Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

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Blog Tours

Tangled Warriors by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott: RB, Excerpt and New Release Review

by

Lucien Cummings

The pestilents are trying to kill him.

He’s pretty sure the Water Weaver wants to kill him as well.

But after two months of fighting an attraction for a man who couldn’t possibly be his mate, Lucien cracks when he’s pulled into an impulsive threesome with Calder and a sexy man they picked up in a bar.

That night was earth shattering.

And now he needs to figure out how to keep both men safe and his.

Calder Saito

Calder doesn’t want to fight his attraction for the Fire Weaver any longer, but they can’t really be soul mates, right?

And what about Gio? The sexy man gives him such a feeling of completeness and peace.

Could one man really have two soul mates?

Gio Russo

Can’t he just have them both?

Tangled Warriors is the fourth book in the Weavers Circle series. This MMM paranormal romance includes fast-paced action, running through Savannah, secrets, shapeshifting, kidnapping, deadly Girl Scouts, sexy times, insecurity, three crazy old ladies, soul mates, and magic!

Title:  Tangled Warriors

Series: Weavers Circle #4

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott Publishing LLC

Release Date: September 24, 2021

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 85k

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

“Shots!” Gio suddenly proclaimed. “I think we could all use a round of shots. What do you say?” He looked up at Lucien and smiled. “Join me in a round of shots. Break the ice.”

“Nothing feels icy to me,” Lucien murmured, while the fingers on Calder’s waist tightened.

He suddenly felt bad. He was intruding like an annoying little brother. Yes, his intention had been to stop Lucien from hitting on this guy, but now that he was standing there, he felt how wrong it was. What Lucien did and who he slept with was none of his business. He was supposed to be working on getting rid of the bad blood between him and Lucien, not making matters worse.

“None for me,” Calder said softly. “I’ll grab the drinks and get out of your way.”

Gio surprised him by cupping the side of his face with a warm calloused hand. “Oh no, sweetness. We don’t want you going anywhere. You’ve got to stay.” Gio looked over Calder’s shoulder at Lucien. “We want him to stay, right?”

Calder tensed, waiting for the rejection, but Lucien shocked him even more by pulling him in tighter so that he could feel Lucien’s groin against the small of his back. Those long fingers slipped down from his waist to caress his hip bone, sending the most delicious tingles all over his body. “Stay. Have a shot with us,” Lucian pressed. His voice was warm and so very tempting. Calder couldn’t remember ever hearing Lucien talk to him like that. He wanted to live in that voice. Just curl up in it like a warm, handmade quilt.

Releasing him, Gio turned to the bartender as she delivered Lucien’s and Calder’s mix of drinks and ordered a round of shots. Calder didn’t hear what he’d ordered exactly because Gio had also slotted himself better against Calder, causing his brain to short out. He was now in the one place he’d never thought he’d be—a Gio-Lucien sammich. Even with all their clothes on, it was now his favorite kind of sandwich. He would happily eat it every day for the rest of his life.

Calder was too tongue-tied to manage words. He nodded. At least he thought he nodded. He must have done something, because Gio’s smile grew wider. A second hand landed on his hip right where Lucien’s

The shots arrived, and Gio slid one over to Lucien before physically placing one in Calder’s hand as if he knew that his brain wasn’t in control of his body any longer. He watched as Gio clicked his shot glass on Lucien’s and then Calder’s. Tipping his head back, he sent the amber liquid down his long, sexy throat. Calder did the same without a thought. The burn was enough to wake him out of his stupor.

Sucking in a harsh breath, he coughed several times while slamming his shot glass on the bar. Gio grabbed his hand again and shoved a drink into it. Without thinking, Calder sipped it, relieved that it was his gin and tonic. The addition of more alcohol to his system probably wasn’t the smartest, but at least it had gotten rid of his coughing.

When he could breathe, he took a deep drink and set the glass on the bar to find Gio smiling at him while Lucien’s hand continued to dig possessively into his hip.

You okay?” Lucien inquired. For once, the question didn’t sound spiteful or mean. There was genuine concern in his tone.

Calder managed a small nod and Gio laughed.

Of course he’s okay. What are you drinking, sweetness?” Before Calder could answer, Gio leaned in and licked his bottom lip, sucking it into his mouth for a second, then releasing it with a wet pop. “Mmm…gin and tonic. Not bad.”

Calder barely heard the words. It was just a rush of blood past his ears as it raced to his steadily hardening dick.

As Gio moved away, he reached past Calder and pulled Lucien close. “And what are you drinking?” Calder watched as Gio licked his way into Lucien’s slack, welcoming mouth. He didn’t know what turned him on more—actually kissing Gio or watching Gio kiss Lucien. It defied all logic, but it was clear that his libido had zero interest in logic. He only wanted to know all the wonderful things Gio could do with his mouth.

Gio released Lucien and licked his own lips slowly. His dark eyes had turned black as his pupils dilated with desire. “I can tell this is going to be a fun night already. I suggest we head to my place so we can get more comfortable and less likely to be arrested.”

We? Calder croaked out.

If you’ve been reading these books, I am sure you suspected Lucian and Calder having a connection. I mean the water weaver and the fire weaver had to be connected. What we didn’t know was that they weren’t complete as a couple. Then they met Gio.

So two guys who sniped at each other constantly were suddenly in bed together. With Gio literally and figuratively in between them. Cozy.

They figured one and done, right? Gotta love the whole “just have sex and get it out of your systems”. Does that ever work? Nope. Then Gio shows up at their house because he is the antique furniture restoration specialist that was hired. Oh boy sexual tension is a cracklin!

But Gio is immediately brought in on what is going on when the house is attacked and magic is revealed. Lucian and Calder don’t want Gio’s memory erased. Gio doesn’t want his memory erased. Grey knows that they are soul mates so he is against it as well.

Even though Gio has been burned by a triad before, he does come around kind of quickly to the idea of a soulmate trio. Especially when they need help locating the final weaver.

There is a GREAT scene with the three of them, Gio’s entire family and pestilents that was awesome. The big Italian family is so familiar to me and what I grew up around that they way they reacted to everything was pretty believable.

This book wasn’t nearly as nail biting as the others, but it was really fun and enjoyable. I’m not really looking forward to the next book because I assume it will be the last. Better be epic is all I’m saying.

4 pieces of eye candy

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

Author Links

Website: http://drakeandelliott.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrakeandElliott

Email: drakeandelliott@gmail.com

Romantic Rescue (Romantic Series, Book 2) by Blake Allwood: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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A nasty fall on a hiking trail represents Daniel’s crumbling life, but a handsome park ranger will rescue him in more ways than one.

Catching your boyfriend and best friend together would be bad for anyone, but being arrested for punching your best friend in the nose makes it much worse. When Daniel heads into the mountains for some alone time, things go from bad to awful as a fall leads to a life-threatening injury.

Ranger Joseph is everything Daniel has dreamed of, but his dreams never involved being carried down a mountain on a stretcher. As Daniel mends he discovers a relationship with Joseph may be his one chance for true love.

Daniel can’t seem to catch a break; just as his life starts improving, he’s attacked by an unknown assailant. With his life now in jeopardy, can the fledgling relationship survive or will everything he cherishes be lost?

Romantic Rescue is part two of the MM/gay Romantic Series. If you like instant love, hurt to comfort gay romances, and just a touch of suspense, then you’ll enjoy this heartwarming novel by Blake Allwood.

Romantic Rescue

Romantic Series, Book 2

By Blake Allwood

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Book 1: Romantic Renovations

Book 3 (out 10/29): Romantic Recon

Joseph flipped through the photos, almost unaware that I was with him. Suddenly he stopped flipping and said, “Oh, now this is interesting. This is what appears to be a marmot, an Olympic marmot, to be precise.” He turned toward me, a light in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“These are found only in this part of the world.” He was so wrapped up in what he was showing me that I don’t think he realized just how close he was sitting or how close his face was to mine. Trying not to make something out of nothing, I looked intently at the marmot, which incidentally looked like a cross between a beaver and squirrel. I tried to wait until Joseph moved away.

