5 stars

Murmuration by TJ KLune: Release Day Review

October 28, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

In the small mountain town of Amorea, it’s stretching toward autumn of 1954. The memories of a world at war are fading in the face of a prosperous future. Doors are left unlocked at night, and neighbors are always there to give each other a helping hand.

The people here know certain things as fact:

Amorea is the best little town there is.

The only good Commie is a dead Commie.

The Women’s Club of Amorea runs the town with an immaculately gloved fist.

And bookstore owner Mike Frazier loves that boy down at the diner, Sean Mellgard. Why they haven’t gotten their acts together is anybody’s guess. It may be the world’s longest courtship, but no one can deny the way they look at each other.

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

But something’s wrong with Mike. He hears voices in his house late at night. There are shadows crawling along the walls, and great clouds of birds overhead that only he can see.
Something’s happening in Amorea. And Mike will do whatever he can to keep the man he loves

Title: Murmuration
Author: TJ Klune
Release Date: October 28, 2016
Category: Science Fiction, Historical: Americas
Pages: 324

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Dreamspinner Press

jennifer

What the F?

Ok, so…. I’ve read all things T.J. and I’ve cried my eyes out to the point I made myself sick, with Jack and Jackie. I laughed til I made myself sick with “Tell Me It’s Real”… I did a little of both and then ended up smiling til my face hurt with BOTK and I’ve dabbled a little of a little of the in between. I’m not usually a fan of paranormal, I don’t read them, just not my thing, but it doesn’t matter what this author writes, I’ll be reading it.

This one though? This one had me scratching my head, my heart racing, me flippin’ pages like a crazy person and I think a couple times I even loudly said “whaaaaaaaaaaaat”? It was confusing and crazy and romantic and wonderful… it was so many contradictions all in one, I didn’t know what to do with myself at times but to shut up and keep reading. I’d love to go into detail and wax on and on about every little thing I found fascinating about this read, I want to spoil the crap out of it so you can understand my point of view with it all…. I guarantee it that you’ll have a different one, and the next person will have a different one…. That’s why it’s so amazing, in the craziest way… It was a mind-f for sure and I loved every second of it.

In the beginning I wasn’t sure what to think so I was just along for the ride, but every time I kept thinking of putting it down, I thought…. Just one more chapter because I have to see what that was all about… It was like, the movie Pleasantville with a whole lot of Twilight Zone thrown in. I loved how things went back to the days when “courting” was normal and slow and a simple touch or a kiss was thought on for an age before it happened. People were respectable and friendly; and I’ll even admit a bit creepy at times as well. Mike and Sean were perfect for each other; they had a very complimentary way about each other and it was like they fit together; and even though Mike wasn’t good at saying it, it was very much known how much he cared for Sean. I loved it, the way he fought to get back there; what all he had to do to get back there, it made that slow torment of courting worth it; it made me route for them, Mike especially. And that ending…. I found the excitement bubbling up in your throat a real and true thing because I wanted it so bad and I was so scared it was going to be another wake up moment and forget what we were just doing and where we were just at. I would have broken my kindle I think in the rage I would have felt for these fictional characters.

I know I read a lot of chatter about this book; I got hints from the author on facebook and little things here and there… I felt prepared for going into this one with an open mind and a readiness to get in deep into some head tripping… but nay… nay I tell you.. I was not ready.

Do not pass up this book, I dare you to try to explain it once you’re finished…. It will most definitely chew you up and spit you out, and then put you back together again all happy and hopeful. Genius!

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Blueprint by RJ Jones: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

October 13, 2016 by Denise

synopsis If only building the foundation for a lasting relationship was as easy as drafting the blueprint.

Jet Black doesn’t date. Even if he wanted a man beyond sex, his ever-watchful identical twin scares potential suitors away. Jet lives with his brother, but since Gray fell in love with Kris, Jet feels like a third wheel. Despite their bond, Jet knows he needs to move out and experience life for himself, whether Gray likes it or not.

After his father dies in a boating accident, Ethan Nichols is devastated. As the last survivor of his family, he realizes the need to put down roots. He leaves Australia and returns home to San Francisco and his old architectural firm. But there’s more to building a new life than simply moving house.

Jet and Ethan’s first encounter is brash and anonymous, but when Ethan moves across the hall, their lives become irrevocably linked. Jet is quirky and fun loving, while Ethan is rock steady and dependable. There’s no denying the passionate spark between them.

