Ann Lister

Ryder’s Guardian (Maiden Voyage, Book 1) by Ann Lister & TL Travis: Exclusive Excerpt and Release Day Review

May 20, 2020 by Denise

For Maiden Voyage guitarist, Ryder Hampton, life is great. He and his bandmates are embarking upon an epic European double headlining tour with their friends from Social Sinners with the band Embrace the Fear opening for them.

Since joining Maiden Voyage in his twenties, Ryder’s life has been a whirlwind of the cliched, “Sex, drugs and monumental doses of Rock ‘n Roll. And he’s loved every minute of it from the sold out shows to the revolving door of bed partners.

Max Hightower has always been a team player. Whether it was working with his team in the Marines or now with the private security company, Ventura Security. These days, his job was to have the backs of a band of musicians. One band member in particular he’d allowed to get too close and now emotions were involved.

Ryder Hampton had left his mark on Max’s closed-off heart and now Max’s job was in jeopardy. Falling for your principal wasn’t safe – nor smart. Neither was missing the mark on protecting him and now Max was guilty of both. The security detail he’d begged his boss for had turned out to be the one that could ruin him and shatter his heart too. Max couldn’t allow either option to happen.

Maiden Voyage series must be read in order as each book starts where the last one ended but is from another band members point of view:

1 – Ryder’s Guardian
2 – Derek’s Destiny
3 – Jaxson’s Nemesis
4 – Shadow’s Light

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Max

I didn’t dare glance around the plane to see who really was sleeping or who could even be hearing our conversation. The risk I was taking by just allowing his hand to be on my neck was huge, but I couldn’t help but fall. When I felt the gentle tug of his hand, I willingly fell into him. My head rolled on the back of the seat and Ryder drew himself in closer to me. Our foreheads touched first and he closed his eyes. A soft hum came from his lips right before his face slanted and our lips brushed. I arched into the contact and Ryder’s other hand latched onto my neck. His grip was firm around my throat, and as his mouth opened to take mine, I felt a rush of his warm breath bathe my face.

I let him lead this dance. I parted my lips and waited for the first subtle flick of his tongue as it reached for mine and then stroked down the side. The touch went straight to my balls and my body exploded into flames. I couldn’t keep my hands to myself another second. I quickly buried my fingers into his gorgeous hair and skimmed them across his scalp. His breath hitched when I fisted his hair around my fingers and tugged.

Ryder bit my bottom lip then and pulled it away from my teeth and I wanted to lay him out flat on his back to climb on top, but now wasn’t the time. This was just a kiss – the real kiss Ryder wanted me to experience, and nothing more. We ate at each other’s mouths for long minutes until Ryder finally pulled away panting for breath.

“That was nothing like the kiss you gave me in Memphis,” I admitted.

“Maybe you’ll remember it this time,” Ryder said and relaxed into his seat by the window.

I was a big fan of Ann Lister’s series The Rock Gods. Then it moved into Guarding the Gods and I lost interest.

This being a new series- with a co-author- I figured I was all in. I wanted to be all in. But, really, it was kind of boring.

Firstly, I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Ryder and Max. It was also mentioned at the end of chapter 1 that they had a quick and dirty one off “after a show in Memphis” but it is never mentioned again. Or it is a timeline issue. Whichever, it messed me up. I kept waiting for one of them to say something to the other about it.

And yes, technically this a new series, but there are obviously things from previous books that come up.

So much of the book is should I or shouldn’t I? I want to but I can’t. Max not wanting to lose his job as a body guard, Ryder taunting him. Then Max’s job is seriously on the line, but they continue on the down low. Really? On the down low with 3 different band members and all of their bodyguards? But don’t worry, soon enough it is all blown off. Everyone knows and there are no repercussions.

Finally, the stalker situation. Which isn’t even a situation until BAM! it is. No lead up, no suspense, nothing.

But wait! There’s more! I won’t spoiler it, but there is some eye rolling for me.

Sorry, not sorry, this is a hard pass for me. Time for a new trope.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

About Ann:

Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living in Florida with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.

After graduating art school, marrying, and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted Telly Award. Her ‘behind-the-scenes’ exposure to the music world and her love of rock music is the inspiration for her erotic rock star romances.

Her rock star romance, “Fall For Me”, Book One in The Rock Gods series, was a Finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Award and Book Three, Make You Mine, established her as an Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. Her stories focus on what it truly means to love; love unconditionally, love without restrictions or labels, love without fear or judgment – to just simply love.