My God, he smelled like the woods. We were in the woods, and he smelled more like a forest than the forest did. I had to stop it. Maybe I should have faked being in pain so I could stop it before I embarrassed myself, again!

Joseph looked over at me.

“Did you know there are several species that live everywhere else in Washington state but here? There are also a few species that only live here… can only live here.”

Then his expression changed, and with the coolest movement, he leaned the extra few inches between us and kissed me. Just as soon as it started, it ended, leaving me a little lost. When he pulled away, he smiled.

Blake Allwood was born in west TN, then moved to Kansas City MO after attending college in Iowa. He met his husband, Shaun, in 1995 and they officially married in 2015, once the United States legalized gay marriage.

In 2017, he and his husband sold their home, purchased an RV and began traveling the country with their two dogs. Their travels provide the inspiration and settings for many of his novels.

Typically, Blake can be found writing in the RV or by the fire with his laptop and their Jack Russell Terrier, Buddy, curled up between his legs or demanding his attention.  Denver, their Siberian Husky mix is often asleep at his feet or playing tug of war with Shaun.

Aiden Inspired (Apr 2019) is his first published novel, featuring two disparate characters from New York and Washington State who meet and develop an unlikely bond.

His second novel, Suzie Empowered (Feb 2020), is a follow-up novel featuring Aiden’s sister Suzie as she overcomes her fear of relationships with straight men due to a sexual assault in high school.

Blake returned to gay romance with his release of Bobby Transformed (Mar 2020) about an Iowa farm boy and a big city publisher.

These first three novels share characters and can be read as a series or each as a stand-alone novel.

Romantic Renovations (June 2020), is a stand-alone novel that features a popular home renovation star and a large property owner in Seattle, Washington.  Blake veers from his contemporary romance themed novels and dips his toes in the crime mystery troupe for this one.  He is currently working on two additional books to make this into a series.

His Chance series was released in the summer of 2020, consisting of three books:   Love by Chance, Another Chance With Love, and Taking a Chance For Love

The Big Bend series, based in the area around Big Bend National Park in Texas will be released over three  months beginning June 2021.

Please let us know how you enjoy Blake’s books by using the contact us page or join the discussion of Blake’s and other M/M romance author’s books by connecting with Blake Allwood’s Book Club on Facebook.

To keep up to date as books come available, sign up for his mailing list.

Connect with Blake:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlakeAllwood
Newsletter Sign-Up on Website
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blakeallwoodnovels/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeallwood9/?hl=en

 

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Hotter Than Hot: A Friends to Lovers Romance (Suntastic Fun Book 2) by Ariella Zoelle: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Baxley has been teasing Callahan for years about wanting to be with him. When Callahan finds out his best friend is actually serious about being with him, his curiosity gets the better of him. Why should being straight stop him from having fun with his sexy best friend?

Callahan

Baxley is a lot of things: an awesome friend, a relentlessly shameless flirt, a little too attractive, and way too tempting when I’m straight. All of his heated teasing is starting to get to me, making me wonder if maybe indulging my curiosity might be worth blurring the boundaries of our friendship for a night. But what if it’s so good that I want a repeat experience?

He promises me an experience that’s hotter than hot, but am I ready to discover that I like what he’s offering me?

Baxley

When everything about Callahan lights my insides up like a fireworks finale on the Fourth of July, I knew from the moment I first saw him that he was the one for me. The only thing stopping me from making him mine is that he’s straight. But that excuse goes out the window when he kisses me, like he’s been dying for a taste of me for years.

If he’s ready to take a chance on me for one night, can I make him fall in love with me forever?

Hotter Than Hot is the second and final book in the Suntastic Fun duet. This novella features a friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, no angst romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and scorching-hot banter that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll adore this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed in order.

Hotter Than Hot was originally published as Turn Up the Heat for the Boys of Summer M/M giveaway. A new epilogue has been added for publication.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

It was precious how Callahan blushed at the sight of my arousal. “Now that I know you haven’t been with anyone for years, your raging horniness makes a lot more sense.”

I reached down to stroke my length as I held his gaze. “This has everything to do with finally being blessed enough to have the chance to prove to you I’m not all talk.”

He blinked at me several times with a dazed look.

Not wanting to overwhelm him with too much too soon, I stopped touching myself. “Are you having second thoughts?”

He shook his head, making me breathe a sigh of relief. “No, I’m confused.”

“About what?”

He bit his lower lip. “You’re going to laugh at me.”

“In theory, that should reassure you since that’s the norm.” My words earned me the chuckle I knew they would. “But if it’ll make you feel better, I promise I’ll try really hard not to.”

He took a deep breath as he squared his shoulders with resolve. “I might have had a few inappropriate late-night thoughts wondering what it would be like if I ever said yes to your offers to suck my dick.”

What a delightful kernel of knowledge that was. Rather than thanking him for giving me something new to fantasize about, I nodded to show I was listening, and he should continue.

“We’re always clothed when you tugged my pants down when I reached the point where I couldn’t take the teasing anymore.” He looked away in embarrassment. “I never pictured either of us being completely naked.”

“Would it make you more comfortable if I put my clothes back on?”

“No, but I feel like I’m supposed to have a squeamish straight-guy reaction to seeing you jerking off, but, um…”

I was dying to know how that sentence ended. “You can tell me.”

He looked up at the ceiling with a pained expression. “I can’t say it. It’s going to make me sound so self-centered.”

“That’s fine. It’s hot when your ego comes out to play a little.” Grinning at him, I tried to convince him some more. “It should be fairly obvious by this point that I love it when you’re a bit of a bastard. Lay it on me.”

It took him a few moments to build up the courage to confess. “Instead of being grossed out watching you touching yourself, it’s kind of…um, well, it’s sort of sexy seeing how turned on you are because of me. I don’t know what to do with that reaction.”

“You’ve got plenty of time to overanalyze it later. All that matters right now is you’re into this.”

He drew a shuddering breath. “Way more than I was expecting.”

I closed the distance between us to give him a searing kiss to refocus his attention on what was happening. He whimpered into it as I let my hands wander over his bare skin. I slowly worked down to his shorts, unbuttoning them and sending them to the floor.

I stopped shy of my goal, even as I took a moment to appreciate the bulge straining in his navy briefs. “Do you want me to keep going?”

“Dear god, please.”

This was kind of a continuation/off-shoot of It Might Be Hot: A Friends to Lovers Gay Romance (Suntastic Fun Book 1), so similar to the first book, this one was about the same. Lots of sex, LOTS, and a couple that were friends, become lovers and are in love pretty much overnight.

It was very, for want of a better word, schmoopy. Very gushy, with Baxley being in love with Callahan from the first time they met. It was insta-love three years later. 🙂 With lots of sex. lol

I did enjoy that we got to learn a bit more about these guys than the first book, and we did learn that the reason Bax was so flirty with Callahan was not because he was just a huge flirt, but because he kept hoping Callahan would just take him up on it.

It was low angst, very sweet, and you felt for Bax who had been in love with his best friend for all this time. However, there was definitely a lack of meat to it. With it being a beachy/summer read, though, that’s what you’re generally looking for. A fun, quick read.

3 pieces of eye candy

Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. She writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. If you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Connect with Ariella:

Website: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/
Newsletter: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/newsletter
Amazon Author Profile: https://amzn.to/3hNv3xT
A.F. Zoelle’s Books: https://amzn.to/3BAgypg
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazingafzoelle/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/extraafzoelle
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ariellazoelle
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ariella-zoelle


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Friendly Fire by Saxon James: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Rafe
It started in high school.
We grew apart. Bit by bit, then all at once.
The friend who was my ride or die suddenly wanted nothing to do with me.
Now Cam’s back from college, living in the house next door, and pulling stupid pranks just to annoy me.
Between my intense family and my failing relationship, I’m struggling enough without his antics.
But Cam won’t go away. And I’m not so sure I want him to.

Cam
It started with a smile.
A touch.
A shared look of mischief.
Rafael Ortega stole my heart before I realised it was mine to give away.
We were best friends from the time we were in diapers right up until the unthinkable happened: he started dating.
I put distance between us to save myself, but now I’m back, willing to do anything for his attention again.
Because the only thing worse than Rafe breaking my heart…
Is him not getting a chance to.

Friendly Fire is the final book in the Never Just Friends series. It’s a low angst childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance with skinny dipping, sex toys, and one final happily ever after.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Cam flicks a little water from the hose my way, and I quickly jump back from the spray. “It’s okay, you don’t need to beg. It’s all yours.”

I stare at him for a moment. “What is?”

“My spare room.”

“I didn’t ask for your spare room.”

“You don’t need to. I know how you work, timing it so I’m out the front as you’re leaving.” He winks. “Well played.”

My lips twitch again. “That’s definitely not what happened.”

“Oh, sure, yes, of course not. Do you want me to beg to make you feel better? Oh, please, Rafe, stay. It’ll be so much more convenient for me for you to be close to home. I’ve been dying to share my own personal space with someone.”

I assume he’s mostly joking, but the last thing I want is to put him out. It would be more convenient, but I can’t imagine Cam shares well. “Lucky for you, then, that Tanner offered.”

I turn to head for my car, when Cam’s hose suddenly shuts off and he vaults the fence between us. “Don’t be stubborn.”

“I’m not being stubborn.”

“You’re being dumb and stubborn when you know staying here would be a thousand times easier.” His confident stride closes the space between us. “Now we can do this back-and-forth thing for however long it takes, or you can admit that you want to stay and we can get on with our lives.”

“Campbell …” I do want to stay. But there’s also a side of me that really, really doesn’t. It’s sending off warning signals that are making my heart thump harder. “You literally kicked me out this morning.”

“I was hungover.” He gives me a smile, and damn him, it actually looks sincere.

I jump when his fingers trail over the back of my hand and then close around my bag strap.

I should fight him.

Instead, I let go.

“There we are.” He slings my bag over his shoulder and starts to head for his house. I fall into step with him. “This arrangement is going to be great. I’ve always wanted a live-in butler.”

“No chance.”

“Tell me you know how to cook, then. I’ll settle for a live-in chef.”

“Nope.”

“Maid? I could buy you one of those black-and-white costumes.”

I choke on air. “Hell no.”

“Handyman?”

“I regret this already.”

“Sure you do.” He leads the way up his front stairs. “Fine, fine. I guess I’ll settle for you repaying me with sex.”

I’m not sure what look crosses my face, but Cam cracks up laughing. “Jesus, dude, relax.” He pauses before opening the front door, and all teasing leaves his face. “You’re my friend. I just want to help you out.”

Then he gives me one of his rare, genuine smiles, the one that makes his eyes go all soft, and that warning signal goes nuts.

Everything about Cam is familiar. It makes me warm and settles the fear and self-doubt inside me. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t stay with him.

Hopefully, it’ll only be a night or two.

I’ve really enjoyed this entire series, and discovered a new author that I will definitely re-read. This being last in the series, I was very hopeful that it would be as much fun as the last books. While it definitely was, there were a few points that I missed the mark with me.

Rafe and Cam were friends from an early age, and then sort of drifted apart. It happened a little when Rafe was sent to another school, and then further when Cam got a girlfriend, while Rafe realized he was gay and in love with his best friend. It happens to all of us, we drift away from someone we once cared about, but this was deliberate on Rafe’s part, and understandable.

When Cam returned to their small town, he bought the house next door to Rafe (lucky it was for sale wasn’t it?) and immediately began finding little ways to annoy Rafe. This was a little confusing to me, other than Cam just could not get past the fact that they were childhood friends, and so played pranks on Rafe. (I just have to say, though, that I absolutely laughed out loud at the two biggest pranks…think a gnome and some forks.) It was Cam’s way of getting Rafe’s attention in the only way he could think of…in order to become friends again. It frustrated me honestly, but it did work to at least get his attention, and allow them to start to work towards each other. I’m not sure it would have worked for most people, but hey everyone is different.

Meanwhile, Rafe was going through some crises. His girlfriend since high school and he had become complacent, and had needed to break up about 5 years prior, but instead just kept pretending with each other. Rafe started to work out that he was asexual, maybe gray ace, but somewhere on the spectrum, and yet felt a growing connection with Cam. And this is where the book really worked well in my opinion.