But Ethan is looking for a more solid foundation than Jet is ready to offer. Until Jet learns to spread his wings and trust Ethan with his darkest secrets, building a life together will be impossible.

**This can be read as a standalone, however it is best enjoyed reading the series in order as side characters play a major role.**

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excerpt

I woke a little while later with dried come on my balls and Ethan kissing me softly. It was sensational, and I hoped this time he would finally fuck me. Instead I got a deep kiss, a slap on the ass, and an order to shower.
“Are you joining me?” I had hoped to draw out the pleasure and delay any awkwardness I could feel rising within.
Ethan pressed his lips to mine. “No. I’ve already had one. I’ll start breakfast while you wash up. Eggs good for you?”
How domestic. “Sure.” I remembered stating last night that I would cook breakfast, but the way I was feeling at that moment, I’d probably burn it.
Ethan appeared relaxed and happy while my insides burned with a need to flee. Some people have a fight-or-flight response; it seemed I either fucked or fled. I hoped a shower would calm me down some. It didn’t and when I appeared in the kitchen fully dressed in last night’s clothes, Ethan’s frown deepened as he dished up scrambled eggs on toast. He was wearing only his boxer briefs.
“Uh.” I plucked at a loose thread on my jacket. “Thanks for last night. I had a really nice time.”
Ethan didn’t look at me when he spoke. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” The spoon he’d been using clattered loudly in the sink. He turned and glared at me.
“No! No. I… I’m sorry.” I looked at my shoes as I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “I don’t want to. This is all new to me and… I have no idea what to do, but I would love to have breakfast with you.”
Judging by Ethan’s tone, I hadn’t been very convincing. “Does that mean you’ll be leaving as soon as you’ve finished eating?”
“I do need to get changed.”
“Are you coming back?”
Swallowing down my anxiety, I answered, “I’d like to. If that’s okay with you.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”

paula review

I have been waiting for Jet’s story since book one. This was so well done. Jet is a relationship virgin and it shows. He has no idea how to interact with a guy after he’s slept with him. His uncertainty is so endearing. I really like how he tried to figure out how to “date.” Ethan was a very good match for him. Once he know where Jet is coming from and how inexperienced he is with relationship he is amazing with him. Ethan was so caring and understanding it was beautiful to read. Jet’s growth in this book is heartfelt. These characters made me want to invest my feelings in them. I thought the story RJ Jones wrote for Jet was perfect. The interactions between the MC’s felt real and authentic.

5 pieces of eye candy

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rjones-avatar_hires meet the author RJ started as a reader and eventually made the progression to reviewing. It wasn’t until two men popped into her thoughts, insisting on telling her their story that she started to write. It started with one scene. A hot and dirty one in the shower.
RJ’s initial thought was if she could write their scene then they’d shut up and allow her to concentrate on other aspects of the day. That shower scene was 3000 words long and three hours of work. But they didn’t shut up. They told her their entire story and she didn’t sleep for days. Sometimes she couldn’t keep up with what they were telling her and she had to keep a notebook by the bed.
Whilst RJ was writing their story a side character decided he needed his story told too. Then other characters followed suit.
You see the problem? If RJ ever wants to sleep again then she needs to write.
RJ is a wife and a mother to two boys. Even her dog is a boy.
She is surrounded by males.

RJ writes emotionally charged, character driven romances. Her guys will always get their HEA, but it will never be easy.

Where to find me

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Email – rjjonesauthor@gmail.com

Amazon page

giveaway
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The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker : Quick Review

September 20, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

After being dumped by his long-term boyfriend for being overweight, Henry Beckett decides to make some drastic changes. In a vain attempt at getting his boyfriend back, Henry does the most absurdly frightening thing he can think of.
He joins a gym.
Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again. He’s sick of guys who are only interested in the perfect body image, never seeing him for who he really is.
As Reed tortures Henry with things like diet and exercise, Henry enamours Reed with recipes and laughter. As the friendship lines start to blur, Henry is convinced there’s no way Thor-like Reed could ever be interested in a guy like him.
Reed just has to convince Henry that life isn’t about reaching your ideal bodyweight. It’s about finding your perfect counterweight.

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jennifer
I absolutely adore N.R. Walker’s books so when it came up for review, I almost wanted to beg for a chance at it. Fortunately, I didn’t have to lol. This story was incredibly sweet and I loved every second of it.
Henry was just dumped by his partner of 8 years because things had just got stagnant. Of course, the ex was rather rude about it saying Henry was old and fat; and at 35, he wasn’t old by any means but he was a bit overweight. It seemed like their relationship was over long before it actually was though and it was good that it ended. It left Henry feeling pretty sorry for himself though and he knew he needed a change. He was heartbroken and had low self-esteem, so he decided to join a gym. Good thing he did, that’s where he met Reed.
I loved Reed. He was patient and encouraging. He was such a good friend to Henry and the two of them were hilarious together. I mean, everything that came out of Henry’s mouth was hilarious, he literally made me LOL several times…. But their banter and flirty-ness, their friendship and the way they encouraged each other. That’s what I liked. They didn’t automatically jump into anything, they got to know each other and got comfortable with each other. Henry got to realize some things about himself and about his previous relationship that he needed in order to get over it and heal from it. He learned to accept himself the way he was accept that Reed liked him for who he was too.
They were seriously, so very perfect together. There wasn’t drama and angst in this book. There was no exes that came out of the woodwork and caused trouble or tried to be snarky and petty and mean. Although it was nice when they ran into him at the grocery store and he got to see how happy Henry was and how hot his new guy was…. That’s always satisfying lol , but even Henry was mature about it and it wasn’t about bitterness and hurt feelings, he was a good guy like that, and Henry just wanted him to be happy because, he, himself was happy….with Reed.
I also loved all the friends, Anika and her boyfriend Sean; Henry’s co-workers who were so supportive and nice and Reed’s best friend Emily… I wish we’d have gotten to meet Reeds mom, as she sounded like a nice lady and I also wish Henry’s mom would have gotten to meet George Clooney LOL, I can see where Henry gets his sense of humor and lack of flitter from.
Overall, I adored this entire story from start to finish. It was entertaining and hopeful and sweet. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these two and their crazy made family.
5 pieces of eye candy for me!

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Tied Up in Knots by Mary Calmes: Release Day Review

September 16, 2016 by Denise

synopsis Miro Jones is living the life: he’s got his exciting, fulfilling job as a US deputy marshal, his gorgeous Greystone in suburban Chicago, his beloved adopted family, and most importantly, the man who captured his heart, Ian Doyle. Problem is, Ian isn’t just his partner at work—Ian’s a soldier through and through. That commitment takes him away from Miro, unexpectedly and often, and it’s casting a shadow over what could be everything Miro could ever dream of.

Work isn’t the same without Ian. Home isn’t the same, either, and Miro’s having to face his fears alone… how to keep it together at the office, how to survive looming threats from the past, and worst of all, how to keep living without Ian’s rock-solid presence at his side. His life is tied up in knots, but what if unknotting them requires something more permanent? What would that mean for him and Ian? Miro’s stuck between two bad choices, and sometimes the only way to get out of the knot is to hold tight to your lifeline and pull.

Title: Tied Up in Knots
Series: Marshals: Book Three
Author: Mary Calmes
Release Date: September 16, 2016
Category: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 260

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Dreamspinner Press

jennifer

Alright…. First I have to say I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review… Okay, now that that’s out of the way… I’m gonna fan girl-and fan girl HARD…. Prepare and Beware, there might be some mild spoilers….

I have been in love with Mary Calmes stories since the day I picked up “A Matter of Time”. Jory and Sam have been my favorite m/m couple since the history of ever…only slightly ahead of Ian and Miro, they’re my second favorite ever, so when I saw that this story was up for review, I almost wanted to beg for it. Having read and then re-read the first two in this series, I was ready to get my hands on this one and let me tell ya, after book 2, it had some tall shoes to fill. I had very high expectations for this one. The emotion I felt all through the last one when Ian got deployed and the suffering of Miro when he was with Hartley and seeing Ian suffer through that… Man, this one would have to top that one, ya know?

It did.

In the beginning, we had a lot of new people, since Miro was loaned out while Sam was on vacation, that’s a big no-no with Sam and the situation Miro found himself in was exactly why. Ian was currently deployed again, which sucked because, they work best when they work together, he and Miro… There were a lot of new guys, of course, being in a different place with all new players but I have to tell you, I was interested in getting to know them all! The guy who approached Miro to work with him, he was hot and reminded me a lot of Ian, his brother, the SWAT guy who was like G.I. Joe and the Terminator all in one, and the Sam Cage of their department, Xavier Vance’ and of course Morgan and his Miki… I’m hoping there’s a new series for all those guys cuz I’d love to read about ALL OF THEM! Just take a second and get the visual….. I know, right!?!

We also get a little background on Miro’s ex partner (actual partner on the force) his betrayal and we get some cross over guys!! It took me a minute to remember the names and where they came from, like Tony Strada and Andre Fiore from “Acrobat”… I love when we get crossovers, because I loved Professor Nathan Quells and his Andreo, and Dreo’s nephew Michael… might have to go back and re-read that one as well, just cuz! (sidenote: the homecoming with Chickie was so cute, I giggled myself sick, I love that puppy and brace yourself for an emotional scene or two with him)

Next, we get the homecoming of Ian, and that is always emotional for me, this author has a way of pulling you in emotionally, I love missing these fictional people when I read that they’re away and I love getting choked up when they return to their partners, happy and healthy and in love. I love watching them stand up for each other, like Miro did Ian at the funeral of one of his old team members from military past, and I loved watching that guy get his face bashed in for the things he was saying about Miro’s, Ian. That’s what it feels like too, when you’re so neck deep in a book and it’s like you can see it while it’s happening. I got a sick satisfaction from that broken nose and I wished for a lot more, especially those bigots that Ian used to work with. I wanted retribution for the gross crap they spewed, something painful to make them beg to take it back… didn’t happen though, unfortunately…. That’s probably something I should keep an eye on eh?

Now, with Ian being home, let me tell you how that lasts for like a minute, and it’s with all kinds of drama in between… I won’t go into too much detail because it’s intense and kind of heartbreaking and so many things thrown at them at once, and then Ian has to leave again and I cried during the whole scene… Do you see what you do to me, Mary Calmes? Do you? …. Sigh…. I love it and hate it all at the same time but it keeps me flipping pages almost faster than I can read them.

Now….now Miro, as punishment from a job well done in my opinion, he’s got to go to Vegas and pic up a WITSEC dude, who let me tell you, is so freakin cute. He reminds me of Jory in a way, just because of the stuff that comes out of his mouth. It was refreshing and so random, Miro was the perfect person to put him with, but I was glad he got to be friends with Cabot and Drake…. although with those two… I didn’t like where that was heading, I know they love each other and was planning on getting married in the spring, I know they’re young, but I’ll be devastated it doesn’t work out with them. I have so much hope for them.

I also loved the two guys, Callahan and Redeker… I’m hoping they also come to Chicago, I think they’ll fit in with the rest of the bunch just fine.

Now… Hartley…. We know how horrible he is, we know what he’s done and who he’s done it to and we get a recap when Kage tells Miro he’s back, through no fault of any of them, a stupid decision from the FBI and of course, he escapes. Again, the way Miro needs Ian and the way he feels is so expertly portrayed that, you can’t not get mixed up in that. You just can’t. Man, I felt for Miro so bad, all the crap he’s been through and then this falls on his lap… it’s the last thing he needs right now, especially since Ian isn’t there for him to lean on. He comes back just right on time of course, and we have some nice, funny, family time, everything is easy and sexy with Ian being back and Thanksgiving coming up with everyone and their brother coming around…. But then…. Utter chaos….

Friends who you think are friends are not, and puzzle pieces are getting clicked into place and then enter… Dr. Craig Hartley… I swear my heart stops every time he makes an appearance, it was no different this time. I was so wrapped up when everything was going down, I was crying for Chickie and the agony from Miro, I actually audibly gasped and let fly some colorful F bombs laced with anger and emotion that is just plain ridiculous for fictional people….But I love it…. I love every single nail biting, hair pulling, hot and steamy, man loving second of it. I love Sam Kage and all the guys who have Ian and Miro’s back, I love the family and brotherhood and unity they all have. I love this author and everything she writes and I absolutely love and cherish and adore, this series…. I love how this one ended and I can say with absolute certainty that I will be waiting on pins and needles until we get the next one, and I can see Ian and Miro’s wedding. I have wanted that so bad and man, it will be a bittersweet happiness when we all get it.

If there is ever any doubt about reading his book or reading this story… get rid of it. In my honest opinion, it’s simply one of the very best, m/m series’ I’ve ever read.

Don’t pass it up!

5 pieces of eye candy

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Take Two by Shira Anthony: Release Day Review

September 9, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Shiver me timbers! When Professor Wesley Coolidge accepts a summer job as a historical consultant to a pirate movie being filmed in North Carolina, the last person he expects to bump into is his soon-to-be-ex-husband, movie star Sander Carson. Just like the flamboyant pirate he’s playing, Sander, aka Sam Carr, is used to getting what he wants, and he makes it clear he wants Wesley back in his life.

Sam acknowledges it’s his fault they split up. He lost Wesley when he left their life in New York City behind for a career in Hollywood. But Wesley has finally managed to put the pieces of his heart back together, and he isn’t interested in Sam and Wesley: The Sequel. Sam soon realizes that convincing Wesley to give their relationship a second chance will take much more than apologies and reminders of good times past. If he wants Wesley back, Sam will have to show Wesley that they really can sail into the sunset together—a real-life happily-ever-after that won’t end once the final credits roll.

Title: Take Two
Author: Shira Anthony
Release Date: September 9, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 214

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Dreamspinner Press

deanna review

I love a second chance romance, it might be my favorite behind GFY. Take Two is one of the best I have read, loved everything about it.

Sam and Wesley have been married for ten years. Wesley is a college history professor in New York while Sam has moved to LA to peruse an acting career as Sander Carson. The time apart has Wesley filing for divorce after three years on loneliness.

Wesley has moved on, he is dating someone on staff at the college, he is up for a new grant at work and has been promoted. Life is perfect until everything starts to unravel. Wesley was supposed to spend the summer at a dig site with his new boyfriend but the plans change and Wesley isn’t able to go along. With a whole summer open Wesley isn’t sure what to do until a big Hollywood studio calls and asks him to help with historical accuracy on a pirate movie being filmed in North Carolina.

A summer in North Carolina, what could go wrong? What Wesley doesn’t know is that Sam has orchestrated this entire thing to win him back. Figuring that if they spend some time together Wesley will fall back into his arms. Sam doesn’t factor in that Wesley may not want to give Sam a second chance. He only has the summer to prove to Wesley that he’s a changed man and he can be the husband that Wesley deserves.

The book ran the whole spectrum of emotion. I was laughing, I was crying, I was depressed, and I was super happy. The author writes about the couples struggles in a way that makes you feel everything but without it being overly dramatic or angsty.

The whole cast of characters were well developed and relatable. I loved Sam’s assistant, Jeff. Super cute, super young. He was adorable.

The story was well thought out and entertaining. I loved that it spanned over a good bit of time, I’m not a huge fan of books that take place over a weekend.

This is one of my favorite reads of the summer!

5 pieces of eye candy

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paula review

I absolutely love this story. Wesley and Sam were amazing. This book really resonated with me. I liked that fact that the reason for them splitting up wasn’t because of something scandalous. I completely understood Wesley and his point of view in regards to his relationship with Sam. I thought Sam did a brilliant job realizing he screwed up and trying to make it right. His way of bringing Wesley back into his life was fun and entertaining. I was rooting for him for most of the story. This was a very well done and emotional second chance story.

5 pieces of eye candy

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Tart and Sweet by Amy Lane: Release Day Review

September 5, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

In the Army, Robbie Chambers turned on his lover out of fear—and he hasn’t been able to live with himself since. Now he’s out of the Army but still trapped in the closet that brought on his most cowardly moment, and he starts to think he’ll never be able to fight his way free.

Until he sees Cy McVeigh. Beautiful and uninhibited, Cy is dancing on the boardwalk at Old Sac for no other reason than the moment called for it. Robbie not only joins in the dance but is smitten from the very beginning.

However, Robbie still has old business to clear up, and when he helps out a kid in need and comes face-to-face with the man he betrayed, he’s forced to come clean with himself. He can’t redeem his mistake if he’s still locked into his old patterns, and he won’t ever be worthy of Cy if he can’t earn Adam’s forgiveness. He’s going to need all the help he can get from the people at Candy Heaven in order to make things right with his past so he can have a future with Cy.

Title: Tart and Sweet
Series: Candy Man: Book Four
Author: Amy Lane
Release Date: September 5, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 220

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Dreamspinner Press

paula review

I was really happy with the way this book turned out. I wasn’t all that happy with Robbie before starting this and I will admit I really didn’t like him and wasn’t sure if I wanted to read his story. However, Amy Lane did a wonderful job of creating a character that was very human and that I could empathize with. I liked that Robbie owned up to his past mistakes and apologized for them. He didn’t try to place blame and put the responsibility on someone else. Cy was such a great counterpoint to Robbie. His personality really brought out the best in Robbie. I really enjoyed getting to know Cy. Getting to see some old friends appear in this book was really nice too. This was a story that was thoughtfully and beautifully done.

5 pieces of eye candy

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