Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

4.5 stars

To Whom It May Concern by A.M. Johnson: New Release Review

by

To whom it may concern,

I can’t be sure what you’re into, that being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading…

Ever since Clay Saxon’s parents passed away a year ago, he’s been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer’s block ever. But when Syrus Albie, aka yellow sweater guy, (you’ll see) walks into The End Book Store, Clay’s mundane little world turns to sunshine.

I don’t want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted as hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames.

Set in the For Him World, this standalone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection.

Sincerely yours, A.M. JOHNSON

To Whom It May Concern (For Him, Book 3.5)

By A.M. Johnson

 

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Although this is book 3.5, I’ve not read 1, 2 or 3. It isn’t necessary  but now I want to go back and read them. Clever author.

This book is just what I needed right now. Relatively short, interesting characters, each with a decent backstory that is explained quickly, a kind of slow burn (for a novella) but was then super hot.

Syrus is described as very introverted. But he is definitely quirky and wonder if he is actually on the autism spectrum. He also is a book narrator and a prolific reader. So it is kismet when he meets the author of his favorite book quite by accident AND he requests the rights to record that book from the author all within the span of a day or two.

Clay doesn’t know who Syrus is, but he is immediately drawn to him. So he shoots his shot with Sy and it lands. They are together often even though normally Sy prefers to be alone and Clay even gets him to try different foods.

This is a no angst, sweet, sexy little story that is just really good.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Style of Love by AJ Sherwood: New Release Review

by

Asher’s dream job: Interior design – check.

His dream boyfriend: Park Bo Gum – not check. Sadly.

Straight as a board, childhood bff Zar: check

Zar becoming his boyfriend: che–wait, what?!

Tags: Oh look a contemporary romance, GFY, Best friends to lovers, Dumbasses to lovers, not so much slowburn as two idiots standing around on fire, emotional baggage check, HGTV meets BL, family of choice, Asher needs a better family, Zar’s will adopt him, healthy choice making (and some impulsive ones), no angst here only cuddles, best friends giving The Talk, yes that one, Gage hates -coughlovescough- them, tropey tropes a lot, yaoi fangirls as co-workers leads to interesting situations, and sexy photoshoots, best supporting character goes to the dog, small town, Asher and Zar are so obvious there is a bet riding on them, Zar uses handcuffs for not sexy reasons, at least the first time, only one sledgehammer was sacrificed in the making of this book

Trigger warning: Toxic family members

Title: Style of Love

Series: Gay 4 Renovations Book #1

Author: AJ Sherwood

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

 

I called him as I walked—more like stomped—along the sidewalk. As soon as the call connected, I demanded, “Where are you?”

“Leaning against your car.” 

I almost stumbled over thin air. Had he seriously circled this entire area until he found my car? At least he realized we had to talk this out, though. It was smart of him to wait. I didn’t want to have this conversation over a phone. “Fine. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

“Okay.”

I vibrated in place, waiting for the walk sign at the crosswalk, then hurried across. I’d parked toward the back of the lot, away from most of the streetlights, so there wasn’t the best illumination back here. Still, enough light to see by, and I could see that Zar was good to his word. He was leaning against my car, legs crossed at the ankles, as if he had all the time in the world. That look was back on his face, too, the one that said he was hiding something from me. His eyes locked on me as I stalked over. 

“What the hell was that?” I demanded, coming in close enough to slam my portfolio on the trunk. 

“Me checking on you.”

“The hell it was. I realize it looked like a date at first glance, but I have never asked you to pull me out of a date with a man. It’s only when my mother tricks me that I call you in! So, I repeat, what the hell was that? You were acting jealous and possessive, like I was cheating on you. Even Wesley picked up on it, and he doesn’t know you at all.”

Zar stopped leaning against the car, turning to face me dead-on. “Maybe I was. Maybe I was feeling jealous and possessive.”

I had no words for a second. What the hell? Since when did my straight best friend care if I was on a date with a man? 

“Zar, I’m seriously lost here. What? What are you even thinking?”

“I think I’ve been fucking blind. I think I’ve ignored or found reasons for things that I shouldn’t have.”

“If you’re trying to be cryptic, congrats, you’ve succeeded. Now start making sense.” 

“I’m attracted to you, Ash.”

I stared at him, waiting for the words to make sense. They didn’t. I had literally been naked in front of this man several times and he’d never batted an eye, and now suddenly things had changed? The fuck?

“You don’t believe me,” Zar said with resignation. 

“Uh…no?” I kept staring at him, not sure where this was coming from. Or how I felt about this sudden declaration out of the blue. “No, I don’t. When the hell did you decide this?”

“Saturday made it clear to me.”

“Okay, no, Saturday was just us playing at being lovers—”

“Yeah, and that playing brought feelings out in me I didn’t realize were there. Ash, you have no idea how many times I almost kissed you.”

Ever get so startled you feel unbalanced, enough that you almost fall even though you’re standing still? Yeah. Me in that moment. “I’m sorry, what?!”

“Surprised the hell out of me too. I’ve thought about it, slept on it…hasn’t changed the realization any. I want you, Asher.” 

I’ve read the entire Scales ‘N’ Spells series this author wrote with Jocelynn Drake, and loved it, seriously just loved it. (If you haven’t read this series, go now…even if you don’t “do” dragons…worth all of it!) That being said, I really had no idea this author wrote contemporary too. But the blurb drew me in, and I didn’t want to put it down.

First, Ash and Zar…so dang cute! They honestly loved each other, before they were in love with each other. They were affectionate, touchy-feely, Zar was constantly bringing Ash lunch, or calling him in the morning. The only thing they didn’t do was actually have sex. Which is what the entire town knew…hence the board in the diner…just wait. 🙂 Zar had spent all their lives defending Ash, being there whenever he needed him, and never realized he wasn’t straight, but actually in love with  his best friend.

Zar, when he realized, he was all in, no question. Ash, on the other hand, took a bit of convincing. (BTW, him demanding that Zar come over at 6pm made me laugh so hard.) Ash didn’t think Zar could all of a sudden want him, without any sort of thoughts about it before the photoshoot, with the girls who just wanted a new model for their books.

Once Ash was convinced, the two were just even more sweet, and sexy. Everyone around them were all in, as well, except for Ash’s family, who were horrible people, and deserved more than they got as punishment for their awfulness.

One thing that I really liked, because it absolutely is a conversation that would be had was about how to define Zar’s sexuality. He didn’t know how to define it because Ash was the only man he’d ever wanted. So, it was just left as they were in a relationship, and no label. I loved that! There wasn’t a need to have Zar define himself.

This book had lots of laughs. The text group between the four partners of the renovation company made me laugh several times.

Gage: Guys, help. I’m having creation ideas above my skill level

Asher: Pfft that’s nothing, I have creation ideas above my motivation level

Cohen: I have them above my free time level

Riggs: I’m suddenly glad I’m not the creative type

Asher: Bragging is unbecoming

The four partners in this company clearly had a lot of love and respect for each other, despite their many differences, and it was hilarious to watch. I cannot wait to read the next book (I’m guessing Cohen).

Oh, and BFG…we all need a BFG.

Really enjoyed this one.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She’s often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
 
She currently resides in Michigan with aforementioned cats and dogs.

Get social with AJ Sherwood: 

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/580361995783229/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ajsherwoodwrites 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherwoodwrites/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherwoodwrites 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajsherwood_author 

Website: https://www.ajsherwood.com/ 

Stronger Than Hope (Chesapeake Days, #1) by Katherine McIntyre: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Reviews and Giveaways

by

One man looking to set down roots, the other looking to leave…

Fresh out of a relationship, Nate’s searching for a change—what better way is there than renovating his uncle’s old coffee shop in Chesapeake City? He has a new job, in a new town, and a new lease. And when he almost runs over his hot neighbor, Linc, who happens to be his contractor? Well, based on the explosive attraction between them, maybe he’ll find something new there too.

Linc’s been treading water ever since his wife passed away in childbirth, focusing all of his energy on raising his son, Beckett. The obvious solution? He needs to get the hell out of Chesapeake City. But when Nate charmingly fumbles his way into Linc’s life, he finds his defenses lowering for the first time in years. One date leads to another, and hell, this man makes him feel in ways he’d forgotten.

Even though Nate just finished piecing his heart back together, he falls fast. Yet Linc’s made it clear he’s a bad bet. The man hasn’t clicked with anyone since his wife, and if Nate ends up being “not enough” again, that won’t shatter just his heart—the fragile home he’s trying to build in this town will crumble too.

Title: Stronger Than Hope

Author: Katherine McIntyre

Series: Chesapeake Days, #1

Genre: Gay Romance

Release Date: March 5, 2022

Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing

Cover Designer: BookSmith Design

Amazon

iTunes

Kobo 

B&N

Goodreads

Stronger Than Passion (Chesapeake Days #2)

Linc stood, and Nate took that as his cue, rising beside him. A second later, Linc slid in front of him and glanced back. The corner of his mouth quirked in the faintest grin.

“Hop on,” he said, gesturing to his back. “I’ve got something to prove at this point.”

Nate’s mouth dried with want, even as his nerves took over. “No way, I’m not going to be responsible for wrecking your back. I need you to do the remodel on my business, remember?”

“Do it, do it,” Nico chanted behind him, like the devil incarnate.

Linc leaned forward a bit, knees bent at the ready. Goddamn, the man looked delicious, his defined arms as biteable as ever. Nate glanced over to Sarah, who offered a thumbs-up with a cheeky grin, and he rolled his eyes at her.

“Fine,” he murmured and placed his hands on Linc’s shoulders. Within seconds, the man grabbed his legs and hoisted him up. The strong grip around his thighs felt even better than he’d fantasized. Hoots and hollers sounded from the bar as he leaned in, his chest pressed against Linc’s back. The two drinks had nothing to do with the way his mind dizzied right now.

Linc began to carry him out, moving forward with steady strength he should’ve expected, given the man’s livelihood. Nate settled against him, his body lined flush against Linc’s, thighs wrapped around his hips. He dug his fingers in a little tighter as Linc hoofed down the stairs with him on his back. The bumpy way his crotch brushed against Linc’s back had his cock growing hard, something he’d be more mortified about if he didn’t have the pleasant buzz of alcohol numbing him. Nate let out a helpless laugh at the ridiculousness. He’d never expected the spontaneous move from Linc, but damn was it hot.

Hello, hot cover!

I love a good single dad story and this one didn’t disappoint.

Linc has lived in the small town of Chesapeake Bay his entire life. Married his high school sweetheart and had his whole life planned in the town where his parents lived, and his parents parents lived and he was all set to live the rest of his life with his little family forever. However, life doesn’t always work out the way we intend for it to and the loss of his wife during the birth of their son had him stuck in a familiar cycle of casual hookups when the need arose, but otherwise, he was just trying to survive being a single dad in a town where everybody knows everybody and their mama’s.
I live in one of those tows so it was all too relatable LOL

What Linc isn’t prepared for, is the new neighbor, new job that he’d just signed on to, and being completely charmed and smitten with the clumsy softy that is Nate McAlister.

Nate is new to town after an inherited coffee shop comes just in the nick of time. Still reeling from a bad breakup, Nate wasn’t at all looking for the butterflies in his stomach every time he runs into local handyman, Linc, or his adorable little boy that he knows Linc lives for.

The two kick up a quick friendship that naturally turns into a little more, though Linc is honest with about what he wants and how his very first priority will forever be his little boy.
Is that not the cutest?!
Don’t even answer, it is.

Unfortunately, moving on from a great love is hard. Finding a new normal is hard. Coming to terms with a new love is hard. Inviting that love to meet and know and love your child is hard. Figuring out your life after you already had it figured out and then refiguring it to include someone else… is hard.

And I admired Linc so much for how well he navigated it, even though, as an outside, I was like….nope, that’s not good, don’t do that…. a time or two… I knew he’d work it out in the end, and not only because Nate was so worth it and I knew that he knew that, but also because, you could feel how much he cared about Linc from the moment they met.
With every charming glint in his eye to the sexy smirks and the soft looks… even when he didn’t think he’d be able to give him more or even want more, he couldn’t help it.

I loved everything about this story, from beginning to end. I do wish we’d have gotten a smack down drag out with the old manager of the coffee shop but the satisfaction that we did get was enough LOL I’m just petty.

Overall, I adored this story and I cannot wait to see who’s next.
I reeeeally hope it’s Nico! <3

5 pieces of eye candy

What a fantastic story! The fact that Linc, after such a tragic beginning to his son’s life, was still raising his son in the town he grew up in, met and fell in love  with his wife in and still had so many memories in, was such a challenge for him. And who could blame him for wanting to leave Chesapeake? He had spent his entire life there, and felt like the only thing left for him was a new start, where no one knew him.

Meanwhile, Nate was starting a new life as well, and needed Linc’s help to get his new start moving in the right direction. He falls for Linc fairly quickly, but Linc just doesn’t think he can ever get past the great love of his life, and certainly would never have another one. Also, Nate is just super adorable! (And definitely did not like conflict, which ended up leading to some huge conflict!)

This story was not just sweet (and definitely smokin’), it really did tell the story about how someone can be lost, and still continue through each day, until something wakes them back up. Linc was a person lost, just trying to keep himself afloat for his son. Meanwhile, Nate wormed his way into both Linc and his son’s hearts, even as Linc wasn’t aware it was happening.

This book really touched me with the depth of Linc’s pain, and his working out of it, without even knowing he was doing just that. Sometimes grief is a cloud that stays with us, until the sun peaks through and gives us a glimpse of a new day. Linc needed that, and seeing his unwillingness to try that seemed appropriate for his situation. He had lost so much, and just needed that sunshine.

Also, that mean old woman…she deserved so much more than she got…but isn’t that sometimes the way of life? 🙂

I just loved the story. 4.5 pieces of eye candy

Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—and there’s an equally high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As an eternal geek and tomboy who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there, from different cultures and races to all varieties of men and women.

Want to be an active part of the ‘making of’ process? Join my FACEBOOK SQUAD

or sign up for my PATREON for exclusive freebie reads and all sorts of awesome perks!

Connect with Katherine:
Website: http://www.katherine-mcintyre.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kmcintyreauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/pixierants
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6473654.Katherine_McIntyre
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Katherine-McIntyre/e/B00J8U4VNU
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/duIScb
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katherine-mcintyre
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorkmcintyre

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Code Blue by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

by

Steve Frost had dreams of wearing the national championship belt in mixed martial arts, maybe even going pro, but instead, finds himself working as a security guard for the rich and famous in LA.

Quickly earning a reputation for his blunt and precise people management skills, he lands a position on the security team for an up-and-coming boyband, Atrous. Years later, he’s head of security. He knows these boys, and with countless tours, flights, car trips, public events, concerts, he’s closer to one band member in particular.

Jeremy’s been a pillar for Atrous since day one, but even more so these last few months. Now the face of the band more than ever, he’s also got himself the attention of a delusional stalker-fan.

When the fame and stress become too much, when Jeremy’s health takes a hit, Steve becomes Jeremy’s lifeline. But as Jeremy knows already, and as Steve is about to learn, not even the brightest star can shine forever.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I was eagerly awaiting this book! After reading Code Red- which focuses on a band of 5 male members- I knew I wanted more after Maddox got his HEA. But Maddox was the only member who identified as gay. The other four identified as straight. And while a lot of readers seemed to really want a Blake and Luke (BLUKE!) story, instead we get Jeremy. Which is fine with me. “Bluke” would have been an easy way out, if that makes sense. With Jeremy we get his struggle with identity as well as a stalker and a medical problem. All with Steve, the head of security, living with him and making him struggle with said identity.

Something else I really liked about this book is that it is after book 1, but several years have passed. So other relationships have formed, the band has continued on, etc.

This is definitely a slow burn, but it is SOOOOO worth it. Steve is gay, but not out. Not necessarily in the closet but he works so much he wouldn’t have time for a relationship anyway so why bother? Steve started crushing on Jeremy in the first book at least so we have a few years of unrequited feels right there.

Jeremy gets mad at himself- and Steve- for the feelings he is developing because he is straight. He finds no other men sexually attractive. But he also hasn’t hooked up with a woman in a while. BECAUSE OF STEVE. It was kind of cute when he got pouty about the feelings he didn’t understand.

Add a stalker into the mix and some sketchy health issues and Jeremy’s life is kind of fubar. The stalker story line turned out to be pretty interesting at the end when it was all connected and tied up. At one point I was thinking, meh, that’s it? Silly me.

We get plenty of the guys together as well. They are truly a brotherhood of men who love each other fiercely. The book takes place after an 8 week world tour so at least they are home and generally in one place.

Couple other things: Steve-sexual cracked me up. Roscoe and Maddox are still swoony. Why is it so sexy when a main character plays the piano in the middle of the night and the other watches him in secret? Sigh

Honestly, this book is the perfect ending to Atrous. There’s no drawn out thing of maybe this one will be gay or bi, etc. There was closure, the guys were happy and the epilogue was absolutely EPIC.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Sapphire Sunset by C. Travis Rice: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

by

For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice writes as C. Travis Rice. Under his new pen name, Rice offers tales of passion, intrigue, and steamy romance between men. The first novel, SAPPHIRE SUNSET, transports you to a beautiful luxury resort on the sparkling Southern California coast where strong-willed heroes release the shame that blocks their heart’s desires.

Logan Murdoch is a fighter, a survivor, and a provider. When he leaves a distinguished career in the Marine Corps to work security at a luxury beachfront resort, he’s got one objective: pay his father’s mounting medical bills. That means Connor Harcourt, the irresistibly handsome scion of the wealthy family that owns Sapphire Cove, is strictly off limits, despite his sassy swagger and beautiful blue eyes. Logan’s life is all about sacrifices; Connor is privilege personified. But temptation is a beast that demands to be fed, and a furtive kiss ignites instant passion, forcing Logan to slam the brakes. Hard.

Haunted by their frustrated attraction, the two men find themselves hurled back together when a headline-making scandal threatens to ruin the resort they both love. This time, there’s no easy escape from the magnetic pull of their white hot desire. Will saving Sapphire Cove help forge the union they crave, or will it drive them apart once more?

Amazon

Apple Books

Nook

Kobo

Google Play

Goodreads

“Wow.” Logan’s voice echoed through the rocky chamber.

Here, the sounds of the ocean surf softened into something that was more like a gurgling brook. What whitecaps the cave’s mouth captured were filtered down into something frothy and inviting amidst the labyrinth of low rocks within. The basic security lights at foot level threw a soft golden light across the metal struts that secured the rock ceiling overhead.

“I used to come here all the time as a kid with my friends,” Connor said nervously. “There’re all kinds of caverns back here we used to play and hide in before my mom found out and busted us. She still has no idea they don’t go that deep. She still thinks you could get lost in here. But I’ve got an excellent sense of direction.”

“Do you?”

“Yeah, I usually know where things are headed.”

“Makes sense, I guess. Your life’s kinda laid out for you, right? You’ll probably run this place someday, right? Heir apparent and all that.”

“Oh, God. Do they still call me the prince?” Connor turned, resting his butt against the guardrail so he could focus on Logan.

“Kinda.”

“Is that a good thing? Should I be annoyed by that?”

“Better to be the prince than a peasant, I guess,” Logan said.

“Are those really the only two choices?”

Logan laughed, but there was relief in it. As if Connor’s snarky response had shined a light on possibilities he hadn’t seen before now. “I guess not.”

“Whatever. I’ll let it go.”

Silence then, save for the gurgling of the sea pushing its way past them and deeper into the cave.

Connor rested his elbows on the rail on either side of him, an attempt to look casual even though the sight of Logan leaning against the cave wall, hands in his pockets, studying Connor with a half smile made Connor feel welded in place. “All right, your turn.”

“My turn for what?” Logan asked.

“I told you mine, and my grandpa’s. What’s your magic moment?”

“Okay.” Logan straightened. “So if I remember correctly, it’s like a moment when you’re doing something you love and you feel the most satisfied by it. Is that right?”

“Exactly.” Connor was thrilled that Logan had listened so closely.

“Well, my life is kind of starting over, so I’m kind of figuring out what it is I love to do. Kickboxing’s up there, but that’s more of a fast and furious kind of thing, and the high is mostly when I’m done. Not sure there’s really a magic hour there. There was some stuff about the Marines that I loved, especially once I was a staff sergeant and I was in the zone for gunnery sergeant. But a lot of it was tough, and a lot to hold.”

“I’m sure.”

When Logan started toward him through the shadows, Connor’s breath caught. His feet felt planted to the boards, and the sides of his face got tingly and hot.

“So if I had to pick,” Logan said, “I’d pick this one.”

“Walking rounds?”

“No. I’d pick the moment when I’m finally all alone with a guy who drives me wild, and I know we’re about to kiss, but I’m not sure when. So there’s this tension in the air, and I can feel it. Everywhere.”

They were inches apart now, so close Connor had to look up at him to maintain eye contact.

“And we’re both circling, waiting for the right moment. And I’m trying to take it kinda slow because I know one little touch”—Logan gently grazed Connor’s cheek with the side of one finger—“and it might turn into a lot more than a kiss. But first, there’s a promise to be kept.”

“What promise is that?” Connor asked in a squeaky whisper.

“I believe you promised me a dance.”

“Or you promised me one.”

“Either way, seems like time.”

This is a LONG book, almost 500 pages. However, I will say that it really doesn’t feel that long when you are reading it. It actually went really quickly. I’ll also say I haven’t read anything by this author before, but of course needed to give this one a shot, considering who the author was.

I really loved this book. I loved the story. Love the characters, and even the setting was beautiful. These two MC’s were so well written, and given a really strong backstory, which helped in understanding the reasons why they did the things they did in that first period of time.

One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book was how Connor and Logan had a chance, five years previous to the main portion of the book. They clearly had a love at first sight meeting, spending time together that night, kissing, before Logan remembered that his priority needed to be his job, and his father. Although it wasn’t necessarily a prologue (it was a little to long for that) that first section of the book had me crying. However, it was easy to understand how Logan felt such a need to take care of the man who loved and truly cared for him, despite the things that could have made him NOT love his son.

Connor needed a chance to grow up a bit, as well, become the man he would have liked to have been, but would never have been able to at that point in time. That piece just worked so well.

When they meet up five years later, after the initial “I hate you”, etc, they really did well trying to figure out how to make a relationship work for them.

There’s a particularly bad guy, who you end up feeling a little sorry for, and a really nasty lady, who it’s hard to feel sorry for her, but you still do a little. But of course, love and happily ever after win in the end.

My one little peeve with the book was the vocabulary. There was a lot of vocabulary used that I don’t think would have necessarily come out of a man who didn’t go to college, and spent time in the Marine Corp. But I suspended that belief, because I just loved the characters so much.

I definitely am looking forward to any future book in this series.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

C. Travis Rice is the pseudonym New York Times bestselling novelist Christopher Rice devotes to steamy tales of romance between men. Christopher has published multiple bestselling books in multiple genres and been the recipient of a Lambda Literary Award. With his mother, Anne Rice, he is an executive producer on the AMC Studios adaptations of her novels The Vampire Chronicles and The Lives of the Mayfair Witches. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist, Eric Shaw Quinn, he runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network, TDPS, which you can find at www.TheDinnerPartyShow.com.

Connect with C. Travis Rice

Website: http://www.christopherricebooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.rice.writer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisricewriter

Luke: Learning to Love #3 by Con Riley: RB, Release Day Review and Giveaway

by

Can Luke learn to love the man who left him?

Headmaster Luke Lawson is committed to saving his boarding school before a cash crisis sinks it. He’ll do anything to keep it afloat, even if that means accepting help from the man who broke his heart at uni.

Nathan’s offer to teach for free could be a blessing as long as Luke can harden his bruised heart. That’s tough when they’ll need to share living quarters and have a history of hook-ups. But Luke knows being compatible in bed isn’t enough to build trust. It can’t be when Nathan has always left him before morning.

This time around, it feels different. Nathan’s work overseas has changed him. Touched him. Opened a locked chamber in his heart that Luke is beginning to think must have been bruised in the past too.

As pressure mounts, can Luke trust that Nathan’s committed this time—not only to his school but to a shared future with him long term?

♥ Featuring a second chance at first love in close proximity, Luke is the third standalone novel in the Learning to Love series. Set in England’s glorious county of Cornwall, each book has a fulfilling happily ever after. ♥

CW: Non-explicit mentions of childhood anxieties.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Book #1 – Charles

Book #2 – Sol

Book #4 – Austin (Out June 23)

Oh how I have been waiting for Luke to get his happily ever after! Always so stoic, worried about the school and the students. He sacrificed everything he could for that school and those kids. He always seemed so grumpy in the previous books, but it was really the weight of everything he took on.

We finally get Luke’s background story when it is his turn to speak about career paths. What led him to that path was his background. The author is just so good with sucking us in to the pain and trauma without really telling us EXACTLY what caused the pain and trauma. I mean, from previous books we know what happened with Sol’s nephew and we learn about another student. But it is never explicit. It certainly doesn’t mean you aren’t going to feel it.

With all of this, Luke is trying to make something real with Nathan. The college friend/roommate/friends with benefits he has had for years. Nathan works with Syrian refugees normally so it isn’t like he is in England often. But Luke decided he was worth more than being a port in a storm. And Nathan agrees.

And of course he is still trying to save the school, especially since they sent an accountant to look over everything and he isn’t very positive about the outlook.

Luke and Nathan learn more and more about each other. Showing that their previous relationship wasn’t deep at all. But they both held back. Each for their own reasons.

Let me tell you this book hit me in the FEELS and made me cry more than once. I love a book that can make me feel so deeply, to think about the characters even after I’ve closed the book for the night and desperate for my 9pm reading time the next night.

This can be a stand alone, but really you need to read the first two. They are excellent as well, but Luke is my favorite.

4.5 pieces of candy

CON RILEY lives on the wild and wonderful Welsh coast, with her head in the clouds and her feet in the ocean. 

Injury curtailed her enjoyment of outdoor pursuits, so writing fiction now fills her free time. Love, loss, and redemption shape her romance stories, and her characters are flawed in ways that make them live and breathe. 

When not people-watching or reading, she spends time staring at the sea from her kitchen window. If you see her, don’t disturb her — she’s probably thinking up new plots.

FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/458421868222590

TWITTER: twitter.com/con_riley

INSTA: instagram.com/con_riley

BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/con-riley

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: amazon.com/Con-Riley/e/B00F8GT35Oa Rafflecopter giveaway