author

Ghost Light Killer (London Podcast Mystery, #2) by Dahlia Donovan: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 13, 2021 by Denise

Several months after their first brush with death, Dannel Ortea and Osian Garey are back with a thrilling murder investigation in the second London Podcast Mystery Series novel.

While helping their flamboyant neighbour with his play, Dannel and Osian discover more than a ghost haunting the stage at the Evelyn Lavelle theatre. It’s all fun and games until a friend is found kneeling over a dead body.

Is he the murderer or an unfortunate witness?

When one body turns to two, then to three, will the killer ever be found?

As Dannel and Osian work together to solve the mystery, the murderer focuses on them. Their drive to clear their friend’s name puts them centre stage. But not everything under the glow of the bright lights glimmers.

Will anyone be left when the curtain falls?

Author: Dahlia Donovan
Title: Ghost Light Killer
Series: London Podcast Mystery, #2
Genre: M/M Cosy Mystery
Release Date: August 7th
Word Count: Approx. 60k

Amazon

Goodreads

Cosplay Killer (book 1)

ON SALE FOR 99c

Amazon

“Not you two again.” Detective Inspector Haider Khan had pushed through the throng of onlookers, coming to a halt when he spotted Dannel and Osian. He pinched the bridge of his nose for several seconds. “Why am I not surprised?”

“We’ve got witnesses. It wasn’t us,” Dannel insisted immediately. “Definitely not us.”

“Inside voice.” Osian bent forward to whisper.

“Sorry.” Dannel grabbed Osian’s hand. “We were definitely not in the room where it happened.”

Haider narrowed his eyes on them when Osian muffled his snort of amusement against Dannel’s arm. “Small mercies, I suppose.”

Surveying the room and the crowded hallway, the detective inspector waved over the constables who’d come with him. He dispatched them to herd the witnesses out into the auditorium. His partner, Detective Inspector Powell, joined him; her eyes widened when she caught sight of Dannel and Osian.

Dannel didn’t want to risk unnecessary attention. He’d seen before how that almost led to Osian’s arrest. “We’ll join the other witnesses.”

“Not so fast.” Haider glanced around the room. Archie still stood in the far corner, pale and shaking, watching the paramedics finish up and step aside for the coroner. “While DI Powell speaks with your friend, why don’t we move down the hall and you two tell me what happened?”

I cannot and will not give anything away about this book. It is a mystery after all. 🙂

What I will say is Os and Dannel are at it again. They are kind of pulled into investigating, despite telling Haider “no we will not!”, the murder of one of their friends’ mother. It goes downhill from there, of course. But the enjoyment of the reader only just begins.

I love these two together. They are smart and funny, and just know each other so well. Os does what he needs to to take care of Dannel when he needs time to be away. And Dannel, while he doesn’t really understand Os’s grief, and how that progresses, he respects it, and does what he can to honor it. They are just great together, both funny and sensitive. It’s the relationship that works best for them, and hits the readers heart.

Something that really struck me with this was the author did not leave the PTSD for Os back in book 1. She carried it through here, giving him options for how to deal with it, how to move forward and even help other emergency responders deal with their own grief and PTSD. I appreciated that so much, because PTSD doesn’t just “go away”, and carrying this through, acknowledges that.

There is the fun cast of characters. A “ghost” that appears and shuts and locks doors when you least expect it. We get to see more of Ian, who is the neighbor that we all want in our life. And of course the mystery that only Os and Dannel can find the clues to. They may bumble right in to solving it.

Another well done book in this series, and I’m certainly ready to read more of their antics in London. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

Website: http://dahliadonovan.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1108750876162947/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dahliadonovan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DahliaDonovan
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/dahlia-donovan
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/Q0n0X
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8184061.Dahlia_Donovan
Publisher Website: https://www.hottreepublishing.com/book-author/dahlia-donovan/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U83sik
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahliadonovanauthor/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Out of Character: A Rivals LGBTQIA New Adult (True Colors Book 2) by Annabeth Albert: Audiobook Review – narrated by Joel Froomkin and Kirt Graves

August 12, 2021 by Denise

Jasper Quigley is tired of being everyone’s favorite sidekick. He wants to become the hero of his own life, but that’s not going to happen if he agrees to help out his former best friend turned king of the jocks, Milo Lionetti. High school was miserable enough, thanks, and Jasper has no interest in dredging up painful memories of his old secret crush.

But Milo’s got nowhere else to go. His life is spiraling out of control and he’s looking to turn things back around. Step one? Replace the rare Odyssey cards he lost in an idiotic bet. Step two? Tell his ex-best-friend exactly how he feels—how he’s always felt.

Jasper may be reluctant to reopen old wounds, but he never could resist Milo. There’s a catch, though: if Milo wants his help, he’s going to have to pitch in to make the upcoming children’s hospital charity ball the best ever. But as the two don cosplay for the kids and hunt for rare cards, nostalgia for their lost friendship may turn into something even more lasting…

Amazon

Audible

Okay, not gonna lie. I generally pass up audiobooks with two narrators…I’m stereotyping I know…but usually one is not as good as the other (in my own mind)…blah blah, whatever random reason I’ve come up with that basically comes down to, if it’s not done by one of my favorite narrators, I don’t want to listen to it. BUT…here…I’ve got one of my favorite authors, writing a great book, with two of my absolute favorite narrators, who are so very different in their approach it made the book without question a 5 pieces of eye candy audiobook review.

First, the book itself. I will say, I didn’t read book 1 (My mistake! I meant to, and realized as we were introduced to the characters from book 1 that I didn’t…back to that later). So, I had no basis for these characters, or even what Odyssey was. Having never played a card game similar to Odyssey, I had no idea of the intricacies in them. The author managed to convey to those of us who have not played these types of games, the complexity of it, without it being so complex that I dropped out of the story. I was very impressed, because that’s a very fine line to walk, and the author managed it perfectly. Either she is a game player herself, or she did a ton of research to fake it. Either way, well done.

The MC’s, had a history, best friends as children until Milo turned away from Jasper. However, I loved how Jasper grew from that, and later realized that they may have never become the people they were without having separated and worked on finding themselves…even if they were still a work in progress. Milo was still navigating how to become the man he wanted to be, for himself, as well as his brother and Jasper. Owning up to the consequences of his actions, accepting those consequences, and moving forward all worked to shape Milo further. And along the way, they fell in love, slowly, carefully, but without question.

Now the narration. I love Joel Froomkin. He brings such character and life to every character he narrates, each in a very different way. I’ve said before that if I re-read a book that Joel has narrated, I usually hear his voice in my head as I read. Without question, if Joel narrates it, it is an auto-buy for me.

Kirt Graves is also an amazing narrator, with such a gritty voice that reflects the characters he is narrating from a real world, often blue-collar type perspective. If Kirt narrates a book, I know I will be drawn in immediately.

These two narrators together, absolutely made this book even better. I’m not sure the audiobook would have been nearly as good, for me, if only one had narrated. They worked well together. When Joel read Jasper, it was a crisp, genial tone, happy at times, pensive at others, but always what I would have expected from Jasper’s POV. Meanwhile, Milo, having grown up a jock, rebuilt a car with his father, and was going through such a challenging time, needed a deeper, more resonant tone. He needed a tone that showed he was slightly depressed, unsure what his life had in front of him other than a dead-end job, no prospects, no college degree, and no future boyfriend. It was more gritty and spoke to the Milo that needed to learn to love himself as much as he loved the people around him. These two together were perfection for this book.

Side note: I’m also generally a fairly slow audiobook listener. I start and stop all the time, so that I can concentrate. I prefer doing that over missing pieces because I had to focus on the email I was just sent, or the spreadsheet that didn’t balance. I gobbled this one up very quickly. Now, I’m behind at work. lol Totally worth it! 🙂

Final determination was a huge 5 pieces of eye candy…a number I rarely give out, but absolutely worth all of it! Now back to book 1, Conventionally Yours, which, coincidentally, is narrated by Joel and Kirt. And it’s already in my Audible library (because auto-buy)??? Lucky me!!!! 😀

Jaywalking (In Step, Book 1) by Rachel Ember: Release Day Review

August 11, 2021 by Denise

Second edition. This novel was previously published as a novella of approximately 30,000 words. The second edition is roughly twice as long.

Emile leads a quiet but contented life as a university professor, with a perfect dog, comfortable home, and loyal friends. Maybe there’s something—or someone, missing. But dating is hard enough for vanilla people. Emile doesn’t just have to find someone he wants to date—he has to find someone he wants to kneel for.

Jay likes playing soccer, reading poetry, and handsome men in tweed vests. Men like Emile, who Jay can’t forget after they connected on a rainy July night. Their encounter awoke a powerful urge in Jay to take, command, and control that has haunted him ever since. Jay had hoped that starting college would distract him, but that hope died when he showed up for the first day of his literature class and discovered Emile was his professor.

When Emile tells Jay they can’t be together, Jay is still determined to figure out a way for the two of them to explore what they share. And Emile craves Jay’s gentle dominance too much to resist him.

Jaywalking includes an age gap, a professor-student relationship, BDSM, a very polite dog, explicit sex, and a happy ending

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Preorder on Amazon

Before I start talking about the book, take a look at the cover…it’s super adorable, isn’t it? And notice book 2, just as cute! I’ve said it a million times, a cover can absolutely produce a sale. It doesn’t have to have a naked torso on it (although those are nice too)…but when you find the cover the tells you several things about the book, and it draws you in. That’s the cover you need. I had never heard of this book, and the second I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to read it.

And now I am likely going to gush even more. 🙂

This book was so well done. It was sweet, lovely, had some heat, and a good pet to round it off. It really did tick many boxes for me. It had age gap, which with the age of Jay, did make it a bit weird for Emile, but Jay didn’t question it at all. I really felt that Jay found confidence in himself, by just acting confident. It was a case of “fake it till you make it with him”. He did seem to do that also with the BDSM side, but it was fairly light BDSM, so I wasn’t concerned. If it had delved much deeper, I would have questioned it much more with a lack of training.

However, I think Emile appealed the most to me. He was confident in his job, enjoyed his life, had good friends, and a sweet dog. His ex…well that was not as good, but definitely paid off in the end. Life, for Emile, was going fairly well, and then he has this attraction dropped out of nowhere that was inappropriate and against all his ethical standards. (As it should be.) In this case, love conquered. Emile struggled to keep the two sides of his life separate, but as we all know, that can only be held for so long.

I absolutely loved this book. And I can’t even say how much I am looking forward to book 2, Oliver, Blake and Cujo’s story. That one is going to be a wild ride, I think. 🙂

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Soon to be college freshman Jay, and definitely not a college freshman Emile, meet at a poetry reading. Sparks fly, but Emile bails. Life goes on. Until Jay walks into Emile’s Literature 100 class.

This book is a mix for me. Emile is a sub, Jay thinks maybe he is a Dom? Maybe? But this book is SO not BDSM at all. Just because Emile likes to kneel at Jay’s feet does not a sub make. And Jay’s childhood neighbor, who is a Dom (but they never discussed going to the same college or comparing schedules) brings him to an invite only demonstration. Which was completely fade to black so we have no idea how Jay felt in the situation.

Both men are adorable, in a stereotypical way. Emile in vests, cords and bow ties and Jay in track pants and tshirts. And they seem to have a lot of time for each other even though Jay is in school full time, plays soccer for school AND took on a part time dog walking gig.

Overall it is readable, but it absolutely has a crisis of character not knowing what to be. Is it YA? Is it BDSM? Is it age gap? All of those? Jay is awfully confident for someone who has little experience. Just didn’t seem to fit. And the thing with Jay’s college roommate? So odd.

3 pieces of eye candy

Rachel lives in the Midwest United States with her family, which includes an ever-growing menagerie of pets. If she isn’t writing (or reading) she enjoys riding and traveling to competitions with her horses.

High Alert: A Sweet with Heat Gay Romance by Becca Seymour: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

August 11, 2021 by Denise

It’s a tale as old as time.

I’ve crushed on my brother’s best friend since I sprouted hairs on the unmentionables. Once upon a time, he was straight, until he wasn’t… and talk about bad timing.

And when we’re finally at a place for me to make my move, sexy rural firefighter Dan clams up and acts weird and I’m left with pants that are too tight and my heart feeling bruised… but he’s a good friend and I’m grateful he’s in my life.

Because of course Dan is a good guy.

Though him being “good” and ridiculously easy on the eyes and possibly the best man I know only makes me want him more.

When we’re thrust into a situation that brings both of us close to danger, it’s hardly the time to be chasing first kisses or finally acting on my crush. But Dan doesn’t seem to mind.

I just know that when the stakes are high and emotions are running wild, sometimes you have to show your hand and go all in.

And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

High Alert was originally a 7,000-word short story in the March 2020 charity anthology “When the Smoke Clears.” It is now a 64,000-word full-length novel, complete with smouldering low-angst loveliness and a group of Aussie men who will capture your hearts.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Easing off my knees, I stood, groaned, and angled back. A satisfying pop of my joints followed. Before I could respond to Dan’s question, his “Fuck, I hate that sound,” had me chuckling.

“But it feels so good.”

His scrunched-up face looked somehow cute, despite his unshaven jaw and the streaks of dust on his cheeks. “But it sounds bloody awful.”

I grinned and went back to his question. “As for the next job, I’m not sure yet. There’s a few things I want to get done. Maybe start the firepit.”

“Just in time for summer, huh.” He quirked his brow.

With a roll of my eyes, I said, “If you don’t want there to be a fire for toasting marshmallows, then keep up the snark.”

“I wouldn’t dare, not if marshmallows are on offer.”

“Wise decision.”

Oh this book was so sweet. And it was a love story not only between 2 men, but also a love story to Australia and the fires and floods they endured last year.

Classic story of crushing on your brother’s best friend. This time the age difference is only 2 years (why does it always seem like more in books?) AND he wasn’t the annoying little brother, he was often included in whatever they were doing.

Now everyone is a grown adult, the little brother Ross is the high school librarian, and the brother’s best friend, Dan, just moved back to their small town. Dan also has a crush on Ross, but neither know the other’s feelings. Poor Craig, older brother/best friend does know how they feel. Poor Craig.

Dan doesn’t want to lose the friendships he has with Ross and Craig so he decides to take it slow. Feel Ross out. Just be there until the time is right. Ugh, it was so cute without being saccharine sweet. It was almost like they were becoming best friends as well. So if you like slow burn…this is slooooooooooooow burn.

Speaking of burn. Paying homage to the devastating fires Australia had, Craig and Dan are both volunteer firefighters called in to help with the huge brush fires. Ross finds and helps a koala and her baby with burned paws, making note of the devastation to wildlife. And then the floods. It’s all so apocalyptic, but it happened. The country was ravaged by one extreme and then the other.

There is a great little side story about a guy who used to be in a group of bullies in high school who tried to torment Ross coming back to town. It was well done.

And without getting preachy one way or the other, respect is paid to the indigenous people of Australia, their stories and customs.

Overall this could have been a very in your face book about Australia with just the romance as a side note. But all of the facts were woven into the story so well you never felt like you were being lectured- but you did learn things.

And above all Dan and Ross were just perfect together. None of the silly stuff about treating him as the little brother even though they are all adults. No one was proving who they were. There was no relationship drama or angst. Just two normal guys from two normal families who fell in love.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

Enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5b23b2ad6/?

Flawsome Explorations (Suite Dreams, Book 2) by Ariella Zoelle: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 5, 2021 by Denise

Unexpected sparks fly when a shy, straight, nerdy sweetheart meets a flirtatious, sexy, older Frenchman. Is Zio brave enough to take a chance on Armand?

Fabrizio “Zio” Revello
I embrace the philosophy that nobody is perfect by studying the art of imperfection. But then I meet Armand, forcing me to completely reevaluate my world view. From his gorgeous face, teasing sense of humor, and a French accent to die for, everything about him makes me forget one very important detail: I’ve never been attracted to a man until him. I shouldn’t let him tempt me, but the glimpse of the real Armand behind his playful flirtations makes him impossible to resist.

I’ve never been the adventurous type, but Armand makes me want to be brave and daring. Isn’t a lifetime of happiness with a person who understands me worth the risk?

Armand Bellamy
I approach Zio in search of a no-strings-attached evening of fun to kick off my business trip to Hawaii. But I get way more than I bargained for when I discover a shy, nerdy sweetheart who finds beauty in my flaws. He even accepts the parts of my heart that I hide from the world. It makes me want to make him mine—not just for one night but for every night of the rest of our lives.

He says he’s straight, but when have I ever let that stop me from getting what I want?

Flawsome Explorations is the second book in the Suite Dreams series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features a bisexual awakening, shy/flirt, age gap, instalove, opposites attract romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and no angst stories that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll enjoy this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Flawsome Explorations

Suite Dreams, Book 2

By Ariella Zoelle

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Chapter 5: Armand Bellamy

“You’re very confusing.” Zio’s eyebrows furrowed as he studied me. “Like, really confusing.”

I tilted my head as I regarded him. “In what way?”

“You’re impossible, but you’re real. You act as if you want me, but there’s no way in hell that’s true.” He scoffed as if it were the most ridiculous notion he had ever heard before.

The confirmation that he was at least aware I wanted him helped me judge where I stood with him. “Why not?”

“People like you don’t want guys like me.” After hearing about how his parents rejected him, his disbelief was more understandable. I was about to speak when he continued. “And guys like me aren’t supposed to want people like you.”

“Why not?”

He bit his lower lip as he hesitated. “Because you make me want things I shouldn’t, which is so damn confusing.”

“Such as?”

He gave me a pointed look. “You. I’m not supposed to want you. But you keep making me want you, and it’s fucking with my head, not gonna lie.”

“What if I want you to want me?” My question made him flush bright red. “What if I desired that very much?”

He touched the back of his fingers against his cheeks to check if they were as flushed as they felt. “It’s against the rules.”

“What rules?”

“The ones that say I play for the other team,” he mumbled without looking at me. “But you cause me to question the ethics of switching teams, which is scary. It’s not worth it for one game, but…”

Hearing he was straight explained a lot about his scared reactions to being attracted to me. “But you still want to?”

Hiding his face in his hands, he groaned. “But what if it’s not just for one game? What if I end up wanting to sign on for a permanent transfer?”

“Wouldn’t that be a good thing?”

“Only if you were playing for keeps. But that’s not what this is about.” He sighed heavily, avoiding my eyes. “I’m not even sure that’s what I’m hoping for. I’m so confused, I’m using sports metaphors, for fuck’s sake. I don’t know anything about sports.”

“Zio, look at me.” I waited until he obeyed before I continued speaking. “I’m not interested in playing a game with your heart.”

He fidgeted under my gaze. “I’d disappoint you by being an awkward virgin with a man.”

“There would be nothing disappointing about that,” I reassured him. “I’d take very good care of you.”

My words sent a visible shiver through him that made my ego purr. “I’m not saying no. But I need a little more time to sort my thoughts out about this before I can say yes.”

His comment gave me hope I still had a chance with him. “Take all the time you need. I have no intention of pressuring you into something you’re not comfortable doing.”

“Which is a huge tick in the column of why I should give in to you.” His wry grin was adorable. “For what it’s worth, the voice in the back of my mind is very vocal about letting you introduce me to a whole new world of pleasure. You don’t make it easy to tell it no.”

“Whatever it’s promising you, reality will be better than you can fathom.”

I could see the chills on his skin my words inspired. “That’s an awfully big promise.”

“Non, it is a guarantee.”

I’ve enjoyed a few of this author’s books now, for their sweetness, hotness, and the characters that are varied in their lives and loves. This book had themes about learning to love yourself, as well as being open to love when you had no idea that was ever on your radar.

This book was pure sweet insta-love, from page 1. Zio didn’t quite understand where it was going, since he’d always thought of himself as straight. Meanwhile Armand, surprisingly, didn’t seem to have any issues, despite having always felt that he was just going to be a playboy, unable or unwilling to find one love.

Zio’s work passion was so intriguing that I had to look it up myself. It’s beautiful. I loved that Zio received such fantastic support from Armand, but also from his brother with regards to not just his sexuality, but his schooling and work as well.

This book was just gooey, sweet, adorable as well as a visual feast of the land around them.

Very enjoyable, with characters that steal your heart.

4 pieces of eye candy

Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. That means she writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. And if you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Connect with Ariella:

Website: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/
Newsletter: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/newsletter
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazingafzoelle/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/extraafzoelle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriellaZoelle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellazoelle/
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/afzoelle
Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/authors/a-f-zoelle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Case for Christmas (The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

August 5, 2021 by Denise

He loves no-one and never will.

Lord Christmas Gale is a genius and a misanthrope, and, quite to his disgust, adored by all of Society for his capacity to solve mysteries. When a man approaches him seeking help in locating a lost dog, Gale rebuffs him. But what begins with a missing dog ends in murder and intrigue–two of Gale’s favourite things, if it weren’t for the orphan that comes attached to them. Oh, and Benjamin Chant.

He has sworn to never love again.

The Honourable Mr. Benjamin Chant isn’t sure how he got swept up in Gale’s mad investigation, but there’s something intriguing about the man–a vulnerability that most of the world doesn’t notice, but which captures Chant’s interest, and his sympathy, from their first meeting. After a disastrous love affair in the past, Chant has sworn to never give his heart away again. Especially to a man who does not want it.

But it isn’t just their hearts at stake.

When their investigation takes a dangerous turn and their lives are threatened, both Gale and Chant are forced into the realisation that perhaps two imperfect men might fit perfectly together–that is, if they can outwit the killer who is intent on seeing them both dead.

A Case for Christmas is the second book in the Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance.

A Case for Christmas

The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2

By JA Rock and Lisa Henry

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

A Husband for Hartwell (The Lords of Bucknall Club Book 1)

A Rival for Rivingdon (The Lords of Bucknall Club Book 3) (Release Day 9/14/21)

Chant put an arm around Gale’s shoulders as comfortably as though they were the oldest and dearest of friends. They sat in silence for a moment. Then Chant’s hand drifted up, his fingers threading through Gale’s hair. Gale stiffened. Forced himself to take measured breaths. What on earth… ? Chant carded the strands gently, and Gale felt a strange but not unpleasant prickle go up his spine. Chant’s fingers brushed the hair at Gale’s temple, and then his nails dragged very lightly to the back of Gale’s scalp where they dug in just a little. This time, Gale’s whole body seemed to jump like a candle flame.

He swallowed hard. “What… what are you doing?”

“Shall I stop?”

“No. I—I just don’t understand what…” He trailed off.

“Have you truly never known the pleasure of having your hair stroked?” There was a smile in Chant’s voice, but a sadness in his tone that made Gale at once defensive.

“I… I’m sure I…” But he could think of no instance where anyone had run their fingers through his hair this way. The room grew completely still, until there was nothing but Chant’s gentle touch, and Gale’s awkward pattern of tensing, then letting go, and then tensing again as he tried to acclimatise himself to the sensations. “No,” he muttered finally as though conceding a great defeat.

“Do you dislike it?”

“The only thing I dislike about it is that I am perpetually dreading the moment you’ll cease,” Gale snapped.

“Well, then I shall never cease.”

Gale snorted in spite of himself.

“If you will indulge me, I’ll arrange you so that it is easier for both of us.”

“Chant…”

Chant seemed to be waiting for the rest of whatever Gale had to say. But Gale did not have more to say. He inhaled and then released his breath, trying to slacken his body but to little avail. “All right,” he whispered.

I absolutely love historicals, especially the Elizabethan era. And because m/m historicals are challenging to find, I usually gobble them up right away. (As an example, I was supposed to read three books before I received this arc…as soon as I received it, it jumped to the front without question). I also love stand-offish, snarky characters, and enjoyed Christmas Gale so much in book 1. He could never remember (wink wink) how many sisters he had, or their names. He just made me laugh. So, this was an instant read for me.

Gale is a reluctant hero, who once again gets caught up in mysteries and his detective work. And his banter with Chant was fantastic. It allowed their personalities to shine through, both the grumpy of one, and the sunshine of the other. However, they really seemed to be a great couple together, offsetting each others’ quirks.

The side characters were fantastic, and it just made the book that much more fun, but was still interwoven with a mystery to be solved.

I’m not sure I could have enjoyed this book more, and I’m ready for book 3.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

About JA Rock:

J.A. Rock is the author of over twenty LGBTQ romance, suspense, and horror novels, as well as an occasional contributor to HuffPo Queer Voices. J.A.’s books have received Lambda Literary, INDIEFAB, and EPIC Award nominations, and The Subs Club received the 2016 National Leather Association-International Novel Award. 24/7 was named one of the best books of 2016 by Kirkus Reviews. J.A. lives in Chicago with an extremely judgmental dog, Professor Anne Studebaker.

https://jarockauthor.com

About Lisa:

Lisa likes to tell stories, mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters.

Lisa lives in tropical North Queensland, Australia. She doesn’t know why, because she hates the heat, but she suspects she’s too lazy to move. She spends half her time slaving away as a government minion, and the other half plotting her escape.

She attended university at sixteen, not because she was a child prodigy or anything, but because of a mix-up between international school systems early in life. She studied History and English, neither of them very thoroughly.

She shares her house with too many cats, a dog, a green tree frog that swims in the toilet, and as many possums as can break in every night. This is not how she imagined life as a grown-up.

Lisa has been published since 2012, and was a LAMBDA finalist for her quirky, awkward coming-of-age romance Adulting 101, and a Rainbow Awards finalist for 2019’s Anhaga.

To connect with Lisa on social media, you can find her here:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Bookbub
Twitter

She also has a Facebook group where you’ll be kept in the loop with updates on releases, have a chance to win prizes, and probably see lots of lots of pictures of her dog and cats. You can find it here: Lisa Henry’s Hangout.