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Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

It’s a time for searching, and a time for finding, Pisces: keep casting your line and you will hook what you’re looking for.

Zane has it all planned out: land the perfect Meet Cute, fall in love, and live happily ever after.

Should be simple enough if he put his mind to it. A little creativity and some thinking outside of the box, and voila, he’d be married to the woman of his dreams.

It would be perfect.

And it would be before his visa ran out.

But why are his feelings running wild now that the pressure’s on? Why is his picture-perfect plan turning into a muddled mess of morphed metaphors he can’t make sense of anymore?

Just as well he’s met an English professor to help. And even though their first meet is anything but cute, this down-to-earth teacher may just be the realist Zane needs to ground him and give him a shot at love after all.

Don’t cast your line too wide, Pisces. Your perfect catch may already have bitten.

 ~ – ~ – ~

Pisces Hooks Taurus (Signs of Love #4) is an MM opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring an unapologetic romantic and a broken realist.

More wit, banter and bad puns – and even more heart-stopping slow burn!

Can be read as a standalone.

 

Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday

Series: Signs of Love #4

Publisher: Anyta Sunday (self published)

Release Date (Print & Ebook): October 16, 2018

Length (Print & Ebook): 69000 words / 285 pages

Tropes: friends-to-lovers, slow burn, will-they-or-won’t-they

Genre: New Adult, light-hearted contemporary gay romance

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

When they finished eating, Zane and Beckett entered a kitchen littered with a weekend’s worth of dishes. The room smelled like spoiled banana. Beckett grumbled Leah’s name, and Zane turned on the water.

Leah would have left this until tomorrow? “I’ll wash, you dry?”

Beckett first took out the trash and opened the windows. Fresh air cleansed the room as they worked.

Zane daydreamed about the story he was outlining and startled when Beckett cried, “What are you doing?”

Zane looked into the sink. “Scrubbing this clean?”

“With a wire scrubbing brush? That’s a very expensive nonstick pan.”

He frowned. “And I want to clean it.”

“Good Lord. Have you never washed dishes before?”

“I am literally doing what I’ve done every other night since moving in with you.”

Beckett paled. “You’ve scrubbed this pan with that before?”

“What do you expect me to do? Lick it clean?”

“Use a washcloth.”

“Do you know how disgusting those are? Like, two hundred thousand times dirtier than the toilet seat.”

Beckett paused, tone shifting. “Which is why you only use it for the dining table?”

“Exactly.”

“Please use the dishcloth on my pan.”

Zane dropped the metal scrubbing brush and thumped around passive-aggressively as he found a clean dishcloth.

Beckett nodded. “Thank you.”

That little thank-you grated Zane the wrong way. He sullenly scrubbed the pan and put it on the drying rack. He plunked the next pot into the water, splashing bubbles onto his face, neck, and shirt.

He sighed. Served him right.

Beckett set down the plate he’d dried and turned Zane around. With his dishtowel, he dabbed the bubbles off Zane’s chin and neck.

Their eyes locked, and Zane felt the frustration bleed from him. “You missed a spot,” he said, and shifted Beckett’s hands to Zane’s shirt.

Beckett shook his head and dabbed him some more.

“Our first fight.”

Beckett’s hands stilled.

“It’s a milestone, Becky. We have to celebrate.”

“Celebrate fighting?”

“Celebrate making up.”

“Will this be a thing every time we’re annoyed with each other?”

Zane smirked. “I hope so. I’m sure some fights will take longer to get over, but that’s cool. The celebration is always in proportion to the effort needed to make up.”

Beckett resumed drying the dishes. “Two hundred thousand times dirtier?”

Zane nodded. Disgusting but true.

Beckett frowned. “Maybe just use your hand?”

“I don’t know,” Zane teased. “The things my hand does might make the pan dirtier.”

Beckett dropped his very nice, expensive pan. He caught it against his thighs and stowed it in the cupboard.

The ticklish glare Beckett sent him made the rest of the cleaning fly by.

