Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

4 stars

Forever by Kindle Alexander: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most—the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life.

For Tech Sergeant Landon Russo, determination isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Joining the US Air Force allows him to prove his worth, and he takes the values of integrity, service and excellence to heart in every decision he makes. Until on one fateful night, in celebration of a much-deserved promotion, a simple misstep sends his life flying into a tailspin.

As both men fight to regain control of their lives, they’ll soon discover fate rules. Will they ignore the signs and risk everything or will they take a chance and trust they’re destined to be together…forever?

Title: Forever
Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: M/M Romance

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Cover Design: Reese Dante Book Cover Art & Design

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Always

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I will start this review off with, Kindle had a nearly impossible task with this book as a follow up to Always, at least for me. Always broke me, as a reader, literally broke me. It is one of only two books I’ve ever read that gave me that “book hangover”. I couldn’t read for days. I did the lock thing (KA knows exactly what I am talking about). I cried, and smiled and couldn’t have thought any other book would ever do that to me again. (As I said, only one other did that).

This book did not do that to me. And I’m really glad. 🙂 I wanted Robert’s book to make me happy from beginning to end. I wanted joy for him, considering all that he, his fathers and Autumn had gone through. I got exactly what I wanted. Yes, there was angst, but it wasn’t crazy angst, it was life, just life.

I cried with this book, for sure. Oh, I spent a bit of time curled up on the couch with tissues next to me. But all I ever wanted was Robert’s HEA. And it was hard fought. Landon did not acquiesce easily. Robert, being the gentleman he was, waited and loved and respected, but giving up wasn’t in his vocabulary.

They definitely had their ups and down, what couple doesn’t? But family is what both these men have had in spades around them, and they allow that family to buffer and assist. (Kennedy and Landon’s connection when they first meet is so heartfelt…grab the tissues!). And the little touches of the feathers…hit me in the feels!

As I said, I knew that following up Always would be a tough task, but this is a strong second in the series, which shows the love and devotion these two men have for each other, a love they fought for. Kindle can write men who love hard, and don’t waver in that love. This book definitely did that. They loved each other, basically from day 1, and just could never let go.

Highly recommend this one. I also highly recommend Always!

4.5 pieces of eye candy…or feathers. 😉

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it’s true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women’s hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life – I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations – regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal… I don’t want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I’m going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I’ll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died – weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn’t have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It’s everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness – it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It’s its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn’t be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

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Four Letter Word by K.M. Neuhold: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

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Relationships are hard enough between two people…can the four of us make it work? Or is love nothing more than a four letter word?

Polyamory…the first time Riot says the word, it feels like everything slots into place. Maybe I’m not greedy for loving both of my best friends at once…

For most of my life, I didn’t think I could ever have the kind of love I’ve been dreaming of, but somehow a sexy bartender with a major sweet tooth is making it all seem possible.

Maybe Riot is right: our capacity for love is bigger than most people let themselves feel. But will Leo and Hudson feel the same? Will they be willing to try to build this beautiful, complicated life with me?

If I can keep them from ripping each other’s heads off that is…

*** This is book two in the Love Logic series and can be read as a stand-alone. This is a MMMM story full of love and heat.

Four Letter Word

Love Logic Series, Book 2

KM Neuhold

M/M/M/M Romance, Menage

Release Date: 03.20.20

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Universal Buy Link

Rocket Science (Love Logic Book 1)

“Bish, hold up,” Hudson says, wrapping his thick fingers around my bicep to pull me to a stop. My heart beats harder at his touch, everything in me insisting I melt into him and give him anything he wants. After all, it’s what I want too.

I swallow hard and turn to face him. “What’s up?” I ask as casually as I can manage.

He steps closer, crowding into my space until all I can feel is the warmth of his body and all I can smell is his spicy whiskey body soap and a hint of the alcohol on his breath. He cups my face, and the move is so familiar at this point I don’t think I could keep myself from leaning into it if I tried.

“Come home with me?” he asks, his voice a low murmur that vibrates through me and strokes my cock awake without any effort.

“I…” My brain is foggy from the booze, but more than that, my body is quickly getting drunk on Hudson’s closeness. If I say yes, I know we’ll have a fun night together. He knows exactly how to touch me, exactly how to make me come so hard I’ll see stars for hours. I sway into him, my cock fully hard just thinking about how Hudson’s bare skin feels against mine. “Have to go home…alone.”

Hudson’s shoulders sag. He strokes his thumb across my cheek without saying a word and I wonder if he’s hoping to change my mind. His hot breath ghosts over my lips a fraction of a second before his mouth is on mine. I brace for a hungry onslaught, steeling myself to refuse him again no matter how good the kiss is. But, to my surprise, his lips move slowly against mine, which is strangely harder to resist than if he shoved his tongue down my throat and started grinding his erection against me. I put my hands on his chest, curling my fingers around the fabric of his shirt and parting my lips to deepen the kiss.

It’s entirely too easy to get lost in the sweet rhythm of his mouth, the familiar taste of his tongue, the comforting feeling of his body against mine.

He breaks the kiss without warning and I drag in a breath in an attempt to get my thoughts back in the right order. 

I’m fairly certain I have read at least one of this author’s books before. I liked it, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression to go search out other titles. But this became available and I am always intrigued with how an author tackles polyamory. Because it can be really good, or really, really bad. And this one, was really good.

Bishop, Leo and Hudson were best friends practically since diapers. But when they were teenagers, Leo and Hudson- forever in one competition or another- want to know who kisses better. So they ask Bishop to judge. And from that moment, Bishop knew he was in love with his 2 best friends.

Flash forward 16 years. Although, the timeline was a little wonky for me. But it hardly matters. Anyway. Bishop is still in love with his best friends, even though his best friends no longer speak to each other. He hooks up with the hot bartender one night, but doesn’t want to lead him on. Because of that pesky unrequited love for two men. Until Riot- the bartender- explains polyamory. Suddenly things start clicking into place.

Over the course of the book, relationships are formed. As a whole, and as individual couples. There’s math involved to tell me how many couples there are, but that is too much work. But the author does take the time to nurture and grow each individual relationship. Without being too long, boring, or tedious. No one was left behind. No one came out as the alpha couple. They were all equals. After some past hurts were worked out. That past hurt between Leo and Hudson was kind of anticlimactic to me, but it is what it is.

If you want an honest, loving, really good look at polyamory and what it means to all parties involved, this is the book for you. Because polyamory doesn’t mean just a foursome, but all individual relationships cherished within.

4 pieces of eye candy

Author K.M.Neuhold is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely- and sometimes damaged- men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she’s not writing she’s a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero…just kidding, she’s likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

 linktr.ee/KMNeuhold

Zero Divergence by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Zero Divergence, noun: no deviation from a course or standard.

After a key piece of evidence goes missing, a suspected serial rapist and killer evades prosecution. More than Royce Locke’s reputation is on the line when his investigation into the failed chain of custody suggests Franco Humphries might’ve had inside help. There’s no one Royce trusts more than Sawyer Key to help him right a wrong and uncover the traitor in their midst, but can they do it before the Savannah Strangler strikes again?

Relentless plus fearless equals flawless. Sawyer and Royce have come full circle—from hostile strangers to best friends and lovers. Neither a sniper’s bullet nor an arsonist’s fire could keep them apart, but what about a psychopath hell bent on revenge? The stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now because the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.

Zero Divergence is the conclusion to the best-selling Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series you MUST read in order. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.

Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.

Zero Divergence

Zero Hour Series, Book 3

Aimee Nicole Walker

M/M Romance/Mystery

Release Date: 03.17.20

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Artist: Jay Aheer

Models: Jacob and Steven

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“Oh my god,” he said as the chocolate cake melted in his mouth. “I need this for every occasion.”

“I’ll bake it once a week if you promise to listen to orders from now on,” Royce said, taking a bite for himself. 

Sawyer met Royce’s stormy eyes. “I’ll agree to that if you promise not to give stupid orders.” He opened his mouth like a baby bird, and Royce gave him another bite. It was somehow more delicious than the first.

“No more burning buildings,” Royce groused. 

“It wasn’t burning when I ran into it,” Sawyer countered. “You ran into the burning building.” He couldn’t be mad at Royce, because chances were, he’d be dead if Royce hadn’t risked his own life to pull Sawyer out of the inferno. 

“So insubordinate.” 

They stared at one another in a silent battle of wills for a few seconds before a big yawn ruined Sawyer’s fierce expression. “We’ll resume this after I take a power nap.” Smiling, Royce leaned forward to set the plate on the coffee table, but Sawyer stopped him. “But not until after I eat more cake.” 

Royce aimed a cocky grin at him. “Got you hooked now.”

“You have no idea.”

Have you read books 1 and 2? No? Stop. Close this window, go back, read them, then you can read this review. If you have read books 1 and 2, please continue.

I’m not going to rehash the first two books. But I definitely couldn’t wait for this one.

Sawyer is recovering from his burns while Locke is still working at trying to prove that a serial rapist and murderer just walked free. And there is a new chief of police and two new rookies he is babysitting. With the help of an eclectic group of people, we follow the trail.

I really liked how this book really delved into the plot. Who did it. Who helped them do it. Why did they help them do it. How are they going to catch them and PROVE that they did it. It definitely kept me turning the pages.

It got twisty and turny but all roads finally led to the well thought out conclusion. It was absolutely satisfying and not rushed or finished off cleanly just for the sake of it.

Don’t worry, fans of the sexy times. There was still plenty.

Locke also finally gets some closure surrounding Marcus’ death. It was difficult and painful and I shed some tears. But again, it was thoughtfully done and not just an easy answer.

This is a must read conclusion to a fun and engaging series.

4 pieces of eye candy

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you 

https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

Universal Series Buy Link: http://mybook.to/ZeroHourSeries

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Forgotten (Heaven and Hell Club, Book 2) by Colette Davison: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Can he build a future, when he’s forgotten his past?

Jared has fought hard to achieve something close to ‘normal’. Needing to get away from his well-meaning but suffocating family, he follows a message he wrote on a scrap of paper to a new city, hoping to find a missing piece of his past.

When Kyrone, a cocky pole dancer at the Heaven and Hell Club, saunters into the tattoo parlour Jared works in, his life is turned upside down again. A passionate one night stand turns into something unexpected for both men. But life is never simple as they work out if they can have a future beyond what has been forgotten.

Forgotten is an MM romance with hurt/comfort, a small age gap, and two men who need to learn to be true to themselves. It is the second book in the Heaven and Hell Club series and, whilst it can be read as a standalone, works better if read after Broken.

Title: Forgotten (Heaven and Hell Club, Book 2)

Author: Colette Davison

Release Date: March 25, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Hurt/comfort, disabled MC, small age-gap, one night stand to lovers

Themes: Being true to yourself, trusting in others

Length: 75 000 words

Heat Rating: 3-4 flames

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“I tell you what,” Kyrone said. “I’ll jump into the shower and then nip to the corner shop to get us something more substantial and healthier for breakfast. You can take a shower while I’m gone. How does that sound?”

Jared glanced at the pile of their clothes on the floor. He didn’t much fancy putting on dirty, slept-in clothes straight after a shower.

“I need to put some laundry on,” Kyrone said. “So I’ll throw your clothes in too.”

“What am I meant to wear in the meantime?”

“Nothing?” Kyrone asked hopefully. “I don’t mind if you wander around my flat naked.”

Jared laughed and shook his head.

“I’ve got a top you can wear.” Kyrone pursed his lips. “I’m pretty sure my underwear and jeans will swamp you, though.”

“Probably,” Jared agreed.

Kyrone extricated himself from beneath Jared and moved to an oversized chest of drawers. He rummaged through the drawers for a couple of minutes, giving Jared an unobstructed view of the man’s lean back and taut arse. With a small cheer, Kyrone pulled out a huge round-neck jumper with wide stripes in two contrasting shades of grey. It looked too big for Kyrone, let alone Jared.

Kyrone threw it across to him. “That should cover you up.”

“It still feels like you’re trying to hold me hostage for the afternoon,” Jared said in a teasing tone. “I can’t exactly go home, wearing nothing but an oversized jumper.”

Kyrone knelt on the bed, leaning forward onto his hands, his face close to Jared’s. “Do you want to go home?” he asked in a soft, low tone that made Jared shiver.

“No.”

“Then I don’t see a problem, do you?”

Alright…so, I’m jumping into this at book two, without reading the first one and I feel, especially from the reviews I’ve gone back and read, that skipping the first one was a huge mistake. Unfortunately, I’m an emotional basketcase, so I didn’t think I could handle it. I’ve just gotten it though, and because I loved this story so much, I’m jumping into it.

Now, in saying how much I adored this heartbreaking story… I did not think I would feel that way. Kyrone is not my kind of guy. I don’t know if he played any part in book one, but he starts off just very conceited and full of himself and I was put off of him immediately. Meeting him when he was going to get a tattoo at Ink Envy, where Jared is apprenticing under his boss, Faye.

The guys are smitten with each other and at first, it’s meant to be a good time, though that only lasts about the first time. Kyrone does a complete 180 and gone is the good-time guy who loves attention and thinks only about himself… and when he notices Jared isn’t well, he drops everything to take care of him, even if it means the good times need to be put on hold. He’s endlessly patient and understanding and is really such a sweet support for Jared.

Jared, my heart kind of broke for. After a terrible accident, Jared wasn’t sure who he was anymore, but he was coping as best as he could with this new normal and trying to be as independent as his illness allowed him. Getting away from his overly hovering parents helped, as did getting a job and the work he spent on getting himself better, but it was still hard doing it by himself. Fortunately, he meets Kyrone, and even though he didn’t want to be a burden on him, he needed Kyrone and Kyrone was happy to be the one he leaned on when he needed someone to lean on.

There’s a part, probably a little insignificant to most who read it, but when Jared repeated this line “Then I won’t hold you to it if keeping that promise makes you miserable” … I could see every reason Kyrone fell in love with him.

I was really surprised by Jared’s parents too, they weren’t at all the way I pictured them. I’m anxious to get into Jag’s story because I knew from the moment he was reading the book, that he had some kind of tie to Jared, I just dind’t understand how heartbreaking it was. I cannot wait to jump into that emotional bag of terrorism. I have a feeling it’s going to ruin my weekend, but in the best way. I really hope there are more in this series, I’d love to see what happens with the rest of the guys at the club!!

And what a sweet ending! It was perfect!

4 pieces of eye candy

Let me get this out of the way. If the author did research on tattoo apprenticeships or tattoo parlors, it wasn’t well done. A reputable tattoo artist doesn’t just pluck someone out of a coffee shop because they like his art and give him a paying job. Apprentices PAY to work at a tattoo shop to get training. And tattoo shops don’t work bankers hours. They don’t open at 10 and close at 5 or 6. Ya it was convenient for the story, but details like that bug me.

On to the story. I was kind of expecting something nefarious about the accident that took Jared’s memory. But the details were really anti climatic. Kyrone really bugged me at the beginning, although he did end up growing on me the more he was with Jared and took care of him.

This is a tough review because I did like the story, but it was the details that took me out of it so much. There were also a few time line issues (day of the week, etc).

Jared and Kyrone are absolutely adorable together, there’s no denying that at all. Although they moved fast, the progression of their relationship was well written. I was shocked there wasn’t more with Jared’s family and there was nothing with previous friends. Friends before his accident. Details. The devil is in the details.

If you can look past the little things (that clearly I can’t) it’s a good story with likable characters. Jared’s injury is explained well and obviously researched. They are an adorable couple with great chemistry, banter and romance. The date that Kryone took Jared on was fabulous. There is a lot of good in the book and worth a read.

It’s book 2, but it is easily a stand alone.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

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Rules to Follow (Davey’s Rules Book 1) by Susan Hawke: Quick Review

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Davey’s Rule #86: A good Daddy will never lie to his boy… even by omission.

Travis Miller has a pretty solid life in the small California beach town he calls home. He’s working his way up in the district attorney’s office, he owns a home with an ocean view, and he has close ties with his family. Life is good. If only he could find a sweet boy to call his own, life would be… perfect.

Adam Nichols’ life has never been easy. Growing up in foster care taught him to be strong, so finding himself in a violent relationship was a shock. Now that he’s finally free of it, he faces new problems. He’s jobless, homeless, and terrified of starting from scratch.

With a little help from an old friend, Adam discovers a whole new world. He goes from rock bottom to renting a room from a hot assistant DA and working at Daddy’s Lap, a kink club that opens his vanilla eyes to things he’d never imagined. His new roommate is a balm to Adam’s damaged soul. The tender way Travis cares for him is almost like the Daddy kink community he’s seen at the club. But Travis isn’t a Daddy… right? If he were, surely he’d have said so.

What happens when a lie by omission threatens to bring their budding relationship tumbling down around them? Will Travis ever be able to earn Adam’s trust again?

This is the first book in a new series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys,” and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book. Possible trigger for references to domestic violence.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Okay, so I’m new to the daddy trope, but I’m definitely intrigued.

In this one, we have Adam, who when we meet him, he’s waking up from an abusive situation and knows that he has to get out or the next time he may not get a chance. Having nowhere else to go, he text his college roommate and even though it’s been a couple of years, Davey accepts him with open arms.

Davey is hilarious in a completely over the top way that I would think would get a little obnoxious, but you can’t help but love him. He has the best heart and would do anything for those he cares about, including Adam, who helps get a job at the club he works at that caters to Daddies of all types. It’s new to Adam, but he’s intrigued by it as well. Wanting to get back on his feet, he’s also introduced to Travis, a member of the club and a respected Daddy.

The thing that confused me is, Adam doesn’t know that Travis is a Daddy or that he knows anything about it, but when he admits that he heard Davey talking about him with his boss, where did he think they were talking at that he just happened to be around? The secret of Travis not telling him that he’s a Daddy is a big part of the plotline towards the end, but….how did he not know? And why was he so mad about it? Yeah, he didn’t tell him, but he had to at least see where Travis was coming from. I liked that he admitted that he was being stubborn though and everything worked out okay in the end…. Still, I was confused.

Aside from that, when Travis offered to rent Adam a room, Adam was slowly but surely getting back on his feet. He was finishing school, had a job with his best friend and was now living independently, all while learning self-defense in case he ever found himself in a similar situation with the ex…who didn’t go away as easily as I’d hoped, but he does get a little bit of karmic justice, though not near as much as I’d hoped for that either.

Overall, it’s a very cute beginning and I can’t wait to see who’s next.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Rivalry by Beth Bolden: RB, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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The first time NFL quarterback Heath Harris meets Sam Crawford, it’s just them, a luxury yacht and a few days of fun in the sun. Sam turns out to be nothing like Heath expects. He’s kind and funny and irreverent—and also unbelievably, shockingly sexy. For three short, glorious, life-changing days, there are no rules.

The second time they meet, Sam has just been traded to Heath’s team, and instead of lovers, they’ve become rivals instead. Heath has spent the last five years working desperately to be the best quarterback the Riptide could ever need, but when injuries threaten to derail his career, Sam is right there, standing on the sideline. Ready to take over, and ready to ruin everything Heath has given his life for.

Rival. Enemy. Teammate. Friend. Lover.

As their orbits collide, sparks fly, and Heath struggles to find the right label and the right box to shove Sam into, hoping to keep him contained. But Sam—and Heath’s feelings—refuse to cooperate.

Sam might not be just one of those things, he might be all of them, and so much more.

Book Title: The Rivalry

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: AngstyG Design

Release Date: March 9, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM Romance. Sports romance.

Enemies to lovers. Gay awakening.

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 100 000 words

It is a standalone story.

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Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK  – Kindle Unlimited

Heath had forced himself not to get (even more) self-conscious when he changed into his swim trunks. You work your ass off in the weight room, he told himself firmly, you look good. But it was hard to ever imagine he looked as good as Sam did. Sam looked . . . Heath forced himself not to think about it, because the last thing he needed was to get hard in his trunks right now.

Brooke was already lying out on the open deck, a skimpy bikini revealing all her best assets. “Drew and Mark already took the skiff out with Captain Tom,” she said when Heath and Sam approached.

“Yeah, we’re going for a swim,” Sam said.

“And share secret quarterback tips? You two have fun.” Brooke’s knowing expression was baffling, but maybe she thought it was weird they were hanging out because they played for different teams.

“Uh,” Heath said, and then latched on to the bin of sunscreen options next to her. “We should put some protection on . . .”

Both Brooke and Sam looked at him shocked. “Um,” he realized, “sun protection.”

“Right,” Sam said, grinning. “You first.” Instead of the easy spray option, Sam plucked a bottle of lotion from the selection. Heath went hot and then cold, realizing that Sam definitely intended to touch him all over, and he was somehow going to have to keep his erection under control.

Normally, that wouldn’t have even been an issue, but somehow his dick had discovered its purpose in life after meeting Sam. He was already half-hard now, and as soon as Sam touched him, all bets were going to be off.

The lotion was cold as Sam squirted it onto his back, and that helped initially, but then his hands, warm and broad and confident, were there, smoothing the cream all over his back and shoulders. He used soft, long strokes, like he was both trying to reassure Heath and turn him on, all at the same time—even though Heath knew that couldn’t possibly be true. When his fingers drifted lower, nearly hitting the waistband of his swim trunks, Heath nearly gasped. It was the most erotic application of sunscreen that Heath had ever experienced, and the only thing that kept him from totally busting out of his trunks was latching on to the thought of how smelly Bran’s locker was by the end of the season.

“My turn,” Sam said, and to Heath’s surprise, his own voice was rather gravelly. Like he’d actually enjoyed touching Heath.

Sam touching him had felt like a combination of heaven and hell. Heath never imagined that reciprocating would somehow feel even more dangerous, but from the moment his fingers lightly brushed Sam’s skin, it was nearly game over. He was so smooth and powerful and soft, all contradictions wrapped up in this sexy, gorgeous package, and it was nearly impossible to stop when the lotion had been evenly distributed.

“Aren’t you two just the cutest,” Brooke said, and Heath jerked his hands back like he’d been electrocuted.

“I mean, so helpful with each other, even though you’re supposed to be rivals,” Brooke added.

They weren’t really rivals—Sam wasn’t even the starting quarterback for the Piranhas, but Heath latched on to her distraction like a lifeline. “We’re not rivals,” Heath said. “It’s not like that.” Sam nodded vigorously, and grabbed the lotion from Heath’s hands, clearly also eager to change the subject. Heath didn’t know why, but he was intrigued.

“You about ready to go in?” he asked Heath.

“Yeah, let me just get my face,” Heath said. He knew he was still too pale, especially considering he lived in Southern California. Too much time still spent indoors. Frankie was always harassing him, accusing him of becoming a recluse. She wasn’t completely wrong.

“Good, because I’m definitely ready,” Sam said, obviously eager to get away from Brooke, her inquisitive gaze still pinned to the pair of them.

Sam took off in a cannonball leap, before Heath could warn him that they didn’t know how deep the water was. You’re always looking before leaping, he thought ruefully. It was definitely a less exciting existence than the one Sam clearly enjoyed. Instead of jumping off the boat, Heath sat on the back ledge, and swinging his legs around, dropped down gently into the water. It was surprisingly warm, and he kicked powerfully to bring himself over to where Sam had surfaced, pushing his wet hair back, like he was a fucking supermodel.

“Feels damn good,” Sam said, and Heath nodded, keeping his distance as they both treaded water.

It would feel even better if they were pressed up together, wet skin against wet skin, but Heath would take the water reflecting in the intense blue of Sam’s eyes every day of the week. He’d never felt a color so viscerally—burning deep in his stomach, magnifying his arousal until the only thing keeping him from flying apart was the cool water against his dick.

This story did not start out strong for me. At all. The first part on the yacht was nearly eye rolling. But once they got off the yacht, it got better. Way better.

Heath was borderline antagonistic to Sam at the beginning. For no reason. Supposedly he had no idea that he was gay (or bi or pan or just not straight) and Sam was back up for another team, so not his rival. And then to have a steamy hook up. It just didn’t ring true for me.

But then they got back to their real lives. And Sam ends up directly in Heath’s orbit. And then Heath’s attitude made way more sense. He was afraid of his feelings. Afraid of Sam’s feelings. Afraid for his job. Afraid for Sam’s job. Suddenly it all came together.

Heath’s growth in the book was great to read. There was a smallish plot point that wasn’t resolved, but other than that, I enjoyed watching Sam and Heath together- in public at work and in private at Heath’s house.

There were good supporting characters, but at the same time I am kind of surprised at how few of the other members of the team that they guys interacted with throughout the story. And we did also get a cameo from the main characters in The Rainbow Clause.

The ending was a bit too perfect for me, but still enjoyable.

4 pieces of eye candy

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published sixteen novels and six novellas.

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