4 stars

Ben’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 3) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 17, 2018 by Denise

Benedict Keeler was one of America’s most popular models. Hot body, hot career, and super-hot boyfriend, until a devastating house fire destroyed his face and his dreams. After being told all his life that a pretty face is the measure of his worth, he can’t face another rejection and runs from his lover, eventually hiding out on Rainbow Key.

Zachary Jones, a highly sought after photographer—even if he would rather shoot the homeless in Manhattan than a fashion spread—is now facing the real possibility that a genetic disease will render him blind and his days behind a camera may be over.

Two devastated men, one haunted by his past and one convinced he has no future. Will they both hide from the world, or will they give love, and each other, a second chance?

Amazon

Ben, Ben, Ben….I was most excited for his story….what a big ol’ bag of emotional messes I was with this book!

This one was a little different than the other two, Ben has been on the island for a while, making a home there to hide out after a horrific housefire left him horrible scarred and no longer able to model. Coming from a broken and slummy home with an alcoholic mother who treated him terribly, I could understand his need at a young age to have money and a reputation, so that he never had to endure the things he had to while living with his mom. Unfortunately, his relationship with Zach suffered for it.

Zach was a photographer who didn’t do designer shoots normally, was doing a favor for a friend and that’s where he met Ben. He was captivated by him from the beginning…. Of course, after getting cliff notes from their early relationship, before Ben left him…. We get to see a side of Ben that I didn’t like very much. He was selfish… so extremely selfish, and I hated the way he treated Zach… not bad, really, he just took him for granted and didn’t make him a priority when he should’ve. Zach was on the back burner and it wasn’t until he lost him that he realized how badly he’d messed up.

What he didn’t realize though, was that Zach had never given up looking for him; he never stopped loving him, so when he goes to Rainbow Keys to relax and take it easy after an eye surgery and becoming almost completely blinded… he was so shocked to run into Ben. I knew that Ben couldn’t stay hidden and I was glad for it. I was glad the author didn’t make us watch him hide and wait for when they’d run into each other. Once he saw Zach, he couldn’t stay away, and it was like no time had passed between them at all.

They needed to work on trusting each other and had a lot to talk about, but, they were determined this time around. I think being away from each other really cemented their need to be together. The only thing I kept waiting for, was Zach’s brother Seth to cause problems. He was more than a little overbearing and meddlesome and I didn’t like him at all. He rubbed me the wrong way and I never got over it…..even if he did make up for it at the end.

Another thing I can’t stand in this series, is why do the bad guys get away with being bad guys? Did the reporter ever get in trouble? Did May-bell’s daughter ever get her teeth knocked in? Like, what happened with them? I hate that they caused so much trouble and had no repercussions. I HATE when that happens… It leaves me feeling like something was unfinished, because I needed them to get their karmic justice. Bad people should pay for what they do, and neither one of those two did….. just blah.

What I loved though, was Beth and Chris, and the ending with Beth, Josh and Daniel. I was so hoping for that, and it was so much sweeter when we got it. I love Matt, and I sincerely hope he’s next book, and I hope I don’t have to wait long to get it. I have a feeling that he’s going to be my favorite! I’m looking forward to the new guy and his sister with Downs…. And what about Joe? What happened to him? I was hoping he was for Matt.

This is just such a great series and all three books had me hooked from the first few pages. I’m really looking forward to more! What a sweet ending so far though..

4 pieces of eye candy from me <3

Love in Spades by Charlie Cochet: Exclusive Excerpt and Release Day Review

April 27, 2018 by Denise

Ex-Special Forces soldier Anston “Ace” Sharpe is fighting a different battle these days—one involving the world of private security across the state of Florida. As part owner of Four Kings Security, Ace and his fellow Kings tackle everything from armed transport and investigations to cyber intelligence and executive protection. Cocky, fearless, and brash, Ace isn’t afraid to take risks.

After years of working alongside his father, Colton Connolly is ready to take the helm at Connolly Maritime, but his father’s retirement is put on hold when Colton begins receiving death threats. If that isn’t bad enough, his father signs a contract with Four Kings Security to provide Colton with round-the-clock protection, despite his adamant refusal. Colton’s life has been turned upside down, the last thing he needs is a shadow, especially in the form of infuriating, sexy-as-sin Ace Sharpe, who seems to be on a mission to drive Colton mad.

Sparks fly the moment Colton and Ace meet on a sultry night club dance floor. But getting involved with a client, even one as fiery and beautiful as Colton Connolly, is a line Ace is unwilling to cross. Colton might be attracted to Ace, but he’d been burned before. He might be willing to put his life in Ace’s hands, but not his heart.

As the Florida nights heat up, so does their passion, and Ace and Colton are faced with a difficult choice—take the plunge and risk it all, or play it safe and walk away?

If Ace can keep a deadly threat from robbing Colton of a future….

LOVE IN SPADES

CHARLIE COCHET

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 04.24.18

COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Ace’s lips curled into a wicked grin, and he dove under the water. Colton stilled, waiting for Ace to pop, but he didn’t. Jesus, the guy could hold his breath for a long time. It was like he’d vanished. Until something grabbed Colton’s legs. He released a barrage of curses as he was lifted, his arms flailing in an attempt not to lose his balance as Ace came up under him, and Colton ended up on Ace’s shoulders.

“You ass!” Colton hugged Ace’s head to keep himself steady as he sat on the man’s broad shoulders while Ace laughed himself silly. He held on to Colton’s thighs, and started walking. “What are you doing?” Colton squeaked.

“Going for a walk,” Ace said as if it were obvious.

“No, you have something devious planned; I know it.”

Ace chuckled. “Are you doubting me?”

“Absolutely. Remember the pool?”

“In my defense, you were being an ass.”

Colton let out a mock gasp. “Are you using inappropriate language toward your client?”

“I’ll show you inappropriate.” Ace growled deep in his throat, and Colton shivered.

“Ace,” Colton moaned. “Please don’t make that sound while my crotch is pressed against the back of your head.”

Ace stopped moving. Before Colton could ask if he was okay, Ace sank into the water, and disappeared again, leaving Colton standing there wondering what the man was about to do next. One thing was for sure, Ace always kept him on his toes. Hands caressed his legs, and Colton groaned, his eyes closing as Ace slid his hands up Colton’s body until he resurfaced, his arms around Colton and front pressed to Colton’s back. Colton covered Ace’s hands with his and leaned back into him before turning in his arms.

“We should head back,” Ace murmured, his eyes on Colton’s lips.

“You drive me fucking crazy, you know that?” Colton huffed. He slipped his hands beneath the water and cupped Ace through his shorts, making him groan. “How about you stop teasing me, take control of these gorgeous balls, and bury yourself deep inside me.”

Ace cursed under his breath. He opened his mouth to reply, but Colton put his fingers to Ace’s lips and released his hold on him.

“You know where to find me.” Colton turned and swam back to the shore. If Ace was determined to drive him out of his mind with his sensual caresses, lingering looks, and sultry voice, then it was only fair Colton return the favor.

What a fun book!

Ms Cochet has big shoes to fill. Those of Dex, Sloan and all the characters she created in the THIRDS series. Honestly, I wondered if we were going to get Dex Redux. Nope. These are totally new characters, without a hint of THIRDS.

Four Kings Security is owned by 4 friends, former special forces military who are basically brothers. They are known to be the best- and as such they are hired to protect the son of a well known businessman. But the protectee does not want to be protected. So take-no-shit Ace is put in charge of the job.

Naturally, sparks fly. Chemistry abounds. Ace and Colton dance around each other and their attraction.

I really liked that the focus of the story was more on Ace and Colton- and protecting Colton- than it was on finding out who is sending Colton the threatening messages. It gave the story the chance to showcase them instead of the mystery of the Big Bad.

We also get to know quite a few side characters who I assume we will get to know even more closely in coming books. This band of brothers who all work together with the shared experience of something going wrong on a military mission. The love they have for each other shines through. But they always, ALWAYS take their job seriously.

Colton and Ace are both snarky. And both seem to be able to turn it off like a light when needed. Colton can be totally professional at work, at it doesn’t ever seem to be like he is faking it. He just has a clear line between work and play.

Ace is the same. Joking around one minute, military attention the next.

Sure, they fell too easily and quickly for each other. And maybe Ace should have fought the attraction a bit harder- at least until the job was done. But overall, it was a really fun read, with likable characters and hot sex.

I absolutely look forward to reading more from the Four Kings and getting to know them all even more.

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

Blog: http://www.charliecochet.com/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Facebook Author Page: http://facebook.com/authorcharliecochet

Tumblr: http://charliecochet.tumblr.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charliecochet/

Twitter: @charliecochet

Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/charliecochet

Evolved by N.R. Walker: Release Day Review

April 23, 2018 by Denise

In 2068, androids are an integrated part of human life. Big Brother no longer just watches from the shadows. It’s in every household.

Lloyd Salter has OCD issues with noise and mess, and he’s uncomfortable with human interaction. When his ex claimed the only thing perfect enough to live up to his standards was an android, Lloyd dismissed it. But two years later, after much self-assessment, Lloyd thinks he may have been right.

SATinc is the largest manufacturer of androids in Australia, including the Fully Compatible Units known as an A-Class 10. Their latest design is the Synthetic Human Android UNit, otherwise known as SHAUN.

Shaun is compatible with Lloyd’s every need; the perfect fit on an intellectual and physical basis. But Lloyd soon realises Shaun’s not like other A-Class androids. He learns. He adapts. Sure that SATinc is aware Shaun functions outside of his programmed parameters, Lloyd must find a way to keep Shaun safe.

No one can know how special Shaun is. No one can know he’s evolved.

Amazon

I really liked this book. Whodathunk?

I am not the biggest fan of fantasy/futuristic/sci-fi romance. I generally stick with contemporary, with a few historicals throw in for good measure. BUT. I am a big fan of NR Walker, so I jumped right in.

So glad I did.

Although set 50 years in the future, much seems the same. Except for androids/gynoids. First the took over petty tasks for us- cooking, cleaning, driving. But now there are new ones that are very human like. So much so that they are being purchased as companions and sexual partners.

NR Walker built an entire vocabulary and world in which these machines live among us. A world in the no so distant future. It hearkened back to the 50’s and 60’s when they imagined flying cars 50 years in the future.

Ok, anyway. Yes, this is a love story and romance. But no, it wasn’t weird. I thought it would be. You so quickly forget that Shaun is an android. Except for not eating, he does and says all of the things that Lloyd does. They converse, debate, cuddle, kiss and have sex. And through it all Shaun evolves. He and Lloyd both question what love is. Even what being a human is.

It was really a very smart, very cool book. You are reminded that Shaun is an android and doesn’t just turn into a human. There are bigger issues of Big Brother watching, how much and how often. How other androids- the older ones that are more robot than human- are treated.

I feel like I am mucking up this review. I don’t want to give spoilers, but I want you to read it. Really. It will make you think as well. I don’t know if the author meant to write a book that could be used for philosophical discussion (seriously), but she did.

Not perfect- there were a few repetitious phrases, etc. But really good.

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

Kairos by Mary Calmes: Audiobook Review

April 22, 2018 by Denise

Sometimes the best day of your life is the one you never saw coming.

Joe Cohen has devoted the past two years of his life to one thing: the care and feeding of Kade Bosa. His partner in their PI business, roommate, and best friend, Kade is everything to Joe, even if their relationship falls short of what Joe desires most. But he won’t push. Kade has suffered a rough road, and Joe’s pretty sure he’s the only thing holding Kade together.

Estranged from his own family, Joe knows the value of desperately holding on to someone dear, but he never expected his present and past to collide just as Kade’s is doing the same. Now they’ve stumbled across evidence that could change their lives: the impact of Kade’s tragic past, their job partnership, and any future Joe might allow himself to wish for….

Title: Kairos
Author: Mary Calmes
Narrator: Michael Fell
Release Date: March 16, 2018
Category: Contemporary
Length: 5 hours, 10 minutes

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Audible

Wow, what I didn’t expect with Kairos was how funny it was. Full disclosure though…quite often that is exactly how my family interacts. We talk over each other, make fun of each other, get up in each other’s business, etc. That is exactly how Joe’s family interacted, and it made me laugh over and over.

Joe and Kade clearly had some communication issues, and from the beginning you couldn’t help but feel bad for Joe who had clearly been pining for Kade for years. Yet they managed to work well together, covering each other’s back, no matter what, and ensuring that they were loyal to those who had proven themselves loyal to them.

I had to laugh (again) at the comments throughout, once they arrived at Joe’s family winery, to Joe’s mother about not collecting people…and yet, Joe and Kade collected their own person and brought him to the winery themselves.

There wasn’t a lot of angst in here, other than poor Joe’s unrequited love…well and a few dead bodies, but a lot of great interactions, and a satisfying ending.

I will admit, as often happens with a Mary Calmes book, I want more of these guys. Much more. 🙂

Story: 4 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

Lost Souls Found by Kris T Bethke: Exclusive Author Guest Post and Release Day Review

April 18, 2018 by Denise

Dying is all in a day’s work. Love is more dangerous.

Ghostwalker Sam Jones has been half in love with Michael King since he started working at Requiem Inc. But Michael is his boss and a Guardian, to boot. Sam thinks they could make it work anyway, but Michael uses his position and his age to keep Sam at arm’s length.

When Sam continues to volunteer for the most dangerous cases, Michael has to intervene. He tells himself he’s just doing his job, but he’s always seen Sam as more than another operative, and he can’t bear the thought of not taking his chance. The connection between them has been strong from the beginning, and Michael’s telepathy adds unexpected depth and an edge to their new romance, but working together while they try to build their relationship might be the hardest part of their job if they don’t make some sacrifices.

Title: Lost Souls Found
Series: Requiem Inc.: Book 2
Author: Kris T. Bethke
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Category: Paranormal: Ghosts, Dreamspun Beyond
Pages: 207

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Hey everyone! I’m Kris T. Bethke, and I’m excited to be here today. Thanks so much for having me, and thanks for stopping in to read.

There’s a particular trope I love to read, and therefor love to write. Pining. Seemingly unrequited love. The crush that is so much more than just a simple admiration for another person. That feeling that goes deeper and you know, if you just got the chance, you could have that person forever.

That’s exactly how Sam feels about Michael in Lost Souls Found.

Sam might be younger than Michael, but he knows what he wants. And he knows that Michael is the perfect man for him. He understands why Michael keeps him at arm’s length. There are reasons, and though Sam doesn’t agree with them, he gets where Michael is coming from. Mostly. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t think Michael should give in and just be with him already.

Sam is ready to give up. He’s ready to move on and start a new life, even though it’s not what he wants. But Michael isn’t ready to give Sam up. It takes time and conversation, and whole lot more, before these two guys finally get to a good place. It’s not easy for either of them, but they know it’s worth it.

This is the second book in the series, and if you’ve read the first, you know just how deep Sam’s pining for Michael goes. It was so integral to his character that I wrote he feelings on the page without knowing if I was going to be able to write Sam and Michael’s story. But I’m so glad that I was able to, and that it’s now released out in the world for you to read too. I loved these guys, and I loved penning their journey to love.

I hope you get a chance to check it out!

I loved the first book in the Requiem, Inc series, Ghost of a Chance, so I jumped when I saw book 2, Sam’s story, was coming. This series is a bit different than most paranormal I have read, although I don’t read a lot of PR. But it has such a unique take, I have enjoyed it so far.

I will say that Michael irritated me, at one point, I thought there was no chance he was going to redeem himself in my eyes, as he had become possessive and controlling. That being said, I had to consider the situation he was in, and give him some allowance for such a challenging position he was put in on a daily basis. He did redeem himself, showing his love for Sam, and his desire to do what he could to keep their relationship in tact.

Sam was great though. He knew what he wanted, and didn’t hesitate to go after it. And when he made a decision, he didn’t waiver, even if it wasn’t necessarily what he wanted. He also loved his job, and it showed in the care he took with the other ghostwalkers, and those that he helped to cross over.

With the Dreamspun Desires and Dreamspun Beyond, the books aren’t high angst (which I appreciate), but this one still had me crying at several different points. In the end, their happy ending worked out perfectly, and made great sense, and the reader got a good tease for the next book. (Although, I really need to know more about Tyler, after what happened to him….hint hint…).

4 pieces of eye candy for me, and waiting for book 3…

Kris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and naps on the weekend are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with a way too fluffy cat and the voices in her head. She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated.

Find her on her site https://kristbethke.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Kris-T-Bethke/100014524539852

Twitter https://twitter.com/kristbethke

His Faith As He Finds It by A.M. Arthur: Release Day Review

April 16, 2018 by Denise

Can a jaded porn star with a painful past and a shy nurse who’s been burned before learn to believe in themselves and find their happily ever after?

Rick Fowler enjoys his job as rising Internet porn star Adam Swift, but it’s not exactly a career he can bring up on first dates. His few attempts at dating have all been disasters, so he’s keeping his head down and working on remaining sober. When his toxic, perma-cranky Uncle Gerard—the man who took Rick in when he was fourteen—needs round-the-clock care, Rick steps up.

In-home nurse Vinson Larrazzo is always up for a challenge. He definitely finds one in the rude Gerard Fowler—and Gerard’s shockingly gorgeous nephew Rick, who is just as grumpy. And since Vinson’s first priority is always his patient, he ignores his strong—and highly unprofessional—feelings for Rick.

But their chemistry is undeniable, and a snowstorm gives them get the perfect chance to explore it. Vinson has faith they can make it work, but to have a future together, Rick needs to find enough faith in himself to own his mistakes and let go of the past—even if that means confronting his uncle about an incident that put Rick on his dangerous, damaging road to addiction. And the fallout of those secrets might be more than Rick’s relationship with Vinson can bear.

Amazon – Out April 17th

Back to the boys of Mean Green Productions.

Rick was always kind of a… well, dick. As a supporting character in previous books, I had no love for him. But now we get his back story.

Fact: AM Arthur will pretty much always make me cry AND will make me like a character I previously didn’t. Damn her.

Anyway…we find out that Rick isn’t really that much of a dick. Turns out life hasn’t been kind to him. And his uncle-who now needs round the clock care-is a big reason for that.

So Vinson is hired as one of his uncle’s full time care givers. Although Vinson tries to stay neutral in the war between uncle and nephew, he does plant a few seeds to try to smooth things over. It doesn’t hurt that Vinson is completely attracted to Rick.

Rick has a lot of things to overcome. I absolutely loved that he was totally willing to be friends with Vinson, instead of just having a hook up. He was such a gentleman! Taking him on a date, sleeping on the couch… just adorable and totally out of character for the guy we met before.

And even though Vinson swears off Rick because he is technically working for his uncle, he can’t deny their chemistry. Vinson stays a pillar of strength though. Never wavering in his commitment to take care of Gerard, while still exploring things with Rick.

But Vinson has his own skeletons in the closet. I was really surprised. But delightfully so, because the skeleton he was hiding needs more representation in books. So bravo on that.

It was a good story, characters who evolved, tears of course (shakes fist!), a big Italian meddling family and redemption.

4 Pieces of Candy