Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

2.5 stars

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Running Lines by Jeris Jean: RB, Excerpt and Release Day Review

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Onscreen chemistry. Offscreen action.

Finn may look like a Romeo + Juliet-era Leo, but he’s out to prove he’s got what it takes to break the teen heartthrob mold. Grayson is a serious actor, with “serious” as the operative word, so he’s not thrilled to find himself hopelessly attracted to his young new co-star.

Starring on a teen soap may have made Finn Everett Hollywood’s latest “it” boy, complete with the 10 million Instagram followers to show for it, but does he have the chops to cut it as the newest cast member on television’s biggest drama, Frost Manor? Finn’s determined to prove himself as more than just as sex symbol and win the respect of his co-star, Grayson Winter.

Grayson is gorgeous, talented, and the celeb Finn has been secretly crushing on for years. Grayson is dedicated to his job. He has big aspirations to be Hollywood’s best leading man, and he’s willing to make personal sacrifices to get there. When his new scene partner is the charismatic and intensely distracting Finn Everett, Grayson is shaken loose from his single-minded ambition.

When Finn and Grayson start running lines, their off-the-charts chemistry has them wondering if big things are in store for more than just their careers.

Running Lines is an MM Romance featuring hot TV stars, Hollywood drama, and a sweet and sexy gay love story.

Book Title: Running Lines

Author and Publisher: Jeris Jean

Cover Artist: Jeris Jean

Release Date: January 26, 2021

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Celebrities, Workplace Romance

Themes: Overcoming the past, self-confidence, defying expectations

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 55,000 words/ 142 pages (ebook)

It is a standalone story and is the first book in a series.

Add on Goodreads

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Not a single interviewer had failed to mention Finn Everett, and it was getting really damn old. He didn’t want to talk about Finn Everett. He didn’t even want to think about Finn Everett. That just led to Grayson thinking about sexy blue eyes and lean muscles and no. No. Nothing good would come of that line of thought. It was going to be hard enough to work with him everyday on the show and maintain his standards of professionalism.

As Grayson clung to his last shred of patience for this interview, he answered the question the same way he had all night. “I trust our showrunners and casting director. But I haven’t personally met Finn Everett yet, so I don’t have an opinion of my own.” The words sounded colder, more robotic than he’d intended.

As if on cue, his agent Kayla’s familiar voice broke into the conversation, interrupting the interview. “We can fix that, Grayson! You can meet right now.” She was tugging someone by the hand and then shoving him into the interview right next to Grayson. The interviewer was clapping her hands in thrilled excitement, her smile widening to an even more frightening degree. Before he knew what was happening, he was shaking hands with Finn Everett, looking right into those dark blue eyes. There were only two words Grayson’s brain could manage at that moment: Holy. Fuck. Finn Everett was gorgeous.

Gaining his composure was difficult, but Grayson was a professional actor, so he knew how to pull himself together before anyone noticed how dumbstruck he was at the sight of Finn Everett. He hoped. The interviewer was now asking Finn how it felt to meet Grayson. Finn was staring at Grayson with the oddest expression – it was almost like…admiration? Grayson felt himself hold his breath, waiting to hear Finn’s answer.

Finn turned back to the interviewer, and he said smoothly, “It is an absolute pleasure. I can’t wait to work with him. I’m sure there’s a lot he can teach me.” Finn smiled shyly, his eyes dipping to the carpet and then back up to glance cautiously at Grayson through his lashes. Grayson met his eyes briefly, and he felt a tingle in his belly. His lips automatically quirked up at the corners without his permission. What was happening? Why was he acting like a total fool all of a sudden? It had to be that this red carpet media circus had finally wore him down completely.  He was exhausted and too warm. That would make anyone’s head spin. That was totally it.

Thankfully, Kayla came to his rescue, grabbing both him and Finn by the hands and dragging them away from the interviewer, barking something about needing to get inside to take their seats. Grayson’s head was dizzy as he finally stepped into the cool air conditioning of the theatre.

“Look at this, my two favorite clients making friends,” Kayla said, smiling at Grayson and then Finn. “I had a hunch you’d hit it off,” she added as she let go of Grayson’s hand and dragged Finn further into the building.

Grayson was left in the entryway of the theatre, finally alone for the moment. He leaned against the marble wall behind him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to steady himself.

He was in trouble.

New author with her very first book. I hate to say it, but it is completely obvious that it is her first book. The story was there, but it was just a little bit of a mess. At times it read like a fleshed out outline, not a full story.

Finn, teenage heartthrob has landed a part on a very popular period show. And the lead is a guy he has crushed on. Finn has one day to learn his lines for the next day’s shoot, and Grayson shows up to help him.

They have a great time. Running lines, feeding off of each other’s energy, etc. Grayson invites him over for Thai food. I am expecting some flirting, longing glances, accidental touches…nope. He gets invited in one chapter and the next chapter Finn is reminiscing about the night before. That was never on page.

The whole book was like this. There was no connection at all with the characters. We knew more about the PA Ethan than these two. The entire season worth of filming this show was over in a matter of a few chapters. There was just no substance. It was all superficial.

Once they are “found out” (even though they really weren’t hiding), the producers tell them to act like they hate each other in public. Do we ever see that? Nope.

And even with that, the story dragged on well past it’s natural ending point.

Superficial, no chemistry, no substance. Needs a brutal beta reader (or 2) and a serious edit.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Jeris Jean is a life-long Minnesotan with an obsessive love of books. She has a master’s degree in English Literature but didn’t write her first novel until she was in her mid-thirties. Something just “clicked,” and all fell into its rightful place.

Jeris is a lover of cats, coffee, binge-watching tv shows, her bffs, puzzles, knitting, white sunglasses, black nail polish, purple hair, and reading and writing like it’s going out of style, especially mm romance.

She lives with her husband, two sons and their cat, Fluffy Cat Love, in a lovely little suburb of Minneapolis.

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In the Heat of the Dungeon (Rules of Summer) by Samantha Cayto: Quick Review

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The Rules of Summer

The hardest part of being a sub is giving your heart and body to the right Dom.

Master Ford is a consummate Dom, always focused on giving a sub the most important gift of all—safety. When a friend leaves a sub in a dangerous situation, it is up to Ford to both rescue and care for the boy. What starts as duty swiftly turns to personal desire.

Cody is new to the lifestyle, trusting and in need of protection and control. When his Master puts him in danger, he can only hope that the Dom sent to save him is worthy of it.

Ford has rules, and one of them is no poaching on another Dom’s sub. But Cody is different. This boy needs to learn what it really means to put oneself under another’s control. Teaching him that valuable lesson, while bringing them both indescribable pleasure, becomes a temptation he cannot resist.

Reader advisory: This book contains mention of verbal and emotional abuse of a sub and a scene where a sub is left alone.

General Release Date: 14th July 2020

Genre:

BONDAGE AND BDSM
CONTEMPORARY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI

Amazon

This novella was tough to read, really tough. The fact that a sub was left as he was, was really hard to read. It was in the warnings, but still.

I also didn’t feel like there was enough time to address how Cody could or should deal with it. Honestly, with this topic, it would have been better to almost write a longer story to ensure Cody, who I felt so bad for, received in full the care he needed, not just for the few days that it happened to be, but for the long term.

I did enjoy how much trust he put in Ford, but I couldn’t see how that was possible under the circumstances.

2.5 pieces of eye candy