bisexual

Imposing Saint (All Saints Security Series Book 3) by Jess Bryant: New Release Review

September 13, 2021 by Denise Leave a Comment

Aaron Laughlin is young, rich, and a star among the Nashville political elite. That’s why nobody is more surprised than him when he ends up abandoned at the altar. But here he is, dumped on the most important day of his life, embarrassed in front of his entire city, and left with a bruised ego in place of a broken heart.

Needing time away to regroup after the fiasco that could very well derail his career, he decides to head to the mountains and enjoy his honeymoon on his own. Only, he isn’t alone. His imposing new bodyguard refuses to let Aaron out of his sight, or his reach, and the way his dark eyes follow Aaron’s every move gets under his skin in a way he can’t shake, and isn’t sure he wants to.

Isaac Chinn is practical, professional and takes pride in being good at his job. He’s never even considered breaching the client/bodyguard boundary, which is why being stuck on the side of a mountain with the gorgeous jilted groom that isn’t quite as straight as he’d like people to think, is such an imposition. The mayor might annoy and intrigue him in equal measure but Isaac knows better than to cross the line.

Only, the heat that flares between them refuses to be ignored. They’re like gasoline and a match, destined to consume each other if they get too close. But when faced with the cold of loneliness, is it worth the risk to feel the heat of passion, even if it might destroy them both?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Having not read any of the previous books, I came in a bit blind to this series, which was fine. It was mostly stand alone, although I got the feeling that Ashtyn’s story was either a previous book, or a book to come. But none of that took me out of the story.

Isaac Chin was a bodyguard, working for/with his best friend, assigned to guard Aaron after he is jilted at his wedding. I really liked Isaac. I liked that even though he grew up in Nashville, he acknowledged his heritage, something not always represented in the gay romance genre. I liked that he was very intuitive (which I would assume is necessary in his profession) and was able to see there were already issues with Aaron and Ashtyn before wedding day arrived. He had no problems relaxing once they were in Colorado, but still kept his guard up to protect his man.

Aaron, on the other hand, I had a really hard time liking at times. He was so hot and cold with Aaron. I understand why, his career was on the line, his hopes for the future. However, he treated being bisexual like it was a disease sometimes. There was a very detailed conversation where he described how little bisexual it was (something like 3% towards men, 97% towards women), and it turned me off on him, as it just seemed to breathe self-loathing, when he was so confident and self-assured in every other way. (His parents were by no means innocent in how he must have felt about himself.) He also hurt Isaac multiple times, knowingly, because he was being selfish.

Now, it sounds like I hated Aaron, and yes, there were times I did. However, he does redeem himself, and does it (at least to me) in a surprising way, with a conversation that I didn’t see coming. That helped me to see Aaron as someone who really just needed to find a way to reconcile his life from all sides, in order to find a way to be happy, for himself and for the future he wanted with Isaac.

I really loved that these two men were able to find joy and contentment in nature, in the one place in the world where Aaron seemed to feel comfortable, and Isaac fell in love with immediately. Their joy in spending time in nature in Colorado made me want to take a day and go hiking. 🙂

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Wicked Outlaw (Ward Security Book 6) by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott: RB, Excerpt, New Release Review *2

May 26, 2021 by Denise

Cole loves the city. He loves the noise, chaos, and having tacos delivered at 2 a.m.

He loves his job at Ward Security. He might look like a bodyguard, but there’s nothing better than being counted as one of the hacking tech triplets.

There is no way he will ever love horses, cows, and the great wide open of Texas.

At least, that’s what he thinks until JB Alexander rides into his life.

He can’t deny the burning attraction of JB’s easy smile and weird sense of humor.

And while they’re dodging gun shots, crazy neighbors, meddling family, and secret plots, Cole might be forced to admit that he’s found an even greater love.

Wicked Outlaw is the sixth full-length novel in the Ward Security series and is jam packed with crazy neighbors, wild gun shots, a horse named Dopey, llamas, code names, a bisexual awakening, and new beginnings.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

He was about to put on his headphones for some music when Rowe’s red head popped around the doorway. “Cole, I need you in my office.”

Cole set the headphones down and stood. He followed his boss and settled in one of the chairs in front of the desk.

Surprisingly, Rowe’s area was one of the hot spots for the entire building. His large office with the big, comfortable black leather couch tended to become a random crossroads or meeting place. All throughout the day, people popped in and out to ask Rowe questions, bring him updates, or share a joke. And Rowe welcomed every last one of them, regardless of what they did at the company.

They had meetings there often and the cool, blue paint on the walls gave the room a comforting feel. Cole might feel more at home in the tech room, but this was his second-favorite spot at Ward Security. Rowe always greeted him with a smile or a teasing comment like they were old friends.

“How’s the hand?” Rowe asked with a wicked smirk. He dropped behind his desk and relaxed in his large leather desk chair. “You cleaned that man’s clock pretty good.”

“Sore, but fine,” he replied, once again flexing his hand in his lap. “He still in police custody?”

Rowe shook his head. “No, bastard got out. They couldn’t hold him for threats. Which brings me to the problem I brought up last night. Derrick Briggs is a piece of work, with dirty hands in several deep pots, one of which is the local mob.”

Cole’s heart skipped a beat. The mob. Shit. No wonder Gidget had been so hesitant to talk about it. This was definitely worse than he’d imagined. “You think he’s going to come after me?”

“I do. I’d like to put Sven on you for the time being—”

“No,” Cole interrupted. “I don’t need a bodyguard. Look at me.” He tapped both hands on his broad chest. “I’m nearly as big as Sven. I can take care of myself.”

Rowe shook his head, not looking convinced in the least. “Not against a bullet.” He paused and added with a wry grin, “And nobody is as big as Sven.”

“A bodyguard isn’t going to help with a bullet, either.”

“Sven also has years of training. He knows what to look for, and he knows exactly how to handle an armed assailant or assailants.”

Cole glared at his boss for a moment. He didn’t think he’d ever utter these words. Never truly thought about it, but he was feeling cornered. Maybe it was time, considering the line of work he was in. “Then train me.”

Rowe leaned back in his chair, eyeing Cole closely. Cole held his breath. He loved his job behind the computer, working at Ward Security. He’d never had any interest in doing what the bodyguards did.

At last, Rowe shook his head. “Like I said, years of training. We don’t have that kind of time. But I am going to remember this moment.” He pointed at Cole, his smirk returning for a heartbeat. “However, I came up with a different idea. You, laying low for a while. Out of town.”

Cole’s eyes flared open wide. “What? No, that’s not a good idea, either.”

“It’s an excellent idea, and it’s not a suggestion. I’ve already called a friend, JB Alexander, and set everything up.”

Cole vaguely remembered meeting JB a couple of years ago. Thin guy, about six feet tall with blond hair. “Wait, isn’t he from Texas?”

Rowe nodded, the corner of his mouth turning up in a half grin. “On a ranch outside of Austin. It’s the perfect place for you to hole up while I work on getting Derrick Briggs behind bars.”

“You’re saying you want me to go to Texas.” Cole scrubbed a hand over his face, trying to get his brain to process the insanity Rowe was force-feeding him. “Isn’t this a bit of overkill?”

“I don’t think it is.” Rowe leaned forward, placing his forearms on the top of his desk. “Last night wasn’t Briggs’s first encounter with the cops. He’s managed to sneak out of assault charges and more in the past. There are rumors a few guys have disappeared because of him.”

Cole could feel the blood drain from his face to pool nauseatingly in his stomach. A kind of cold clamminess clung to his skin. This was getting worse by the second.

“Not only did you come between him and what he sees as his property, but you made him look like a chump in a very public, very high-brow place. He’s gonna want you dead in the worst way.”

“I see what you mean,” Cole replied in a low, rough voice.

“Good. Then it leaves me with two choices. One is that I put Sven on you and possibly another guy, twenty-four seven. At least until we know this guy won’t come after you.”

But that meant putting friends and coworkers directly in the line of fire to protect his ass. No, that wasn’t an option.

“I still won’t go for that.”

Rowe held up both his empty hands in front of him as if to say Cole was taking the decision out of his hands.

“But Texas?”

Ah Ward Security. A world of code names, explosions and love matches. After pairing off most of the main body guards and one of the techies- it is time for another tech guy- Cole. Although unexpectedly.

To ensure his safety, Ward Security ships Cole off to the ranch owned by Noah’s Army buddy JB. So the city boy from Cincinnati is now on a ranch in the middle of Texas. Don’t worry- there’s wifi.

Cole and JB had immediate chemistry. But Cole is straight. Interesting. And then a near death experience has Cole kissing the hell out of JB.

I loved that Cole, the straight guy, kissed JB first. AND didn’t freak out. I mean, he stepped back to figure things out but he wasn’t a jerk about it. There definitely was some awkward.

The plot of the book was a bit on the weak side. Developer wants JB and two other ranches to sell to him so that he can build a resort. Then different things keep happening on the ranch. Since JB is the holdout on selling, it isn’t too much of a leap to figure it out.

Not really a spoiler, because duh it’s a romance, but Cole does get past his “I’m straight” thing. And then he and JB have a lot of fun together. I liked that after the first kiss, Cole accepted his attraction to JB and JB didn’t really question Cole’s motives. There wasn’t the existential dread of “omg am I GAY?” or “is he just using me to experiment?”

We do get a classic Ward Security mission, complete with code names. But sadly no explosions.

This was a super easy read, fun and sexy.

4 pieces of eye candy

Oh, how I love thee let me count the ways. This is another slam dunk for Ms. Drake and Ms. Elliot. The authors definitely have a way with words. They know how to bring you into the story so you become you obsessed with their men.

I don’t want to give too much away on this review. But what I do you wanna say is there is a lot of Passion and you feel for these characters in the spot they’re in. JB feels like he’s lost everything when he loses Noah. Then along comes Cole.

And he finally understands what he felt for Noah was not what as strong as he thought it was. There’s not as much action in this one as there usually is in Jocelyn and Rinda’s books. But it’s still keeps you on your edge of your seats.

These authors still remain in my top 5 faves.

4 pieces of eye candy

Abstract Love by Sara Dobie Bauer: Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt, and New Release Review

September 9, 2020 by Denise

I hate Sam Shelby. So why do I want to kiss him?

Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.
Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man.
Well, shit happens.

After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.

After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.

Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact.

Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?

Book Title: Abstract Love

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: September 4, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM romance

Trope/s: enemies-to-lovers, age gap, co-workers, office romance,

bisexuality, businessmen, artists, bondage, comedy

Themes: sexual awakening

Possible triggers: depression, suicidal ideations, biphobia

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 71 000 words

It is a standalone book.

Goodreads

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

For new readers, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Halloween-obsessed extroverted introvert who loves yoga, pizza, horror movies, and my sexy rock-climber husband. I live in Cleveland, Ohio, but I’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. I bartend to retain my sanity. I write mostly MM romance in all genres: paranormal, dark and twisted, fluffy and funny. As long as I get to work with charismatic characters who can’t keep their hands off each other, I’m happy.

What inspired you to publish your first book?

I had dreamt of being an “author” since I was a little kid, so publishing a novel was always the endgame. I’m not sure if I was inspired or just born to do this crazy writing thing.

Where did the idea for Abstract Love come from?

I first wrote a novella entitled “Abstract Love” at the behest of friend and colleague Renee Botbyl for the now out-of-print Come Play charity anthology. It was for a great cause: The Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25. As someone who suffers from severe anxiety and depression, this is a cause I take personally. Initially, the novella had a beginning, middle, and end, but Renee told me to end on a cliffhanger … and write a novel about Donovan and Sam. So I did. Abstract Love is dedicated to her.

What’s so unique about this book as opposed to others you’ve written?

I’ve always infused comedic moments in my work—little bits that make you laugh in the midst of something dark or scary. But this one? This one is FUNNY. F-U-N-N-Y. I started my career writing comedy, so Abstract Love is a nice return to my roots. Also, I dunno about you, but I really need a reason to laugh right now, so comedy feels fitting in these ridiculous times.

What was your favorite thing about writing Abstract Love?

Probably writing the banter between Donovan and Sam. I love writing banter. LOVE IT. However, I also enjoyed designing Sam’s outrageous outfits. Many of his ensembles are based on the real-life clothes of actor Timothee Chalamet, so taking inspiration from Timmy and translating it into Sam was a blast.

What makes a good enemies-to-lovers book?

Tension. Seriously, the main characters need to really dislike each other at the beginning. It makes for such catharsis when they finally get together. Also, back to the banter. You gotta have good banter, that snarky give-and-take, for a strong enemies-to-lovers vibe.

How do you choose your titles?

HA! Oh, dear … I often have a lot of trouble with titles. Usually, I ask my beta readers for their suggestions. Eventually, something stands out or their suggestions inspire me and I reach my eureka moment.

What makes your books stand out from other authors in this genre?

There are so many talented MM romance authors out there, so I can hardly look down my nose and say why I stand out amidst such greatness. I do love to make my characters change. Like, a lot. Donovan in Abstract Love is an excellent example, as is Ethan from Handsome Death. I can’t tell you how they change, because that would be a spoiler, but trust me—they change. I also think my dialogue and sex scenes are a strength.

What are the three things each of your books must have?

Characters who change.

Sexual tension.

A happy ending.

What can we expect from you in the future?

A stalker Santa MM novella in December. (It’s a very dark twist on Christmas.) Then, next year, I have two additional MM romance novels scheduled: one is young adult rom-com, while the other is slow burn fated mates werewolves.

What’s one question you wish we asked in this interview?

Advice for newbie writers? Stop listening to other people; write for you. Rejection is a constant, so get over it. Enjoy the process, not the end game. Writing is your job but not your life. No matter what you do, some people will never like you.

Donovan sifted through a few hand-drawn logos on the desk and froze when he found a crudely drawn sketch of himself. Sam must have done it during a meeting at some point, capturing Donovan’s faux hawk, wide jaw, and severe expression.

Jesus, was this what other people saw when they looked at him? Did he really look so miserable?

“Make yourself at home?”

Donovan dropped the picture and stood straight at the sound of Sam’s voice.

He leaned against the doorframe, with one ankle crossed over the other.

“It’s really bullshit when people say that, you know?” Sam said. “Make yourself at home. No one actually wants their friends to take off their pants, drink all their beer, and binge The Great British Bake Off.” He paused. “What are you doing in my office?”

“I didn’t mean to snoop.”

The office door closed as he stepped inside. “Sure you did, or you wouldn’t be in here, so what’s up?”

Sam circled the desk, so Donovan circled the other way, although he noticed it was true what coworkers said: Sam did smell good—like clean laundry and cedar. “I think we started off on the wrong foot.”

Sam snort laughed and flipped through some files on his desk. “More like wrong continent, man.” When he found what he was looking for, he tapped the file’s corner against his palm. “I can handle guys like you, you know.”

Donovan shifted back on his heels. “Guys like me?”

“Hmm. Corporate assholes. All you see are dollar signs. You take no pleasure in your work. Advertising is money to you, not art, but without the artists, there wouldn’t be advertising, so…” He sucked his cheeks into his mouth, a momentary fish face.

Donovan wanted to tell him it wasn’t true. Donovan loved art.

He used to love art.

Sam continued, “I know I look like a six-foot-two Disney princess, but you’re not gonna rattle me.” To prove his point, Sam got right up in Donovan’s personal space until Donovan took a step back. Again, he was not used to dealing with someone his own height. “And I’m right about the Great Lakes ad campaign. If you’d pull your head out of your ass, maybe you’d notice.” He turned away abruptly.

“Sam.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” Ouch, that hurt coming out.

Sam’s rebuttal: “Prove it.”

“Excuse me?”

He rested a hand on the desk and cocked his hip out—the very picture of young attitude. “Listen to me in meetings.”

“I was listening.”

“Nope.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his unkempt, unprofessional hair. “No, you were hearing. I need you to listen. There’s a difference. And I know I’m just some fucking kid to you, but I ruled the New York City advertising scene. I know what I’m doing, Donovan, so let me do it.”

“Fine.” He’d had enough. He’d apologized, okay, so he’d done his Monica-enforced duty. He didn’t owe Sam anything else.

He didn’t run for the door, but he definitely moved with speed.

I’ll admit, I went back and forth on this book. Donovan was an a$$hole. Sam was a d!ck. Then Donovan wasn’t as much of an a$$hole, but Sam was still a d!ck. However, what you learn quickly, is these two guys are pretty messed up, and so you can forgive a little more knowing that they are products of the lives lived.

*small spoiler* First, I will say, if you are someone who is adamantly against one of the MC’s having sex with someone else on page, while reading a romance, this may not be the right book for you. Sam, who professes from the beginning that he doesn’t do relationships, but loves sex with pretty much anyone (except his best friend), spends a bit of this book sleeping with others. So, if that is a huge no-no for your reading, you may want to find something else.

However, if look past that, and see what really is happening with Sam, you might understand where he is going with all the sex with whomever. He’s been hurt, badly, and when he is hurt badly again, he either has sex with whomever is closest, or he lashes out. The dichotomy that was Sam was equally fascinating. He was confident, brash, knew his worth as both an artist, and his physical beauty. Yet, when it came to matters of someone’s heart, he could be shy and scared. All in all, though, his personality was fantastic. He didn’t care if Donovan was pissed, or if he was busy, or if he knew he was going to make Donovan pissed, he went forward with whatever he wanted to say or do. We all kind of want to be that person a little in life, right? 🙂 Also, moving back to Cleveland, basically for Joe…super sweet. It was great to see how their relationship evolved.

Donovan had his entire life upended, and then had to deal with a new snarky employee with brass balls, who knew what he was doing, and how best to get it done. He had a different kind of awakening than Sam. He needed to realize that he had basically hated everything about his life, but until circumstances made all of that clear, and gave him no choices, he didn’t want to change it. I loved how he worked so hard on his “heart”, only to have it shredded (or almost shredded) and then brought back to life again. It really was a metaphor for his entire life.

These two men changed in the book, just as the author says in her interview, really almost 180 degrees from their previous personalities, but they changed for themselves, not for each other or for their relationship. That is the kind of change they needed.

4 pieces of eye candy

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Private Facebook Group

Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | Freebies

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts, interviews, and reviews here

Warrior’s Way: Coulter and Woodard, Book 1 by M.J. Calabrese: Audiobook Review

August 28, 2020 by Denise

Friends since childhood, Albuquerque detective Eagle Woodard and criminal profiler Adam Coulter are dragged into a serial killer case. Gay couples are being murdered and tortured and the FBI needs their help to capture the sadistic murderer.

Deciding to implement a plan to trap the killer, Adam and Eagle go undercover as an involved gay couple. Or is it really pretend?

Faced with their toughest challenge yet, they must find the active serial killer before he strikes again. With the powers that be not cooperating and the killer proving to be elusive, will Eagle and Adam be able to stop the murderer while navigating their changing relationship?

PLEASE NOTE: This is the first book in an ongoing story arc. Although the case is solved, the relationship ends on a cliffhanger. Contains graphic violence and scenes of torture.

Audible

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

There is a lot to unwrap with this first book in the series. I will say, I am very much looking forward to books 2 and 3 to complete (I believe) the series.

Adam and Eagle had been best friends since they were children. Adam is, frankly speaking, a hot mess. I won’t go into it all, as that is an integral part of the book. However, his best friend Eagle doesn’t know that Adam is bisexual, even though they have been living together (as roommates) for several years, since Adam’s last marriage imploded. Eagle, meanwhile, has his head on his shoulders, due to a son he had very young, who helped to get him on the right path.

These two men had at least one “experiment” in their past, that Adam just basically ignored, then never spoke to Eagle about. All the while, Eagle has been in love with is best friend since they were kids. See? Hot mess = Adam. And it only gets worse as the book concludes on a cliffhanger.

The main plot, with the serial murders is intriguing, and very well done. I will warn, there are some graphic descriptions that some readers may not find palatable as they read. It isn’t for the weak of stomach. Very well researched and written, though, so just know you will be drawn in, if you don’t mind reading these descriptions.

Also, be aware this does end on a cliffhanger, sending you right into Book 2.

Nick J. Russo does a great job with his narration, as always, keeping his dialects, and voices distinct, so that the listener can delve even deeper into the story. I always feel that great audio narration creates an even better love for the story, than just reading it. (Of course, the opposite can be true with not as good narration.) Nick does a great job of creating that environment to sink your teeth into that story.

Story: 4.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

Sand-Man’s Family: An M/M Coming of Age Romance by CJane Elliott: RDB, Exclusive Author Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

August 25, 2020 by Denise

It isn’t easy to leave a family that hurts. But what if it’s the start of finding a love that heals?

High-school senior Sandy’s Catholic parents are furious to discover he’s had sex before marriage. But when he blurts out he’s bisexual, they go ballistic. To avoid conversion therapy, Sandy runs away from Rockford, Illinois to move in with his gay uncle in Portland and start a new life.

He leaves behind Jade, the fabulous out gay kid in their Catholic high school. They hooked up—once—to confirm Sandy’s bisexuality. Jade had never expected to get that far with star athlete and altar boy Sandy. But he was crushed when Sandy disappeared without even telling him.

A year later Jade and Sandy run into each other on the train going home to Rockford for Thanksgiving and form an alliance to help Sandy confront his parents. Will they keep building where they left off or will their spark turn to dust?

If you like coming of age stories, queer kids finding the courage to be themselves, and the comfort of found families, you’ll love Sand-Man’s Family.

Title: Sand-Man’s Family: An M/M Coming of Age Romance

Series: Wild and Precious Book 3

Author: CJane Elliott

Publisher: CJane Elliott

Release Date: 8/24/20

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 36,800 words

Genre: Romance, New Adult, Young Adult, Coming of Age, coming out, family drama, bisexual, college, hurt-comfort

Goodreads

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Book 1, Wild and Precious, is on sale for just $0.99 for a limited time.

Find the entire series HERE.

Hello there! I’m CJane Elliott and happy to be on the Two Chicks Obsessed blog today to share Sand-Man’s Family, the third book in my Wild and Precious series.

Sand-Man’s Family differs from the first two stories in the Wild and Precious series in the age of the main characters. In the first two novellas, those ages ranged from mid-twenties to late thirties. In Sand-Man’s Family, Sandy and Jade (and Dare, who Sandy dated before Jade) are seniors in high school (for the flashback scenes) and most of the action takes place the following year, when they are at the most nineteen years old.

I enjoy writing New Adult characters who are teetering on the edge of adulthood. They’re often still sorting out who they are in relation to themselves, their gender/sexual identity, and their relationships. Family still plays a big role, positive or negative. This is the age when people start living away from home and begin to create their families of choice. Some of them are lucky in their families of origin but many are not.

I’ve brought you a short scene that happens after Sandy’s parents bring the parish priest and a conversion therapy expert to the home when Sandy returns for Thanksgiving to continue to pressure him to give up his “sinful” bisexuality. Needless to say, they don’t succeed. Sandy is rescued by the arrival of Uncle Phineas, his partner Cody, and Jade. After confronting Sandy’s parents, they all go the Phineas and Cody’s hotel, along with Sandy’s younger brother Connor. I love that Sandy has found a loving, accepting family with his uncle, his brother, and his budding love interest, Jade.

Sandy lay on the big hotel bed, his head on Uncle Phinney’s shoulder while Connor rested on Phinney’s other shoulder. Jade snuggled in against Sandy’s back. Cody had declined the puppy pile in favor of providing soft soothing music on his guitar.

“I love you both so much.” Uncle Phinney patted them tenderly. “I’m so proud of my nephews.”

“Thanks, Uncle Phinney.” Connor’s voice sounded muffled, like he’d stuck his face into Phinney’s armpit or something.

Sandy soothed the emotions swirling inside by concentrating on the safety of Uncle Phinney’s sturdy shoulder and the soft touch of Jade’s arm around him. He didn’t want to think about his parents or his former home or his brother and sisters stuck there. He wanted to be here, warm and loved, with Cody playing softly in the background.

Cody paused. “We can cut our trip short, you know. We can come home with you if you want, Sand-Man.”

“No. I’m cool.”

“You sure?” Uncle Phinney’s frown was full of concern. “It’s really okay. Cody and I already talked about it.”

“I’ll be fine, Uncle Phinney. I’ll be where I want to be, in Portland. Blaine and Gemma are around if I need anyone.”

“And I’m only a few hours up the road,” Jade said softly into Sandy’s ear.

Sandy grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I know.” Then he peered over at Connor.

“Connor’s the one we need to worry about.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m sticking around till I graduate, then I’m out of there. I don’t want to leave the girls until I have to.”

“Call us. Anytime, day or night.” Uncle Phinney made an anxious sound. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I’m worried for you.”

Jade stirred and raised up on one elbow. “Papa’s aware of the situation. I sent him the video.”

When everyone looked at him funny, he added, “He’s got a lot of cop friends. He’ll keep an eye out. Connor, he said for you to call him if things get hinky.”

“Cool. Thanks.”

They all flopped back down, and Sandy relaxed completely. He found himself stroking Jade’s hand and wishing they had a room to themselves. As if reading his thoughts, Jade leaned up and nibbled his earlobe. Now Sandy really needed for them to get a room.

“Come to my house tonight?” Jade whispered.

“Um, Uncle Phinney?”

“Hmm?”

“Is it cool for me to go over to Jade’s? He’s gotta go to the airport tomorrow too, so I can get a ride to the shuttle with them. You guys could drop Connor off and be on your way.”

He saw Uncle Phinney smile and glance over at Cody, who smiled back. “Sure. As long as Connor is okay with his brother ditching him his last night here.”

“Whatever, man.” Connor yawned. “I’ll be here, cockblocking Cody and Uncle Phinney.”

After years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, award-winning author CJane Elliott finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane writes sexy, passionate LGBTQ romances that explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.

CJane is bisexual and an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her family supports her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.

CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards. Her contemporary novel All The Way To Shore was runner up for best bisexual fiction in the 2017 Rainbow Awards.

http://cjaneelliott.com/

https://facebook.com/cjane.elliott

https://twitter.com/CJaneElliott

cjaneelliott@gmail.com

http://instagram.com/cjaneelliott

http://bookbub.com/authors/cjane-elliott

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Variable Onset by Layla Reyne: New Release Review

June 9, 2020 by Denise

To catch a killer, a special agent and his former student will need to get close—to their target, and each other. Layla Reyne returns with a stand-alone romantic mystery.

When the serial killer known as Dr. Fear seemingly reemerges after a cooling-off period, Special Agent Lincoln Monroe wants on the case. He knows his research on the calculating criminal, who targets couples and uses their worst fears to kill them, could prove invaluable. But nothing can prepare Lincoln for the agent waiting for him in Apex, Virginia: a brash and cocky former student. Carter Warren is everything Lincoln is not, and somehow everything he wants. And they’ll be going undercover. As newlyweds.

For Carter, seeing Lincoln again—and flustered to boot—pokes his raging bear of a crush something fierce. He thinks posing as lovers will provide the perfect bait for Dr. Fear. But pretending to be married forces them to confront fears of their own…like giving in to the very real chemistry between them.

With evidence pointing to the possibility of a copycat killer, Lincoln and Carter will have to race to separate truth from fiction. But when another couple goes missing, finding the killer will test every ounce of their training, skills and the strength of their bond like never before.

This book is approximately 72,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

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Okay, let’s start with YES!!!! I love Layla Reyne’s books. This author does suspense so well!!! This book says it is a stand-alone, and I’m not sure with how this book ended how the author could make this into a series, but please figure it out!

I really enjoyed these two characters, both together, and separate. Lincoln is such a nerd, a true academic, but clearly adores his family. And had a bit of a crush on his student. Meanwhile, Carter is his exact opposite, bold and cocky, and although he wants to go after what he’s been wanting for years, he is patient, and waits. They worked together so well, finding the clues they needed to find their serial killer, but also to find the answers to a long held secret of Carter’s…which guaranteed, it will make you cry.

I really would like to see these two work together again. I’d love to see this author take this series and run with it. I mean…if the author is asking. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy