4 stars

Nova Praetorian by NR Walker: New Release Review

October 31, 2018 by Denise

Quintus Furius Varus is one of the best lanistas in Rome. Tall and strong in build, fearsome in manner, and sharp of wit, he trains the best gladiators bound for the arenas of Rome. When Senator Servius Augendus seeks personal guards, he attends the Ludus Varus for purchase of the very best. He puts to Quintus an offer he cannot refuse, and Quintus finds himself in Neapolis, contracted as a trainer of guards instead of gladiators.

Kaeso Agorix was taken from his homelands of Iberia and delivered to Rome as a slave. Bought by a senator to be trained as a guard, his fate is handed to the man who would train him. Absent free will, Kaeso knows his life is no longer his own, though he soon realises the gods have favoured him when he learns his new master has a kind heart.

Quintus and Kaeso forge a bond that far exceeds the collar at Kaeso’s neck, and together they discover the senator’s move for promotion has an ulterior motive. Thrown into a world of politics and conspiracy, of keeping enemies close, they move against time to save Rome before traitors and the gods themselves see to their end.

And in doing so, see the dawn of the nova praetorian—the new guard—rise.

Tag Line: A new guard. A new love. A new Rome.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I am a big fan of NR Walker. I’ve not read anything of hers I didn’t like. Most of her works contemporary, although Evolved was kinda sorta scifi-ish? I guess? Which I am not a fan of. And I still really liked it! I am also not a big fan of historical, but sometimes books surprise me. I shouldn’t have been surprised though. Because NR Walker.

This is set during the Roman empire. Gladiators and togas and all that. With that comes a very different way of speaking. And really, if the book was set during the Roman empire but the characters spoke with modern language, I would hate it. So it had to take a big mind shift to suddenly write like this.

And she never faltered. The plot line. the characters, the language, all stayed true to the time period. The politics involved in the story were a bit complex, but it made for some good intrigue.

Quintas, a gladiator trainer, is bribed/threatened into providing security for a senator. He is also given a slave to train. A slave who was stolen from his country after Romans killed his parents. He’s a bit pissed off and mouthy. But Quintas is nothing but respectful and fair and they fall for each other.

There is a lot of training and a lot of politicking. And while there were a lot of details that pertained to the time period, they weren’t overwhelming at all. And reading a book like this gives me lots of possible Jeopardy answers in the future.

Quintas and Kaeso are inseparable throughout. The insecurities are still there for each of them. Quintas thinking Kaeso is with him only because he is a slave and Kaeso thinking Quintas is taking advantage of having his own slave.

The plot never fell flat or veered off course, the romance and sex were plentiful but not overly so and the ending was fantastic.

4 pieces of eye candy

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

Contact N.R. Walker

Email:

nrwalker@nrwalker.net

Embracing Fate by C.C. Dado: Release Day Review

October 29, 2018 by Denise

Sometimes you just have to embrace your fate.

Seth has a secret: he has a crush on the human next door. His brilliant plan to meet Jack, the man of his dreams who happens to be an animal trainer? Take wolf form and ask his best friend, Max, to take him next door for training. Seth is the only one surprised when things go horribly awry.

Still, can this shy wolf and a human meet their fate as mates?

Title: Embracing Fate
Series: A Series of Fate: Book 2
Author: C.C. Dado
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Category: Paranormal
Pages: 91

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Having not read the first book in this series, I wasn’t sure if I could pick this up and just read it, but thought I would give it a shot.

The first thing I will say, is I will be going back and reading book 1, because if I don’t get to see more of Max, my life will not be complete. 🙂 I absolutely loved Seth and Max “together”. I know that they weren’t the main couple, but what a great friendship these two have. I laughed so much during this novella! Max was so much fun, and with Seth, a sweetheart who seems to get himself in a little trouble, those two could create some trouble for themselves.

Seth broke my heart a bit, not knowing why he had such low self-esteem, other than having two different colored eyes. However, it was obvious that he had tons of love to give, not just to his best friend, and business partner, but also to Jack…and Jack’s dog! 🙂

Changing “Nancy’s name” was hilarious! As well as the pregnancy…poor Zeus! And if you want to know what all that is about, you really have to read this quick novella. I also can’t wait to go back and read book 1, and knowing there is a book 3, about Zeus, I’m super excited!