Connect with Ann:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnListerAuthor
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/AuthorAnnLister
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ann.macconnelllister
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/519355.Ann_Lister
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-lister
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1673855842830676/?ref=br_rs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annlisterrockgods/

About TL:

TL Travis is the published author of a plethora of LGBTQ+ Erotica and Erotic Romance musings that have earned her a “Best Selling Author” status in the US as well as Internationally. In her spare time, when she’s not weaving erotic webs, she enjoys fishing, wine tasting and people watching. Everyone has a story to tell, what would yours be? She’s rescued 4-legged souls in need for as long as she can remember, and would like to remind you to “Adopt, not shop.” Saving that lost soul may very well save yours too.

Connect with TL:

Email: tltravis@tltravis.com
Website: https://www.tltravis.com
Facebook groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/564495144110192/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/542769633091806/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/205466893712821/
Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/tltravis1
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/tltravis
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tltravis
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomtltravis
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tl1474
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TLTravis1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tl-travis
Authorgraph: www.authorgraph.com/authors/tltravis1
All Author: https://www.allauthor.com/profile/tltravis/
Love Romance Reads: https://www.loveromancereads.com/tltravis
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMT5I_lqTH3s0_tYofEgtA

A Rhythm You Feel (The Rock Gods: East Coast Label Book 1) by Ann Lister: New Release Review

August 16, 2019 by Denise

Blade: As the lead singer of Hard Core, I’ve been taught several key life lessons. Unfortunately, I’ve also ignored many of them in the last twenty minutes alone, which is why I’m now being chased by a horde of crazed fans.

But my worst misjudgment today? Going outside in public without security or a backup plan. Screaming fans come with the job and the fame is as much of a blessing as it is a curse, but I still couldn’t imagine doing any other line of work.

Music owns me and I am happy to be her bitch.

Nico: I knew who he was as soon as he burst through the front door of my store and I was absolutely starstruck and speechless. Yes, me with my own hardened attitude and jaded outlook on life had lost the ability to talk in the presence of Blade.

I’m an ex-con. I paid my debt to society, and I have my own brand of scars to show from the time I spent behind bars. My life’s regrets stain my soul as much as the ink of my tattoos color my skin. Solace for me came with ownership of a bookstore. It was a peaceful place to work until a certain rockstar blew in from the street like a Category 5 hurricane.

Hurricane Blade was about to make landfall and I wasn’t sure I’d survive the storm.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Yep. Ann Lister is back.

I was a fan of her Rock Gods series, although it kind of dragged on a bit. I wasn’t a fan of the Guarding the Gods series. But this new series- so far so good!

Who isn’t a sucker for a rock star book? Basically we all are. What made this one a little different is that they weren’t an up and coming group. They also weren’t on tour. The entire book was the band in one place and working in the recording studio.

Blade (ok, he explained his name, but still. That whole bad ass stage name thing is so 80’s) is the lead singer of Hard Core. Typical rock star lead singer. Writes the brilliant lyrics, has an ego the size of Mt Everest, etc.

Nico is unique. A total book worm who inherited his father’s independent book store, but also a recovering addict and convicted felon. He certainly didn’t fit into any trope mold. And I liked it.

Blade and Nico become inseparable. Nico inspires Blade to write so truly filthy, but awesome song lyrics. There is a lot of sex (of course). They can’t keep there hands off each other. But that happens in new relationships. And it is kind of cute when it is this bad ass rock star who just wants to be with his new boyfriend.

We get a revisit with a lot of the guys from The Rock Gods series, which was cool, but also kind of unnecessary. Their names in passing would have sufficed because I feel like this series can stand up on it’s own without relying on the other series to hold it up.

3.5 Pieces of Candy

Zac’s Mulligan by Ann Lister: Quick Review

August 20, 2016 by Denise

zac's mulligan synopsis

Zac Mulligan is a former Marine now providing personal security for the infamous rock band, Black Ice. Seeing all the guys around him in committed relationships reminds him of his childhood best friend . . . the only person Zac has never managed to get out of his head or his heart.

Ben Holland is an artist. Falling deeply in love with his best friend in his teens, Ben is left alone when Zac leaves him for the military. Ben heads off to college and lives his life “out and proud” as a gay man and creates a brand name for himself with his artwork. Throughout all the years that pass, Ben never forgets his childhood friend, Zac, or the feelings they once shared.

Zac realizes a decade is too long for Ben not to have a presence in his life and finds Ben living on Cape Cod where they spent their summers as kids. Meeting each other as adults stirs up a lot of memories for both of them.