When they were done, Zane threw himself on the armchair. “Now we celebrate.”

Beckett tossed the dish towel into the laundry room. “How?”

“After you start that laundry, I’ll let you talk about books, Becky.”

Beckett’s laughter trickled down the hall. A few minutes later, he returned with Pride and Prejudice. He cracked open the first page, and pacing before him, all grace and proper pronunciation, Beckett read aloud.

I have adored this series, and though I don’t think any of them will top Jamie and Theo, (and it was so great to see them and their growing family in this one), I absolutely adored Beckett and Zane.

Now, Zane, I had a harder time getting to know him, because there is no way that anyone is that…. I don’t want to say “stupid”…. But oh my goodness… in the beginning… yes, absolutely. If you can power through that in the very beginning, you’ll fall completely in love with him. I found him so charming and in need of love.

In America for only a short time, his visa’s about to run out and he’s convinced that in the last month in America, he’ll find the girl of his dreams and get married, allowing him to stay. But not just any ol’ person will do, because he’s only marrying once, and it’s going to be for love. The staying in America is a bonus, because his brother is here, along with his wife and brand new baby, and his brother is the only one who’s ever believed in him and treated him with any kind of respect. Everyone else just sees him as an embarrassment, or not as accomplished, or flawed. I didn’t like that for him, because he is seriously so amazing and has the biggest heart.

Beckett, or Becky as known by his friends… was married to Zane’s brother’s wife. Sounds complicated, but it’s not when you meet them. After that went south, he doesn’t seem to believe in love and relationships anymore; perfectly happy just teaching college kids and going out with his friends every once in a while.

When  Zane gets kicked out of his apartment by his roommates, he’s in a bind and needs someplace to go, but all the hotels are booked and he doesn’t know anyone around but his brother, and he’s on his way to the hospital, having a baby! His wife though, suggests Becky’s….who Zane mistaking thinks is a woman, understandable… but that’s where the stars align.

Now, if you’ve read any of my other reviews of this series, you’ll know that I don’t believe in the whole star sign and horoscopes and all that, but I was loving it when It came to these couples and the people in their lives who put so much stock into them. In this case, old lady neighbor, the sweetheart, Darla. She’s hilarious with her weed tea and brownies… I not only want to know her in real life… I want to BE her!

Now, of course, a relationship between these two for many reasons, (Beckett and Zane, not old lady Darla), One, because Zane is straight… Two, because he’s on such a warpath to get married, that any feelings either develop would be doubted because Beckett knows that he wants so badly to stay in the country. Three, Beckett doesn’t do love. So, imagine how fun it was watching Zane win him over. How fun it was to see Beckett try to deny his feelings and then try to deny Zane’s. How fun it is to see Zane discover that insta-love might not be as fun as a slow burn, but it can also happen with a man!

I thought I was going to cringe every time Zane opened his mouth, but it turned out, that he knew everything about the things that were really important, and who cared about the rest! I really cannot wait for their short story, because I really cannot wait to see what happens with these two!! (And I really want a wedding!)

5 slow burning stars from me

HEART-STOPPING SLOW BURN

A bit about me: I’m a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.

Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.

I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.

My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, and Thai.

Connect with Anyta:

Author website: http://www.anytasunday.com/

Author newsletter signup: http://www.anytasunday.com/newsletter-free-e-book/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anytasundaybooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anytasunday

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anytasunday

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

by

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.

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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

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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

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“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.

Connect with Kelly: Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram | Website

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Blind Date by Kay Doherty: Release Blitz, Excerpt and Review

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Dekker Callan is content with his life though he knows something is missing. Wanting the kind of love his friends share with their partners, Dekker is talked into taking part in a modeling and dating show as part of a fundraiser. He immediately falls in love with the anonymous, sexy voice on the other side of the wall, but fate has a surprise in store–his mystery man isn’t single.

Slade Gannon wasn’t supposed to take part in the dating show. That spot was for his roommate, Phil, who becomes ill and asks Slade to take his place. Slade has just recently gone through a breakup with his cheating boyfriend. Shocked and pleased when he wins the interest of handsome Dekker Callan, before he can go on the obligatory blind date, his ex asks for a second chance. Believing Dekker can’t possibly be as good on the inside as he looks on the outside, Slade gives George a second chance.

Dekker and Slade hit it off immediately, drawn to each other despite Slade being involved with someone else. They finally get their chance to be together when Slade finds out his boyfriend is still cheating, but just as they seem to discover the happiness they’ve been waiting for, George throws them one last hurdle—and this one may prove to be insurmountable.

Title:  Blind Date

Series: Back in the Game Book 1

Author: Kay Doherty

Publisher:  Ninestar Press

Original Release Date: 8/29/2016

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 158 pages

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

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If he’d known a week ago that Dekker was more than a handsome face and hot body and would turn his crank as hard as he did, Slade would have told George he’d lost his chance. Why he’d taken the cheating bastard back was beyond him at this moment. Slade would bet any amount of money that Dekker wasn’t like that. Dekker would be loyal and faithful and love the man in his life with everything he had. Dekker had already asked more about Slade’s life and business than George ever had. How sad was that?

Slade closed his eyes as the hand he was holding disengaged from his fingers to find his waist. Strong arms encircled him and a hot, hard body pressed against his back. He felt Dekker’s erection press against his ass as the man moved perfectly in time with Slade’s dancing. The song had a fast Latin beat, and Slade rolled his hips, loving the feel of Dekker’s body and prominent arousal pressed against him from behind. Slade placed one hand on top of Dekker’s at his waist, threading their fingers together, and reached his other hand behind him to pull Dekker’s head forward. Dekker lowered his head without argument and buried his face in Slade’s neck.

The song ended, and Dekker pulled away slightly, but still maintained his hold on Slade’s waist. The waiter found them on the dance floor, and Dekker took the beers while Slade pulled a twenty from his wallet and handed it to the server. He accepted his beer from Dekker and took a long pull. Slade was in so much trouble right now. He wanted Dekker badly, but Dekker deserved to be the center of his lover’s attention, not just a piece of ass on the side.

Dekker drank his beer quickly, took Slade’s from him, and discarded the bottles on an empty table nearby before pulling Slade back into his arms. Slade slipped his arms around Dekker’s neck. Dekker led them in a slow dance despite the fast-paced music blaring around them. Each step caused their pelvises to grind against each other, moving their erections up and down and across one another. Slade pulled Dekker’s head forward so their foreheads touched. Damn, he liked being close to Dekker like this. Slade liked the fact that he was the only one Dekker had eyes for; that he was the only one Dekker was dancing with.

Dekker’s hands slid south over Slade’s butt and then one slipped back up under Slade’s shirt. Slade’s skin was on fire where Dekker’s palm massaged. Slade pushed his hips forward, seeking out more of Dekker’s hardness. The man was an addictive drug. The more of him Slade got, the more of him Slade wanted. Dekker gripped Slade’s ass and pulled him tighter against his body. Slade lifted his eyes to Dekker’s molten hazel gaze. He licked his lips, and Dekker’s eyes dropped to his mouth. Dekker groaned and kissed him, hard. Slade opened his mouth to Dekker’s assault, and the kiss deepened, tongues battling for dominance.

Both men came to their senses at the same time, and they pulled apart. Dekker kept his hands on Slade’s waist, and Slade held onto Dekker’s elbows. Both of them knew the line they had just crossed, but neither was willing to stop touching the other. Dekker pulled Slade back into his arms, and they started dancing again, though this time there was a distance present that had been missing before.

“Fuck,” Dekker said in his ear.

“Yeah,” Slade agreed. He had no words for what just happened between them, but “fuck” seemed to sum it up well.

