Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

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Screens Apart by Charlie Novak: Exclusive Book Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

by

Simon has one secret and two problems.

The secret? An anonymous blog featuring satin and lace.

The problems? Two crushes. One on his gorgeous, charming roommate, Taylor. And another on his charismatic online admirer, Mr. Smith.

When Taylor suggests they start hooking up, Simon is more than happy to agree, even if it means putting a lid on his feelings. After all, no-strings fun is better than nothing at all, right?

Except Simon’s not sure that lid will stay shut, especially when he starts to fall in love. But with Mr Smith in the same situation, advice is in short supply.

And there’s no chance Taylor and Smith are the same person… is there?

Screens Apart is a 55,000-word comedy of errors featuring panties, pining, and two men falling in love, complete with plenty of heat and fluffy feels. Originally released as a serial, this is the full collection with a new bonus epilogue. It contains no love-triangle and no cheating.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Taylor

I looked at the row of shops, reading the neat signage and examining the window displays, until one on the end caught my eye. The frontage was dark red, with elegant white lettering that read Desires, but it was the display in the window that made me stop and stare.

In it was a beautiful array of lingerie from delicate, sweet lace, to silk, to pieces that were darker and more seductive. They were all exquisite, and all I could think about was how incredible Simon would look in each and every one of them.

My dick throbbed as my imagination ran wild. I pictured Simon spread out on my bed, wrapped in sweet, pink-and-white lace while he begged me to fuck him. Whimpering as I teased him, edging him for hours until I finally gave him what he needed.

Then the picture melted into one of Simon in sheer black panties, wet with precum, with a dark corset-style garter belt wrapped around his waist, straps stretching over his thighs, holding up silken stockings as I bent him over the bed, using him over and over until we were both spent.

I’d joked about buying cheap panties to rip off him, but I couldn’t deny I’d thought about spoiling him with beautiful lingerie as well. Simon had said good underwear was expensive, and since he’d bought his entire collection himself, I thought he deserved to feel spoilt. He was still so unsure, even when I told him how sexy he was. For once, I wanted him to feel the way I felt whenever I looked at him.

I swallowed hard, trying desperately to think unsexy thoughts as I stepped up to the door and pushed it open, hearing a little bell ringing somewhere.

I could already tell this was going to be expensive, but somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to care.

So, this new release was originally a newsletter serial that the author decided to put into an ebook format. Sometimes those can be iffy, but not in this case. The author did leave it in the original format, so the chapters are quite long. And the author threw in a little bonus content to make it even sweeter. 🙂

Simon and Taylor, what a sweet opposites attract couple. Simon is the big guy, normally seen as the dominant one in a relationship, but he was super sweet, submissive and shy, liked wearing lingerie and had himself a sweet little side gig with his sexy blog. Meanwhile, Taylor, though the smaller of the two, really enjoyed being in charge (which Simon was all about!) and found himself wanting things he had never expected to want in his roommate.

I loved that neither one of the MC’s knew about the blog in respect to the other initially. It can be difficult to get past a break in trust when that kind of information is lied about from the beginning of a relationship.

This book is steamy…really steamy…so be prepared. I loved it, because it wasn’t just hot sex on paper, but it was interspersed with honest reactions from both characters as their relationship evolved.

Give this one a go, especially if you like a little heat with your sweetness. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

Charlie lives in England with her husband and a severe lack of dogs. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.

She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters — because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that loves comes in all shapes and sizes.

Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…

Connect with Charlie:

Website: https://charlienovak.com/
Newsletter https://charlienovak.com/newsletter-sign-up/
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Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/charlie-novak
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Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charlienwrites/
Facebook Group, Charlie’s Angels https://www.facebook.com/groups/charlienovaksangels/

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Freedom by E. Davies: Exclusive Book Excerpt and Giveaway

by

Agoraphobe Jaden has barely left the house in years. Being dragged to a gay bar by his big brother to bid on a blind date is not his idea of a good time. But then the unthinkable happens: he wins. Sure, he was just about ready to push his boundaries–but on his own time. Not with a probably-gorgeous stranger watching his every move.

Henry hasn’t been on a date in the last year–ever since he finished with lower surgery. He works as a nature guide now in the great outdoors, and his new life suits him just fine. Just one thing’s missing: a man to share it with. Jaden is sweet, accepting, yet terrified by everything about the date that isn’t Henry. But he sees something in Jaden–in his courage for showing up, and his hope and vulnerability along the way.

Back home, when he’s in Denver in between guiding trips, Henry quickly becomes a staple in Jaden’s home. With Jaden’s understanding, Henry grows confident in his own skin. And with Henry’s support, the walls of Jaden’s sheltered life open up. But every step forward seems like it comes with two steps back. Can they take a deep breath and step into the wide open future–together?

This novel is based on “Denver” — a short story from the Heart2Heart 2 anthology. It has been revised and significantly expanded. It is now a standalone gay romance novel with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger.

Freedom by E. Davies

F-Word Series, Book 5

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

As afternoon drew to a close, the first sign of evening creeping up on Henry and Jaden was the chill in the breeze. They’d each shrugged on extra layers as the scorching daytime heat faded.

The lamplit picnic area was perfectly serene and romantic, and nobody had interrupted them.

Watching Henry’s effortless confidence reading a map and compass to get them here on their bikes had been so hot. Jaden had always wanted the confidence to navigate, but he’d never gotten that far in his outdoor pursuits. Back in college, he’d gone on trail runs. That was as wild as it got.

But Henry did real wilderness shit. This must be nothing to him. Jaden found himself letting Henry lead the way, and he actually enjoyed it.

Their supper had been delicious—fried chicken, potato salad, a bottle of sparkling wine, all the classic picnic foods. Now Jaden and Henry were lying together, waiting for…

For what, Jaden wasn’t quite sure.

Their cabin was nearby, Henry said. They could bike to it in minutes, even at a gentle pace. For now, they were digesting supper, talking about anything and everything, and admiring the changing colors of the sky.

The breeze rustled through the trees, and being in these woods felt strangely home-like. This was freedom in a way Jaden wasn’t quite sure he was ready to handle, but had been craving for years.

“I’m so glad I did this,” he whispered.

Henry took his hand. “Me too. I wish we could stay out here and stargaze… but biking in the dark would be quite a life choice.”

“Yeah,” Jaden laughed. He didn’t want to leave the clearing just yet. He had one thing left to do first. “We’ve got a few more minutes?” he asked Henry.

Henry frowned, glancing at the fading light, but Jaden widened his eyes with his plea. Henry relented into a smile and laughed. “A few minutes,” he echoed.

“Thank you.” Jaden squeezed his hand. “I’m just… enjoying this.”

A rush of breath left Henry’s lungs, and he looked over. “Yeah?”

At the same moment, Jaden had looked at him. That brought their lips just inches apart as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

Henry was gorgeous: stubbly, gorgeous, rugged. The kind of guy who had tons of followers on Instagram. His jaw was square and handsome, and his lips were thin but very kissable. And best of all were his bright blue eyes, a shade that stood out even in the dimming light.

Jaden wanted a piece of that, more than he was willing to admit.

“Hm?” Henry prompted, but he was smiling slowly. There was wicked temptation in that smile.

Jaden gave up resisting and leaned in to press their lips together.

It was warm and comforting, slow and thick as molasses. Which was what Jaden’s mind felt like as he sank into the sweet kiss. It started as a gentle exploration, but more swelled between them quickly.

So to speak.

Since 2013, E. Davies has crafted feel-good stories of men in love–stories that are brimming with hope, found families, and realistic guys next door getting their modern fairytale endings. As for hobbies: rescuing bees, dancing badly, traipsing through meadows, and studying photos of cute guys for research totally count, right?

Connect with Ed:
www.edaviesbooks.com
facebook.com/edaviesbooks
twitter.com/edaviesauthor
instagram.com/thisboyisstrange
bookbub.com/authors/e-davies
amazon.com/author/edavies

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Release of Freedom, we are giving 2 lucky winners the chance to win an e-copy of Freedom, and the winner’s choice of any book from Ed’s published works!

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Hard Earned Cash (Cold Hard Cash 2) by K.L. Hiers: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

by

When you belong to a man like Boss Cold, you take what he gives you. Jimmy Poe has known that since he first offered himself to the feared mob boss in payment of a debt, yet over the past year he has gotten to see a very different side of Cold. A side that made Jimmy fall in love.

But their love will be put to the test when Cold is arrested. Can the bond between them endure even as the dark shadows of Cold’s past come to light and Jimmy’s life is put at risk as well?

Publisher’s Note: Hard Earned Cash is a sequel to Cold Hard Cash. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Book Title: Hard Earned Cash (Cold Hard Cash 2)

Author: K.L. Hiers

Publisher: Stormy Night Publications

Release Date: June 26, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, BDSM, Mafia

Trope/s: May/December, Kink, Getting Away With Murder, Fake Marriage

Themes: Revenge, Trust, Bad Guy Very Good At Being Bad

Heat Rating:  5 flames

Length: 112 000 words/ 385 pages

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

Jimmy Poe was absolutely trembling in the back of the limousine, staring anxiously out the window up at Westchester Prison. His foot was tapping, fingers twitching, and his teeth were working at his lower lip with a carnivorous ferocity.

“Jimmy,” Boss Cold said softly, a cool hand pressing against his leg and squeezing. “Calm down.”

Eyes fluttering, Jimmy nodded frantically, but he still continued to fidget.

“Breathe for me,” Cold said more firmly, his thumb slowly stroking Jimmy’s inner thigh. He squeezed his leg again. “Now.”

Taking a few deep breaths, Jimmy’s pulse began to descend. Cold’s voice was beautiful and strong, and there was a very distinct purr that it took on when he gave orders. It worked its way directly into Jimmy’s brain, and he was powerless to resist.

Boss Cold, also known as Roderick Legrand, the mob ruler of Strassen Springs, was not a man who tolerated any amount of disobedience in any aspect of his life. From his criminal empire to the bedroom, his word was law.

It was the foundation of their relationship, and it gave Jimmy purpose and confidence, and it was a love like no other.

“I know you’re excited,” Cold said soothingly, “but you’ll put yourself in a fit if you don’t calm yourself.”

“There’s a part of me that still thinks this is all a dream,” Jimmy gushed, looking back out the window to the prison where his father had been trapped for so many years.

Today was the day David Poe was finally being freed.

He had been wrongly convicted for the murder of Jimmy’s mother nineteen years ago, and Cold had recently discovered that the killer was a traitorous member of his own gang. Justice was brutally served as the result of meticulous planning that not only granted David’s freedom, but also destroyed Cold’s enemies and left him completely untouchable.

“It’s very real,” Cold promised, patting his knee.

“Thank you,” Jimmy beamed happily. “Thank you for everything.” He leaned forward, trying to steal a kiss.

Cold caught his jaw before he could, smirking faintly as he looked over Jimmy’s lips. He hummed, pretending to consider whether or not he was going to allow it.

“Please, sir?” Jimmy pleaded playfully.

Cold growled softly at the ‘sir’, pressing a heated kiss against Jimmy’s mouth. “You wicked thing,” he snarled. “Teasing me right before I’m going to meet your father.”

“You’ll have to punish me later,” Jimmy chuckled.

“Careful,” Cold warned him, his thumb gently stroking over his chin, “or it’ll be a punishment you may not enjoy.”

Heat prickled beneath Jimmy’s collar as he asked, “Mmm, your belt?”

“Keep pushing me and you’ll find out,” Cold warned.

Jimmy knew he could only tease Cold so much before he got truly aggravated with him.

Although that did come with its own unique set of pleasures, he wanted his boyfriend in a good mood to meet his father.

“I’ll behave,” Jimmy said, smiling when Cold kissed him again. He sat back in his seat, eyes focused out the window once more for any sign of his father.

“Perhaps you should have come alone,” Cold mused.

“Why? Never met anyone’s parents before?”

“No,” was the flat reply.

“Are you nervous?” Jimmy teased, delighted by the idea.

“You really want the belt tonight, don’t you?” Cold scowled. “I do not get nervous.”

Jimmy grinned and resisted the urge to giggle. He wasn’t about to argue, gasping excitedly when he saw the gates of the prison finally open and his father step outside. “He’s here! He’s really here!”

Jerry was already opening the door of the limo, Jimmy tumbling out and breaking into a dead run to greet his father.

“Hey, slugger!” David exclaimed, dropping his bag to embrace his son. He squeezed him tight and pressed tearful kisses into his hair.

Jimmy’s own eyes were stinging with tears as he hugged his father as hard as he could. He was absolutely thrilled to be holding his father as a free man.

“My boy,” David said, his voice cracking from so much emotion. “Thank you. Thank you for never giving up on me. I love you so much, kiddo.”

“I love you, too!” Jimmy exclaimed with a big grin. “Oh, my God. You’re here. You’re really free, and, and, and my God. No more inch of glass, no more phone calls, you’re really here!”

“Damn right,” David chuckled warmly, kissing his son’s forehead and giving him one last big hug. He nodded towards the limo, teasing, “I think your boyfriend is waiting for us.”


When this came up as a book to review, I thought, why not? I generally like BDSM books, it was a new to me author, let’s give it a shot. They also sent book 1 because that really has to be read first as it is a continuing story. I read book 1. After that I wasn’t really looking forward to book 2.

Review to book 1 here

We pick up right where we left off, pretty much. This time, they are trying to pin another murder on Boss Cold, but this time they have a body and a ton of evidence. Including DNA. Don’t worry though. The mafia kingpin has it all taken care of.

Jimmy is still needy. Maury (the loan shark/family friend) is still a god awful stereotype. The goons still goon. The sister acts like this is all normal “Isn’t it great being a mafia boyfriend!?”

Like I said, Boss Cold has a plan. Part of that plan is to have a wedding. Even though he forged papers and signatures so that he and Jimmy are already married so he can’t testify against him. Because that’s normal. And he totally blows Jimmy off when he gets upset about it. Yes, he treats Jimmy really well with material things, but omg he treats him like a child.

So now add in a wedding planner, who is kind of sketchy.

Sorry, this is just as much- if not more- of a convoluted mess as the first book. You can’t even suspend belief on this one because it is all completely unbelievable.

2 pieces of eye candy

K.L. Hiers is an embalmer, restorative artist, and queer writer. Licensed in both funeral directing and funeral service, she’s been working in the death industry for nearly a decade. Her first love was always telling stories, and she has been writing for over twenty years, penning her very first book at just eight years old. Publishers generally do not accept manuscripts in Hello Kitty notebooks, however, but she never gave up.

Following the success of her first novel, Cold Hard Cash, she now enjoys writing professionally, focusing on spinning tales of sultry passion, exotic worlds, and emotional journeys. She loves attending horror movie conventions and indulging in cosplay of her favorite characters. She lives in Zebulon, NC, with her husband and their six children, three of whom have paws and one who sometimes thinks he does.

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Cabin Fever by Roe Horvat: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

by

Michael Bourgeon is a talented artist, young and gorgeous, a stinking rich heir from a well-connected family. He’s the infamous libertine behind the most extravagant parties in Manhattan, and his exploits often lead to juicy tabloid stories. Enjoying his wealth and freedom to the fullest, Michael has the world at his feet.
Until someone tries to kill him. Repeatedly. After a security breach among his own staff, he has run out of options where to hide while the FBI hunts the killer.
A high-profile private security expert Vincent Nowak is supposed to provide the miracle solution. And while Michael struggles with nightmares and anxiety due to the looming threat, Vincent becomes not only the ultimately reliable protector, but a wonderful distraction, too…
A small cabin in the woods, a cocky brat with a soft heart, his gruff, controlling bodyguard, and weeks of tension in a confined space.

A standalone novella based on the original short story Yes, Daddy. HAE, no cliffhangers.

Book Title: Cabin Fever

Author: Roe Horvat

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Roe Horvat

Release Date: June 18 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M erotic romance

Trope/s: forced proximity, bodyguard, Daddy/boy, hurt/comfort

Themes: bodyguard and his client, remote cabin in the woods, light kink,

submission, punishment, bratty boy, protective & controlling Daddy

Warning: self-harm off page

Heat Rating:  5 flames

Length: 41 000 words

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

“The rules, Michael.”

“I was literally ten steps away from the cabin, Vincent.” I wanted to defend myself more, but my voice sounded shaky and weak. I snapped my mouth shut.

His hand on my neck tightened, and he pushed me through the door. I stumbled but regained my balance. Vincent shut the door behind us and turned to me.

“Did you do it to rile me up, Mikey?” His expression stayed suspiciously neutral.

“No,” I answered honestly. “I was just bored. You were in your room doing whatever, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“My work here is for nothing if you don’t follow the rules.”

I knew it wasn’t his intention, but the command in his voice did things to me. I licked my lips. Don’t think about the fear. You’re safe. Look at him. His shoulders are rising with angry breaths, his eyes flashing with fury. He’s gorgeous…

“Fucking hell, Mikey. I mean it!”

“I’m sorry.” I was getting hard. He was magnificent when he was pissed at me.

“Stop looking at me like that. This is serious.”

“I know.” But I couldn’t help it. My nipples were tingling, and I had to swallow. “Will you punish me?”

“No, you fucking incubus. I’m not rewarding you for endangering yourself on a whim, dammit. You will follow the rules, Michael. How is it possible that if I tell you to keep your hands off your dick, you obey me, but if I ask you to be reasonable so I can keep you alive, you don’t care?”

He was frustrated with me. Shit. It seemed like I wasn’t getting any tonight. My nerves quivered again, my anxiety looming close. Double shit.

“My people report to me every day about everything and anything that happens in the area,” Vincent said. “It takes quite a lot of effort, but it means I can let you out to breathe sometimes. If you do this again, I’ll fucking lock you in the panic room for the rest of the week, I swear.”

“I’m really sorry, Vincent. I won’t do it again.”

He shook his head and took a deep breath, bracing his hands on his hips.

“You are the client from hell, you know that?” His words were hard, but his voice sounded gentle.

Yeah, I wouldn’t want to babysit myself either. “I can double your pay.”

He chuckled at that. “No money can compensate for what you’re doing to me, Mikey.”

I drew in a breath. I was lousy at expressing emotion. Seriously, complete shit at that part. I mean, in sex, I could tell anything and everything, but actual feelings? This man worked tirelessly to keep my stupid head intact, and I only made it more difficult for him from the start because I was a sex-crazed, twisted nervous wreck. I had no words to explain to him how grateful and how sorry I was.

So I stripped naked in the middle of the room and knelt on the floor while Vincent stared, mouth parted, eyes burning. I bent my head in complete submission, arms hanging limply by my sides, and spoke quietly.

“I’m so sorry, Daddy. I promise I won’t break the rules again. Please, forgive me.”

I closed my eyes and waited.

I believe this book is “based off” of a short story the author had previously written so now it is a novella. I hadn’t read the short story so I have idea what was changed or added.

I’ll tell you what wasn’t added- significant plot or character development.

Yes, it is a novella, but it isn’t super short. Take out a sex scene or 5 and we could have gotten to know these men more, delved into who was trying to kill Michael and why, the backgrounds with BDSM, etc. Michael is an artist. Ok. What kind? Is he famous? He is certainly from a rich family. How? What do they do? Is he a trust fund baby or is his art a money making endeavour? And Vincent. Has he always been a Daddy in the scene? Was he looking for someone? How did he make sure they were safe in the cabin besides “checking in” with his team?

The book was hot. Decent BDSM with Daddy role play. But it was almost all that. The sex scenes were well written, don’t get me wrong. But without meaningful characters and a bit of a plot that is expanded on- it is just porn on page.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Queer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the post-communist wasteland of former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, and pale ale. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.

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A Sweet Man (The Men of Halfway House) by Jaime Reese: Blog Tour and Release Day Review

by

Two men. One sweet dream of family and forever.

Gabriel “Bull” del Toro loves his fast-paced globe-trotting job, but aches for an honest relationship and the trust that comes with it. After a few too many heartbreaks, he’s nearly given up hope of finding that special someone.

Until Ben.

Born deaf, Ben is used to working twice as hard for what he wants, but risking a newfound friendship on an impossible dream is scary. After all, there’s one lesson he’s learned: everything is temporary—freedom, friends, even family.

Neither man expects the undeniable spark between them or for every moment together to fuel that connection. For the first time, a happily ever after is within reach, but they must trust that the dream of acceptance, family, and a place to call home is more than a sweet fantasy.

It can be forever.

———––

A Sweet Man is an interconnected standalone within The Men of Halfway House series. It is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and never giving up on a dream. It includes wounded hearts, an age-gap romance, and enough cake and sweetness to give you a toothache.

Title: A Sweet Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House

Author: Jaime Reese

Release: June 16, 2020

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance (can be a stand alone)

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Men of Halfway House Series – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Does it feel like it has been eleventy years since the last book? Is it just me? Well, it was Sept 2018, so coming up on 2 years. Guess what? Totally worth the wait.

Sometimes when a series of books starts to get long (this is book 7), the stories can become convoluted. This guy knows that guy who is interested in this one but his 2nd cousin dated him in high school, etc etc. And I will admit that there was one book in this series that was like that for me. I just had to disconnect in my head the connections. But this one felt more like independent characters who weren’t really connected to people from other stories. I mean, they were, but it isn’t integral.

We met Ben in a previous book. The shy, deaf guy on parole for a crime he was an unwitting accessory to. Then he gets popped again and thrown back in jail for the rest of his sentence. This guy really did nothing wrong. Except be in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.

Once he is released, again, he has to go to a halfway house. He is embarrassed and feels like he let down Matt and Julian (who run THE halfway house) so he chooses another one. That didn’t even last 24 hours.

Back where he knows people- who know sign language- Ben is more comfortable. But trying to find a job is a challenge. Being deaf, his choices aren’t plenty. Until Aidan (the connection between books) suggests his friend’s sister’s bakery. Their grandfather was deaf, so they are fluent in ASL.

Aidan definitely had alterior motives though. Mainly his friend Bull- brother of the bakery owner. Aidan is playing matchmaker.

A tentative friendship begins that Ben doesn’t want to risk with more. Finally he has people in his life that understand him, can easily communicate with him AND don’t coddle him.

This is a slow burn but so worth it. Because of the slow burn, we really get to know each man as they get to know each other. The restrictions around Ben’s stay at the halfway house also make them take more time together. When Ben confesses one of his secrets to Bull and Bull offers to help…just swoony.

Ben grows so much as a person, gaining confidence in his job, in his friendships and his relationship with Ben. Learning to stand up for himself and not always being a people pleaser. You just want to cheer him on.

Bull also has to stand up for himself. Which he does, with Ben right by his side.

Oh, and there is some drama and police are involved and characters from other books come in to help, etc. etc. 😉

It is obvious that the author took the time to really understand life as a deaf person. Especially a deaf person who relies on reading lips and typing notes with most people. It is exhausting mentally. Even with ASL how you create personal signs for names or to say something to each other.

I really loved this book. It might be my favorite of the series, but I have a soft spot for deaf characters.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

Social Media Links

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He Shoots, He Scores (Skate to Love Book 1) by Tricia Owens: RDB, Excerpt and Release Day Review

by

“There’s more than one way to score.”

When superstar winger Neil Shannon is injured in the Stanley Cup Finals, he loses more than the hockey championships. With his confidence shot, his career begins to fall apart and an early retirement seems inevitable. Unwanted by his former team, Neil is traded to one that’s starting over. Even worse, he’s joined there by his biggest rival, the sexy Swede Adrian Magnusson. Adrian feels responsible for Neil’s fall from grace and is determined to revive his career, but Neil wants to stay far away from this Swedish temptation, or else he’ll lose the last thing of value he owns: his reputation.

Book Title:  He Shoots, He Scores (Skate to Love Book 1)

Author: Tricia Owens

Publisher and Cover Artist:  Tricia Owens

Genre/s: Sports M/M Romance

Heat Rating:  5 flames

Length: 70 000 words

Release Date: June 16, 2020

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

“I like keeping in touch,” Magnusson admitted. “And I thought it would be fun, texting you. We’re always being pitted against each other by the fans and the media. Funny if they got it all wrong, yeah?”

“We’re not really friends, though,” Neil said, regretting it immediately when the light dimmed behind the other winger’s eyes. “I mean, we don’t know each other that well,” he hastened to add. “This is the first time we’ve said more than a few words to each other.”

“We should be a secret.” Magnusson’s face, normally animated, became still. “You and me.”

You’re already mine, Neil thought. He knew Magnusson meant only friendship, but a person could dream, and Neil was good at entertaining dreams.

“We are a secret,” he declared with drunken boldness. Let Magnusson think he meant it innocently. It didn’t matter.

Emotion moved across the Swede’s face, something wistful. Something stronger. Magnusson was strangely intense when he was drunk. It made Neil nervous, as though anything could happen, good or bad.

Then Magnusson grinned, and the tension snapped.

“I’m glad you yakked today, Shannon.”

Neil sighed, his arousal deflating. “Bite me, Magnusson.”

“Don’t say something like that around a Swedish lion.” Magnusson abruptly stood up and strode to the bathroom. “I’m going to shower.”

He left the door open and Neil could see him clearly in the mirror’s reflection, clumsily undressing. Neil opened his mouth to yell at him to shut the door. But then the tight yellow dress shirt came off, and the undershirt beneath it—and Neil forgot what he was going to say.

Damn, he’s built. He stared openly, unable to look away as the other man struggled with his tight pants until he finally managed to yank and kick his way free of them. His thighs were indeed tree trunks, his calves chiseled. And his ass—Magnusson wore a thong beneath his pants. Neil choked.

Magnusson heard him. His blue eyes flashed up to the mirror, wide with shock. He hadn’t realized Neil could see him. But instead of blushing as Neil expected, Magnusson’s expression grew intent again. Holding Neil’s captive gaze, he reached back and slapped himself loudly on one ass cheek.

I’m not a big hockey fan, but I am a sports fan, which is why I wanted to give this a shot. There is A LOT of hockey in it. So much so, that I feel like we hardly got to know Neil and Adrian as a couple.

Ok, so hockey rivals. Fun, right? Normally. Except the book starts with game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. In which Neil’s season ends because of injury. So there wasn’t much rivalry at all.

After recovering from his season ending injuries, he is a bit wary on the ice. And unbeknownst to him, gets traded to another team because his rival wanted him there. Because he knows that he is a great player.

But Neil is MAD. And Adrian just kind of blows off his anger. He acts like he did Neil this giant favor, because together they are unstoppable. Neil certainly doesn’t see it that way.

Oh, they are both gay and both in the closet. Although Adrian doesn’t seem to be overly concerned about being outed, Neil does. So after a hot hook up, Neil tries to blow him off. More hockey, more hockey, more hockey.

And then we get a happily for now. WHA? There was no substance to their brief relationship at all. They had heat, but I definitely didn’t feel any feelings between them. Oh, but there is an epilogue! Redemption? No. The epilogue was just the next day or so. Nothing about how they navigated their relationship in the closet, or if one or both came out or got outed or if others kept their secret, or or or…

It was a readable book and I was mostly enjoying it, but there was no couple substance there. And the happily for now seemed like a total cop out.

3 pieces of eye candy

Tricia Owens has been writing m/m fiction since 2000, after stumbling onto the term ‘slash’ and thinking it referred to horror stories. She is the author of the Sin City, A Pirate’s Life for Me, and Juxtapose City series, among several others. She lives in Las Vegas.

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