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Sharing our love of M/M Romance

4 stars

Life After Love (Calston Cove Book 1) by JJ Harper: Blog Tour, Exclusive Book Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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All he wanted was a new life, not a new love.

Merrick

Merrick has the perfect life: a husband, a baby, and a great future ahead of him. Until all that is ripped away, and he’s left alone with his daughter. After two years, he knows it’s time to move on. To find a new life for him and Willow. It comes in the shape of a derelict mill house nestled in the hills above a Devon seaside town.

Drew

When Drew loses the chance to buy and restore the house he’s loved all his life, the last thing he wants to do is renovate it for the mysterious new resident. But something about Merrick Green intrigues him, and he feels compelled to lift the heaviness surrounding him. The fact that Merrick’s daughter seems to have taken an instant infatuation with Drew makes it easier.

As the two men become friends, Merrick battles with his attraction to Drew. How can he be interested in the ruggedly handsome when he’s still in love with Josh?

Letting go of the past is hard, but with Drew by his side, he finds a way forward.

Life After Love is a sweet small-town, opposites-attract, hurt/comfort romance with low angst and a sweet little girl that everyone falls in love with.

The book deals with the loss of a loved one.

Title: Life After Love
Authors: JJ Harper
Length: 68k
Series: Calston Cove, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

It’s too soon for anything more than this. I know that. Merrick blinks a couple of times and seems to come to the same conclusion. He takes a half step away and drops his hands from my hair. I instantly miss his touch and move forward into his space.

“Christ, you can kiss.” I slide my tongue over my bottom lip, capturing his flavour. God, I want more, but not now. Not yet.

Merrick closes his eyes again. Is he regretting the moment? Then he smiles. I relax, my lips quirking into a smug, self-satisfied grin.

“I think it’s you who’s the great kisser.” His hands rest on my chest. “And look at you. Muscles in all the right places.” He lifts a hand and fans his face. I laugh and kiss him again.

A loud shriek of laughter startles us, and we jump back. A couple of kids are joking about as they head back through the dunes from the beach. Merrick wrinkles his nose at the disturbance. “Shall we go inside?”

I nod and step away from him, giving him some space, but once he’s around the table, I take his hand.

A shyness I didn’t expect washes over Merrick’s face, and I give his hand a little squeeze. “Hey, it’s okay.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” He smiles softly and leads me to the two-seater sofa. He has a look in his eyes I can’t read. Is it determination? Then his tongue peeks out. I’m transfixed as he slips it over his lower lip. I follow its progression, mimicking the action.

Our mouths crash together. I don’t know which of us moved first, and I don’t care. All I want is for this never to end. Our tongues tangle, twist, and taste. My hair is loose around my face until Merrick pushes it back and clenches it in his fists. It borders on painful, but lightning bolts shoot through my body to my dick. I need to feel more of this man. I want him pressed against me again. I tug his hips, inviting him closer. Hopefully, he gets the message.

A deep groan vibrates through me as he swings his leg over my thighs and straddles me. I grasp his arse. The perfect firm, round cheeks fill my hands, and I squeeze. He thrusts his hips forward, and our jean-clad erections brush together. Merrick breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against mine.

“Damn, Drew, you feel good.” He rocks his hips so his dick rubs over mine. A look of utter bliss crosses his face. How long has it been since he’d done anything like this, something just to feel good? “God, it’s been so long,” he says. Is he a mind reader now as well?

“You feel so good, sweetheart.” And it’s true. He does. He also feels like he’s packing. Not that I give a shit about that. A big dick doesn’t automatically make you a great lover. Knowing what you do with what you’ve got makes all the difference. As he rocks, his eyes flutter shut, and his lips part. If he looks this good from just a little through-our-clothes frottage, what will it be like when we take this further?

I need his mouth again. Reluctantly I release his glorious arse and slide my hands up his spine to his shoulders and neck. “Kiss me,” I whisper. He opens his eyes and looks down with the sweetest, dopiest smile and obeys.

When he lifts his mouth from mine, his lips are slick with saliva and swollen. “You make me feel alive.”

This was a sweet slow burn romance with an adorable child, a big change for one character and a dilapidated house that brought them all together after a devasting loss for one.

Even though Merrick outbid Drew on Drew’s dream house, he is more than happy to take on the task of a full renovation. Although Merrick is generally cordial, no one in the cute little town know his story. Just that he bought the long abandoned house and showed up with his cute and precocious daughter.

Couple of things I really liked. Drew never ever pushed Merrick to find out his back story. He didn’t even google him (although he did consider it). And I loved the way Merrick’s dead husband seems to speak to him and encourage him to start living again.

Merrick’s daughter, Willow, is very easily the bridge between the two men as she is instantly smitten with Drew, “my Dew”. She almost forced them to interact because she loves being with Drew. The author also didn’t pander to the child; she wasn’t treated as an adult in child form or treated as a baby in toddler form.

Merrick and Drew really take the time to know each other. They started as business owner and client and quickly moved to being friends. More then friends took longer, but the progression was very natural based on Merrick still coming to terms with his loss.

Drew never tries to get Merrick to leave Willow with a sitter or exclude her in any way. He loves spending time with her as much as she does. It’s really cute actually.

Supporting players include Drew’s best friend who seemingly has an issue with this whole thing, Drew’s sister and bff who are pretty catty and town gossips and Merrick’s sister and best friend who visit. Several locals are mentioned which is nice because when it is a small town, you really do know almost everyone.

The vibe felt a bit like Charlie Novak’s Heather Bay series, but the story line was very different. But if you are a fan of hers, I’m sure you will enjoy this one as well. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Just in case you don’t know me. I’m a simple soul that puts all my hopelessly romantic thoughts down on my computer. I’m usually in the living room—typing away—with my wayward Great Dane, Siddiqi, next to me on the sofa.

I’m a hopeless romantic, always falling in love with my men, determined to make sure they get the happy-ever-after they deserve, even if they do have to work hard for it.

I live in a tiny village in Lincolnshire, UK, with my husband and dog, who are forever patient with me when I forget the time, and the dinner!

Connect with JJ:
Website: https://www.jjharper-author.com
Author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorJJHarper
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jessjhoney
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/ha7whyj6
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/itsjjharper
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/jjhoneywrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessjharper
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jj-harper
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/jjharper
Harper’s Honeys: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HarpersHoneys/
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Find Me Worthy: A small town MM hurt/comfort roommates romance (Safe Harbor Book 3) by Annabeth Albert

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I thought I’d lost myself…

Until Sam found me. I’m back in Safe Harbor, where I haven’t belonged in over twenty years. I’m unsure how I ended up here, yet I’m certain Sam is the key to finally healing.

But it’s complicated.

Sam’s had a crush on me since we were younger. To me, however, he was always the annoying kid tagging along. Now he’s all grown-up and delightfully bossy—and sexy—as he encourages me to reclaim my health.

I enjoy pushing Sam’s buttons, but one button too many leads to a scorching kiss. Soon, we’re using Sam’s cushy bed for way more than sleeping. But I can’t imagine staying in Safe Harbor forever, and no way is Sam leaving.

Sam’s given me a place to stay, a job at his nonprofit coffee shop, and a sense of purpose when I had none. But can I give him my heart? And more importantly, can I overcome my past to make Safe Harbor my future?

FIND ME WORTHY is a hurt/comfort childhood crush-to-lovers MM romance. This unexpected roommate arrangement stars two mature heroes with a minor age gap, mental health representation, and plenty of first times and sexy discoveries for everyone. Deep feels, dual point-of-view, and big fluffy HEA guaranteed.

FIND ME WORTHY is book three and the thrilling conclusion to the Safe Harbor series from acclaimed author Annabeth Albert. This small historic Oregon town has a tight friend group, memorable secondary characters, quirky businesses, and long-held secrets. Each book stands alone with a fresh couple, but the background mystery of the town’s secrets ties the series together, making reading in order more fun!

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Worth, we knew his name, we knew his family story, we knew stories of when he was younger and friends with the guys, but we didn’t know Worth now. We got glimpses through text messages and one disastrous visit, but nothing deep. Until now, when he has returned to Safe Harbor.

Let me say that at the beginning, the depiction of depression was so spot on. It almost brought me to tears. And although Worth continues to get treatment for depression throughout the story, I wish the reality of depression extended further.

Sam being Sam, recognized immediately that Worth was in trouble. I really appreciated that he made of point of saying that HE could not be Worth’s cure to depression.

And since we already know the ending of the mystery of what happened to Worth’s mother, this story could focus more on Sam and Worth as a couple, sort of. At least at the beginning. And Sam’s dreams of continuing Blessed Brew helping out at risk teens and perhaps filling his house with foster kids.

Worth has A LOT of trauma. A LOT. Because it wasn’t just what happened to his family. There was more trauma that brought him back to Safe Harbor. It takes a bit, but he does clear the air with his friends and Cal, the diver who found his mother’s body. Having Sam’s mother around with her profound wisdom was amazing.

Overall I really loved the story. It was a great conclusion to the Safe Harbor trilogy which a very satisfying epilogue. Worth’s recovery was a tad too easy for me and there was a bit more religion than I like but Sam’s dad was the town preacher so…

This whole series was a good representation of small towns, friendship through the years and not letting the past determine the future.

4 pieces of eye candy

You, Again: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 1) by Lane Hayes: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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The hometown hockey hero and his best friend’s brother…

Vinnie

Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.

So I’m going home to Elmwood.

But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.

That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.

And that’s almost as scary as coaching teens.

Nolan

No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.

He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.

So maybe my life isn’t particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.

And I’m not coaching with him. No way.

Ugh…

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!

Title: You, Again
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 57k
Series: The Elmwood Stories, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Bisexual awakening, Best friend’s brother, small town, hockey, frenemies to lovers

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

We sipped our coffee in silence, lost in our own thoughts.

“Are you staying with your dad?”

“No,” Vinnie replied. “He’s in London for the summer, so I suppose I could have, but I bought the Asburys’ old place. It’s private and it’s in good condition.”

The Asbury estate was more like a log cabin on steroids than a basic house. It was situated at the very edge of town, accessible via a winding dirt road, and surrounded by woods. The perfect spot for someone who needed a little privacy. But it was a lot of house for one person.

I didn’t say that, though. I went with, “I heard the Collinses redid the kitchen and bathrooms before they moved to Burlington last September.”

“Yeah, they did some nice work. You should come by and see it.”

Like that was ever gonna happen, I mused sarcastically.

I cocked my head. “How long are you staying?”

“Through the summer…I think.”

“Then you should coach for Ronnie.”

Vinnie widened his eyes comically. “You think I should do it. Why?”

“Ronnie could use a break. If that’s you…so be it,” I said flatly.

He furrowed his brow hard enough to give himself a headache. “Now I’m really suspicious.”

“Don’t be. It’s a simple proposition.”

“But?”

I sipped my coffee thoughtfully before setting the mug on the counter, my gaze locked on his. The ensuing stare-down was epic. Standing gave me a bit of an advantage, but Vinnie’d had years of practice intimidating opponents on the ice.

I finally looked away and leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “But…I think you’ll walk away when it gets tough or when you get a better offer, or when you just get bored of this place. Like you always do.”

“Ouch. That’s gonna leave a mark.”

“I’m not being a dick. I’m being honest. Your life isn’t here…Ronnie’s is. You can walk away whenever you want and not lose a thing. It’s a little different for the rest of us,” I continued conversationally.

“And this is the part where you’re not being a dick?”

“Trust me, it is,” I huffed.

This is a nice, cozy, friends/enemies to lovers small town story. They kind you wish you were under a blanket in your favorite chair with tea or hot chocolate. And cookies.

Pro hockey player Vinnie is hanging up his skates. Not really going out on top, but definitely not at the bottom. With no real friends and definitely no family in Washington state, he heads home to New England and his small town of Elmwood. There are his best friend, his best friend’s brother and their mother. All of whom he considers family. Except the brother isn’t happy to see him and Vinnie has no idea why.

Nolan has crushed on Vinnie pretty much since he figured out he was gay. He was the third wheel in the friendship trio, but he was always welcome. He’s also back in Elmwood after giving up a career to take over the family diner after his father died unexpectedly. He isn’t happy Vinnie is back. Or that they are working together to coach hockey at his brother’s rink.

Vinnie is that happy go lucky guy who just wants to be friends with everyone. Even after growing up with a father who treated him as an afterthought on a good day, Vin always looks for the silver lining.

Nolan isn’t bitter, really, about giving up on his career. Especially since he redid the diner and make it into a restaurant with a wait list. He adores his mother, his brother and his niece. Vin, he hates but secretly still wants.

Being forced together as coaches plus Vin’s affable charm slowly break down Nolan’s walls. AND Vin actually get him to tell him why he is so mad at him. And honestly, it was with pretty good reason. But they clear the air and keep whatever is going on between them on the down low. Because that always works.

I absolutely adored Nolan’s niece. Precocious, a book worm and a wicked slapshot on the ice, I loved the scene’s with her in it.

The story was a bit cookie cutter, but the characters really made the book so enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next book who I hope is this guy and that guy. LOL

4 pieces of eye candy

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
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Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
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Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
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On the Double (The Renegades Book 3) by Cara Dee: New Release Review

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The Renegades #3 • Romantic Suspense • Action • MMM
“It’s a fine line between not revealing your arsenal and creating disorder by showing your strength.”

Funny how calm you could feel when someone had ripped the heart out of your chest.

River and Reese Tenley had grown up on the fringes of society, spending most of their adult years as private military contractors in places nobody else wanted to go. It’d been the two of them against the world, and they’d never believed their missing puzzle piece had existed—until they’d met Shay. The young man who’d quickly become their everything.

So the moment he was kidnapped… The moment those sick bastards took Shay, the twin brothers had nothing left to lose.

Amazon – All Regions

Oh man do I love the Tenleys. They are my favorite relationship in the various worlds of Cara Dee. I could almost feel their guttural pain when Shay was kidnapped in book 1. Hearing about what they were doing in southern California to find those responsible should have been shocking, but I honestly expected no less of them.

But now they have met up with everyone else- and a couple new additions-in Columbia. The cartel baddies are there. And so is Shay.

All together in the jungle the guys formulate a plan. With help from Crew and Adrien working undercover on the inside, they want Shay out.

It’s fast paced and nail biting. But there are still small moments of humor which are so necessary with such a tense situation. Everyone played their roles perfectly. It was brutal and bloody and the smoke hasn’t even cleared yet. But there is still one more book to go to wrap everything up. I can’t wait.

4 pieces of eye candy

The Fortunate Son (Redemption Ridge Book Two) By Aimee Nicole Walker: New Release Review

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Ivan Gallagher’s first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everything—his reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when he’s on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess.

Rory Snyder was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wealth couldn’t spare him from loss and heartache. Finding himself at the center of a dangerous media storm, the social media influencer seeks refuge at Redemption Ridge. Too bad the Viking-sized Ivan seems impervious to Rory’s charms because he could use a sexy distraction from the chaos threatening to ruin his life.

Predawn collisions in the hallway lead to revelations, explorations, and something far sweeter than honey. Soon, living in the moment becomes living for the moment. But for how long? A future seems impossible for the humble foreman and the fortunate son until a common nemesis makes Ivan and Rory realize what they truly stand to lose.

The Fortunate Son is book two in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Fortunate Son contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Content Warning: homophobia, underage alcohol addiction, and intentional overdosing are briefly discussed in this book, though no graphic descriptions are used.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

If you read book 1 you know you were intrigued by Ivan, the foreman at Redemption Ridge. BIG, gruff, growly…did I mention big? Ya, him.

We got a hint at what was to come at the end of book 1 when he encounters Rory in the kitchen on his way to a meeting with the boss and his bosses…best friend? friend with benefits? boyfriend? No one is totally sure. But the guy is also a fed. And he needs his brother Rory to chill on the ranch for a while. Rory’s father (they are half brothers) is in politics and running for office and the opposition is trying to smear his name by digging into his son’s personal life.

So growly Ivan thinks he is now a babysitter to sassy Rory. But Rory isn’t afraid of work. Or of Ivan.

Both characters play off of each other really well, I think. Rory comes off as sassy and headstrong- which he is-but he is also kind of a mess. After the death of his mother, his father sort of checked out of the parenting thing. Which works GREAT with teenagers. So of course he did everything to get attention. And even though he is a grown man now who has cleaned up his act and has a very successful travel/environmental blog, his father’s opposition wants dirt.

Ivan is also pretty complicated. He messed up and did his time in prison. But he can’t seem to forgive himself. It’s pretty sad. But like I said both guys are really good for each other. Ivan doesn’t have a lot of self confidence but Rory has it in spades. And Rory is still learning how not to let the past drag him down and to not beg for love from his father. All while the 2 of them steam up the pages.

The author knows how to make us care about characters even before they are the main characters with their own story. We started to care about Ivan in the previous book. Now we wondering about other characters and when they will get their happily ever afters. All without pulling focus from the main couple.

Most of the previous characters make an appearance- including the evil religious cult and Finley’s mom. She cracks me up. I love how she just takes everyone under her wing.

And I really loved how they melded their lives without anyone making a sacrifice. Ivan couldn’t imagine leaving the ranch, but Rory traveled for his blog. But they figured it out and it was wonderful.

4 pieces of eye candy

Enemy Combatant (The Renegades Book 2) by Cara Dee: Release Day Review

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The Renegades #2 • Romantic Suspense • Stockholm Syndrome • Hurt Comfort • Action • MM
“The best intelligence is the knowledge that your enemy doesn’t know you have.”

Crew Finlay’s ego had taken a hit or two. He couldn’t lie. As a Marine, he’d been one of the best. As a private military contractor, he’d…messed up a bit. Or failed spectacularly. Whatever. And now? A year into his new gig, working in private security for Elliott Jones, Crew had a lot to prove. He refused to screw this up too. They had people to bring home. So when he found himself holding a cartel freelancer hostage, he steeled himself and vowed not to fall for the bastard’s lies. As if Crew would believe this man was an undercover Fed. Come on.

Nah, this tall, older drink of water was full of it. Adrien Mercier, or whatever his real name might be, was going down. Until one day, when Adrien turned the tables, and then Crew was the one sitting with his hands cuffed behind his back.

Amazon – All Regions

Poor Crew. He’s actually a good soldier but so far not a great PMC and he is still making stupid mistakes in book 2 of The Renegades. He is paired up with Ryan (Darius’ brother) in Europe trying to track down one of the bad guys.

One of the biggest stupid mistakes wasn’t solely his. Since Ryan was in on the mission to kidnap this cartel guy, he can take responsibility for him actually being an undercover Fed. HA!

After securing a place to stay in Italy, Ryan goes off to help out with another part of the mission leaving Crew along with their prisoner. He starts off pretty well with the mild torture techniques. Cooking himself delicious food but none for his captive. Sleeping on a cot with a mattress. Swimming in the cool lake when it’s a million degrees out.

After the truth comes to light, the chains and hand cuffs come off. And the pants. And there’s Crew’s next mistake. Because now HE is the prisoner.

The rest of the book is spent on a yacht with no land in sight while Adrien waits for word about the cartel guy he’s been working undercover for. He wants to wrap this up and go home. He has worked undercover on and off for years. But Crew wants this guy alive because he believes he knows where the hostages are. (yes, you absolutely need to read book 1)

There’s a lot of different names, countries, cartels, who is working with whom, who is trying to kill who, etc, etc. It twisted my brain, but that’s just how I am. Obviously this is a very well thought out plot.

And then there’s more naked times. And then Crew makes another bad decision. Bad according to his friends. I guess we’ll find out in book 3 if his decision was good or bad.

But I will say, I need more Crew and Adrien please.

4 pieces of eye candy