I hadn’t heard of this series, but I liked the idea of a blind date, and a little bit of longing from afar. The funniest part of all of this…I hadn’t heard of indoor skydiving before (what Dekker and Slade do on their first date), and then the day after I finished the book, I happened to be in Virginia, and literally walked around the corner and found an indoor skydiving. **Side note, in the book Dekker and Slade talked about how sore they were the next day, and as I went in and watched a little bit of it, I can absolutely see why! It looks fun though!)

Anyway, onto the book. This book was a little confusing to me in spots, because I didn’t know how I felt about Slade not quite cheating physically on George, but definitely emotionally cheating, despite all the reasons that he had to do so. It wasn’t necessarily cheating, simply because it was obvious what the situation was. However, I had a hard time not feeling that Slade should have chosen to break up with George knowing how he felt. And also knowing the Dekker wasn’t hiding that he was going after Slade, with full effort.

I did love their relationship though, it was easy for them. They were able to connect well, and it allowed them to be comfortable with each other from the start, not necessarily because of physical attraction, but because they understood each other. I was really enjoying their relationship. And all their friends! The side characters were fun and made such a great addition to the book.

Definitely would like to read a second book in this series.

4 pieces of eye candy

Kay lives in Colorado with her husband and their animal children. Family is important to her, so there are weekly visits to her parents and frequent text messages with her brothers. She has a severe addiction to coffee and Mexican food. Kay loves to read and write and can easily become consumed by it for hours, much to the dismay of the husband and dogs. On occasion she can even be convinced to venture out into world of the living.

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Tour Schedule

10/17 Amy’s MM Romance Reviews

10/17 Two Chicks Obsessed

10/18 Slashsessed

10/19 Bayou Book Junkie

10/19 Megan’s Media Melange

10/19 MM Good Book Reviews

10/19 Southern Babes Book Blog

Lincoln’s Park by Parker Williams: Exclusive Character Interview and Release Day Review

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Lincoln Merriweather was born an entitled brat with a silver spoon lodged so deep, it might never have come out. At the BDSM club or in business, Lincoln was a storm, blowing in and disrupting the lives of everyone he touched, until the day he met a man who peeled away the tarnished layers to expose a decent person.

Lincoln found—then lost—love.

Since then, he’s tried to atone for his past, including walking away from his family’s wealth. He opened a diner, hiring people to work for him that he would have spit on before his epiphany. He’s found peace, which he’s about to lose to a hazel-eyed man.

Noel Simmons wound up on the street when his parents discovered he was gay. His path leads him to Lincoln’s diner, where he asks for a job. He’s thrilled when Lincoln agrees to hire him, but finds his new boss perplexing. Can anyone be this kind and decent?

What starts out as business becomes something more. Noel discovers he needs Lincoln in order to feel safe. Lincoln needs Noel to complete him. But when Lincoln’s past gets in the way of his present, will the two have a future?

Title: Lincoln’s Park
Series: Links In the Chain
Author: Parker Williams
Release Date: October 16, 2018
Category: BDSM, Contemporary
Pages: 237

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Character Interview Questions: Lincoln Merriweather

  • What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they’ve known you for a while?

I used to be this hardass guy who could make grown men weep with a quirk of his brow. I used that power to bring men to their knees, figuratively and literally. Even after they got to know me, my reputation as an asshole was well deserved.

Then I met Ev, and that had to change. It wasn’t overnight, and there are still times I can channel that vibe, but now people think I’m a kind, compassionate man, and that’s the image I want to cultivate.

  • What’s your idea of a good marriage? Do you think that’ll happen in your life?

Trust and mutual respect is essential. My parents slept with anyone that would lay still long enough. I thought that was the way of the world, and I used to ride rough over a lot of men, both at the club and just as one night stands.

When I met Ev, I wanted more out of life. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be with Ev, but years later I met a hazel-eyed man who took my breath away. As for whether it will happen in my life, you need to read the book. 😉

  • What are you most proud of about your life?

The diner. No, wait. That’s not right. What I’ve accomplished with the diner. See, before I opened the Park View, I wasn’t a good man. I never thought about anything beyond making money and lording it over everyone.

My epiphany changed me and made me, I hope, a better person. Once I opened the diner, I wanted to do something to give back to the people I’d wronged. I knew I couldn’t go back and undo it, so I tried to pay for my sins by hiring those people who I always thought were beneath me.

I learned a valuable lesson from Ev, and I tried to pay it forward. I’d like to think I succeeded.

  • What are you most ashamed of in your life? (Again, if necessary ask “What about on a personal level?”)

Oh, God. Looking back, I’m ashamed of so many things. The way I treated people, the backstabbing, the double dealing, the looking the other way while my father took people’s jobs and homes and lives. I’m ashamed of the way I treated the guys at the club. I guess overall, I’m ashamed of the person I was. I’d give anything to be able to go back and undo it.

  • If you could spend the day with someone you admire (living or dead or imaginary), who would you pick?

Wow. Though the answer is easy, the question isn’t. I’d like to sit down and talk with Ev one last time. To let him know of the positive impact he made in my life and, most of all, to tell him the secret that I never had a chance to share with him.

  • Do you think you’ve turned out the way your parents expected?

HA! Oh, you’re serious? Okay, sorry. No. The day I told my father I quit, he told me I’d regret it. He went to extraordinary lengths to keep me under his thumb, including cutting me off monetarily.

I love Parker’s romance writing, so I was looking forward to this one. And I think the character interview above really does a great job of getting into Lincoln’s mindset.

However, I will admit I spent some of the book slightly confused. I know it was labeled BDSM as a portion, but it didn’t seem to really touch on that between the character’s for a while. So, I guess I understood it was a past hobby for him, until it wasn’t. I thought it was he had given it up along after Ev passed away.

However, what I did really like was the personalities of the MC’s, as well as one spitfire of a server who took no crap from anyone, and went after her own happiness.

The other piece that confused me was based on reality. Noel didn’t want Lincoln to hire another cook. So, Lincoln worked basically 5am to midnight or later 6 days a week, and brunch on Sunday. With no other cooks help. I understood his reasoning, but at the same time, without having seen much of the actual customers that Lincoln was so connected to, it made it difficult to understand what would happen if Lincoln got sick or injured, or was just too exhausted to get out of bed. (I know, I know, you have to suspend some reality in romance novels, obviously, but this one just made me confused.)

That being said, the MC’s were so well fleshed out, it made their motivations and personalities pop off the page, and I wanted to know more about what would be happening in the future at the diner.

3.75 piece of eye candy

Parker Williams is a bestselling author of MM romance and suspense. One of his recent works was nominated for the Lambda Literary Awards, and several books have been runners-up at the Rainbow Awards.

Parker loves the written word. A chance encounter with an amazing author changed the course of his life as he began to write the stories his men were whispering to him. With the help of some amazing friends and a community of writers he’s proud to be part of, Parker continues telling stories of love, hurt, comfort, and sometimes tosses in a little angst for fun. He believes in love, but also knows that anything worth having requires work and sacrifice (and maybe a little hurt and comfort too). The course of true love never runs smooth, and he enjoys writing about it.

Parker lives in Milwaukee, WI, with his husband, Paul, and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Most days you’ll find him on Facebook, sharing stories and pictures of the zoo, or even about Paul, who is always good for a laugh.

Website: www.parkerwilliamsauthor.com

Twitter: @ParkerWAuthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/parker.williams.75641

Email: parker@parkerwilliamsauthor.com

 

Handle with Care by Cari Z.: Exclusive Author Guest Post and Release Day Review

by

A fragile heart needs extra care.

Burned-out social worker Aaron McCoy is on vacation for the first time in years—boss’s orders. Road-tripping to his brother’s wedding with his best friend, Tyler, seems a fun way to spend the mandatory two-week leave, and they set out for Kansas—and a difficult homecoming.

Aaron’s mother was a drug addict, and his adorable younger brother was quickly adopted, while Aaron spent his childhood in foster care. As Aaron mends fences, Tyler hopes to show him that this time, he won’t be left behind to face his problems alone.

Aaron’s opening up to how right it feels to be with Tyler and to the possibility of taking the leap from friends to lovers. But along with the wedding celebration comes a painful reminder of the past. Aaron’s heart is still breakable. Can he put it in Tyler’s hands?

Title: Handle with Care
Author: Cari Z.
Release Date: October 16, 2018
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 190

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Barnes and Noble

Is it kind of weird that I don’t want to let this book go?

I mean, ha, I’ve already let it go in the big ways. It’s been written, edited, published. It’s out there for people to read and enjoy. It’s done. That part’s over. But there’s more to writing a book than just setting it free in the world. I think writers have to let it go with their minds and hearts too, so they can move on to the next thing. And that part, well…that’s not coming so easily this time around.

Normally I’m good at multitasking, good at the act of releasing one thing and reconnecting with something else. When I wrote Handle With Care, I was working on two or three other novels all while being pregnant. I was working full time. I was busy. I finished the rough draft, polished it up, submitted it and went on my merry way. Since then, though…

I thought I was busy before. HA! Now I have a baby. Now I have to earn money in other ways, mostly by writing and editing during the hours when said baby sleeps. Very little of that writing is on my own, original work. In fact, the last book I finished on my own, for myself, is…

*crickets*

Yeah, Handle With Care. No wonder I don’t want to let it go. If I do, I face the fact that I’ve got nothing new in the hopper. The next big thing isn’t done yet—I don’t know when it will be done. I kind of feel like Aaron, one of the main characters in Handle With Care, as he contemplates the fact that with his job, he’s never “done.” I kind of feel the same way. I really enjoyed writing this book, and despite the fact that it was produced during what I thought of as a chaotic time, right now I’d love to have those kinds of uninterrupted hours to devote to writing. I wouldn’t trade what I’ve got now for anything, but dang. I was spoiled.

I’m still learning how to adapt to my new status, and my options are a little different than Aaron’s. But I have no doubt that like him, and with a little help, I’ll figure it out.

PS—his way involves the St. Louis Arch, uncharted emotional territory, and a strip club. Could be fun 😉

Cari Z. moved far away from her normal, gritty, work to write Handle With Care, and I loved it as much as some of that gritty work! This Dreamspun Desires category romance was friends to lovers, with a road trip, and a small appetizer of angst all rolled into one. Just the right amount of “I’m gonna need a tissue right here” along with two MC’s who clearly have supported and adored each other most of their adult lives.

What I loved about Aaron was seeing his growth in just the short time that he and Tyler were on this road trip. He didn’t just grow in his relationship with the man he’d loved his entire life, but he grew into a more well rounded man, by allowing himself to enjoy his vacation, letting go of the stress of his job, and what he was leaving behind for others to care for. He was able to enjoy his time with Tyler, but also able to learn to re-engage with family that he had felt disconnected from (for very good reasons).

The reader was able to connect with Tyler, through Aaron, and through small glimpses into his past. However, the strongest connection was in how he clearly felt about Aaron. He made it his goal to ensure Aaron was safe and happy, had fun, and lived. And not just during the book, but even in those moments we glimpsed from their past. To bring this man into his family home, when they were both teenagers, connect him with his own family, and not let him go after it was only the two of them in the area, showed his commitment to Aaron on a day to day basis. It was heart warming, because the reader knew that this was about his deep love for Aaron, as a friend, as a brother, but definitely as the man he wanted to love the rest of his life.

These books are all about the HEA, and Tyler and Aaron definitely got their HEA, but also found a joy with their newly found family, which was so much what Aaron’s journey through this book was about. I enjoyed the road trip, the fun they found along the way to the wedding. But even more so, I loved that they found more than that, they found love in many forms, and embraced it.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

Social media: Twitter: @author_cariz

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