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Barbara Elsborg

A Long Way Back (Unfinished Business Book 2) by Barbara Elsborg: New Release Review

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A serious accident may have left Tay’s body broken, but he’s determined to live an independent life at any cost. Except he’s barely coping. Alone and isolated in London, his only solace comes from the pain numbing drugs he’s become addicted to.

Ink’s on the run. He keeps his head low, but London streets don’t feel safe. The only way to stay under the radar is to keep moving and not let anyone or anything get close. But the stray mutt that’s latched onto Ink has other ideas.

A chance encounter and Ink’s bungled attempt to free himself from his four-legged companion leads to the offer of a job as a live-in helper. Tay’s moody and difficult, but he’s also scared and vulnerable, and Ink finds himself saying yes when he should be saying no.

Can Tay and Ink find a clear path on the road towards true love? Or will their broken lives prove to be one roadblock too many?

This is the second book in the Unfinished Business series but can be read as a standalone.

This story has dark elements and possible triggers for some—bullying, death of a minor, violence, terrorism and drug addiction.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

If you read The Making of Jonty Bloom, you know Tay. Jonty’s best friend who was greivously injured by Jonty’s then boyfriend. On the road to recovery now, he moves to London to get away from family and Jonty after Jonty announces he is in love and has a boyfriend.

But recovering from a catastrophic injury requires help, even if he doesn’t want it. And Ink, a homeless man he ran into in the park, somehow gets himself hired as Tay’s helper.

Ink has his own secrets, which take a long time to come out which made me wonder what it possibly could be. I liked that I wasn’t able to guess what it was. And while it was a wee bit unbelievable, the author addresses her use of artistic license there. Ok, I’ll take it.

And while there were other things that were a bit hard to believe (Tay seems to graduate from mostly in a wheelchair to being on 1 crutch rather quickly), the story itself was quite good.

Ink, the guy who really should be angry at the world, is just trying to get by. And Tay, who is recovering much more than expected, should be happy with his progress, but really is angry too often.

They play off of each other really well and with the added character of a dog named Dog. I loved Dog. And I loved Ink. And even though he was grouchy and nasty, I kind of loved Tay.

Ink’s backstory/secret was absolutely heartbreaking. Absolutely gutted me. And the whole time he is just trying to help Tay.

Oh, and their relationship. ADORABLE! Seriously. Two seriously inexperienced guys together. Stumbling together, discovering together. Swoony. They had chemistry together, but sex didn’t consume their story. Which it easily could have being that they are in their 20’s and so inexperienced.

If you read Jonty’s story, you will love this one. They are very different, but written in that same style that makes you love the characters and immerses you in their world.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Making of Jonty Bloom (Unfinished Business Book 1) by Barbara Elsborg: Release Day Review and Exclusive Giveaway

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Finding his fiancé in bed with his brother was bad enough, finding out they’re getting married is the final blow.

Devan Smith needs to cool his anger. He needs to forget the lies and betrayals and work on resetting his life. When his boss orders him to scope out a remote hotel for a possible buyout, Devan’s only interested in getting the job done and getting out. What he’s not interested in is the guy with the piercings, bleached hair, and the smart, kissable mouth behind the reception desk.

Working the hotel reception is the only thing that’s stable in Jonty Bloom’s unstable life. His best friend has had a terrible accident, his ex refuses to move on, and his eight-year-old self is still waiting for his mother to collect him from school. Jonty needs his job. What he doesn’t need is the rude, arrogant, and hot as they come guy who’s rocked up demanding he be let into his room right now.

Thrown together by a freak accident, Devan and Jonty’s lives entwine, and neither wants to loosen the knot. Can the irrepressible Jonty be the reset Devan needs? Can Devan be the making of Jonty Bloom, or will secrets drive them apart?

First in the Unfinished Business series. All books are standalones.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This is a new to me author, although I see people talking about her books on Facebook quite often. So I figured I would give it a shot. The one main character, Jonty, sounded super quirky and I usually really like quirky characters.

He started out a little too quirky for me. But definitely got better. He has back and forth dialogue in his head between him and his best friend. Remember- in his head. This isn’t out loud on the phone or in person. And at the beginning it was really kind of turning me off because it was so much of it. But it didn’t last, at least not that heavily, as the book went on and I was able to enjoy it much more.

Devan, after hearing that his ex fiance and his brother (whom he cheated on Devan with) were getting married AND his brother wanted him to be best man, Devan’s boss offers to have him scout 2 different hotels that his company may buy. And kind of orders him to stay away for a while, since the brothers work in the same office.

Devan is moody and grouchy and the quirky Jonty is annoying him. While also making him notice. I love that Jonty just refuses to be brought down by grumpy people.

An accident happens that risks both of their lives at the same time. And from then on, Devan seems to have a switch flipped. Acknowledging that he is attracted to Jonty. That he isn’t annoying, he is pretty fun.

Poor Jonty- that kid has had a life. I won’t get into it, I’ll let you all discover it on your own. It’s worth it.

Jonty and Devan together are cute, hilarious, romantic and healing. I really think they helped heal each other from their pain.

Jonty will have you absolutely laughing out loud. I’ve read books with funny characters that I really enjoyed. But Jonty seemed unique to me with his brand of sarcasm and self deprecating humor that almost never stops. But he can also be serious and introspective. And he offers great advice to Devan on dealing with his family and his ex.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the multiple layers of both characters. There were great supporting characters that really helped the story and getting to know these guys as they got to know each other.

I’m looking forward to book two. If it is what I hope it is.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Barbara Elsborg has generously offered an ebook of any of her backlist books to one commentor on this post. 🙂

Hot Summer Reads: Fun in the Sun

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hot summer mm reads

The first day of summer! Lazy days, sitting in the sun, hopefully snuggled up to your e-reader, and having your own version of fun. Two Chicks Obsessed wanted to bring you our version of a sinfully delicious ice cream cone, in the form of some great summer readers suggested to us by some of your favorite authors. These are books that are set in the summer, by the beach, etc. So, take a look through all of them, one click and just enjoy sometime in the sun!

A Restored Man by Jaime Reese

Cole Renzo thinks his greatest challenge is to behave for the remainder of his term at Halfway House. Until he meets his new boss, Ty Calloway, a man who ticks off every box on Cole’s list of interests. 

A sought-after restorer and customizer of exotic and collectible cars, Ty had enough confidence to command what he wanted in life, until one fateful night changed everything. Almost two years later, he’s slowly rebuilding his life with great control. He’s defied the odds and works tirelessly to be the man he once was—but he still feels broken. 

Cole’s candor and unfiltered personality awaken Ty’s barely-remembered desire to greet each new day with a smile, while Ty’s unwavering acceptance of Cole’s quirks and brash humor makes Cole feel as if he fits in for the first time in far too long. When a nemesis threatens Ty’s personal restoration and the things he holds dear, Cole is determined to protect their relationship, even if that means sacrificing everything he’s worked so hard to achieve. 

But Ty will have to let his guard down, surrender control, and admit he needs Cole first, even if that puts himself at risk of breaking beyond repair.

Accompanied by a Waltz by Andrew Grey

Jonathon Pfister’s life has settled into a maudlin existence since the death of Greg, his lover of seventeen years. But Greg’s daughter Jeana has decided she’s had enough, so she rents a small apartment in Vienna for him as a Father’s Day present. Jonathon agrees to go, against his better judgment. Surprisingly, Jonathon finds the change of scenery refreshing, and he even makes a young friend in Hans, his landlady’s son. Then Hans’s older brother returns home, and Jonathon begins to truly awaken. Fabian touches something inside him, especially when the younger man takes it upon himself to woo Jonathon in full Viennese style, with a waltz. But shadows of the past and expectations for the future loom over them both and will have to be banished for their lovers’ dance to stay in step.

Cowboys Down by Barbara Elsborg

Stockbroker meets stock breaker. But who’s taming whom?

London stockbroker Jasper Randolph flies to Jackson Hole with hopes as high as the Grand Tetons. Hope that the getaway will force him to let loose, get dirty, and overcome a deep-seated phobia about horseback riding.cowboys down

He hadn’t counted on an attraction to the dude ranch owner’s son, a man with sun-tousled hair, eyes bluer than Wyoming skies…and a father who’d rather eat tofu than accept his only son’s sexuality.

The moment Calum lays eyes on the uptight, buttoned-down Brit, he’s lost. But with his own saddlebags full of emotional baggage, he knows he should be looking at anything but Jasper’s spotless riding boots and tight-fitting jodhpurs. Trouble is, Jasper makes his heart buck like a wild horse trying to break free.

Despite the differences that set them oceans apart, they fall hard and fast. Trouble isn’t far behind, and they’re in for a rocky romantic ride. Especially since there’s growing evidence that someone is willing to do anything—no matter how dangerous—to poison their love.

Warning: Mix one sun-bronzed cowboy with a yummy Brit who’d give Darcy in his wet shirt a run for his money. Mix gently. Try not to drool.

Snowcroft Safehouse by Christi Snow

A year ago Declan Jasper was entertaining sold-out arena crowds as the lead singer of Black Rainbows. But that came to an explosive end when the band got caught up in a criminal cover-up, one that ended with the entire band dead. At least that’s what everyone is supposed to think.

Now, Dex is hiding in plain sight, working as the school band director in a sleepy little mountain resort town while under the protection of a hard-nosed FBI agent. Instead of eyeliner and black leather, he now wears glasses and corduroy. Instead of having sexy coeds—both male and female—throw themselves into his bed, he’s dealing with teenage angst and grumpy parents.

At the top of his troubles list is Kelsey Walker, a junior high bundle of rare musical talent in the form of one confused, messed-up adolescent. Dex figures the problem comes from her broken home and wants to help. But when he meets her father, sexy bar-owner, Jack Walker, he realizes that instead of helping he’s probably just bringing more trouble and danger to their door.

Dex has to stay alive until the trial to bring his bandmates’ murderers to justice, but can he do that if it means sacrificing his own happily ever after?

More hot summer reads suggested by your favorite authors: