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Lost In Someone (Calston Cove Book 2) by JJ Harper: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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It only takes one night to turn their lives upside down.

Brodie always thought he was straight, but he experiences the greatest night of his life with a man. A total stranger. They never even exchanged names.

It’s the shake-up he needed. He leaves his job and heads down to his best friend, Merrick. Even if that night haunts not only his dreams but also his waking thoughts, he’s determined to make a new life in Devon. He can’t have time for regrets.

Ivan had to leave. His best friend, Drew, let him down, his sort of ex shocked him with disturbing news, and he’s sick and tired of easy hook-ups. The only bright light is a chance encounter with the hottest man he’s ever seen, but he wakes up alone and has no way of finding him.

Resigned to never seeing him again, Ivan returns home to Calston Cove. An apology to Drew leads to a dinner invitation with a few friends.

And a face he never expected to see again.

Are Brodie and Ivan able to recapture the best night of their lives, or is one night all they’re going to have?

When Ivan’s past comes back, threatening to ruin his relationship with Brodie, are they strong enough together to make things work?

Lost in Someone is a bi-awakening story and book two in the Calston Cove series. It can be read as a stand-alone but is enjoyed more by knowing Drew and Merrick’s story in Life After Love.

Title: Lost In Someone
Authors: JJ Harper
Length: 60k
Series: Calston Cove, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

A few minutes later, the house is empty. It seems larger, more echo-y now it’s just the two of us. “What do you need me to do?”

“It’s to do with the bed. Something is not right with it.” He walks back to the open door.

I follow him up the stairs. Ten minutes ago, only a bare mattress was on the bed, but now the stunning brass king-size bed is made up with dark red brocade sheets and a duvet takes centre stage. Candles stand on the windowsill and all along the edge of the skirting boards. Brodie leans against the windowsill, his arms across his chest, his feet crossed at the ankles, the grey April sky highlighting his almost black hair like a halo. The epitome of cool, but his jaw is hard with tension. He’s nervous. Why?

“Hey, are you okay?” He’s practically vibrating. From excitement, nervousness, fear? “What’s wrong?”

He shakes his head, swiping the back of his hand over his eyes. He’s crying. “Brodie, baby. What’s up?”

“I don’t know how to do this shit. I never thought I’d be in love, and to find it in a dark club with a stranger is romance film shit. But here I am, five months into a relationship with someone I respect so much. A man who makes me laugh, who puts up with my sweaty, stinky trainers and my equally sweaty and stinky body. I wanted to do something special to show you how much I love you and want to be with you.” He snuffles, wipes his knuckle under his nose, and chuckles. “Don’t panic. I’m not proposing, but I am asking you to think about moving in here with me. Once it’s all finished, I mean.”

I stare at him and then look around the room. He’d planned this—with Merrick—to make it special. I grab his arms and pull him away from the window into my embrace. “You do this shit damn well, baby. I love you too. So much. We met for a reason that night. It was to lead you here to me. Some serious chaos theory must have been going on to mix our lives, but I’m glad it happened.” I let him go. “I think we’ll be very happy here. You and me.”

“Is that a yes?” He laughs, looking hopeful.

“It’s a yes.” I drag him down until our backs hit the bed. “Do we get to christen this bed now?”

I read and enjoyed book 1 quite a lot. So I was excited for book 2. And I liked it. But not as much as the first.

This time we have Ivan, best friend of Drew from book 1. And Merrick’s best friend from London- Brodie. They have no idea who each other are and have a random hook up that leads to going back to a hotel room for most of the night. Except they never exchanged names.

Oh, and Brodie had never been with a man before. Never really thought about it until that met when he met Ivan. Which is fine, but for a guy he never even thought about possibly being queer to all of a sudden having sex with a man- a stranger- there was no angst. It was a bit too easy for me.

When Brodie decides to make a big life change, he ends up in Calston Cove because his bff Merrick is there. And surprise! Drew’s bff Ivan! They pretty quickly pick up where they left off.

And like a Hallmark movie, everything just falls into place. Ivan and Brodie are in a relationship, more big life changes happen, Brodie just goes with the flow. Ivan freaks out a little, but considering what is happening, not too bad.

And then happily ever after. I really enjoyed the last epilogue as well. We get to witness consequences that we don’t always see. That was super satisfying.

Overall the book was fine. It wasn’t great, but it definitely wasn’t bad. Some more depth would be nice.

3 pieces of eye candy

You will normally find JJ in the living room—typing away—with her dog, Siddiqi. As a hopeless romantic, she dives into her stories, always falling in love with her men, making sure they get the happy ever after they deserve, even if they do have to work hard for it.

As a bona fide bookaholic, a wine-drinking and swear-like-a-sailor type of girl, she has yet to work out how to act her age!! LOL. And she has no intentions of growing up or growing old gracefully.

JJ lives in a small, very quiet, village in Lincolnshire, UK, with her husband and dog, and spends all day dreaming up stories full of really hot men.

Connect with JJ:
Find out more: http://jjharperauthor.ctcin.bio
Author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorJJHarper
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jessjhoney
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Check out my website: https://www.jjharper-author.com
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Preorder link: Https://mybook.to/Lostinsomeone
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Next Season: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 2) by Lane Hayes: New Release Review

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The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…

Riley

My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the rumors: he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.

Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.

Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—

Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.

This is a new one.

Jean-Claude

Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi.

I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.

No…I think it’s me.

And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.

I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.

Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.

Title: Next Season
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 57k
Series: The Elmwood Stories, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Bi-awakening, Small Town, Hockey, Grumpy/Sunshine, Holiday

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

We are back in Elmwood, but a few years have passed. I like that. I mean, I am all for suspending reality (I mean, don’t go crazy) but when almost no time has passed before the next couple meet and fall in love it’s just too quick. I like seeing the time progression.

This time it is a current player who is flirting with retirement when he takes a hard hit on the ice leaving him with a pretty severe concussion and a nice head wound. Riley needs to recover, quietly, so his friend and former teammate offers the house his husband owns and was planning on selling to recuperate.

If you read book one, you HAD to be intrigued with Jean-Claude and want more of his story. Well we get it over the course of the book as he and Reilly get to know each other. I liked that Reilly had no inkling of liking men or being bi before this. So it took him by surprise, but he also wasn’t icked out about it. He had moments of “is this too gay?” but they are very quickly brushed aside.

While Reilly slowly recovers and Jean-Claude accepts that this is a short term thing, they really develop a close relationship. I loved that they were supposedly on the down low (hahahahaha, small towns) but had no problem hanging out in public. I hate when it’s a secret and they act like they hate each other in public.

Jean-Claude’s back story is a bit angsty, but not too bad. It definitely helps explain why he is a bit grumpy and gruff. On the outside. Really he is a big teddy bear. Another thing I liked. He wasn’t what many would think of as a “gay, French Canadian chef”. That is to say, he was no twink. In fact, he was slightly bigger than Reilly the pro hockey player.

Overall it was a sweet story and I really liked these guys together. I don’t feel like either one sacrificed anything for their relationship. They just made each other stronger.

There are other gay men in Elmwood and I want their stories next please!

4 pieces of eye candy

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man: MM Romance/Secret Boyfriends (The Baxter Chronicles Book 2) by Lane Hayes: New Release Review

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The movie star meets his match…

Pierce

Welcome to Hollywood, baby! Perhaps you’ve heard of me. I play Baxter, the adventure-seeking, crime-fighting hero, adored by fans around the world. Nice gig, right? My job has its perks for sure—private jets, a chauffeur, and the best tables at the fanciest restaurants in town. It’s nuts!

Downside—it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But I trust Lorenzo. He’s funny, sweet, and very real.

Look, I’m not in the market for anything serious. Between my greedy brother and the old man who claims we’re related, I’m a little wary, but I could use a friend.

And a sexy distraction.

Lorenzo

What is happening here? Major movie star, Pierce Allen wants me.

Me!

I don’t get it. I’m too fabulous and he’s too famous.

No, wait. He wants something from me, like my help and maybe my body. This should be a no-brainer. However, closing the last chapter on a long-term relationship has left me feeling a little fragile, and the last thing I need is to risk another broken heart.

But I’m too intrigued to walk away. I can play the part of Pierce’s “right-hand man” and keep things light and friendly. No problem.

I’m way too smart to fall for a movie star.

I hope.

Baxter’s Right-Hand Man is a MM, bisexual romance featuring a sexy, slightly egotistical movie star and the adorable diva who brings him back to reality.

Full disclosure, I did not read book 1. And while you definitely don’t need to, you know I’m gonna!

Baxter is a character, much like James Bond. But American. So that’s kind of fun. It sounds like that is all Pierce is really known for, but that’s ok.

Lorenzo is a manager at a boutique furniture and accessory store. That leads he and Pierce to meet when Lorenzo (Lo moving forward) makes a regular delivery to one of his favorite customers, an older fabulously gay gentleman named Mr Gowan who may or may not be related to Pierce.

The meeting was orchestrated to clean up Pierce’s image in the press. With a fake girlfriend on his arm, but a cater waiter in his bed, the studio isn’t pleased. Although I kind of love that it isn’t that he is bi. It’s that they want to promote the fake girlfriend as an actress as well.

And it’s Mr. Gowan that makes this story unique to me. Pierce is a bit desperate to find a relation that isn’t his father or brother, but he will never admit it. And Lo is fiercely protective of Mr. Gowan as a long time client who doesn’t have a ton of time left.

Pierce absolutely started off pretty despicable. Kind of the way you usually read about movie stars being. All about him on the outside, who cares what anyone thinks. I slowly warmed up to him through the book as his feelings for Lo blossom and more of the truth about how he is related to Mr. Gowan come to light.

Lo is likable from the start. Still sort of recovering from a big break up two years ago, he has a job he loves and great friends. And he does treasure his time with Mr. Gowan. Who, while amazing, doesn’t share a lot of his life stories until it is almost too late.

I also really loved how the setting of LA really framed the story. So often it’s celebrities in big glass beach houses or they are on set or off in another country filming. But Mr. Gowan’s house, Lo’s store, etc, really show something that we don’t always see. The regular guy does ok for himself. He isn’t living in some studio apartment with no air conditioning while working 17 jobs. He really doesn’t want to be an actor or work in the film business. And he is just fine working for someone, not necessarily being the boss and owner.

I really did enjoy this story that made me laugh and cry. It wasn’t the same old scene.

And I really REALLY want Mr. Gowan’s story. When he was Jasper in the 60’s. The little bit we got was fascinating to me.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Charisma Check (Dungeons and Dating Book 6) by Katherine McIntyre: New Release Review

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Never fall for the straight guy—Jasper knows better. At least until his straight guy crush starts crushing back…

Jasper Tanaka has made an art form out of avoiding commitment. Which is why his crush on a nearby café owner, Matt, has been perfect—the guy is straight, vanilla, and far too sweet—everything that puts him out of Jasper’s reach.

Matt Reed’s always been unlucky in love, never enough for his partners. And when his most recent girlfriend dumps him, he decides to take a chance on something new—a rope class. Lucky for him, Jasper’s there, and their time together sparks an attraction that both surprises and captivates Matt.

When a developer’s offer threatens to shut Tabletop Tavern down, Jasper’s grasping for any distraction possible—and Matt offers the perfect one. Except the intense feelings between become far too real, and if Matt decides this was just a curiosity, Jasper won’t survive the loss of the one guy he’s let in and the only home he’s ever known.

Roll the dice on romance at Tabletop Tavern…

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Dungeons and Dating Series – All on Kindle Unlimited

I got to this series late, having only read Dexterity Check and Charisma Check. However, you definitely don’t have to have read the other books to enjoy this one. Also, you don’t have to be a D&D nerd. 🙂 Turns out I know nothing about D&D and was able to follow (most of it) along.

This author does a great job of setting up a story, and I loved how this was a friendly relationship, with a crush on Jasper’s side, because Matt was straight so untouchable. Then they became friends before anything happened. They were set together during a ropes class at Whipped, where Matt became very confused by his reactions. He was always supposed to be the dominant one, being big and bulky. But he was a big teddy bear, dominance was not ever going to be his cup of tea.

Jasper surprised himself by being dominant when he assumed he was a sub. I loved that these two men worked to learn about themselves, and didn’t shy away from their truths, even if it was not convenient or what was expected. His parents…those were some horrible people, and I found myself hoping that whatever it was they wanted Jasper to do for them ended up ruining them financially. But guess we’ll never know. lol

Matt ended up being the one to make the first move, which considering how his self-esteem had taken some serious hits, was a big deal. Asking if he could kiss Jasper, after saying “well, I guess I’m not straight”…that had some feels. 🙂

The entire gang has to work to stop a nasty developer from ruining their businesses, and they aren’t afraid to dig up some dirt for it. It was a team effort, and it took all of them to come out on top and save the entire coalition.

All in all, a very good ending to a series that I will need to go back and read more of.

4 pieces of eye candy

Pole Position (Queens Crescent, Book 2) by Kristian Parker: Release Blitz, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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Charles Worthington was once the best driver in Formula One…until the lifestyle took over. Now, fresh out of rehab, he’s ready to take back his crown. Then he meets new teammate and handsome Brazilian, Luis Salvatore.

Despite being a famous womaniser, Charles has always had an eye for an attractive male. This time it’s different—Luis has the most profound effect on him. Being sober changes everything.

But in Formula One, teammates are also rivals and Luis’ contract is up for renewal. Only the number one podium will do.

Bitter rivalry and animal lust are an explosive combination. Will this get them both to the chequered flag?

Title: Pole Position
Authors: Kristian Parker
Length: 202 pages
Series: Queens Crescent, Book 2 (standalone)
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, Forced proximity.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Christmas at Queens Crescent 

“Are you okay?” Luis asked.

Charles sighed. “Sorry. I’m a bit nervous, I guess.”

The laughter that came from Luis made Charles jump. “What?” He frowned.

“You’re Charles Worthington,” Luis explained. “Nothing gets to you. I’ve watched you swagger around the world for fifteen years.”

He didn’t know if Luis was mocking him or not. He didn’t like it. “I’m not sure if you got the memo,” he muttered. “There’s new management in town.”

The jovial expression dropped from Luis’ face. “I’m sorry, Charles. I didn’t mean to laugh. Of course I know how the last few years have been for you. Damn, we seem to have a habit of saying the wrong things.”

He sipped his coffee thoughtfully. Charles breathed a sigh of relief that he didn’t grimace after.

“I think we’re being too careful around each other,” Charles declared.

“Too careful?” Luis replied, shocked.

“Yes,” Charles continued. “I really want this to work. Meera and Barnaby have taken a chance on me, and I want to repay them. You have contract negotiations this year.”

He noticed Luis bristle at this, but it wasn’t a secret.

“And you think we’re trying to be sickly sweet to make it happen?” Luis considered this. “Well, we’ve made a right fuck-up of that.”

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Connect with Kristian:
www.kristianparker.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld
https://www.facebook.com/kparkerwriter
https://www.instagram.com/kparkerwriter/

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Change His Tune: A Friends to Lovers Gay Romance (Harmony of Hearts Book 3) by Ariella Zoelle: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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Ferris is straight, so why can’t he stop wishing his fake flirtations with his best friend would become real?

Tiago Álvarez

Flirting with Ferris is one of my favorite hobbies. He always playfully rejects me because he’s straight, but I don’t let that get my hopes down. That’s why I’m so shocked when he agrees to my silly idea to drive our fangirls wild by pretending there might be something more to our friendship.

But I secretly have an ulterior motive in convincing my best friend that we should share our hilarious banter with the fans. I want to make him see that we could have something real if he gave us a chance.

It’s obvious how much fun he has teasing me, so I wonder if maybe Ferris isn’t as straight as he used to be?

Ferris Valdemar

I’ve been telling Tiago no for so long that I don’t know how to tell him yes. But I really want to give in to my feelings for him that I’ve been running away from for far too long.

When he comes up with his scheme to fake flirting with each other for our fans, it gives me the opportunity I need to come clean about my not-so-straight feelings for my gay best friend.

But how do I tell Tiago that I want to be more than just friends?

Change His Tune is the third book in the Harmony of Hearts series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features a friends to lovers, bi awakening, fake dating, rock star, gay 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.

Title: Change His Tune
Authors: Ariella Zoelle
Length: 65K
Series: Harmony of Hearts, Book 3
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: No angst, friends to lovers, bi awakening, fake dating, rock star, gay romance.
Release Date: August 19th

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Book 1: Play By Heart

Book 2: Make Music Together

Book 4 (coming 2/17/23): Music to His Ears

Something sparkly caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. I looked toward the entrance and saw a woman had entered, wearing a dress that glittered like she wore the night sky and all its stars. Even from a distance, she was a stunning vision, with long, black hair that framed her face, giving her an angelic appearance.

The host led her through the restaurant to her table. She was a glorious goddess of a woman, full of beauty and grace. At one point, I gladly would have dated someone like her.

As she drew closer, I got a better look at her. She had beautifully full lips that were emphasized by her red lipstick. They were curved in a teasing smile as she made eye contact with me and gave me a flirty wink as she stopped by my table.

The world stopped spinning as I gazed deep into her brown eyes and saw my boyfriend. Somehow, the gorgeous woman that had turned the head of every straight man and quite a few women was Tiago. I couldn’t find words as I stared up in shock at “Tia,” who was more beautiful than I had ever imagined possible. It seemed I owed him an apology because he certainly didn’t come off as a goofy guy in a dress as I had expected.

Tiago took great delight in my stunned reaction. He bent down to give me a tender kiss. “Sorry I’m late, cookie,” he said in a surprisingly feminine voice before sitting across from me. As he set aside a midnight-blue holographic clutch, it made me realize he had on nails painted to match. It made his fingers look longer and more elegant than normal.

I needed to find my words, but I was too blown away by the beautiful woman in front of me being my boyfriend. I whispered, “Tia,” in awe as I stared.

He tucked a strand of long, black hair behind his ear before he picked up the menu to study it. “You should try their fiery angel hair pasta if you haven’t already,” he said in the same feminine voice that stirred my lust. How was he acting so cool about doing something so incredible?

“You’re beautiful.” I couldn’t get over how flawless he was as a woman. Clearly, I hadn’t given him enough credit. It had seemed so absurd when we had been joking about it while reading the fan fiction about him showing up to one of our dates in drag. But now that he was sitting in front of me as Tia, I couldn’t believe how incredible he looked. His shimmering eye makeup was particularly impressive.

He covered his mouth as he gave an excellent imitation of a girlish giggle. “How kind of you to notice.”

“I don’t understand. How is this possible?” I literally couldn’t process it. In what universe did Tiago turn into a hot supermodel when wearing a dress?

“See? I told you Tia would rock your world.” He looked up at me with a playful expression. “So, does your girlfriend meet with your approval?”

My eyes traveled from his face, which had all its masculine edges softened by makeup, down to the swell of breasts that helped sell the femininity of his look. “I’m the luckiest man in the entire universe.”

“Yeah, you are.” His light laughter further emphasized the flawlessness of his feminine appearance. “And just wait until you see the fun surprise I have waiting for you once we get home.”

My cock stirred in my pants with interest at the thought of taking Tia home and getting intimately acquainted. “What kind of surprise?”

“One you won’t soon forget.” He tossed his hair over his shoulder as he flashed a flirty smile. It drove my lust wild and made me eager for the rest of our night.

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Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. 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. 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/
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