Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

3.5 stars

The Fly-Half (Lincoln Knights, Book 2) by Charlie Novak: New Release Review

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Wanted: A Way To Control My Jealousy So I Don’t Get Sin-Binned

When my best friend goes on a date with a mutual acquaintance, I’m supposed to be happy for him, not so angry I want to start screaming.

Devon and I have been close ever since we were children, but I’ve never been possessive of him. Until now.

Seeing him with another man makes me want him in ways I’d never imagined wanting anyone before, and now all I can think about is having him in my arms. My jealousy is starting to get the better of me, both on and off the rugby pitch, and I can’t stop losing control. And Devon has noticed.

Maybe it’s time I come clean and tell him just how much I want him.

And hope he wants me too.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

It’s no secret that I love Charlie Novak‘s books. I was very excited about this one. And while it was good, I was a bit underwhelmed.

Ok, why underwhelmed? I feel like it lacked story. And what plot line there was was really tamed down (jealousy). Devon and Jonny started off as best friends for MANY years- since they were teens. And now they are on the same rugby team. Devon has unrequited love for Jonny. Until friends give him a come to jesus moment. And then BAM! Jonny, always straight, is now with Devon, his bff. Never a question about his sexuality or if he is doing anything right or wrong, just jumped right in there like a man seasoned in gay sex.

And really, the book was sex, rugby and Dungeons and Dragons. Pages of scenes about rugby and D&D. Too much for me. I know nothing about either game and at times was a bit bored.

What really kept me in the story was the characters. Being that Jonny still lives with Mason and Ryan and Jonny and Devon play rugby with Mason, West, Matty, etc, all characters I have grown to adore over the course of many books.

I am more excited about the next book than I was about this one.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Savage (Park Avenue Kings Book 1) by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank: Release Day Review

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Who are we? Nobody really knows. We’re seven powerful heirs to empires, ruling Manhattan from our thrones on Park Avenue. By day, we’re the elite, untouchable, and more connected than you could ever imagine. By night, we revel in the darkness of our secrets, pulling strings that make the city bow to our whims.

Ruthless.

Dangerous.

We’re the Park Avenue Kings.

In this city of power and desire, where the line between love and obsession blurs, nothing is off-limits—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

***

He’s the shadow they send to make problems disappear.

Lachlan Stone thrives in the shadows, ruling his world of secrets and power with savage precision. As the most lethal of the Park Avenue Kings, he can’t afford the luxury of attachments. But when a mission takes an unexpected turn, he finds himself saving Cooper Patterson—a determined journalist who stumbles into a dangerous world far bigger than he ever imagined.

Cooper is everything Lachlan should avoid: relentless, curious, and far too tempting for his own good. Worse, his profession threatens to unravel everything Lachlan and his fellow Kings have built. Yet the pull between them is impossible to ignore, even as it sparks a firestorm of desire and danger.

With enemies closing in and the line between truth and lies growing thinner by the second, Lachlan must choose: protect his secrets, or risk it all for the man who sees the humanity in his darkness.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

I really enjoyed Park Avenue Princes. And the last book in that series which gave us a glimpse of the Park Avenue Kings. So I had high hopes. And while I liked it, it was a bit…lackluster?

I understand not giving away everything in the first book, but the role of the Park Avenue Kings wasn’t really cohesive. For ultra rich men to engage with drug dealers…I don’t know. They seem more behind the scenes pulling strings from a computer kind of guys. And yes, one does that. But I mean as a whole. Having Lachlan be a boots on the ground kind of guy seemed out a place. And yes, a bit Batman.

Especially after that one thing. You’ll know.

Moving on. I did like Cooper and his mission to find out where the drugs were coming from. He was like a true reporter digging into every lead he got. He and Lachlan definitely had some scorching hot chemistry.

Lachlan seemed to break all of the rules but still got away with it. Again, it’s a cohesion thing. I need more info. I didn’t understand the secret building thing and why it was necessary. Especially considering all that is in there. Strange.

I’m coming off like I didn’t like it. I did. Honestly. Just not as much as the princes. A little more personality from everyone would go a long way. Getting a cameo of 2 of the princes helped. It felt a bit like an action movie when the hero is forced to drag along and protect the woman who got herself into trouble.

I want the rest of their stories and I will definitely read them. Even though I have a feeling the most intriguing guy (to me) will probably be the last story to be told. I will eagerly await them all.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

The Guy Next Door by Devon McCormack: Release Day Review

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ZANE

Is it wrong that I watch him?
Leif Anderson seems like a friendly, kind, normal, boy-next-door type.
Unlike me.
His stalker, a creep who moved into the place next to his parents’ house to keep an eye on him.
I’m not the bad guy, though.
I’m the one who will protect him.
The cops don’t believe he’s in danger.
Maybe they’re right, and this is all in my messed-up head.
I’ve been wrong before.
And no matter how I justify this to myself, my motives aren’t entirely pure.
It’s impossible to watch a guy this hot walking around in those adorable beanies without getting a little turned on.
When he discovers my secret surveillance, I’m sure it’s over.
No way he believes my reasons for watching him, but he doesn’t report me for my crime.
He’s curious about me in a way I don’t expect from a straight guy.
Or as I quickly learn, maybe not so straight.
Before I know it, we’re on a journey, exploring this wild, exciting part of Leif while I try to keep him safe from harm.
But the closer we get to one another, the more I wonder: what if it was all in my head?
What if no one’s coming for him?
What if the real threat to Leif is me, the guy next door?

*The Guy Next Door is a steamy romantic suspense but contains content that may trigger some readers. During the book’s preorder period, a complete content warning will be available on the author’s website. When the book is available for order, the warning will appear at the start of the book and can be viewed using the Look Inside feature.

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What drew me to this book was the mental health representation. And since both characters have mental health issues, I guess you can say it was represented. But I feel like a big opportunity was lost there.

Zane is the strange guy who moved in next door. Leif is taking time off of college after being hospitalized for mental health issues. Zane is definitely sketchy, even after his explanation. His whole reason for moving in next door just didn’t ring true.

I also didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between the 2 guys. Especially since Leif has always identified as straight. And the weirdness coming off of Zane.

That being said, I did like the basic premise of the story, I just wish it had played out differently. It wasn’t all that cohesive of a mystery.

Ultimately, did I think that Zane and Leif were cute together? Yes. Leif exploring his sexuality was fun. And the truest thing with the mental health rep (at least to me) was Leif’s parents checking in on him a little too much, which annoyed him.

Devon McCormack can write well, no doubt. The story just lacked a little for me.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

In The Nick of Time (Subpar Heroes Collection) by Elle Keaton: New Release Review

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Have you always thought you were special?

Perennially unemployed loner Nick Sedgewick applies to an online job opening with that exact phrase and expects nothing to come of it. It was likely a no-so-funny prank after all.

If Doug ‘Long Shot’ Swanson wanted a new work partner he’d hire one himself. He’s perfectly happy on his own and if he plays his cards right he’ll retire sooner rather than later. And he certainly wouldn’t hire an irritating spicy-candy-eating slacker who’d probably miss his own funeral.

But somebody is killing off agents and Nick’s new boss needs Doug and Nick to figure out who it is and put a stop to it. And if they accidentally fall in love along the way that is no one’s business but their own.

Neither man wants to be a hero. But maybe between the two of them, they can save the world. Or at least their little corner of it.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

I’ve read a couple of these books and they are fun. I love the premise of super powers that aren’t that helpful. Reminds me of that meme, what would you steal from an ex just to make their life a little annoying? All the batteries in the house. Or all the lightbulbs. Silly, but effective.

Nick has a power that could be way more effective. But being subpar, it’s a little effective. But he still is recruited to partner with a former hero who left the game. And plans on retiring very soon. And doesn’t want a trainee or partner. Too bad.

This one, I will say, is slightly, very slightly, more serious than the others I have read. Mostly because there are dead and missing agents. Doug wants to figure it out, find the missing agents before they are dead agents and unfortunately he has to drag Nick around. Oh. And a 50 pound tortoise named Tim. You’ll see. But there is definte comic relief there.

Naturally, both Doug and Nick are gay and you can see where that is going, yes? I did love how Nick teased Doug so much. Never in a mean way, but to get him to unclench a bit.

A little more background story on Nick would have been nice, but it’s fine. So a former hero, a subpar hero, a tortoise and Vegas. It’s a fun romp.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Raising Wayne: A Single Dad LGBTQIA Biker Romance (Oh, Baby!) by MZ Arthur: Release Day Review

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FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE M.Z. ARTHUR

An Oh, Baby! story

Book one in the Knights in Ink series

A little miracle leads to true love.

In need of a quick cash infusion to pay off a loan shark, tattoo artist Doug “Zim” Zimmer gives of himself, literally, with plasma and sperm donations. He’s happy to help whoever needs either or both, and when the bills are paid he thinks nothing more of it.

Two years later, a handsome redhead holding an infant with Zim’s eyes shows up at the studio. Architect Clive Mulcahy, having assumed custody of his nephew after his sister’s death, wants a clearer picture of Wayne’s parentage in order to be a good father. The acquaintance he hopes to strike with Zim for the sake of Wayne’s happiness soon grows into a relationship neither expected, but both are willing to embrace.

Amazon – All Regions

Brand new author alert! Unless they are another author with a new pen name, but I don’t think so. It wasn’t glaringly obvious, but I could tell it was probably a first time author.

I liked the premise and the story didn’t disappoint. Nice twist on a traditional MF romance when the mother shows up on a guy’s doorstep with a baby and says surprise.

It was still a surprise for Zim, just a different kind of surprise. A baby from his sperm donation and a hot guy uncle raising the baby.

Zim and Clive have good chemistry even though they have pretty much nothing in common. Zim came off as way more genuine, with Clive being a bit stiff and formal. I expect that formal talk from the lawyer types, but he was an architect.

I was left a bit disappointed in the lack of mourning that Clive seemed to do. Or even freaking out that he all of a sudden has a baby. Very clinical.

As a whole, not bad for a first shot. Short and sweet, didn’t rely on sex as a page filler with a happily for now. Good quick beach read.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Fractured Hope (Hope’s Ridge Book 1) by Kady Cordova: Blog Tour, Exclusive Book Excerpt, New Release Book Review and Giveaway

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.                                 .
Can I really escape hell to find all I’ve ever longed for?

Bodhi
Finding yourself is hard. Finding someone you can truly trust is harder.

I have never known what it was like to have a true home or family, let alone real love.

After almost a year of planning, I finally escaped my abusive ex and ran as far away as I could with just the clothes on my back and a handful of cash. When I arrive in the quaint town of Hope’s Ridge, I’m ready to start over and reclaim my life.

When I painfully crash into Atticus’s life, something about him puts me at ease. I’ve never been one to trust, but now I’m in a situation where I have no choice. He might be what I’ve been longing for my whole life.

Atticus
I love my tight-knit town, my big Greek family, and the life I’ve built. I have a successful garage with my brothers and love my job. I have it good, but every now and then I long for a connection. Someone to chase away the loneliness that’s been creeping in. As my brothers like to point out, I am set in my ways and not one for flings, bar hopping, or one-night stands.

When a beautiful man stumbles into my life, I’m blown away. He’s skittish and afraid, but all I want to do is take care of him.

When Bodhi’s ex starts making threats, danger gets ever closer and threatens everything I hold dear. Can I keep Bodhi safe and prove to him he is worthy of love? Or will he run and take my heart with him?

Fractured Hope is a small-town, hurt/comfort, age-gap MM Romance with a broken boy looking for a safe place, a lonely man longing to find his person, and a family full of love, mischief, and colorful characters ready to step in and protect each other no matter the costs.

Title: Fractured Hope
Authors: Kady Cordova
Length: 71k
Series: Hope’s Ridge, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Exclusive excerpt Fractured Hope

I rose to greet him with a hug.

“You really are okay,” he said with relief. “So, who do we have here?” He turned toward Bodhi. “You must be the injured party I’ve heard nothing about.” He winked in Bodhi’s direction and elbowed me to introduce him.

“This is Bodhi—” I waved my hand at Bodhi. “—and this is my brother Sebastian, or Seb, as we call him.”

“The best-looking brother,” Seb added with his patented look at me dashing smile. Bodhi sat frozen as Seb approached and took Doc’s seat by the couch. Seb was the tallest and bulkiest of us. He and I did look similar; although, his nearly black hair was long and wavy. His beard was also longer and thicker than mine. Bodhi’s reaction seemed to be about more than just Seb’s presence. He’d been tensed up since my brother was in the doorway. Was he scared of Seb?

Punching my brother on the shoulder, I growled. “Leave him alone, jackass.” I gestured for Seb to follow me out so I could explain everything and get going as soon as possible. “Just give me a sec,” I said over my shoulder to a stoic and frozen Bodhi as I pushed Seb through to the office and closed the door behind us.

“He’s just your type. An injured stray,” Seb said, waggling his eyebrows.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I flicked my hair out of my eyes and ignored his comment. “Just come on. I need to go through the day’s customers with you real quick. Oh, and sleeping beauty agreed to come in, so keep an eye out for him.”

Seb chuckled, gathering his thick hair up into his customary bun, ready to get to work. I went through the schedule and told him about the accident and how Bodhi was injured. I also made a note to investigate getting that storm drain fixed and the garage door greased. Seb offered to make a few calls.

What a way to start the day.

This book caught me right from the start. A guy literally escaping an abusive relationship. I love following a character overcoming adversity. Rising from the ashes, so to speak.

And so Bohdi runs. Gets on a bus and goes as far as it will take him. Which is Hope’s Ridge, Montana. A small town where everyone knows everyone and all of their business. Not a place to blend in and get lost. Especially after he gets startled and injures himself in front of the mechanics shop Atticus runs with his brothers.

Atticus is that guy. The big teddy bear type who will always help whomever, wherever with whatever. It’s just in his nature. And he gets to demonstrate that with Bodhi.

I will say that Bodhi and Atticus moved quickly. Yes, it’s a book. But I was still surprised that Bodhi wasn’t really apprehensive at all. But he was also getting taken care of which is not something he has ever had. But he is also incredibly vulnerable.

Of course Bodhi’s ex comes looking for him which leads to some intense scenes. I would have liked to see him earlier in the story. It would have added a lot to the story instead of just Bodhi and Atticus getting together.

We get to know Atticus’ brothers, mother and grandmother as well as a few people in town. Getting the lay of the land as it were for more books in the series. There are definitely more stories to be told.

If hurt/comfort is your catnip, dive right in. For a first book, not bad.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Kady Cordova is a queer author from Australia.

They survive on coffee and chaos. She has always been a hopeless romantic at heart even though they grow a little cynical and sarcastic with age.

Love is love and everyone deserves a happily ever after.

Kady is an advocate for Mental Health, Invisible Illnesses, and Protecting Trans Kids.

Fractured Hope is Kady’s debut novel.

Connect with Kady:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadycordova/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadycordovaauthor
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadycordovaauthor1
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kadycordova
Amazon: amazon.com/author/kadycordova
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/kadycordova_romance/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KadyCordova
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