Blog Tours

What Happens at Christmas by Jay Northcote : Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

November 19, 2015 by Denise

When two friends pose as boyfriends, could what happens at Christmas turn into something more?

Justin is recently and unhappily single. Christmas is coming, and he doesn’t want to face his ex alone at their office party. So Sean—Justin’s best mate and long-time secret crush—volunteers to go with him and pretend to be his new flame.

Sean has always lusted after Justin from afar, but there’s never been a good opportunity to ask him for more than friendship. Posing as Justin’s boyfriend isn’t a chore, and if Justin wants to rebound onto him, Sean’s more than willing. At the party pretence and reality blur, and a kiss on the dance floor leads to a night of passion.

In the aftermath, they both assume it was a one-time thing until fate intervenes. Stuck together in London over the holidays, they give in to temptation again. But what happens at Christmas stays at Christmas… right?

Author Name: Jay Northcote

Book Name: What Happens At Christmas

Release Date: November 19, 2015

Pages or Words: 37,000 words (approximate)

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Goodreads Link

Publisher: Jaybird Press

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

Justin’s phone chimed with a text, interrupting Sean’s train of thought.

Justin picked up his phone to read the message. “Ugh.” He put the phone back down without typing a reply and ran his hands through his hair.

“What’s up?”

Justin sighed. “It’s our work Christmas party next weekend. I’ve already got a ticket, and nearly everyone in the office goes, but it’s for partners as well. One of my co-workers, Jess, is bugging me to come, but I can’t face it. I bet Andy’s going to bring his new boyfriend. I know he’s a shit and I shouldn’t let him get to me, but the thought of him parading around with my replacement, and me being there on my own, isn’t very appealing.”

“Is it too late to find someone to take?” Banner300x250

“No, they don’t need final numbers till Monday.”

“Well, then. Take someone else and flirt like crazy in front of him. Show him you can do better and that you’ve already moved on.”

“But I’m not ready to date. It’s only been two weeks, and I’m still at the feeling-sorry-for-myself stage.”

“I’ll go with you,” Sean offered. “I could be your date. We could pretend we’ve got together and are a couple now.”

“Yeah?” Justin looked thoughtful. “Are you sure?”

Duh. It would hardly be much of a sacrifice to flirt with Justin all night. It would actually be a relief not to have to hide the way he felt for a change.

“Sure,” Sean replied. “I think I can manage to fake that I’m arse-over-tit infatuated with you. As long as it’s only for a few hours.”

“Gee, thanks.” Justin rolled his eyes. “You really know how to make an already-wounded ego feel better. But if you’re up for it, we should totally do it. Andy was always jealous of you before you went away. He saw you as competition because we lived together and were so close. I’d love to see his face when I walk in with you on my arm. I think he’ll hate it even if he’s moved on.”

“Okay.” Sean rubbed his hands together, excited at the prospect of getting to piss off Andy. “Let’s do it! Text your friend Jess back and tell her you’re in—with a hot date.”

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.

She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content. One day, she decided to try and write a short story–just to see if she could–and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Where to find the author:

Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, The Day Before You Came, MM Good Book Reviews, SA McAuley, Jessie G. Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Bonkers About Books, Bike Book Reviews, Gay Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Tara Lain, Lee Brazil, Elaine White, BFD Book Blog, V’s Reads, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Unquietly Me, The Hat Party, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, Open Skye Book Reviews, Just Love Romance, Divine Magazine, Mikky’s World of Books, Happily Ever Chapter, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Nautical Star Books, The Jena Wade, Alpha Book Club, Louise Lyons, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Molly Lolly, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Velvet Panic, Dawn’s Reading Nook, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, 3 Chicks After Dark, Michael Mandrake, It’s Raining Men, Moonbeams Over Atlanta

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The Cowboy in Unit E by Kris Cook : Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

November 19, 2015 by Denise

Title: The Cowboy In Unit E

Series: A Mockingbird Place Novel

Author: Kris Cook

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: November 17, 2015

The good news is the most gorgeous cowboy I’ve ever seen is moving in next door to me. The bad news? He’s not alone. Hanging on his arm is a very pregnant woman. Are they a couple? It sure looks like they are. So not only is he not gay, but he also has a girlfriend, or a wife, or whatever. Just my luck.

****

21-year old Trace Cotton is an artist who never shows his paintings to anyone. When cowboy Luke Wagner moves into Mockingbird Place with a very pregnant Ava, Trace believes he must fight his attraction to Luke since he’s taken.

When Ava collapses outside Trace’s apartment, he comes to her rescue. Things aren’t what they seem on the surface, but when Trace finds out the truth will it be too late for a chance at something real with Luke?

Warning: contains hot showers with singing, two sexy men kissing, and sexual situations taking place in a 10-unit Mediterranean complex filled with college-aged hotties.

“Yes, I recommend the series. Smokin’ hot and smart men who are not afraid to expose their feelings or get in touch with their emotional side. Well done, again, Mr. Cook! I look forward to the next book – impatiently!“ ~4 Star Review from Happily Ever Chapter

I stand by my front window, where the light is best this time of day, gazing at the white void, praying for inspiration. The blank canvas taunts me. Where to begin? It’s always like this when I start a new painting. It has to mean something. I need feeling and life. Right now, all I have is emptiness.

My roommate and best friend, Jackson, always teases me about my process—or in his words my “idiosyncrasies.” My last painting took me over a month to complete, but the first ten days was like this one, staring at the canvas before I pressed a brush filled with paint to its surface.

Out of the corner of my eye, through the window, I see one of my new neighbors walking up the sidewalk. Ava Stone is pregnant and is carrying a big box. In her current condition I wonder if she should be lifting heavy things.

She and her good-looking cowboy, Luke Wagner, are moving into the apartment next to Jackson’s and mine—Unit E. That leaves Oliver’s old apartment, Unit F, as the only vacancy at Mockingbird Place. I met the couple at the complex’s yard sale when they were taking a look at the apartment. They were living in a motel so that Ava could start her classes at the university on time until they could find a place to rent. Ava and Luke’s new home had been empty for quite some time. Until now. I’m glad it’s finally going to be occupied and hope the new couple will be good neighbors. And most of all I have to stop thinking about one of them.

I’ve never been attracted to cowboys before, but there is something about Luke that I can’t quite seem to shake. But I need to. He’s obviously taken and straight.

When Ava smiles at me as she turns to go into her apartment, I wave.

Glancing back at my canvas, I feel so frustrated. I’m no closer to an idea than before. Why do I do this to myself? No one will ever see this work when it’s completed. This painting is for my eyes only now that Malcolm is gone. He was the only one I was ever comfortable sharing my work with. He got it. He knew what I was trying to say with each piece.

Like everyone else at Mockingbird Place, I thought he would live forever, even though he was eighty-two when he died. In June, we had his memorial in the courtyard and planted a tree in his honor near the pool.

I see Ava heading back to the parking lot and wonder how many more boxes she and her boyfriend have to unload. I decide to finish my coffee before I put my brushes away and help them.

I step back from the blank canvas. Should I paint another portrait of Malcolm? No. I just can’t bring myself to paint him again. It hurts too much. I need more time. Right now, I could use an idea for this canvas, but I’m at a total loss. Damn it.

My art continues to be therapeutic for me. When I was twelve years old my counselor suggested art therapy and I found my passion. I can place myself inside my paintings, feeling the breeze on my skin or hearing the crashing of the waves on the shore. I’m there and I don’t feel the pain. Still, my paintings allow me to gaze into the darkness of my past. They also help me release the tension and anxiety.

Actually, I wish all of my paintings could remain private. Each is so personal and carries its own meaning. Whenever anyone looks at my paintings I feel exposed and vulnerable. Dirty. I wonder if people can see my younger self weeping from the despair in my brush strokes. I definitely can, no matter the composition I’ve created, whether beach or mountain scene, whether wild animal or newborn baby, whether impressionistic or realistic. Each painting carries drops of the pain from my past.

Two of my pieces were on display for my professors to judge. I wonder if it was worth the As I got on both, because it nearly wrecked me until I was able to take them back to my storage unit. That’s where I keep my completed paintings.

This semester is so much better than last. I have a fantastic schedule and only have to be on campus two days a week. The rest of the week is mine. All mine. And the classes that I am taking don’t require students to create and present a work of art, unlike last semester.

As I put my empty cup down, I see Ava collapse and the box she was carrying crash to the ground.

A blast of electricity shoots through my body, and I toss my brushes aside and rush out my door.

“Ava. Ava.” I lift her head off the ground and start shouting for her boyfriend. “Luke. Get out here. Ava has passed out.” Where the hell is he?

Her eyes open. “What happened?”

“You passed out and fell,” I tell her.

“Oh no.” Ava rubs her hands over her belly. “Thank God, I just felt a kick. I think the baby is fine.”

Kick or not, I know she needs to see a doctor. “Where’s Luke?”

Before she can answer, I see him running up the sidewalk.

He kneels down next to me and shoves a sack in my chest. “My God, Ava, what happened?” he asks in his thick West Texas accent. “Are you okay?”

Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris’s total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was “My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn’t it about time? I’ve been out since I was twenty-five.” A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer’s favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris’ influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.

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Betting on Forever by Felice Stevens: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

November 18, 2015 by Denise

Betting on Forever

The Breakfast Club, Book 2

Cover Designer: Reese Dante

Cover Photo: Stock Photo

Release Date: 11.17.15

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1j7zQbV

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1X3tWG7

All Romance: http://bit.ly/1MykS7o

A weekend fling in Atlantic City couldn’t be more out of socially shy Zach Cohen’s comfort zone, but a bet with his best friends forces him to put aside the humiliation he’s hidden for years, stepping away from behind his computer screens and on line world. When he meets Sam Stein, despite their spark, Zach expects nothing more than a night of passion and a kiss goodbye. Yet weeks later, he can’t keep the man out of his head.

After a split second decision with tragic results ends his twenty year police career at the same time his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted.

Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend is much more than a one night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.

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Zac and Sam were quite the treat. We learned so little about Zac in the first book in this series, Beyond the Surface, that with his shyness, you couldn’t help but want to know more about him. Why was he so shy? He clearly had bonded with Julian and Marcus, when they were younger, and had kept that connection. Otherwise, what you learned was just “on the surface”.

When these two meet and connect in Atlantic City, the attraction was immediate. And when Zac disappears, Sam is convinced that this is just another example of being unable to trust.

However, what the reader finds as these two sort through beginning a relationship is that there is so much more to what makes up a person than an instant attraction. There is guilt that weighs a person down, whether from past events, or current obligations. There is a need to respect what happens in a person’s life on a daily basis, allowing them to take one more step in the direction they want to go.

My favorite part of this couple was their absolute enthusiasm to just let go and have fun. For me, it was so poignant to have them flying kites. It represented so much of what was going on in their lives. Letting go, and just letting the wind, or life take you along for the ride. Sometimes only hanging on by a string, but that can be all you need sometimes, if you have someone standing next to you, to grab the string if it tries to get away. They found a way to just let go with each other, and let life happen, and allow another person in, when they thought their lives would be spent holding everyone out.

This is easily one of my favorites of Felice’s books. It was sweet (yet still hot and sexy), loving, and realistic about the weights that we as people carry around, whether of our own making, or those that are put upon us.

4.5 pieces of Eye Candy for me.

I really enjoyed this story. Zac and Sam are two very well written characters. My heart went out to Zac and his feelings of invisibility. I identified with him which really helped me connect with the story. Him being the shy quiet one in the group reminds me a lot of myself, expecially with regards to his friendship with Marcus, who is ballsy and kind of in your face. I found the result of his previous relationship heartbreaking and really wanted to commit violent acts on his ex. Sam was the perfect match to Zac. He is very stoic, unless you rile him up, then watch out for his right hook. Sam has gone through some tough stuff and a bad relationship. I really enjoyed how protective he was of Zac. By the end of the story it was so very heartwarming to see how both characters showed growth and were able to get beyond their troubles and love one another.

4 pieces of Eye Candy

I could be a totally new Zach. Someone who wasn’t afraid to take risks; someone willing to have fun and be daring.” He looked down at his lap. “Someone people would notice.”

None of this made sense to Sam. “But why? You’re a young, incredibly rich, good-looking guy. Why do you think you need to pretend? Any guy would be lucky to be with you.”

The compliment didn’t bring a smile of thanks or even a blush of self-awareness. Zach’s expression grew gloomier, and he stood, then walked to the windows.

“Perceptions rarely mirror truths. What you see isn’t how I see it, and it isn’t how most people have seen me all my life. I’ve never been confident about anything, except my abilities in school. And when you’re ten and never picked for sports or thirteen and never invited to any parties, a pattern is set for the adult you’ll be. The one on the sidelines; always there but never seen. When you’re an invisible kid, you tend to grow up to be an invisible adult.”

How wrong he’d been about Zach from the beginning. And knowing how sweet and kind a soul he was, Sam hurt for the young boy Zach had been and the sad and lonely man who stood before him.

“Is that how you see yourself—invisible?” Sam followed him to the window and placed a hand on his shoulder but made no other move.

“It’s how I’ve always been. Marcus always tried to include me, but—”

“You know what?” Sam slid his arm around Zach, turning him so that they faced each other. “You think too much about Marcus.” Sam took Zach’s glasses off and placed them carefully on the table. “You talk too much about him too. Want to know what I see?”

Zach blinked and nodded.

“I see a guy who’s kind, smart, and tenacious. A man who isn’t afraid to search out what he wants and go after it.” Sam leaned down and brushed Zach’s lips with his own, smiling at the sigh of pleasure from Zach. He pulled off his tee shirt and unbuttoned Zach’s shirt so their bare chests pressed against each other. Sam pushed Zach’s shirt off his shoulders so it fell to the floor, then slid his hand up Zach’s back, as warm and soft as he remembered. His fingers splayed out against skin, muscles, and bones, and he held Zach close. It was as if his hands were made to touch Zach. The feel of his skin was everything right and perfect.

“Don’t ever pretend with me; there’s no reason to. I’m not interested in someone who hangs out at the clubs and parties all night.” He buried his lips in Zach’s hair, his hands smoothing down the curvature of Zach’s spine until he dipped his fingers to gently touch below the waistband of Zach’s jeans.

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter: http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=d43061d90bf2256eb322ed69f&id=586ac8fa57

OTHER BOOKS BY FELICE STEVENS

Home for the Holidays Anthology Pre-order

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PzYHUb

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SA7SSg

Rescued

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SDPKqG

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SA8Bmx

ARe: http://bit.ly/1WXekt8

B&N: http://bit.ly/YSu2df

The Breakfast Club Series

Beyond the Surface, Book 1

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SDPFmI

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1S1zUpD

ARe: http://bit.ly/1PMdRUF

Memories Series

Memories of the Heart, Book 1

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SDPRCD

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1PxZZPv

ARe: http://bit.ly/1ReSjis

B&N: http://bit.ly/1QJVUXS

One Step Further, Book 2

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PzYNey

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1N95vb8

Through Hell and Back Series

A Walk Through Fire, Book 1

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SDQ4Wn

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NZpZlr

ARe: http://bit.ly/1MT33io

B&N: http://bit.ly/1Odz5sY

After the Fire, Book 2

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PzZ1C9

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QsuF4J

ARe: http://bit.ly/1j5pZDk

B&N: http://bit.ly/1Odzcom

Embrace the Fire, Book 3

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SDQ9JL

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1kCjZUr

ARe: http://bit.ly/1SVQMz4

B&N: http://bit.ly/1j5ramu

Safety in Numbers (Sizzling Miami #5) by Jessie G: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

November 17, 2015 by Denise

“Bros stick together no matter what.”

When Chris and Liam made that promise, they had no idea how important it would become or how it would be tested in the most brutal way. Nine years later, their bond cemented in blood, that relationship is all they have to hold on to.

“No matter what happens, this friendship will be the one constant we can count on.”

When Billy and Owen made that promise, they knew exactly how dangerous the world could be. They survived prison by protecting each other and they survived freedom by holding that promise sacred. Now they want more than just to survive and they want it from the brothers whose bond is as strong as their own.

“We are stronger together than we’ll ever be apart.”

When Owen reaches his breaking point, Chris jumps at the chance to make things right for all of them. With the future in their grasp, will they realize their strength is in their numbers and finally become the family they crave?

Author Name: Jessie G.

Book Name: Safety In Numbers

Series: Sizzling Miami

Book: Five

Author’s Note: This is NOT a foursome, but the story of two couples that needed to be told together.

Pages or Words: 76,000 words

Categories: Gay fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Release Date: October 31, 2015

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/jessiegbooks

Publisher: Jessie G. Books

Cover Artist: Andrew Reyna

That silence hid a lot from their friends, but Liam knew Chris was plagued with memories far worse than his. That’s why they decided not to celebrate alone this year. Billy and Owen were expected any minute and it was the first time they invited anyone to join them. The anniversary was bittersweet for them and they chose to celebrate it because becoming brothers meant that much to them. “Do you think they’ll find it stupid?”

Chris just shrugged as if it was no skin off his back what they thought and Liam knew that was just bravado. Fact was, they both very much cared what the two men thought. “Liar.”

His brother sighed and dropped his head back. As if shit wasn’t fucked up enough, they fell for two bastards just as fucked up as they were. “I know you’re worried about Owen. The business with Colin is growing out of their control and I’m not sure why he thinks it’s a good thing. Is he trying to prove something? And the middle of the night phone calls from the FTR? He’s looking more and more fragile every day.”

Liam knew he wasn’t stating anything new. What he didn’t know was what Chris intended to do about it. Lately, when it came to Owen, Chris conveyed zero intent and seemed to be waiting for Owen to read him as effortlessly as Liam did. Their brother bond had been forged through blood and he was afraid Chris’s expectations of Owen were unreasonable. “Do you see his face every time he thinks he’s failed to understand you? The weight of it is crushing.”

Instead of regret, all Liam saw was anger in Chris. It wasn’t a common emotion for Chris and Liam could name every time he saw it. The fact that Chris knew what he was capable of if provoked had made him extremely conscious of that emotion and he often went to great lengths to contain it.

Owen was the very definition of insecure. Just the type to inspire Chris’s protective instincts, which Liam knew for a fact Owen did. Hell, he inspired Liam’s protective instincts. Owen was stubborn though and he often distanced himself, keeping things bottled up until they manifested elsewhere. Like in panic attacks that felt like heart attacks, which he also tried to hide. Liam nearly lost it when they found out that Billy was keeping Owen’s secret.

Chris nodded slowly, as if he completely followed Liam’s train of thought and waited for him to connect the dots. And just like that, Liam understood. “You’re pissed because he doesn’t come to you when the panic sets in. That he hides it from you and they hide it from us.”

It made total sense, but he had to wonder if they were expecting too much. After all, they couldn’t call what was going on with either man a relationship. No, they were four fucked up bastards trying to come together in some romanticwhat? Not a foursome, eww…he loved Chris, but yeah, that just wasn’t happening. And Owen wasn’t his type any more than Billy was Chris’s type. But—always with the fucking buts, right?—what was happening was very definitely happening to the four of them, and Liam now had to wonder if that was the problem, because trying to come together was definitely not the same as being together.

Chris shook his head and shifted in his seat. No, he was right. It wasn’t just their brother bond that made it impossible to move forward as two separate couples. Billy and Owen had formed their own unique friendship in prison and were no more likely to move forward without the other one either. “Just once, couldn’t we have done something the easy way?”

The fire door banged open and Liam turned to see Billy and Owen, arms full of brightly wrapped packages, struggling to pull a huge cluster of balloons through the door. It was a shocking contrast to their dark thoughts and so uncharacteristically sweet of both men. Billy caught their surprised stare and yelled, “Is this where the party’s at?”

“It is now.” It might seem silly, but it was exactly what they needed and exactly who they needed it from. Maybe they hadn’t been expecting too much at all. Liam rose to give them a hand and glanced down to see the look of longing in Chris’s eyes and thought maybe it was time they all expected more.

Interview with Jessie G

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Jessie G author of Safety in Numbers, book five in the Sizzling Miami series. Hi Jessie, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.

What is the most satisfying thing about being a writer?
Seeing the voices in my head become fleshed out “people” with pasts, hopes, dreams, things they regret and redemption for their own perceived faults. And then watching the readers fall in love with my men and their stories. Nothing makes me happier than knowing my readers are rooting for their favorite characters, or even get mad at me because they are so invested and I don’t get where they want me to go when they want me to go there. I am lucky that they stick with me in those cases, but they know I’ll always give them a happily ever after.

Do your characters ever take over your writing and make the story go somewhere you hadn’t originally planned?
Since I don’t do a lot of planning, the answer is definitely. I know who my characters are and a general idea of what I think the book is about, but when I put my fingers on the keyboard, it’s a crazy ride that has as many surprises for me as it does for you.

How did you celebrate the release of your book?
This book is being released on Halloween and I’m going to a Halloween party dressed as a writer J Easiest costume ever!

How did you come up with the idea for this book?
Oh man, there are four different stories in this book. There is familial abuse, bullying, the dangerous allure of gangs, and redemption, of course. There is no one specific event or news story that I could pinpoint for those arcs, they are issues faced every day in real life that I have shined a light on and exaggerated as fits the story.Many of the books we read in this genre deal with real life issues that have been tweaked to fit the romance theme. We all use our voices differently and there are many worthy causes that need to be talked about—even if you’re talking about it because you read it in a romance novel.

Have you ever written naked?
Nope, no one needs to imagine that lol

Thank you so much for hosting Safety in Numbers today. Good luck to all who enter the rafflecopter and if anyone has any questions, I’ll be stopping by to answer. – Jessie

This one was definitely a departure from what Jessie G has written up until now. This book was all about the feels for me. There wasn’t a lot of “action”, as she normally has provided the reader in the past. That was all right with this reader. It didn’t need to be full of gunfire or explosions. This book, quite simply was about four men, two couples who’s lives were so interconnected that seeing one without the other was rare.

These men all had pasts that brought them to this one place in time in their lives, where they could finally connect with someone other than their counterpart. We had only gathered bits and pieces of these men. Knowing that Chris had kept silent for so many years, while protecting his brother Liam from the beatings he took from his step father. Meanwhile, Billy was the protector for Owen when they were in jail. They all leaned on each other, and this was their chance to learn to lean on someone else, and find the trust and love they had to give.

One of the most poignant scenes I’ve ever read was Chris standing guard over Ian in For a Reason, protecting him against the emotional threat to Red from his brother. That much steadfast devotion could only come through a true friend. That is how Chris viewed everyone who stood by him, he would stand by them until the very end, brothers to the finish.

These men all loved differently, yet found that they could all love each other despite those differences. Billy, Liam’s Billy Bear, was such a sweet soul when it came to his love for Liam, making sure that he could truly be the right one for Liam before jumping over that line.

One of the best relationships to me though, was the love of Chris and Liam. Never lovers, only brothers by marriage, and of the heart. My favorite line was “You should hate me and I honestly don’t know why you chose to love me instead, but I’m gonna hold you to it.” (Just typing that brings tears to my eyes again.) Their love for each other, through the hardest of times, was stronger than any hatred by any one man.

This series should definitely be read in order, and although to me, it may not have been the strongest book in the series, it still more than holds its own, showing a depth of love and devotion between all four men, as well as their friends on the periphery. The one challenge I had while reading this was trying to keep everyone “straight”, for lack of a better word. Knowing who was who, and who was falling in love with who was a mind challenge, and I commend Jessie G for being able to keep them all in line. I throughly enjoyed learning the dynamics of these two relationships, and how they could make it work on a day to day basis, feeling their way through how to be two couples in love, instead of two couples of steadfast friends and brothers. In the end, they were able to make it work on all levels, keeping their brotherly love, as well as falling in love with their other half. A very well done book in this series.

4 pieces of eye candy from me.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book. These guys have been so intriguing to me from the very first moment. Each of these men have gone through so many struggles and difficulties in their lives. With Safety in Numbers we finally learn what happened in the past to make the ‘freaky foursome’ the men they are today.

We get to meet some new characters with this one and there is a new addition to Bull’s garage as well. We also get to revisit a few of our favorite guys. This story is packed with different emotions so be ready. You have lots of tears and laughter ahead especially with the precious little Ava and Luc.

I loved this story!! This is another wonderful read from Jessie and I can’t wait for her next installment.

5 pieces of eye candy from me

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Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With six published books to date, three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.

I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I’m a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout my books.

Where to find the author:

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

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/JessieGBooks

Facebook Author Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jessiegbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessieGBooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessiegbooks/

TSU: http://www.tsu.co/jessiegbooks

Ello: https://ello.co/jessiegbooks

G+: https://plus.google.com/+Jessiegbooksmm/posts

Tumblr (NSFW): http://jessiegbooks.tumblr.com/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bhuja1

Tour Dates & Stops:

9-Nov: KathyMac Reviews, Nephy Hart, Foxylutely Book Reviews

10-Nov: Unquietly Me, Prism Book Alliance, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves

11-Nov: Bayou Book Junkie, Books A to Z

12-Nov: The Novel Approach

13-Nov: V’s Reads

16-Nov: 3 Chicks After Dark, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews

17-Nov: Parker Williams, Jill P Rand, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy

18-Nov: Joyfully Jay

19-Nov: Multitasking Mommas, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

20-Nov: Carly’s Book Reviews

23-Nov: Loving Without Limits, Molly Lolly

24-Nov: Love Bytes, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My

25-Nov: Amanda C. Stone, BFD Book Blog

26-Nov: MM Good Book Reviews, Andrew Q. Gordon

27-Nov: Gay Media Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

30-Nov: Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads

1-Dec: Cathy Brockman Romances, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings

2-Dec: Velvet Panic, MM Good Book Reviews

3-Dec: Sassygirl Books, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

4-Dec: My Fiction Nook

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Love is Found by R. Paone: Pre-Release Blitz, Excerpt and Giveaway

November 14, 2015 by Denise

Title: Love is Found

Series: Only If Series #1

Author: R. Paone

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 16, 2015

“Love is Found” is the moving story about coming-of-age in suburban New York and discovering the broad concept of sexuality and love.

Based on true events of love, the story’s protagonist, Robert, finds himself thrown into the realization that upon entering graduate school he is beginning a new chapter in his adult life. Comfortable with being gay, he yearns for love but dwells on the ideal of being alone while being consumed by the world of academia. Upon starting a new job he meets a coworker, whom he begins an unlikely relationship with considering this man identifies as straight.

When sex is introduced and emotions run amok, the routine of Robert’s life is thrown into chaos with unexpected outcomes. Little does he know if his heart can survive the overwhelming desire and how this man will alter the course of his life just not now, but for the next decade.

The first novel in the debut “Only If…” series by R.Paone introduces the heartbreaking portrait of one young man finding love in all the wrong places while exploring themes of one’s sexual identity, passion, and nostalgia.

He flipped me over onto my back with me hovering as he nibbled on my bottom lip, pulling it gently with his teeth. He was obviously heavier than I was but he didn’t lay himself into me fully, which granted me more room to push my hips this time upwards. Grabbing onto his ass kept me going as I felt it tense every few moments in my hands as I squeezed harder. I took back control with him back underneath me because it was about time that he gave me a few moments of control since in the bedroom he was showing his dominant side.

Sitting again, he grabbed me pulling me into an embrace with a tight bear hug keeping his forehead planted against my chest. He buried his nose and kept breathing whatever was the scent I had on me. I saw this only as endearing and truly lovely.

Holding me up firmly felt good with his support. Mitch’s hands were strong and large enough, giving me little room to maneuver around while I straddled him. It left me the ability only to push my groin and hips deeper against his own as his grip didn’t falter. I leaned back against his forearms leaving my body at an angle but keeping our cocks grinding against each other, my hips stuck to his.

His breathing was getting slower but heavier so I knew I was doing something right. His fingers moved up and down my back hitting certain pressure points releasing some of the tension he was making me feel by teasing me like this. I decided to lean back into him leaving our faces to meet each other again to kiss, alternating between pulling me in closer or grabbing onto my behind. Grabbing me by my chin he kept me at eye level with him and looked at me with those eyes that spoke of nothing but silence. What did he have planned?

R.Paone started on this writing journey in June, 2014. From events that were beyond his control, he decided to start this new path in his life before my 30th birthday. It has been quite the journey mapping out this story arc. He has learned so much writing a novel in that it has been therapeutic and also eye opening as it evolves. He hopes everyone will enjoy what is to come from the “ONLY IF” series as I want this to be something anyone could reach for and say “that could happen to me.” Stay tuned! Three fun facts about him is: he live in NYC, has a vast horror movie collection and has a great appreciation for Enya.

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M/M Veterans Day Scavenger Hunt: Day 1 with the twins: Talon P.S. and Princess S.O.

November 11, 2015 by Denise

Welcome to the MM Veterans Day Scavenger Hunt

Today I am hosting the twins: Talon P.S. & Princess S.O.

HEY READERS!! Glad to be hanging out here with Two Chicks Obsessed for this Veteran’s Day.

Veterans Day is a special day for us on a personal level as well. Aside from most of our family members having served in the military all the way back to WWI, November 11 is also our publishing anniversary!!

That’s right on 11-11-11, we published our first book,

DEAR SOLDIER, WITH LOVE

The following year we released

DEAR SOLDIER, WITH LOVE II: A Lost Soldier Named Grey

Both are short stories following the lives of men and women serving in the military overseas. Touching on the heart strings of what it’s like to get a letter and be touched by words written from home and a loved one and the pain that come when its absent. It’s a connection most people don’t even imagine unless they’ve been there or in another situation cut off from family. Letters are often a life line to a precious moment to forget where they are and the fears of day to day life in war torn countries.

Dear Soldier, With Love is a Free Read everywhere and to give honor to Veterans and their family DEAR SOLDIER, WITH LOVE II: A Lost Soldier Named Grey is FREE Nov. 11-13 At Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks