Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

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Calculated Magic by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Guest Post and New Release Review

by

Never too late for love.

Three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old warlock Tikron must find his true love or forfeit his immortality. But if he hasn’t found his ideal mate in all these centuries, the prospects don’t look too bright.

That is, until he sees mathematician Richard Beaumont. It’s love at first sight and Tikron’s future just got a whole lot brighter.

Except Richard doesn’t believe in love at first sight. He doesn’t believe in love at all. He certainly doesn’t believe in magic. His life is ruled by statistics and logic, and they tell him a relationship with Tikron has only a 10 percent chance of success. That’s unacceptable—even if the attraction between them is off the charts.

With his powers waning and the clock ticking down, Tikron’s last hope is showing Richard the true meaning of magic.

Title: Calculated Magic
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: October 16, 2018
Category: Paranormal, Dreamspun Beyond
Pages: 225

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

 

The Magic of Autumn

The brightly painted trees, cool crisp mornings, big bulky sweaters, and mugs of streaming hot coco makes fall one of my favourite seasons here in Michigan. The family of my daughter’s good friend owns a pumpkin farm and I absolutely love going there, picking out the perfect pumpkins and using them to decorate my home. It’s also a great time of year to visit the apple orchard and indulge in apple cider and fresh cinnamon doughnuts.

Autumn is also when many of my favourite shows start the new season. I love summer and never want to rush it; still, I can’t wait for the premier of the Walking Dead and Halloween Wars. Friday night lights and the first puck dropped at the Joe Louis Arena (yes I know it’s now Little Caesars but refuse to call it that.) Haunted Houses, hay rides and back to school. Air conditioners going silent, window open to let in the fresh air and thick comforters donning the bed.

There is little I don’t love about fall, well except the fact that as we dip into fall, the closer winter creeps up. (Ugh how I hate winter) If I could choose one season, it would be autumn all year round. Wave my wand and *poof* no more winter hehehe. How about you? What is your favourite time of year?

~Be good to each other~

Jo

 

Although paranormal stories aren’t normally my cup of tea, something about this one intrigued me as soon as I saw the blurb. And I was sucked into the story right away, but not because of the relationship with the two MC’s! (Although that happened later).

Tikron, a 350 year old warlock, and his best friend, Ry, less than 300 years old, started this book off with a bang. Their relationship and deep friendship was so fantastic, that the book didn’t need angst in order to carry the book. Tikron and Ry were sometimes lovers, but primarily seemed to have a brotherly relationship. They teased each other mercilessly, yet could count on each other without question. Even Tikron’s mother clearly loved Ry almost as much as her own son. Above all, though, these two men supported each other, and went out of their way to do whatever they could to make sure the other was happy, even if they harassed the other along the way.

Richard, Tikron’s love interest, was set in his ways, with each day scheduled out precisely. Then along comes this man who bursts into his life bringing magic (which Richard didn’t believe in), fun and laughter (which Richard had to learn that he wanted), and love (which Richard didn’t know if he believed in, or even knew what it was). **Side note…the moment that causes Richard to “believe” in magic was slightly devastating, and I recommend not reading this on a city bus, in the event you end up crying. Not that I know what that would be like at all…**

The relationship between Tikron and Richard progressed quickly, and with little angst. The one piece of angst I was somewhat expecting never materialized other than a “we will talk about this”, but that really didn’t matter. This book was about relationships, plain and simple. The relationship between Tikron and Richard which moved from “no I don’t want to date you” to “I still don’t want to date you” to “I trust you and believe in you”. The relationship between Tikron and Ry, which made me laugh more times than I could count. And even the relationship between Tikron and his mother, who clearly adored her son, and was willing to do what she could to make sure he lived.

There were some incomplete pieces that I would have liked wrapped up, but I have a feeling that a second book will be coming (PLEASE!!!!!) about Ry, and we will definitely get some of those things answered.

All in all, a fun read. Recommend.

4 pieces of eye candy

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

Visit Jo on

Twitter: @SJDPeterson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJD.Peterson

Blog: www.sjdpeterson.com

Email: sjdpeterson@gmail.com

 

Gateway To Love by Sarah Hadley: Excerpt and Release Day Review

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Ten days to finally make the leap from friends to lovers….

Craig and Mitchell have been friends for years, but each of them reached a point where that camaraderie became… more. Mitchell’s kept his feelings close to his chest. So has Craig, but now that they’ve graduated from UMKC, he knows it’s his last chance to show Mitchell they’re meant to be before their careers take them to opposite sides of the country.

He insists they can’t leave Missouri behind without one last adventure. Mitchell agrees to a road trip to visit all the touristy spots and say goodbye to their home state.

As they spend their days and nights together, buried feelings rise to the surface and hope blossoms. When their journey ends with a dance beneath the Branson stars, will they find love and a future together at the end of the road?

Length: 32,793 words

Cover Design: Brooke Albrecht

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Dreamspinner Press

THE SOUND of a horn jolted Mitch from a sound sleep, and he blinked his eyes for a moment, staring out the window at the busy highway.

“Sorry. Some idiot guy almost hit us. I had to lay on the horn,” Craig explained.

Mitch straightened himself in his seat and rubbed his eyes. “No worries. Sorry I fell asleep.”

Craig grinned at him. “You should be. I’ve had to listen to your snoring for almost two hours.”

“Hey, I don’t snore. You do, but I don’t,” Mitch said emphatically.

Craig snorted. “Whatever. I can hear you through the wall at night.”

“I don’t snore,” Mitch reiterated, and frowned when Craig chuckled. Then he started feeling bad about sleeping so long. “Want me to take a turn at the wheel?”

“Nah. Maybe when we stop for lunch? Although, we’ll probably be in Hannibal before then. We’ve only got about an hour and forty-five minutes left, give or take.”

Mitch nodded and checked his phone, but he couldn’t help watching his best friend out of the corner of his eye. Even after knowing him for four years, Mitch was still blown away by the reaction he felt whenever he looked at Craig. He’d certainly never forgotten the first day they met. It was imprinted on his brain forever.

That first day at Longview Community College had been brutal. He’d had to spend two hours in the admissions office because when he’d shown up for his first class, the professor didn’t have him listed. By the time his schedule was corrected, he’d missed two classes and was nearly late to his third.

He’d slid into an empty seat near the door just as the teacher turned around from the whiteboard. Someone next to him giggled and he glanced over to see the cutest boy he’d ever laid eyes on. Mitch had felt dumbstruck as his cheeks heated in reaction.

“Close call,” the kid had whispered with a nod toward the teacher. “I heard she doesn’t put up with latecomers.”

Mitch pulled himself together and smiled.

It wasn’t until class was over that they were able to talk.

“I’m Mitchell Moon,” he’d offered, as the guy rose from his desk. “Everyone calls me Mitch, though.”

Craig had beamed at him, his blue eyes sparkling a little as he leaned down until their faces were only inches apart. “Hi, Mitchell,” he said with a wink. “My name’s Craig Pruitt.”

And that was that—they became instant friends, bonding over video games, movies, and their love of Star Trek. It was the kind of friendship only found once in a lifetime. Mitch had come out to Craig within the first week of meeting him and his friend hadn’t even blinked.

There was only one problem with their friendship—Mitch had never been able to shake the attraction he felt for Craig. And over the years, as they earned their associate’s degrees from Longview and moved on to UMKC, their bond grew and his feelings for Craig only strengthened.

When Craig had confided in him that he thought he was bisexual their sophomore year, Mitch’s hopes had been raised, but by that time he was firmly planted in the friend zone. So he did what a best friend should—he supported Craig as he came to terms with things and accepted who he was. He’d admitted that he’d had a crush on a guy in high school, but it ran its course and he never acted on it. As far as Mitch knew, Craig had only dated two guys since then, nothing panning out toward a full-time relationship, though. But he’d had his share of casual hookups with men. Craig had gone a little wild when he’d first come out as bisexual, but had calmed down over the years. In fact, Mitch couldn’t remember him even going on a date during their senior year.

He’d seen the types of men Craig seemed to be attracted to, and they were nothing like Mitch, so he’d tucked his feelings away again and told himself not to go there anymore. It was an ongoing internal battle, but most of the time, he had a handle on it.

This last year of college, they’d found a cheap two-bedroom apartment near campus and moved in that summer. Sharing a small space with the man of his dreams had been hard. Especially when Craig often walked around their place wearing only a pair of boxers.

Mitch was honest enough to admit he’d fantasized about Craig too many times to count and would probably continue to do so long after he’d moved. Maybe that’s how it always was with a first love or major crush.

In his heart, he knew being apart would be good for them. Well, at least it would be for Mitch. Maybe he could finally go out with someone without constantly comparing him to Craig. But in the meantime, he continued to fight the attraction. The desire. The love. Because that’s what it had turned into. Love. Over the years, the longing, the emotional connection he felt with Craig, it had all turned to love. He wasn’t even sure when it had happened, but there was no denying Mitch was in love with his best friend.

And just when he was close to being free, there they were. One last hurrah before moving out of state. One last adventure with Craig.

What was he going to do without him? He turned to stare out the window, his eyes blind to the passing scenery. All he could see was a future without Craig, and it was shrouded in gray. Mitch was so tired of fighting his feelings. He chuckled to himself. He was the stereotypical guy in love with his best friend. He knew it was useless, but if Craig had asked him to go to California with him, Mitch would have dropped everything and followed him out west. He knew how pathetic that sounded, but when it came to Craig, Mitch didn’t care what others might think.

About an hour later, Craig pulled over to a gas station to fuel up and grab some snacks. Mitch used the disgusting bathroom, holding his breath as he did his business, quickly washed up, and made his way into the convenience store.

Craig was at the counter paying and held up a bag of items.

“I’m just going to get a drink,” Mitch told him as he walked past Craig. His friend grabbed his arm, wrapping his fingers around his wrist.

“I already got you your Dr Pepper,” he told Mitch with a smile. “And your Kit Kat.”

Mitch wanted to respond. Wanted to say thank you. But all he could do was revel in the sensation of Craig’s touch. Electricity prickled his skin, skittering through him.

“Mitchell?” Craig’s voice was low. He sounded worried.

“Sorry. Just… forgot what I was going to say,” he lied, knowing he sounded lame. He noticed Craig hadn’t let go of his wrist and raised his eyes to meet his friend’s gaze. Mitch was surprised at the intensity. The large black pupils. The flushed cheeks. “I-I’m… fine. Thanks for grabbing some things for me.”

Craig studied him, looking like he wanted to say something, but finally let Mitch go and they walked back out to the car and settled in.

“Less than an hour left,” Craig announced.

Mitch tried to tamp down his excitement, but it was difficult. He’d always wanted to visit Hannibal. He’d read all of Mark Twain’s stories, and knowing he was from Missouri had encouraged him when he’d dreamed about becoming a writer.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English had put him closer to that dream. Being hired to work on a grassroots website devoted to getting people registered to vote had been exciting and he was looking forward to starting next month. He was less excited about the magazine internship. West Virginia tourism was definitely not something he remotely cared about. He’d only taken it because his sister, Samantha, lived in West Virginia, where the magazine was headquartered, and she had helped him get the interview. Plus he could stay with her until he got a feel for the area. Samantha was also providing him with apartment information, so he would have several to check out when he moved.

The magazine hadn’t been in his original plans. He’d wanted to stay in Kansas City after graduation and work on his writing. His dream was to become a published author. Mitch lived to write, creating fantasy worlds and bringing characters to life. Over the years, he’d managed to put some money away, through his work at the coffee shop. Add what he’d been given as graduation gifts from his mother, his sister, and various relatives, and he was confident he could afford to give the writing thing a try for a while—as long as he had a roommate and a part-time job.

When Craig announced he’d taken a job in California, working for a nonprofit that helped homeless teens, Mitch’s plans took a nosedive. While he’d been proud of Craig, the idea of staying in Kansas City without him was depressing. If he was going to start a new chapter in his life and really get over Craig, staying where he’d be constantly reminded of their times together was out of the question. Writing would have to take a back seat to making a living. Mitch was trying to be an adult and make responsible choices—decisions that would help him move forward.

Maybe a new start in a new city would help him finally find a man that he could be in a real relationship with.

He just had to survive this trip without telling his best friend the truth he’d hidden for years.

Having just read a similar road trip story, I was definitely in the mood for another when I grabbed this book. Craig and Mitchell definitely had a lot of unresolved sexual tension going on. In the end, it was too much unresolved sexual tension for me, I think.

As I was reading the book, I almost felt like the UST was a third person in the relationship. It seemed whenever there might be a way around the longing looks, something popped up in their path, and put the UST right back in the forefront, not quite giving them a chance to flesh out what a relationship would look like for them. Their plans prior to this road trip had previously been to move to opposite ends of the country in a few weeks time, away from each other and begin their new lives.

I did enjoy their obvious devotion to the other, as well as all the fun things they found to do on their trip through Missouri, including their time at the Arch.

3 pieces of eye candy

Sarah Hadley Brook lives smack-dab in the middle of the Heartland and is the mother of two wonderful young men, as well as two cats. During the day, she works in the nonprofit world, but reserves evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. When not working or writing, she can be found reading, working on dollhouses, trying her hand at new recipes, or watching old movies and musicals. In her ideal world, Christmas would come at least twice a year, Rock Hudson and Doris Day would have costarred in more than three movies, and chocolate would be a daily necessity. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in “Happily Ever After” and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life.

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October 19 – Two Chicks Obsessed, Xtreme Delusions, October 20 – Bayou Book Junkie, October 22 – SSLY, Bookaholic & Kindle, October 23 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, October 24 – Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Love Unchained Book Review, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, MM Midnight Cafe, Mikku-chan, October 25 – Boy Meets Boy Reviews, October 26 – Making It Happen, October 27 – Mirrigold, October 29 – Drops Of Ink, Bayou Book Junkie, Wicked Faerie’s Tales & Reviews, Nerdy Dirty & Flirty, Book Review By Virginia Lee, October 30 – MM Good Book Reviews

Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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It’s a time for searching, and a time for finding, Pisces: keep casting your line and you will hook what you’re looking for.

Zane has it all planned out: land the perfect Meet Cute, fall in love, and live happily ever after.

Should be simple enough if he put his mind to it. A little creativity and some thinking outside of the box, and voila, he’d be married to the woman of his dreams.

It would be perfect.

And it would be before his visa ran out.

But why are his feelings running wild now that the pressure’s on? Why is his picture-perfect plan turning into a muddled mess of morphed metaphors he can’t make sense of anymore?

Just as well he’s met an English professor to help. And even though their first meet is anything but cute, this down-to-earth teacher may just be the realist Zane needs to ground him and give him a shot at love after all.

Don’t cast your line too wide, Pisces. Your perfect catch may already have bitten.

 ~ – ~ – ~

Pisces Hooks Taurus (Signs of Love #4) is an MM opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring an unapologetic romantic and a broken realist.

More wit, banter and bad puns – and even more heart-stopping slow burn!

Can be read as a standalone.

 

Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday

Series: Signs of Love #4

Publisher: Anyta Sunday (self published)

Release Date (Print & Ebook): October 16, 2018

Length (Print & Ebook): 69000 words / 285 pages

Tropes: friends-to-lovers, slow burn, will-they-or-won’t-they

Genre: New Adult, light-hearted contemporary gay romance

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

When they finished eating, Zane and Beckett entered a kitchen littered with a weekend’s worth of dishes. The room smelled like spoiled banana. Beckett grumbled Leah’s name, and Zane turned on the water.

Leah would have left this until tomorrow? “I’ll wash, you dry?”

Beckett first took out the trash and opened the windows. Fresh air cleansed the room as they worked.

Zane daydreamed about the story he was outlining and startled when Beckett cried, “What are you doing?”

Zane looked into the sink. “Scrubbing this clean?”

“With a wire scrubbing brush? That’s a very expensive nonstick pan.”

He frowned. “And I want to clean it.”

“Good Lord. Have you never washed dishes before?”

“I am literally doing what I’ve done every other night since moving in with you.”

Beckett paled. “You’ve scrubbed this pan with that before?”

“What do you expect me to do? Lick it clean?”

“Use a washcloth.”

“Do you know how disgusting those are? Like, two hundred thousand times dirtier than the toilet seat.”

Beckett paused, tone shifting. “Which is why you only use it for the dining table?”

“Exactly.”

“Please use the dishcloth on my pan.”

Zane dropped the metal scrubbing brush and thumped around passive-aggressively as he found a clean dishcloth.

Beckett nodded. “Thank you.”

That little thank-you grated Zane the wrong way. He sullenly scrubbed the pan and put it on the drying rack. He plunked the next pot into the water, splashing bubbles onto his face, neck, and shirt.

He sighed. Served him right.

Beckett set down the plate he’d dried and turned Zane around. With his dishtowel, he dabbed the bubbles off Zane’s chin and neck.

Their eyes locked, and Zane felt the frustration bleed from him. “You missed a spot,” he said, and shifted Beckett’s hands to Zane’s shirt.

Beckett shook his head and dabbed him some more.

“Our first fight.”

Beckett’s hands stilled.

“It’s a milestone, Becky. We have to celebrate.”

“Celebrate fighting?”

“Celebrate making up.”

“Will this be a thing every time we’re annoyed with each other?”

Zane smirked. “I hope so. I’m sure some fights will take longer to get over, but that’s cool. The celebration is always in proportion to the effort needed to make up.”

Beckett resumed drying the dishes. “Two hundred thousand times dirtier?”

Zane nodded. Disgusting but true.

Beckett frowned. “Maybe just use your hand?”

“I don’t know,” Zane teased. “The things my hand does might make the pan dirtier.”

Beckett dropped his very nice, expensive pan. He caught it against his thighs and stowed it in the cupboard.

The ticklish glare Beckett sent him made the rest of the cleaning fly by.

When they were done, Zane threw himself on the armchair. “Now we celebrate.”

Beckett tossed the dish towel into the laundry room. “How?”

“After you start that laundry, I’ll let you talk about books, Becky.”

Beckett’s laughter trickled down the hall. A few minutes later, he returned with Pride and Prejudice. He cracked open the first page, and pacing before him, all grace and proper pronunciation, Beckett read aloud.

I have adored this series, and though I don’t think any of them will top Jamie and Theo, (and it was so great to see them and their growing family in this one), I absolutely adored Beckett and Zane.

Now, Zane, I had a harder time getting to know him, because there is no way that anyone is that…. I don’t want to say “stupid”…. But oh my goodness… in the beginning… yes, absolutely. If you can power through that in the very beginning, you’ll fall completely in love with him. I found him so charming and in need of love.

In America for only a short time, his visa’s about to run out and he’s convinced that in the last month in America, he’ll find the girl of his dreams and get married, allowing him to stay. But not just any ol’ person will do, because he’s only marrying once, and it’s going to be for love. The staying in America is a bonus, because his brother is here, along with his wife and brand new baby, and his brother is the only one who’s ever believed in him and treated him with any kind of respect. Everyone else just sees him as an embarrassment, or not as accomplished, or flawed. I didn’t like that for him, because he is seriously so amazing and has the biggest heart.

Beckett, or Becky as known by his friends… was married to Zane’s brother’s wife. Sounds complicated, but it’s not when you meet them. After that went south, he doesn’t seem to believe in love and relationships anymore; perfectly happy just teaching college kids and going out with his friends every once in a while.

When  Zane gets kicked out of his apartment by his roommates, he’s in a bind and needs someplace to go, but all the hotels are booked and he doesn’t know anyone around but his brother, and he’s on his way to the hospital, having a baby! His wife though, suggests Becky’s….who Zane mistaking thinks is a woman, understandable… but that’s where the stars align.

Now, if you’ve read any of my other reviews of this series, you’ll know that I don’t believe in the whole star sign and horoscopes and all that, but I was loving it when It came to these couples and the people in their lives who put so much stock into them. In this case, old lady neighbor, the sweetheart, Darla. She’s hilarious with her weed tea and brownies… I not only want to know her in real life… I want to BE her!

Now, of course, a relationship between these two for many reasons, (Beckett and Zane, not old lady Darla), One, because Zane is straight… Two, because he’s on such a warpath to get married, that any feelings either develop would be doubted because Beckett knows that he wants so badly to stay in the country. Three, Beckett doesn’t do love. So, imagine how fun it was watching Zane win him over. How fun it was to see Beckett try to deny his feelings and then try to deny Zane’s. How fun it is to see Zane discover that insta-love might not be as fun as a slow burn, but it can also happen with a man!

I thought I was going to cringe every time Zane opened his mouth, but it turned out, that he knew everything about the things that were really important, and who cared about the rest! I really cannot wait for their short story, because I really cannot wait to see what happens with these two!! (And I really want a wedding!)

5 slow burning stars from me

HEART-STOPPING SLOW BURN

A bit about me: I’m a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.

Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.

I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.

My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, and Thai.

Connect with Anyta:

Author website: http://www.anytasunday.com/

Author newsletter signup: http://www.anytasunday.com/newsletter-free-e-book/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anytasundaybooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anytasunday

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anytasunday

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Building Forever by Kelly Jensen: RDB, New Release Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

by

A new town, a new neighbor, and a new chance to build a forever.

Charlie King is doing fine. Sure, he’s a widower raising a teenage daughter who just got her first boyfriend, his book series isn’t writing itself, and he has a crush on his new neighbor — the guy next door. But everything’s just fine.

Simon Lynley is doing better. He moved to Bethlehem to fall out of love and rebuild his career. An affair with his neighbor isn’t part of the plan, but the attraction between them is too hard to ignore.

But when Simon’s ex follows him to Pennsylvania seeking reconciliation, and Charlie’s life starts to feel like a video on repeat, everything comes apart. Charlie worries that he’s failing as a father, and Simon is a distraction he can’t afford. Meanwhile Simon doesn’t know if he could survive being left again, and he hasn’t come all this way to make the same mistakes. But despite their fears, it’s only together that they’ll find the strength to slay old foes and build the forever they’ve been waiting for…

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Release Date (Print & Ebook): October 15th, 2018

Subgenre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

Smashwords

iBooks

Kobo

“I wanted to thank you for the flower. I’m, ah, assuming it was you.”

Charlie’s smile widened a fraction. “You need some color in your house. And something bent.” His eyes widened briefly. “Curved, or not straight. Crap. This is why I shouldn’t talk. I’m really bad at this talking thing.”

One corner of Simon’s mouth curled upward. “Are you trying to tell me I’m not gay enough?”

Charlie moved to cover his face with his hands, nearly braining himself with the hammer. Bracing his forearm across his forehead instead, he breathed into a pause, quietly, steadily. Then he dropped his arm, and leveled a direct look at Simon. “I’m sorry I barged into your space, and messed it up with my clumsy come-on. I didn’t stop to ask if you were into guys, or take into account the fact you might have lost someone. Or might not even, you know, want to . . . whatever with me. I just got it into my head that I needed to know what it would be like to kiss you, to kiss any guy—not that you were the most handy one. It’s your eyes. They’re so damn blue, and I haven’t thought about anyone on a daily basis in so long, and I had to know.”

His face was red, and the quiet breathing had accelerated into a soft gasping, as though Charlie had just finished a run. Simon stepped in, closing the distance between them, and paused for long enough for Charlie to step back, dodge aside, or simply raise a hand. Say no. He stiffened a little, eyes widening, but otherwise remained still.

“Any guy?” Simon arched an eyebrow.

“You in particular.”

“Why the ice cream?”

Charlie’s eyelids fluttered, briefly. “Because there’s no way anyone can eat ice cream and feel sad.”

Oh God. Simon’s next breath shook slightly. “The puzzle?”

“Because you needed time to think, and something to do with your hands.”

“What are you trying to tell me?”

They were standing so close together that the straightening of Charlie’s shoulders was a twitch at the periphery of Simon’s vision. The thunk at their feet would be the hammer. Then Charlie was leaning in, a hand rising to curl behind Simon’s neck. He paused there, for the space of a single breath, before pressing his lips to Simon’s in a gentle kiss.

A whisper passed between them, a susurrus of words. Simon didn’t bother figuring them out; he tucked his free hand behind Charlie’s shoulder and pulled him closer, angled his head slightly, and deepened the sweet, tentative kiss.

Charlie’s lips were the sort a man might dream about. Full and plump and utterly distracting. Simon kissed both before tending the top and bottom in turn, exploring the mouth he’d fantasized about. The tip of Charlie’s tongue sent a tingling burn across his skin. He shivered. Goose bumps prickled his nape, his shoulders, his arms. The kiss deepened again, becoming less tentative, less question, more statement.

Simon stroked his hand down Charlie’s arm. The sharp, clean scent of Charlie’s sweat filled his senses. The taste of Charlie thrilled his tongue. Prickling skin gave way to keen-edged arousal. A southward rush of blood.

Head light, thoughts swimming, Simon pulled away. Just his lips. Charlie chased him, caught him in another kiss, and Simon got lost somewhere on the way to reason, answering the surer flick of Charlie’s tongue, the sweetly satisfied exhalation of breath.

Charlie bumped into him, nudging him backward. Simon broke out of the kiss again, stepping away to lessen the chance of losing himself a second time. Third time. The sun could have set and the stars come out. A year might have passed by. As he stood there, panting, gaze locked with one of deep and velvety brown, only the weight of the small pot in one hand served as a reminder of why he’d come next door.

Surely it hadn’t been for a kiss.

He’d have traveled much farther for this kiss.

Holy slow burn…

This one took a while to get there, but I was hooked from the first page. Charlie, author of a popular sci-fy book series that dabbled in a character’s bisexuality was just awkward and amazing, and so charming with his cluelessness when it came to his new neighbor Simon.
Having lost his wife to cancer five years ago, he’s been doing the best he could raising their teenage daughter on his own, so he’s been content just being a writer and a dad…

Simon just moved to the sleepy little historical town after his 12-year relationship ended after being cheated on pretty much the whole time, and he just needed a new start. Moving next door to the charming Charlie and his nervous rambling…. Charlie’s internal dialogue as well was just cute and silly, and I just loved his personality and outlook on just about everything. (Just about)

Like I mentioned, it was a slow burn with these two… it was realistic. Charlie had a daughter who now had a boyfriend, and he was not prepared for that. Plus, he had a deadline for his book that demanded a lot of his attention, but, so did his growing attraction to Simon.

And Simon was trying to find his place in his new partnership with Arthur, the architect he’s teamed up with, that kind of mislead him into thinking he was going to retire soon…and the ex that happened to show up eleven months later, just as Simon was starting to get over his betrayal….So, they both had things going on that made the burn that much sweeter when they finally got there.

I did, in the beginning think that Charlie tried a little harder than Simon, but I could understand where they both were coming from, and things don’t always happen the way they hope they do. When a surprise pops up in Charlie’s daughter’s life, and things get complicated and overwhelming…. Simon isn’t willing to be dismissed so easily.

I didn’t like Charlie’s ex mother-in-law… I wish someone would’ve put her in her place. I also didn’t like Brian, the ex, I wish he’d have got to see Simon happy with Charlie. I’m petty like that. They both needed a healthy dose of karmic justice.

Overall though, it was a cute beginning for these two that I hope we get to see more of in the coming stories in this series. Looking forward to that!
4 stars from me!

If aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.

Kelly is the author of a number of novels, novellas and short stories, including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.

Connect with Kelly: Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram | Website

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Blind Date by Kay Doherty: Release Blitz, Excerpt and Review

by

Dekker Callan is content with his life though he knows something is missing. Wanting the kind of love his friends share with their partners, Dekker is talked into taking part in a modeling and dating show as part of a fundraiser. He immediately falls in love with the anonymous, sexy voice on the other side of the wall, but fate has a surprise in store–his mystery man isn’t single.

Slade Gannon wasn’t supposed to take part in the dating show. That spot was for his roommate, Phil, who becomes ill and asks Slade to take his place. Slade has just recently gone through a breakup with his cheating boyfriend. Shocked and pleased when he wins the interest of handsome Dekker Callan, before he can go on the obligatory blind date, his ex asks for a second chance. Believing Dekker can’t possibly be as good on the inside as he looks on the outside, Slade gives George a second chance.

Dekker and Slade hit it off immediately, drawn to each other despite Slade being involved with someone else. They finally get their chance to be together when Slade finds out his boyfriend is still cheating, but just as they seem to discover the happiness they’ve been waiting for, George throws them one last hurdle—and this one may prove to be insurmountable.

Title:  Blind Date

Series: Back in the Game Book 1

Author: Kay Doherty

Publisher:  Ninestar Press

Original Release Date: 8/29/2016

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 158 pages

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

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If he’d known a week ago that Dekker was more than a handsome face and hot body and would turn his crank as hard as he did, Slade would have told George he’d lost his chance. Why he’d taken the cheating bastard back was beyond him at this moment. Slade would bet any amount of money that Dekker wasn’t like that. Dekker would be loyal and faithful and love the man in his life with everything he had. Dekker had already asked more about Slade’s life and business than George ever had. How sad was that?

Slade closed his eyes as the hand he was holding disengaged from his fingers to find his waist. Strong arms encircled him and a hot, hard body pressed against his back. He felt Dekker’s erection press against his ass as the man moved perfectly in time with Slade’s dancing. The song had a fast Latin beat, and Slade rolled his hips, loving the feel of Dekker’s body and prominent arousal pressed against him from behind. Slade placed one hand on top of Dekker’s at his waist, threading their fingers together, and reached his other hand behind him to pull Dekker’s head forward. Dekker lowered his head without argument and buried his face in Slade’s neck.

The song ended, and Dekker pulled away slightly, but still maintained his hold on Slade’s waist. The waiter found them on the dance floor, and Dekker took the beers while Slade pulled a twenty from his wallet and handed it to the server. He accepted his beer from Dekker and took a long pull. Slade was in so much trouble right now. He wanted Dekker badly, but Dekker deserved to be the center of his lover’s attention, not just a piece of ass on the side.

Dekker drank his beer quickly, took Slade’s from him, and discarded the bottles on an empty table nearby before pulling Slade back into his arms. Slade slipped his arms around Dekker’s neck. Dekker led them in a slow dance despite the fast-paced music blaring around them. Each step caused their pelvises to grind against each other, moving their erections up and down and across one another. Slade pulled Dekker’s head forward so their foreheads touched. Damn, he liked being close to Dekker like this. Slade liked the fact that he was the only one Dekker had eyes for; that he was the only one Dekker was dancing with.

Dekker’s hands slid south over Slade’s butt and then one slipped back up under Slade’s shirt. Slade’s skin was on fire where Dekker’s palm massaged. Slade pushed his hips forward, seeking out more of Dekker’s hardness. The man was an addictive drug. The more of him Slade got, the more of him Slade wanted. Dekker gripped Slade’s ass and pulled him tighter against his body. Slade lifted his eyes to Dekker’s molten hazel gaze. He licked his lips, and Dekker’s eyes dropped to his mouth. Dekker groaned and kissed him, hard. Slade opened his mouth to Dekker’s assault, and the kiss deepened, tongues battling for dominance.

Both men came to their senses at the same time, and they pulled apart. Dekker kept his hands on Slade’s waist, and Slade held onto Dekker’s elbows. Both of them knew the line they had just crossed, but neither was willing to stop touching the other. Dekker pulled Slade back into his arms, and they started dancing again, though this time there was a distance present that had been missing before.

“Fuck,” Dekker said in his ear.

“Yeah,” Slade agreed. He had no words for what just happened between them, but “fuck” seemed to sum it up well.

I hadn’t heard of this series, but I liked the idea of a blind date, and a little bit of longing from afar. The funniest part of all of this…I hadn’t heard of indoor skydiving before (what Dekker and Slade do on their first date), and then the day after I finished the book, I happened to be in Virginia, and literally walked around the corner and found an indoor skydiving. **Side note, in the book Dekker and Slade talked about how sore they were the next day, and as I went in and watched a little bit of it, I can absolutely see why! It looks fun though!)

Anyway, onto the book. This book was a little confusing to me in spots, because I didn’t know how I felt about Slade not quite cheating physically on George, but definitely emotionally cheating, despite all the reasons that he had to do so. It wasn’t necessarily cheating, simply because it was obvious what the situation was. However, I had a hard time not feeling that Slade should have chosen to break up with George knowing how he felt. And also knowing the Dekker wasn’t hiding that he was going after Slade, with full effort.

I did love their relationship though, it was easy for them. They were able to connect well, and it allowed them to be comfortable with each other from the start, not necessarily because of physical attraction, but because they understood each other. I was really enjoying their relationship. And all their friends! The side characters were fun and made such a great addition to the book.

Definitely would like to read a second book in this series.

4 pieces of eye candy

Kay lives in Colorado with her husband and their animal children. Family is important to her, so there are weekly visits to her parents and frequent text messages with her brothers. She has a severe addiction to coffee and Mexican food. Kay loves to read and write and can easily become consumed by it for hours, much to the dismay of the husband and dogs. On occasion she can even be convinced to venture out into world of the living.

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Tour Schedule

10/17 Amy’s MM Romance Reviews

10/17 Two Chicks Obsessed

10/18 Slashsessed

10/19 Bayou Book Junkie

10/19 Megan’s Media Melange

10/19 MM Good Book Reviews

10/19 Southern Babes Book Blog

Slide & Rare by Garrett Leigh: Retro Tour, Quick Reviews and Giveaway

by

Don’t look back. Don’t you ever look back…

Shy tattoo artist Ash has a troubled past. Years of neglect, drug abuse, and life on the streets have taken their toll, and sometimes it seems the deep, unspoken bond with his lover is the only balm for wounds he doesn’t quite understand.

Chicago paramedic Pete is warmth, love, and strength—things Ash never knew he could have, and never even knew he wanted until Pete showed him. But fate is a cruel, cruel mistress, and when nightmares collide with the present, their tentatively built world comes crashing down.

Traumatic events in Pete’s work life distance him from home, and he doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Ash has slipped away. Betrayal, secrets, and lies unfold, and when a devastating coincidence takes hold, Pete must fight with all he has to save the love of his life.

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

Sheeeeeeeeew.

That’s how I feel right now. Emotionally wrung out and lifeless. Lets discuss.
So, part one, we have Ash’s POV. A newish tattoo artist with a lot of talent and a really shady past. After losing his mother at a young age, he spent the rest of his youth in group homes, foster care, hostels and eventually on the street. That’s where his best friend Ellie found him and took him under her wing. You’ll like her, she’s great….

When Ellie pulls him off the street and with her, she saved his life. When she found him a roommate, paramedic, Pete, Pete saved him from himself.
When Pete met Ash, he was a shell of a person; quiet and withdrawn and at times, he’d gaze far away and get lost in himself. Flashbacks and bad dreams of a life better off forgotten the only time Ash felt okay was when he was with Pete.

I adored these two together because Ash needed Pete so much, he literally couldn’t function without him, and Pete would do just about anything to lessen the pain he saw in Ash. I guess I could see some co-dependent issues, but who cares? When you find someone who gives you peace, you hold on to that, and I was glad that Ash didn’t push Pete away.

I also loved the secondary characters; Pete’s mom, Ellie, her family (though her sister I could’ve done without, or at least if someone would’ve punched her in the face a time or two, that’d been okay). Her dad really surprised me and wasn’t at all how I pictured him when he was described by the guys. I was grateful he wanted to help Ash so much. I loved Joe, I hope we see more of him and even Charlie, I suspect he has some demons.

It was a tough road, seriously, my heart hurt so bad for Ash, because I have experienced myself with mental illness and I love someone who suffers from it as well, so from both sides, I was just a mess.
The only part I didn’t care for, was the coincidence about Daryl Hunter. I mean, of all the places in the world, they came from the same place and ended up in the same place? It wasn’t like he followed Ash there, he’d never seen him again, it was just by chance… that seemed a little too much for me, but it made for an angstier story.

Overall though, it was hard for me to get into this story at first, but once I was in it… I was hooked. I’ve already snatched the other two and I’m jumping right in. I cannot wait to see what’s next for these two.
I hope Ash gets well and truly healed, as much as he can from the past he’s remembering… and I hope that Pete continues being there for him and they get their HFN…. I’m a sucker for a HEA, so I hope they have one coming!.

4 pieces of eye candy from me.

Paramedic Pete Adams lived through the year from hell watching his lover, Ash, fall apart, and the precarious balance between work and home is becoming more strained. His heart is always home, with Ash, but the dark side to his job is weighing him down.

Tattoo artist Ash Fagin is recovering from a nervous breakdown triggered by revelations about his traumatic childhood. His battle with mental illness is far from over, but with Pete by his side, he’s feeling good again, so good he doesn’t notice something missing until it walks right into his living room.

Ash believes he’s had enough coincidence in his life, but when a voice from the past comes looking for him, it takes the devastating injuries of the one he loves most to convince him to let a ghost become the family he never knew he wanted.

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

Holy effing angst…

If you thought we were done with the angsty, and on to a steady, smooth ride… you are so wrong. I think this one might’ve hit me harder than the first one did.  Everything was going great for the guys, and I felt like they were finally in a good place. Work sucked for Pete, and he was thinking about finding something else to do, having gotten burnt out on all the death and destruction… I could understand it… but things with Ash were going well and I loved seeing that.

For Ash, he was coming to terms with his past and maybe getting to a point where he could accept things… he was even seeing a therapist. When a trip to Philly with Ellie, turned into an ambush he didn’t see coming… it sent his world spiraling again… (though not like last time). I could understand his hesitance, absolutely. Though, it turned out to be best the thing that ever happened to him.

Also, be prepared for another huuuuuge coincidence. Just like the first one, this one doesn’t seem believable either… it’s just too far-fetched that you’re left like… okay, what are the odds… seriously? If we’re going to have such random coincidences, they should at least be believable….and while I loved this one, and I loved how all ended up, but getting there was…. Tough…. I want to tell you all about it, but seriously… just go read it, you’ll see what I mean.

What I wasn’t prepared for, was part II…. When an accident throws everyone up in the air. Ash has to be the strong one this time, and in a time where he’s not even sure he can be there for himself, let alone Pete… He does it though, of course, he does. He loves him. They love each other so much, even when things go wrong…..

The connection between these two is so tangible, even through a computer screen (which is how I’m reading it). You feel their need for each other, and as long as they have each other, then everything else is just a small bump in the road. I loved that. The possessiveness and protectiveness. I loved seeing the roles kind of reversed here a little bit, and even with all Ash had going on, he pushed it all away to be there with Pete… even when Pete was pushing him away. (Only for a little it)

Overall, though… I’m loving this series and I’m a bit obsessed with these two as a couple. I loved seeing their family grow, and Ash accepts the people in his life who just wanted to love him. I hope we get more of all of them in the next one, and I’ve already bought it, so I’m jumping right into it, for sure!

I love this series… I love the HFN, and I really hope these two get their perfect HEA… they both deserve it so much!

4 pieces of eye candy for me on this one
On to the next!

 

Book #1 – Slide – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 – Rare – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 – Circle – Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

 

October 16 – Two Chicks Obsessed, October 18 – We Three Queens, Open Mind For A Different View, October 20 – Love Unchained Book Review, Book Corner Reviews, Mikku-chan, October 22 – The Secret Ko, Wicked Reads, October 24 – Mainely Stories, Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, MM Good Book Reviews, October 26 – Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, Bayou Book Junkie, My Fiction Nook, Lillian Francis, Xtreme Delusions, Jessie G Books, Book Review By Virginia Lee, Mirrigold, Jim’s Reading Room, My Book Filled Life

 

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock sitemoonstockphotography.com with renowned LGBTQA+ photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

 

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