Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

3.5 stars

After the Fall (Tucker Springs Book 6) by L.A. Witt: Quick Review

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A Tucker Springs Novel

The trails around Tucker Springs, Colorado, are perfect for horseback riding, and Nathan finally has the horse he’s been saving to buy for years. So it just figures that the first day he takes Tsarina out for a ride, some guy on a motorcycle spooks her and she throws him, leaving him with two broken limbs and no chance of enjoying the trails for the rest of the summer.

Mechanic and nomadic motorcycle enthusiast Ryan feels awful that his wrong turn resulted in injury and inconvenience. To atone, he offers to exercise Tsarina for Nathan, with one caveat: Nathan will have to teach him how to ride.

Lessons turn to friendship and then to mutual attraction, but Nathan is determined that attraction is where it ends. He’s been hurt before, and he knows Ryan will never settle down. He might just be too skittish to give them a chance—unless Ryan can convince him to get back in the saddle.

The trails around Tucker Springs, Colorado, are perfect for horseback riding, and Nathan finally has the horse he’s been saving to buy for years. So it just figures that the first day he takes Tsarina out for a ride, some guy on a motorcycle spooks her and she throws him, leaving him with two broken limbs and no chance of enjoying the trails for the rest of the summer.

Mechanic and nomadic motorcycle enthusiast Ryan feels awful that his wrong turn resulted in injury and inconvenience. To atone, he offers to exercise Tsarina for Nathan, with one caveat: Nathan will have to teach him how to ride.

Lessons turn to friendship and then to mutual attraction, but Nathan is determined that attraction is where it ends. He’s been hurt before, and he knows Ryan will never settle down. He might just be too skittish to give them a chance—unless Ryan can convince him to get back in the saddle.

Title: After the Fall
Series: Tucker Springs
Author: L.A. Witt
Category: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 193

Amazon

Back to Tucker Springs!

These books are fun reads. Generally light, fluffy and shortish, you know you are going to get a sweet love story with a happily ever after set in the cute fictional Colorado town of Tucker Springs.

We know Nathan, the adorable receptionist at the acupuncture clinic from previous books. He had been saving up and finally has his own horse. His big plans on spending as much of the summer as possible on horseback are thwarted when a motorcycle scares the horse and throws Nathan and he breaks his leg. When the motorcycle driver comes over to check on him, Nathan punches him in the face. Now he has a broken hand as well.

Not hard to see where this is headed, but that is what I like about these books. Ryan (motorcycle guy) feels bad and wants to help, Nathan actually seriously needs help- for him and to exercise his horse. Match made in heaven.

They flirt with each other but it is more of a slow burn and then when they do go further, isn’t super frantic (hello, two casts), it is slow and sweet.

We get a few cameos from previous books-always fun.

This book, like the others is like a Hallmark movie. Formulaic and predictable but reliable.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Today (Single Dads #2) by RJ Scott: Quick Review

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Firefighter Eric is on the front line, battling the threat of nature’s destruction in the California grasslands alongside his CalFire team. Focused and calm, even in the direst of situations, he has a strong affection for his fire truck, loves his career, and has best friends he can rely on. All he needs now is love, but that seems to be impossible to find. At his friend’s wedding. Eric falls in lust at first sight with the shy, slim and sexy Brady, even if Brady isn’t the type of guy he usually goes for. What Eric longs for is an equal in his bed, not a smaller guy who might want Eric to role-play big strong firefighter every time they have sex. He wants to find someone he can be vulnerable with, someone who will love him for his soft heart and quiet ways.

Brady’s life plans grind to a halt when his niece and nephew lose their parents in a tragic accident, and he becomes a dad overnight. His Developmental Coordination Disorder rules his life, but he fights both DCD and the fears that chase him every day, to give Maddie and Lucas a home. Agreeing to go to a friend’s wedding is a decision he regrets long before he even gets there. But, he refuses to give in to his fear, even if he might do something that makes him a target for people’s comments and laughter. Meeting Eric, a huge man with a gentle voice and a flair for chivalry, he falls hard. Now, if only he can let himself get past his panic that Eric would never want someone like him, then maybe he could fall in love for real.

Length: 55,500 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Cute cover!!

We first meet Brady in book one, when Ash had met him in a single dad’s forum.
We didn’t get to know much about him, but I was intrigued, so I was excited to get his story. Raising his niece and nephew after the loss of their parents, Brady has his work cut out for him. The kids are at the age where they question everything but think they know it all and Brady suffers from a neurological disorder as well as dyslexia, and that leaves him feeling out of sorts and overwhelmed easily. There’s a lot to it, but it gets explained in the story, and frankly I don’t know anything about it so I don’t wanna try to explain it lol in saying that, I have anxiety disorders that have me feeling much the same way as Brady, so I found that I could relate with him a lot.

Now, Eric, as you probably remember, is Ash’s neighbor, who lived with Sean and Leo. The cop, the surgeon and the firefighter, right? Eric is the firefighter. His job is a big part of this story, almost bigger than the relationship I felt. I feel like we got descriptions of the fires and things that happened during them than we did of time that Eric spent with Brady.

The two had met at Ash’s wedding, when Ash asked Eric to keep an eye on Brady, and though it was awkward, to say the least, Eric was smitten. Even if Brady did keep running away from him each time he kissed him. Which always came out of left field for me. I didn’t see how he could be so self-conscious one second and brazen the next. He seemed to plan everything down to the second but would be spontaneous when it came to Eric.

Overall though, I enjoyed watching these two get together and I liked how the relationship between Brady and his kids worked itself out. I wasn’t sure I was going to like the kids from the beginning, they were bratty and seemed manipulative, but I’m glad they didn’t stay that way. I hope in future books we see Eric having more to do with them.

I didn’t feel the smushy, love connection between the two like I normally do, but I’m glad it worked out for them all the same. I’m curious to see what happens with the convict and the cop, next!

3.5 Pieces of Candy

Jeremiah (High Rise) by Jayce Ellis: New Release Review * 2

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Jeremiah Stewart’s sexuality is no one’s business. Not that he’s hiding it. When—if—he finds the right one, he’ll absolutely introduce him to Mom. But a late-night brush with a sexy stranger in too much lip gloss has him rethinking nearly everything…

To Collin Galloway, direction is a four-letter word. Sure, he hates his job, he hates living with his parents and he really hates watching everyone move on without him. But he doesn’t know what he wants to do, long-term, and he won’t figure it out by thirsting over Jeremiah, the superhot, superintense paramedic who is suddenly everywhere Collin looks.

When Jeremiah’s faced with losing all he’s worked so hard to build, he reluctantly accepts Collin’s help. They’re both determined to stay professional…which works about as well as either would imagine. But Collin only does closets with clothes, and Jeremiah has to decide if he’s finally found the one worth bringing home to Mom.

This book is approximately 82,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Amazon

A new to me author that sounded like it had lost of angst. One main character (and cover model) was a person of color, which we need more of please, and sort of an opposites attract vibe going on.

The angst was severely lacking for me.

At 82,000 words, it is a good sized book. So I am wondering how it missed out on so much. It was a good story, but it took too long for secrets to be revealed, I never really got that Collin didn’t feel worthy- I assumed it was shyness, and the tension between Jeremiah and his best friend’s girlfriend didn’t make sense until the end, Just a lot of missed opportunities,

The story that was there was decent. And even though half the book was gone before they got together, they were some of the best sex scenes I have read. Not too long, not repetitive, a bit inventive. Well done there.

The ending was both neat and tidy- as far as the main relationship goes- but also left things unresolved.

Being that this is the start of a series, I will definitely give the next book a chance. I just hope it is meatier.

3.5 Pieces of Candy

This was a new author to me, and looking at the short backlist for Jayce Ellis, she appears to be new as an author. However, I think she did a marvelous job with several different avenues in this book.

First the #ownvoices in this book was fantastic. I could definitely tell the difference between Jeremiah as an African American man and Collin, who was Caucasian. Sometimes in books with MC’s of color, there is not a feeling of a difference, in background, in speech, even in family dynamics, and this author did an amazing job of creating those differences. Yet, in the storyline of the book, that was of little consequence, which I loved as well.

Jeremiah‘s heart was so big, and his love for his family, especially his Mama, it was obvious in everything he did. And yet, knowing that being with Collin was going to cause tension, they could not stay away from each other. It was so sweet.

Collin definitely had some issues to deal with, in regards to his own family, and I never really felt that they were. Meanwhile, there were issues still with Jeremiah that were not resolved to this reader’s satisfaction either. I know that real life doesn’t always work that way, but some were issues that were going to affect Jeremiah’s every day life and feelings with a family he’s always been close with, so I would have liked resolution there.

Jeremiah and Collin did get their HEA, and I would definitely like to read another book from this author to see how she grows as an author.

4 pieces of eye candy

Interpretive Hearts (Dreamspun Desires Book 94) by Amanda Meuwissen: Quick Review

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Love is easy once you learn the steps.

In the competitive world of dance, Teddy was a flawless performer and hardass choreographer who students feared and admired in equal measure. But hip surgery ended the glamour and drama, and now Teddy is recovering at his beach house, lost and listless.

Until he meets Finn, his neighbor, who is too perfect, gorgeous, and kind to exist—but very ill timed. In a seaside town as small as theirs, they can’t avoid each other, especially since Finn is also Teddy’s new physical therapist. But Teddy isn’t the man he used to be, and though Finn flirts shamelessly with him, Teddy can’t believe a has-been dancer is worthy of someone so young and full of life.

Finn’s sunny smile is also hiding heartache. Pursuing Teddy challenges both his professionalism and his self-preservation, but if he can convince Teddy to trust him, maybe they both can heal.

Amazon

I read the blurb and got excited! Angst! Drama! But really, not so much.

It was a sweet, easy to read story with very likable characters that should have and could have been so much more angst driven drama. Teddy- former professional dancer and then professional choreographer- has retired after hip surgery. He is mad. He didn’t want to retire, but he has. To his house on the beach. But he hates sand. (cue Anakin Skywalker joke)

Finn is hiding his pain with a super cheery exterior. And interior. He seems to only let himself mourn and feel on a specific anniversary.

Finn is young and optimistic, Teddy is “old” and jaded. Naturally they have lots of chemistry that Teddy fights and Finn doesn’t.

There’s also a super happy dog and a bristly cat. Yes, parallels to the main characters.

There are some decent side characters- sisters and mothers and friends and in laws. The hurt/comfort was played well, but I really wanted Teddy to be more of an asshole about his situation. OR for Finn to tell him that he could still choreograph. It was just a bit too tidy in the end. If it is going to be tidy at the end, at least make it super messy before that.

It’s a decent read, but a bit forgettable.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Fighter (Survivor Trilogy Book 3) by TM Smith: Audiobook Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Fighter – A Survivor story 

Dedication and smarts have given Blair Cummings a leg up in the Bureau. His job is all-consuming, but rewarding. It doesn’t leave much time for a love life though, not that Blair believes in love. At nearly thirty, he’s only ever been in one long- term relationship due to his inability to commit to anything other than his job and his family. 

Born into a family that is as successful as they are hateful, Howard Manning Tullor Junior ran so far away from his last name that he wound up in the arms of Satan himself. Freedom comes at a high price but it’s one Mannie is willing to pay, setting him on a path that leads him to a quiet, laid -back FBI agent. 

Their attraction is unexpected, and yet, welcomed. Blair seems to have finally found something worth fighting for, but Mannie, still haunted by ghosts of the past, wonders if he’ll ever be able to move on. The two are working toward their future, but can a budding romance survive when past and present collide? 

Audible US

Audible UK

Amazon US

Amazon UK

iTunes

Fighter is the third book in the Survivor trilogy by TM Smith. It finishes the arc that begins back in Book 1 with Survivor, the story with Taylor and Frank, which was a really tragic story, with a happy ending.

These three books run very concurrently, which in some ways makes it difficult to keep up. Because you are only reading (or listening) to one book at a time, you have some idea of what is happening elsewhere at the time you are reading the current story. So, the timeline changes, and moves forward many years, and then moves back at start of the next book.

The over-reaching arc is suspenseful and well documented, so you can see how careful that the author was with the details to ensure that when all three victims beginning having their stories converge, the differences between their stories are evident. Yet, there is a clear path about how much they diverge and reconnect.

The writing style is a bit formal to me as a reader, with quite a bit of flowery prose, and phrases that seemed somewhat dated in today’s society. However, the connections between all the characters was created clearly, and showed how they grew and morphed over the years. I love stories that show connections with all characters, and create a new family.

Nick J. Russo’s narration was fantastic, as always, with clear character voices and accents. His voice goes from playful to angry to passionate so very well.

Story: 3.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel. 

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love! 

Website: www.authortmsmith.com

Blog: www.ttcbooksandmore.com

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTMSmith

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994621997270606/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/TTCBooksandmore

GoodReads: https://goo.gl/XQugse

Pinterest: https://goo.gl/cq9R9t

Youtube: https://goo.gl/Rpq5gX

Merry Christmas! Prize box (US only!)… You Got This! Personalizable journal (Hey… you totally got this!) This Classic Happy Notes™ notebook is perfect for journaling, taking notes, making lists, and writing down your BIG IDEAS! Three dividers included so you can create different sections to fit your needs!

  • 60 sheets of lined paper
  • 3 dividers included)
  • relaxation coloring book with color pencils & sharpner, chapstick, Kleenex with a motivational note, Incense w/holder, various Author swag, Captain Marvel pic, passport binder, 750 piece puzzle and a reversable canvas bag from ‘Fresh off the Boat, ABC network. 

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)

*Headphones w/Audible codes (Headphones US only, Audiobook codes can be either US or UK Audible)

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)

*Jay Aheer prints (International)

*Signed paperback copy of Fighter (US only)

*Starbucks Giftcard (IF your country has a Starbucks and I can forward you an e-giftcard, you can win!)

*Jay Aheer prints (International)

*Signed paperback copy of The Messenger (US only)

*direct from prime (International) Something bookish!

*3 best selling eBooks —- Ann Lister (eBook copies of… Fall Again, Book 10 in The Rock Gods and A Rhythm You Feel, Book 1 in The Rock Gods: East Coast Label) Morticia Knight (eBook copy of In the Name of the Father)

*Storiarts Black Beauty fingerless writing gloves (US only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Running From My Heart (Rock Bottom Book 3) by Felice Stevens: New Release Review

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“Holding onto the past can hurt more than letting it go.”
People say six years is long enough to mourn the death of his husband but for Ross Miller, the pain is as fresh as if it happened yesterday. He’s left his glittering Hollywood life behind, yet guilt still dogs his steps, no matter how far he runs. Trapped by his past and needing to escape his well-meaning friends, he rents a cabin in the secluded Adirondack mountains. A reclusive man moves in next door and piques Ross’s interest, but his persistent attempts at friendship are rebuffed. That doesn’t stop him because the one rule Ross Miller has always lived by is to never take no for an answer.

Novelist Arden Wainwright has given up. He can’t pretend a happiness he knows he’ll never find again. Solitary days turn into years, and he remains frozen, unable to take a breath. At his wit’s end, he retreats to the mountains, but it does little to stir his creativity. He continues to hide from life and avoids his overly nosy neighbor, who insists on planting himself at Arden’s doorstep at every turn. Making friends is the last thing Arden wants, but annoying or not, he can’t get the damn man out of his mind.

Finding peace in their isolated surroundings, the two lonely men forge an unlikely friendship where they realize they’re more alike than different and better together than apart. With Ross’s help, Arden begins to rebuild the shattered pieces of his life, while Arden gives Ross the strength to face his fears and find his way home. When love comes calling you can choose to hide from hurt, loss, and pain, but if you take a chance and open the door, you might discover that running from your heart is the last thing you’ll want to do.
This book can be read as a stand alone but you may remember Ross, Foster’s best friend from Broken Silence, Book One of the Rock Bottom series.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Oh hey, guess what? This book will make you cry. A lot. More than once. So keep tissues handy.

I don’t usually read blurbs before I read a book by an author I’ve read before. So that first chapter was a bit of a gut punch. (Cue crying I spoke about). But a time jump moves us forward 6 years when Ross is now in a cabin and still grieving. But with a mask on. He ignores the people who “knew him then” and to strangers he seems happy go lucky. Including Arden.

Arden who went through his own terrible loss 5 years ago. He is also still grieving. Quite openly. He just wants to be left alone, but Ross is the annoying mosquito who won’t leave him alone.

And so they build a slow but tenuous friendship. Arden does seem to concede fairly easily, but he is also starved for company.

As much as I like Ross and Arden, I didn’t really get a spark from them. It seemed a bit one sided with Ross. But Arden…I don’t know. It was more like he just went with it because it was safe and comfortable and Ross would never question his grief.

I enjoyed the first half more than the second by far. During the second half there were several points when the book could have easily ended. I feel like it was stretched out a bit.

The setting was stunning. I loved watching 2 dyed in the wool New Yorkers get out in nature and enjoy it so much. With none of the stereotypical “I can’t sleep when it’s so quiet” or similar.

So I enjoyed it, it made me cry and I’ll definitely recommend, but it won’t go in my reread pile.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

 

 

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