Zac is looking for a mulligan, a “do over,” with his childhood best friend. The question is: Can Ben find a way to put aside his old hurts and fully open his heart to Zac for a second time? Or maybe the past is something better left buried on the beach where it all began.

buy now

Amazon

morgan review

I was really excited to get my hands on the first book in Ann’s new series and she did not let me down. The story flowed and kept my interest from start to finish. The emotions were all over with his one and I caught myself pacing my living room at one point while reading. Be prepared to laugh, tear up, and bite your nails. The characters were strong and she gives enough back story on the two MC’s to help me understand their connection that much better. I loved the story line and Ann pulls off this new book beautifully.

Zac and Ben had a long way to go to get to their HEA. There were lots of hurdles they had to cross and trust had to be rebuilt. This story has a slow build with both men getting to know each other again and that makes it all the better. When they finally do get together it’s intense and heartwarming. They never lost their love for each other even after all those years.

I love when we get to revisit with Black Ice and Ivory Tower. They are one big, amazing, crazy family and it’s so fun getting to spend time with them. I enjoyed getting to know a few more of the security guys a little better too. We get a bit of a sneak peek at a new love interest for Fizzbo and I cannot wait for the next addition to this new series. I definitely recommend this one.

4.5 pieces of eye candy from me.

4.5-pieces-of-eye-candy2

Ann Lister: Meant for Me (Rock Gods #5) Blog Tour, Author Interview, Review and Giveaway

June 2, 2015 by Denise

Story Blurb:

Tony Wilcox, the quiet keyboard player for
Ivory Tower, has always believed he was straight. A sexual encounter with his
best friend leaves Tony questioning his heart and the unwavering attraction he
has for Jared. Living and working together is no longer enough for Tony… he
wants more. He wants Jared as his.

Jared Baker, the bass player for the band, has
a past that is getting in the way of him fully embracing what he wants… Tony.
He’s tried everything to create distance between them, but none of it
eliminated the feelings he has developed for Tony.

Trying to
suppress the anger and confusion from Jared withdrawing from his life, Tony
does his best to get beyond the feelings he has for his friend. When Jared becomes
deathly ill, it’s Tony that he calls for help and Tony has to decide if he can
heal Jared without giving away too much of his heart.

Can best friends find their way to true love
and discover if they were meant for each other, or will the challenges of life
force them to choose separate paths?

Book Details:

Author Name: Ann Lister

Book Title: Meant For Me, The Rock Gods series, Book 5

Publisher: SleighFarm Publishing Group

Book Length: 270 pages, 85,000 words

Genre: Gay Romance, Erotic

Book Release Date: May 28, 2015

Cover Artist: Kellie Dennis from Book Cover By Design

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/519355.Ann_Lister

Purchase Link:

Meant For Me

Denise’s Review:

What can I say about Meant for Me? First, I want to take Tony and Jared and give them huge hugs!

I really enjoyed the sweetness of Jared and Tony. Sometimes you just need the sweetness. And honestly for me, at the time that I read this book, I needed one just like that. It wasn’t filled with angst (other than my own, by being pissed at Harry), and they had such a loving connection. It made my heart happy. I didn’t want to read the rest of the night, once I finished MFM, because Ann Lister book cover front and back I wanted that feeling to just stay and soak it up.

I liked the fact that the angst in this book was low. They were connected, not just emotionally, but by their friendship. They both were afraid to take it further because losing a friendship over something that may not work was not worth it for them. I loved that connection, it felt real. It was organic, and had been portrayed throughout the series. In fact, there were several mentions during the book about how everyone knew they were together…before Tony and Jared knew they were together. That shows a growing of characters over a long period of time, and really made this book easy to read and believable.

I’m hoping most people come away with that feeling and enjoy it for the story it is. Not every book needs to be overdone with angst. Sometimes enjoying that connection leaves the reader feeling fulfilled.

Now, don’t get me wrong, that does not mean there wasn’t also hotness, because, I have said this before and I stand behind my statement. NOBODY writes hotter sex scenes than Ann Lister. No one! So, while their connection was emotional, and sweet, and mostly angst-free…their connection in the bedroom almost lit my iPad on fire!

In addition, Meant for Me got me totally revved for Dante and Ash. Those boys are gonna probably crash hard before they actually burn it up! 😀 That ones gonna be a hot one. Definitely some angst ahead there!!!

My final call for Meant for Me is 4.5 pieces of eye candy. When you have a book that you want to re-read, you know its going to get the rating, and this one is definitely on my re-read list.

Author Interview:

Welcome to Ann Lister! Thank you so much for joining us here on Two Chicks Obsessed!

TCO: When you started writing the first book in the Rock Gods series, did you foresee that you would take it this far? Where did you envision it going at the beginning?

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how far this would go. I started with Dagger’s band, Black Ice, and I had rough outline planned for stories about the guys in that band. What surprised me was while I was writing Fall For Me, I started hearing the voices from the men in Ivory Tower and they were LOUD. Next thing I knew I was jumping from Black Ice over to write stories for Ivory Tower. Same thing happened again when I was writing Meant For Me.

Suddenly Dante and Ashton were screaming at me to write their story and I couldn’t shut them up. First time ever, I ended up writing Tony and Jared’s story at the same time I was writing Dante and Ashton’s. Talk about head hopping!

TCO: This story is very different than the other books in the series-in my estimation. It is much more about connection and a sweet romance, supporting each other when times are tough. Was that how you saw Jared and Tony from the beginning?

I absolutely did see them as the quiet, secretive, and very private twosome that everyone questioned what they were up to. For those that have followed the series they should remember Tony and Jared always being in the background which is where they prefer to be, while quietly observing the others. Tony and Jared are immensely loyal to each other and truly enjoy spending time with each other. But spending all that time together opened up a door for them. All they had to do was decide if they had the balls to step through it and explore what was waiting for them on the other side.

TCO: You talk in your dedicatio

n about how this book was the first time you hadn’t been writing while dealing with the grief from the loss of a loved one. How did writing this story compare to writing under what had to be difficult emotional conditions for you.

I think by now many probably know I recently lost most of my immediate family in a relatively short period of time and it did throw me into a tailspin that led to some pretty dark days. I think the writing helped me to crawl out of the hole I was in emotionally. On some days, writing felt like therapy and it was healing. There are a few sections in this story where Tony deals with a little bit of what I was going through. I’ve learned a lot about myself from having gone through the last four years. I believe I am a much stronger person from having lived it and I also feel my writing has improved because I’ve been able to fold some of this emotion into the stories that is raw and very real. I’m happy to say that I am well on my way to having the old Ann back. I missed that crazy bitch, so it is good to feel whole again.

TCO: We get a peek at what is next for this series at the end of Meant for Me. Can you give our readers what you see ahead for Dante and Ashes?

Oh, Dante and Ashton are my fighters! They love to hate each other, but beneath the surface the passion bubbling between them can only lead to one thing: heat that burns up the sheets. Both are total alphas and that leads to some loud and physical…..interactions, once they finally allow the other into their hearts.

TCO: Fun Question.

You and I are in Vegas, and get ourselves arrested. What are we arrested for? And who do we call to bail us out of jail?

Well, we were in Vegas recently, but we shall not speak of what may or may not have happened there due to the Vegas Code of silence. But, if I were to hypothetically answer your question…..I might say we were arrested for one count of soliciting a go-go boy and several counts of lewd and lascivious behavior on stage while we were soliciting this poor boy. The actual arrest got ugly, since we thought it might be fun – and naughty, if we resisted (totally your idea), and that led to yet another count against us of assault on a police officer. Our one phone call was to Sandrine Gasq Dion because we knew she would come into the police station with her guns blazing and break us out of there. And, at the moment, there may or may

not be a warrant out for both of our arrests. 🙂

Excerpt:

“I’m thinking champagne and maybe some strawberries,” Jared suggested.

“Hmmm, romantic,” Tony teased. “I didn’t know you were capable.”

“Capable? I’ll show you what I’m capable of,” Jared countered. “I’ll dribble the champagne all over your naked body and lick you clean, and then I’ll get you dirty with my spunk. I’ll use my dick to paint my name across your chest in the come smears and fuck you while I watch it dry. How’s that sound?”

“Jesussss!” Tony moaned. “It sounds fucking filthy. I love it.”

Jared laughed, a deep, throaty sound that aroused Tony even more. “I knew you’d like that scenario,” Jared said. “It’s why we’re so good together.”

“We do bring out the best in each other,” Tony bit at Jared’s neck and sucked with force.

“Let’s get naked,” Jared suggested.

“I’ll get the champagne,” Tony added.

Author Bio:

Ann Lister writes erotic love stories using beautifully drawn characters; flawed and emotionally damaged, and at the height of their careers, each in search of the one thing that still eludes them: love.

The Rock Gods series gave her Bestselling Author status on Amazon. Each book in this series brings her two favorite elements together: musicians and the love between two men. These stories focus on what it truly means to love; love unconditionally, love without restrictions or labels, love without fear or judgment – to just simply love.