense professional with no time to coddle young divas. But everything changes when Kyle gets to know the vulnerable young man behind the public façade, leading to a night of passion neither one of them expected.

Falling for His Bodyguard is a complete gay romance novella

This was part of the Winter Wonderland giveaway from January when a ton of authors offered up mostly shorts for free. Because of that it isn’t on amazon but you can download it from the author’s website.

So this is definitely what I would call a short. This isn’t even close to a novella. In a regular book, this would be 2 chapters tops.

It was kind of hot and fun. But kind of cheesy as well. I was looking at the author’s backlist and it looks like this may be their first MM book. That is…kind of obvious.

My issues were, continually reading “pop my cherry” and the fact that the bodyguard, seemingly a professional, had sex with his client on his first night of work. I am all about suspending reality and whatnot, but he didn’t even think about the possible consequences.

So if you want a short story that is mostly sex, go for it. But this was not for me.

2.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Breakaway by Kindle Alexander: New Release Review

February 24, 2021 by Denise

Greer Lockhart set out to save the world from itself when he organized his first beach cleanup at the age of twelve. Now, as a uber-successful venture capitalist for eco-friendly startups, he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his goals—whether personal or professional. When a new fitness app schedules a site-wide cycle race, Greer’s competitive side won’t let him back down. Not even when his undivided attention turns to the one racer he can’t beat: Biker101.

Dallas Reigns learned a long time ago to keep his head low and his focus forward. He gives his all to a business he started with his brothers, BikeBro. But he worries his all might not be enough if they can’t gain traction before their financial ship sinks. A chance meeting with a hard-hitting venture capitalist is just what they need. Until his resistance is tested when the striking blond man shows interest in more than just his company, challenging all Dallas’s etched-in-stone boundaries.

When the illusion of Dallas’s life threatens to crumble under the weight of his own desire, can he find a way to fortify his iron will, or will Greer help him breakaway from the restraints of his past?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I am about to incur the wrath of Kindle Alexander fans. I get it. She has a cult following and can do no wrong. But oh this book is wrong. It seriously needs help. There will be a spoiler of sorts below, but I will warn you.

We start out with 3 brothers working on a product that brings training into your house. Like Peloton. But of course not Peloton. Youngest brother does all of the computer stuff because he is the stereotypical introvert nerd surrounded by computers. The middle brother is the trainer. He leads I don’t even know how many classes a day. And the older brother is just a jerk. I don’t know what he does except belittle his brothers.

A good portion of the beginning of the book was all about BikeBro (Peloton). It was boring.

And we meet Greer. A money guy who is all about green energy, saving the planet, etc etc. Except he uses k cups. Little details like that make me crazy. Greer is connected to another trainer who is Dallas’s (middle brother) best friend from childhood. And when Greer goes out one night and meets up with his friend, Dallas is there and drunk. And the best friend points out a million times that Dallas isn’t gay.

“Everyone is a little gay” says Greer who doesn’t like labels. Blinkblink

**Spoilery ahead**

So they hook up, then Dallas freaks out, then the Big Misunderstanding, then back together.

THEN AN 8 MONTH TIME JUMP!

Greer and Dallas worked together a lot but were able to keep their relationship secret for 8 months? From Dallas’s brothers? From Greer’s sister? And we don’t get any of that story?

And then, boom, proposal. Which leads to a very anticlimactic showdown between Dallas and his homophobic father and then separately between Dallas and his homophobic jerk face brother.

I’m sorry, but this book was lacking. A lot. There was story that they didn’t need to have, story that was missing, angst that was glossed over, angst that was unnecessary, and the first 8 months of a relationship we didn’t witness.

2.5 Pieces of Eye Candy