4 pieces of eye candy

One Step Back by Edie Danford: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

October 23, 2018 by Denise

After landing my dream job at a prestigious PR firm, I’m ready to leave my past behind and hit the ground running. But when I meet my new work partner, I smash headlong into a six-foot-five, two-hundred-pound bad memory named Joe.

In high school, Joe Beneventi had been my almost-best friend. My almost-first lover. My almost-stepbrother. The only thing that wasn’t “almost” about Joe? When he ripped apart our families and then ghosted me for twelve years.

Or two steps back

Now I need Joe’s help to land a career-making deal, but he’s distracting me with hot-as-sin smiles, working me over with flirty lines, baiting me with his rock-hard body.

I’m not buying any of it. Except…

Working together 24/7 is showing me sides of Joe I’ve never seen before. And when we touch, all those bad memories seem to fade away.

Title: One Step Back

Author: Edie Danford

Publisher: Edie Danford

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 85,000 words

Genre: Romance, Enemies-to-lovers, coworkers, workplace, stepbrothers

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Amazon

I take a deep breath. Gotta prepare myself for being up-close and personal with the force of nature that is Joseph Vincent Beneventi.

“Hey, Joe,” I say, my voice cracking. Not how I’d wanted to sound.

His sexy mouth curves, and I get hit with the full impact of his attention-sucking energy. It zaps across the entryway. Through the guesthouse and the five-acre yard. All of Chicagoland. The state of Illinois, the entire Midwest…

Yeah, you get the picture. Joe has <em>it</em>. Chemical hoodoo-voodoo oozes from his pores and makes you forget whatever it is you’re doing, whatever happened to be on your mind. And all you can do is stand there and stare at him. And listen to the ridiculous shit that comes out of his gorgeous mouth.

I’ve had to cope with this Joe-phenomenon for three years now, as long as his mom and my dad have been dating. Weekends and vacations together at first, and then mostly full time as of last year, after Kim and Bernie got engaged and bought this monstrosity of a property together.

Wedding-planning and “a home where we can be a family” was supposed to bring us stability. Wishful thinking, because things between my dad and Joe’s mom—between all of us, really—seem rockier than ever.

“Hey, you.” Joe leans against the door jamb, killer smile flashing.

He’s a big, glossy beast, and he lights up the night that I’ve tried to darken. I look away from his shining eyes, but his jacked chest and abs, his maybe-too-tight board shorts, his legs, his feet, aren’t any easier to ignore.

“Why didn’t you tell me you’d be home tonight?” he asks. His deep voice has a slight throb, like he’s actually hurt. “You didn’t answer my message. Any of my messages. I get why you didn’t want to show for my amazingly fucking boring graduation, but… I was hoping to hear about your plans. For the summer.”

He reaches up to brush damp hair from his face, the movement popping every muscle from shoulder to wrist. Matty actually sighs from behind me. I try not to notice how the longer hair and the scruff on his chin make Joe look hotter than his usual smoking hellfire.

He spent his senior year at a therapeutic high school here in the Chicago area and the place didn’t demand buzz-cuts the way the military school did. The longer black waves do amazing things for his cheekbones, his squared-off chin, his sin-dark eyes.

I’m supposed to be saying something. So I open my mouth and a lame excuse comes out. “I wasn’t sure about flight times. Until the last minute. Storms in New York.”

He nods, head tilting as he scrutinizes my features. He wants to believe me even though it’s obvious I’m lying. The sky had been clear when I’d jetted away from LaGuardia, my freshman year of college complete.

I’d been avoiding all contact with Joe since Christmas break. I’d figured he’d understand why I didn’t respond to any of his messages today. Or at least take the hint. Hey, Joey, after I don’t answer your two-hundredth-and-seventieth voicemail, maybe that means I don’t want to communicate with you. But Joe is thick in more ways than one.

His dark eyes get warmer as they take me in, the dimple in his right cheek popping. His thumb traces the sand-dollar tattoo under his left nipple, a move I’m sure he’s making unconsciously. I do the same thing sometimes. I have a matching tattoo; we’d gotten them in Mexico during Christmas vacation two years ago. The ’rents had been very confused when both of us suddenly wore rash guards 24/7 for the rest of the break. Joe had come up with a BS-but-brilliant excuse about stingray sightings and the angle of the sun and the chemicals in sunscreen lotion killing off coral reefs.

And, okay. I’m not being fair. Joe isn’t thick. He’s probably smarter than me. He just doesn’t know how to rein in a lot of the bad shit that constantly roams his head. I’ve actually tried to help him figure out some stuff, given him some pointers about how to focus and prioritize—

There’s a crashing noise from the pool area. More shit breaking.

“Fuck,” he mutters, looking over his shoulder.

“You better get back there. Broken glass. Blood. Nastiness. It’s all gonna happen.”

He sighs—a shudder wracking his six-five frame. “Should’ve never invited anyone over.” His smile is crooked. “Your fault. I wouldn’t have had to get up to shenanigans with Bran and Troy if I’d known you’d be here tonight.”

And, there it is.

The reason why he always, always manages to piss me off. I’m not responsible for him. Not responsible for his feelings, for his actions. I refuse to be.

“Not my fault,” I say, my voice cracking again, damn it. I take a step backward, my hand pulling the door closed.

“Asher, come on. You know I didn’t mean it like that—”

I shut the door in his face. Then I pull the blinds closed, blocking out his beauty, blocking out his hurt expression. Maturity can go fuck itself, because literally closing off Joe from my senses will be the only way I can survive the summer.

“Wow,” Matty says.

“Yeah,” I agree.

It’s probably a few hours later when something jolts me awake. It’s Joe looming over me. I must’ve passed out after Matty left. I’m sprawled on the big chaise in the guesthouse’s living room, Joe standing so close his knees are touching the cushion’s edge.

There’s only one light on, a yellow glow coming from the glass-fronted cabinet that displays Joe’s shell collection. It creates weird, streaky shadows across his super-defined chest and abs.

His shorts are dry now, not as tight on his thighs or his package, but I can see he’s erect, a righteous bulge that’s impossible to miss. And, when I look up into his face, my gaze snags on his parted lips, his heavy-lidded eyes .

The house is quiet. No more party outside. When Joe inhales suddenly, I can feel the sharpness of his breath in my own lungs.

I sit, swinging my legs to the side of the chaise, planting my feet on either side of his. He takes my face in his hands. His fingers are warm, familiar, his touch so tender it makes me want to cry.

And, God, when our gazes connect, and I immediately fall into that dark brown and gold I dream about, tears clog my throat, for real.

“Ash,” he whispers, his voice so hoarse I can barely hear it. The pad of his thumb passes over my lower lip. I lick away the taste of him and he sighs. “Damn, I missed you.”

I nod. I can’t speak. It hurts.

Holy book hangover….

I was not ready for this one to end, and praying to get to the end, to make sure these guys got their happily ever after’s, both in equal measure. If there was ever a couple that I was rooting for, it was Ash and his Joey.

Told from both guys’ point of view, we get a first glimpse of their relationship as teenagers, back from their first year at college, staying in the guest house at their parents house. From the very beginning, you can feel how much these guys care about each other. I thought for sure, that this was going to be your typical bad boy leaves and breaks the younger guys heart, kind of story….. but it wasn’t like that at all.. I mean, it was, in a teenie tiny small way…. But it was so much more than that.

They were so different, in just about every way two people could be different, and even though they cared about each other so much, they were both so young and I feel like the time they spent apart was kind of needed, to figure things out for themselves and who they were as people. It hurt, and it sucked in the worst way, because you could tell how much they missed each other, that even after 11 years apart they still loved each other so much.

Thrown together on a job, across the country from each other, but meeting back in their home state… how is that not fate? …. But, both of them had hurt feelings and so much history between them, that it was hard for both of them to forget. My heart broke for Asher, of course, because he loved Joey so much, but for Joe, Asher was the other half of him. I can’t even explain how rare that it is to find in a story. Honestly…. And I read, A LOT… and very few grip me to the point that I’m hurting with these fictional people. Things are not easy, and even though they still love each other, it’s angsty and hard, and emotional… kind of like real life, eh?

Bravo to this author, who I’ve only read one other book from but will be changing that, immediately.. But, I’m so happy to report that not only did these two find a way through all the obstacles they had standing in their way that made things feel impossible, possible. They fought fr each other, and Asher fought for Joe, which he needed to do, I feel like. Everyone should’ve fought for Joe, he was so worth it. I kind of fell in love with him too a little bit. He was complicated and complex, but he was perfect…. More than that, he was perfect for Asher.

And in a totally selfish fashion, I’m gonna request we get more of these two! I wasn’t ready for them to end!

Sighh…. It probably seems so confusing, so you should probably just go on and read it… You’ll be happy you did…. Even though it’s a bit angsty, and I’m not big on angst… I can promise that it’s 100% worth it. 100%

5 stars from me!

This is a new to me author, so I was going in blind. But I really like second chance love, so I jumped in. Good call on my part.

Asher and Joe are soon to be step brothers who fall in love. But Asher isn’t willing to come out to his bigoted father. Until the issue is forced. But then everything falls apart and Asher and Joe don’t see each other for 11 years.

I loved Joe. Loved him. I think part of it is that I see someone I love in him, but also because of his big heart. This kid comes off as a dumb jock- but he is really anything but. No one really sees that though- except Asher.

The story is told going back and forth from present to past. And some times that really bothers me- but in this case it worked really well. And going into the past wasn’t even linear. We went from 11 years ago, to 15 years ago, back to 11 years ago. And it worked.

The story was a little bit drawn out, but not overly so. I didn’t get bored reading. And I could have used a good fight between them. Because Joe always runs and Asher doesn’t always stand up for himself.

Even though they were *almost* step brothers, the story wasn’t really told from a family point of view so I never felt that it had that taboo thing, and I don’t think it was meant to.

The sex scenes were incredibly hot (although, yes a bit plentiful) and well written. You could feel the love between these guys.

A solid read with good characters who I really cared about.

4 pieces of eye candy

Edie lives in Vermont with her husband, two sons, and random creatures that might or might not be pets. She loves libraries (where she’s found play, work, and love since she was a kid), long walks (unless ice is involved), lewd language (in the right context), luscious romance (of any variety), and alliteration.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail

http://www.ediedanford.com/

https://www.facebook.com/edie.danford

https://twitter.com/ediedanford

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12013781.Edie_Danford

ediedanford@gmail.com

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Calculated Magic by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Guest Post and New Release Review

October 23, 2018 by Denise

Never too late for love.

Three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old warlock Tikron must find his true love or forfeit his immortality. But if he hasn’t found his ideal mate in all these centuries, the prospects don’t look too bright.

That is, until he sees mathematician Richard Beaumont. It’s love at first sight and Tikron’s future just got a whole lot brighter.

Except Richard doesn’t believe in love at first sight. He doesn’t believe in love at all. He certainly doesn’t believe in magic. His life is ruled by statistics and logic, and they tell him a relationship with Tikron has only a 10 percent chance of success. That’s unacceptable—even if the attraction between them is off the charts.

With his powers waning and the clock ticking down, Tikron’s last hope is showing Richard the true meaning of magic.

Title: Calculated Magic
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: October 16, 2018
Category: Paranormal, Dreamspun Beyond
Pages: 225

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

The Magic of Autumn

The brightly painted trees, cool crisp mornings, big bulky sweaters, and mugs of streaming hot coco makes fall one of my favourite seasons here in Michigan. The family of my daughter’s good friend owns a pumpkin farm and I absolutely love going there, picking out the perfect pumpkins and using them to decorate my home. It’s also a great time of year to visit the apple orchard and indulge in apple cider and fresh cinnamon doughnuts.

Autumn is also when many of my favourite shows start the new season. I love summer and never want to rush it; still, I can’t wait for the premier of the Walking Dead and Halloween Wars. Friday night lights and the first puck dropped at the Joe Louis Arena (yes I know it’s now Little Caesars but refuse to call it that.) Haunted Houses, hay rides and back to school. Air conditioners going silent, window open to let in the fresh air and thick comforters donning the bed.

There is little I don’t love about fall, well except the fact that as we dip into fall, the closer winter creeps up. (Ugh how I hate winter) If I could choose one season, it would be autumn all year round. Wave my wand and *poof* no more winter hehehe. How about you? What is your favourite time of year?

~Be good to each other~

Although paranormal stories aren’t normally my cup of tea, something about this one intrigued me as soon as I saw the blurb. And I was sucked into the story right away, but not because of the relationship with the two MC’s! (Although that happened later).

Tikron, a 350 year old warlock, and his best friend, Ry, less than 300 years old, started this book off with a bang. Their relationship and deep friendship was so fantastic, that the book didn’t need angst in order to carry the book. Tikron and Ry were sometimes lovers, but primarily seemed to have a brotherly relationship. They teased each other mercilessly, yet could count on each other without question. Even Tikron’s mother clearly loved Ry almost as much as her own son. Above all, though, these two men supported each other, and went out of their way to do whatever they could to make sure the other was happy, even if they harassed the other along the way.

Richard, Tikron’s love interest, was set in his ways, with each day scheduled out precisely. Then along comes this man who bursts into his life bringing magic (which Richard didn’t believe in), fun and laughter (which Richard had to learn that he wanted), and love (which Richard didn’t know if he believed in, or even knew what it was). **Side note…the moment that causes Richard to “believe” in magic was slightly devastating, and I recommend not reading this on a city bus, in the event you end up crying. Not that I know what that would be like at all…**

The relationship between Tikron and Richard progressed quickly, and with little angst. The one piece of angst I was somewhat expecting never materialized other than a “we will talk about this”, but that really didn’t matter. This book was about relationships, plain and simple. The relationship between Tikron and Richard which moved from “no I don’t want to date you” to “I still don’t want to date you” to “I trust you and believe in you”. The relationship between Tikron and Ry, which made me laugh more times than I could count. And even the relationship between Tikron and his mother, who clearly adored her son, and was willing to do what she could to make sure he lived.

There were some incomplete pieces that I would have liked wrapped up, but I have a feeling that a second book will be coming (PLEASE!!!!!) about Ry, and we will definitely get some of those things answered.

All in all, a fun read. Recommend.

4 pieces of eye candy

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

Visit Jo on

Twitter: @SJDPeterson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJD.Peterson

Blog: www.sjdpeterson.com

Email: sjdpeterson@gmail.com

Beautiful Chaos by Riley Hart and Devon McCormack: New Release Review

October 17, 2018 by Denise

SILAS

My home is my sanctuary. Or is it my prison? Some days it’s hard to tell.

I’ve confined myself behind these walls for protection. I have my reasons, but that doesn’t change the profound loneliness I’ve discovered in the process.

Then one day I find myself drifting toward the window to see him. Corey Marshall, my new neighbor. Quiet, reserved, and cute as can be. He infects my thoughts, becomes the image I fantasize about.

I want to taste his lips, smell his scent…feel what it’s like to be inside him.

And soon, watching becomes exchanging gifts and messages, which becomes so much more.

It’s wrong to want this as badly as I do, but I can’t help myself. I crave him so desperately. It’s hard to tell if what we’re doing is going to make me lose my mind or change my entire world, but it’s too late to turn back now…

COREY

I’ve never been quite right. Too high or too low. Pain is my constant companion…at the hands of my abusive ex, and often from myself. The sweet relief is only temporary, but in those moments, it’s like I can finally breathe.

Then I meet him. Silas Rizner calms the chaotic storms inside me. He makes me feel loved, treasured, even when I don’t deserve it. I cherish the moments we share–cooking, cuddling, and when Silas reads to me until I fall asleep. When he’s inside me, it’s the only time in my life I’ve ever felt complete.

Silas becomes the glue that holds me together, that bandages my scars. Inside the walls of his home, we’re almost safe, but our demons are always there, waiting to break free.

We’re a mess. We’re broken, chaotic, beautiful; we’re in love.

But not even love can slay our monsters. No, only we can do that.

Unless our monsters destroy us first.

TRIGGERS: Self-harm, depression, anxiety, mentions of past domestic violence.

*While the sexual situations depicted in Beautiful Chaos are imperative to the characters’ development throughout the course of the novel, readers are advised to peruse the “Dear Reader” letter at the beginning of the book to help them make an informed decision about whether this particular story will be to their tastes. This letter can be viewed in the downloadable sample or by using the “Look Inside” feature found on the title’s product page.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Two broken characters. YES! I am a glutton for angst, broken men, tears, the whole shebang. And this had it.

There are people out there who either won’t enjoy this subject matter or cannot read it. The authors put a very thought out “letter to the reader” at the beginning to let you know what you were in for.

I am going to veer from the norm though and say that this story could have been more. For me at least. I totally get why they weren’t more though. They were so sweet together. Just.So.Sweet. I guess that surprised me a lot. For two damaged men to just be so gentle and timid with each other.

Anyway. I loved how the story started with them leaving notes for each other in their windows. How fun is that? Like finding a note in your school locker. But then they moved on to chat. And text. And video chat. Until they finally met in person. I know how weird that is. But ultimately so cool. I have quite a few friends only online. So when I get to actually meet them- it is the weirdest and coolest thing.

Moving on. It was also sweet how, even though they went much further on video chat, they stayed with kissing for a while. It’s almost like starting all over. They pretty much knew what to do with a phone or computer between them. But in person, it’s all new.

This whole story could have bored me. COULD HAVE. But didn’t. I mean, really, almost the entire book takes place at Silas’ house. There are a few scenes at Corey’s job, but mostly it is just the two of them at one house. But it wasn’t boring. We got to know them as they got to know each other.

The story kept moving without getting bogged down or skipping ahead. Well, except at the end but that was kind of necessary. These guys broke my heart, made me cry even while cheering them on.

It’s an emotional read, but a really good one.

4 Pieces of Candy

Building Forever by Kelly Jensen: RDB, New Release Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

October 17, 2018 by Denise

A new town, a new neighbor, and a new chance to build a forever.

Charlie King is doing fine. Sure, he’s a widower raising a teenage daughter who just got her first boyfriend, his book series isn’t writing itself, and he has a crush on his new neighbor — the guy next door. But everything’s just fine.

Simon Lynley is doing better. He moved to Bethlehem to fall out of love and rebuild his career. An affair with his neighbor isn’t part of the plan, but the attraction between them is too hard to ignore.

But when Simon’s ex follows him to Pennsylvania seeking reconciliation, and Charlie’s life starts to feel like a video on repeat, everything comes apart. Charlie worries that he’s failing as a father, and Simon is a distraction he can’t afford. Meanwhile Simon doesn’t know if he could survive being left again, and he hasn’t come all this way to make the same mistakes. But despite their fears, it’s only together that they’ll find the strength to slay old foes and build the forever they’ve been waiting for…

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Release Date (Print & Ebook): October 15th, 2018

Subgenre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

Smashwords

iBooks

Kobo

“I wanted to thank you for the flower. I’m, ah, assuming it was you.”

Charlie’s smile widened a fraction. “You need some color in your house. And something bent.” His eyes widened briefly. “Curved, or not straight. Crap. This is why I shouldn’t talk. I’m really bad at this talking thing.”

One corner of Simon’s mouth curled upward. “Are you trying to tell me I’m not gay enough?”

Charlie moved to cover his face with his hands, nearly braining himself with the hammer. Bracing his forearm across his forehead instead, he breathed into a pause, quietly, steadily. Then he dropped his arm, and leveled a direct look at Simon. “I’m sorry I barged into your space, and messed it up with my clumsy come-on. I didn’t stop to ask if you were into guys, or take into account the fact you might have lost someone. Or might not even, you know, want to . . . whatever with me. I just got it into my head that I needed to know what it would be like to kiss you, to kiss any guy—not that you were the most handy one. It’s your eyes. They’re so damn blue, and I haven’t thought about anyone on a daily basis in so long, and I had to know.”

His face was red, and the quiet breathing had accelerated into a soft gasping, as though Charlie had just finished a run. Simon stepped in, closing the distance between them, and paused for long enough for Charlie to step back, dodge aside, or simply raise a hand. Say no. He stiffened a little, eyes widening, but otherwise remained still.

“Any guy?” Simon arched an eyebrow.

“You in particular.”

“Why the ice cream?”

Charlie’s eyelids fluttered, briefly. “Because there’s no way anyone can eat ice cream and feel sad.”

Oh God. Simon’s next breath shook slightly. “The puzzle?”

“Because you needed time to think, and something to do with your hands.”

“What are you trying to tell me?”

They were standing so close together that the straightening of Charlie’s shoulders was a twitch at the periphery of Simon’s vision. The thunk at their feet would be the hammer. Then Charlie was leaning in, a hand rising to curl behind Simon’s neck. He paused there, for the space of a single breath, before pressing his lips to Simon’s in a gentle kiss.

A whisper passed between them, a susurrus of words. Simon didn’t bother figuring them out; he tucked his free hand behind Charlie’s shoulder and pulled him closer, angled his head slightly, and deepened the sweet, tentative kiss.

Charlie’s lips were the sort a man might dream about. Full and plump and utterly distracting. Simon kissed both before tending the top and bottom in turn, exploring the mouth he’d fantasized about. The tip of Charlie’s tongue sent a tingling burn across his skin. He shivered. Goose bumps prickled his nape, his shoulders, his arms. The kiss deepened again, becoming less tentative, less question, more statement.

Simon stroked his hand down Charlie’s arm. The sharp, clean scent of Charlie’s sweat filled his senses. The taste of Charlie thrilled his tongue. Prickling skin gave way to keen-edged arousal. A southward rush of blood.

Head light, thoughts swimming, Simon pulled away. Just his lips. Charlie chased him, caught him in another kiss, and Simon got lost somewhere on the way to reason, answering the surer flick of Charlie’s tongue, the sweetly satisfied exhalation of breath.

Charlie bumped into him, nudging him backward. Simon broke out of the kiss again, stepping away to lessen the chance of losing himself a second time. Third time. The sun could have set and the stars come out. A year might have passed by. As he stood there, panting, gaze locked with one of deep and velvety brown, only the weight of the small pot in one hand served as a reminder of why he’d come next door.

Surely it hadn’t been for a kiss.

He’d have traveled much farther for this kiss.

Holy slow burn…

This one took a while to get there, but I was hooked from the first page. Charlie, author of a popular sci-fy book series that dabbled in a character’s bisexuality was just awkward and amazing, and so charming with his cluelessness when it came to his new neighbor Simon.
Having lost his wife to cancer five years ago, he’s been doing the best he could raising their teenage daughter on his own, so he’s been content just being a writer and a dad…

Simon just moved to the sleepy little historical town after his 12-year relationship ended after being cheated on pretty much the whole time, and he just needed a new start. Moving next door to the charming Charlie and his nervous rambling…. Charlie’s internal dialogue as well was just cute and silly, and I just loved his personality and outlook on just about everything. (Just about)

Like I mentioned, it was a slow burn with these two… it was realistic. Charlie had a daughter who now had a boyfriend, and he was not prepared for that. Plus, he had a deadline for his book that demanded a lot of his attention, but, so did his growing attraction to Simon.

And Simon was trying to find his place in his new partnership with Arthur, the architect he’s teamed up with, that kind of mislead him into thinking he was going to retire soon…and the ex that happened to show up eleven months later, just as Simon was starting to get over his betrayal….So, they both had things going on that made the burn that much sweeter when they finally got there.

I did, in the beginning think that Charlie tried a little harder than Simon, but I could understand where they both were coming from, and things don’t always happen the way they hope they do. When a surprise pops up in Charlie’s daughter’s life, and things get complicated and overwhelming…. Simon isn’t willing to be dismissed so easily.

I didn’t like Charlie’s ex mother-in-law… I wish someone would’ve put her in her place. I also didn’t like Brian, the ex, I wish he’d have got to see Simon happy with Charlie. I’m petty like that. They both needed a healthy dose of karmic justice.

Overall though, it was a cute beginning for these two that I hope we get to see more of in the coming stories in this series. Looking forward to that!
4 stars from me!

If aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.

Kelly is the author of a number of novels, novellas and short stories, including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.

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