Sometimes in romance novels (more often than I’d like, tbh) someone who is introduced as asexual is portrayed as someone who doesn’t have sex, doesn’t ever or will never have/want sex, etc. And while that can be true, or somewhat true, it doesn’t describe everything about how someone who is ace actually conducts their life or even feels. Rafe, as he was working it out in his mind, confided in Cam, and not only was Cam encouraging, he was able to help Rafe find ways to be the person he needed to be, for himself. He respected Rafe, didn’t push him, and in kind Rafe respected, and loved Cam enough that sex could be on the table, when it was right. The asexual portion of this book was so well done, it was clear that the author really checked into what people on that spectrum felt was important to them. Sometimes when you love someone, you make compromises that work for you both, and they were able to find what worked for them.

With the rest of the story, the back and forth with the girlfriend, and the mother, and not wanting to tell anyone, and the instant forgiveness for a rather rude event that happened in a previous book…that was a miss for me. I understood that Rafe grew up in that town, had a lot invested, loved his mother, and his girlfriend-as a friend, but it was a bit odd to me that them breaking up needed to be a secret that was let out slowly and with very careful choices of when and where.

But overall, this book worked for me, with the asexual depiction, and the work on the relationship that Rafe and Cam developed on their second go round in each other’s lives.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Saxon James is an author from Aus who’s obsessed with writing queer characters.

She has a range of books from YA to adult and they all have one thing in common: swoony, sweet love.

When not writing, Saxon exists on a diet of coffee and chocolate while putting her KU subscription to the test.

Connect with Saxon:
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/saxonssweethearts/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thesaxonjames/
Newsletter: www.subscribepage.com/saxonjames
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Saxon-James/e/B082TP7BR7
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/saxonjameswrites/
Website: https://saxonjamesauthor.com
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Rogue Royal (Club Royal) by Elouise East: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

by

Welcome to Club Royal, where your deepest desires are no longer a secret…

Douglas is the spare heir, and he chafes at the restrictions placed on his extra-curricular activities. He wants nothing more than to lose himself in someone else, but too many people are out for what they can get from him, including a membership at the exclusive and highly confidential Club Royal.

Maverick was given the role of social media manager to Douglas as punishment for showing up his boss two years ago. Try as he might, he has not been able to get a transfer, though it could be because he is too damn good at his job. Despite being given the exclusive membership to Club Royal, he doesn’t use it…it’s just not his kind of thing.

When Douglas figures out Maverick’s weakness, he wants to be the one to teach Maverick everything, and it sends them on a journey neither had anticipated.

Can Maverick trust his body to a man who can have anyone he desires?

Title: Rogue Royal

Series: Club Royal #1

Author: Elouise East

Release: September 9, 2021

Genre: MM Romance

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Secretive Royal (Club Royal, Book 2): Coming 11/4/21

“Teach me,” Maverick whispered, eyes lowered.

Douglas inhaled shakily, overwhelmed by the trust Maverick was showing in him. Lifting his hands, he skimmed his middle fingers of each along Maverick’s skin from wrist to the end of his finger, receiving a tremble in return.

“It will be my pleasure.”

Reining in his libido because he knew what needed to be done first, he cupped Maverick’s chin with his forefinger and lifted his face to his. “Maverick, we have things to discuss before this can go any further.”

“Mav.”

Maverick’s eyes were heavy-lidded, and it took everything in Douglas to keep from closing the gap. Douglas blinked a few times and frowned. “Sorry?”

“Please, call me Mav.”

Douglas licked his lips and pulled back, releasing Mav. “Okay. Mav, take a seat. We have things to talk about.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Maverick—Mav—stumbled over to the sofa opposite, which was much farther than Douglas wanted him to be, but a suitable distance to allow Douglas to think properly. When Mav sat, Douglas took a breath.

“Before we go any further, we need to decide what it is you want from this relationship. What do you like? What don’t you like? And safe words are a few questions.” Mav cleared his throat, but Douglas held up a hand. “Let me ask you one at a time, and you need to think before you answer. I will take whatever you say as truthful unless your body language says otherwise.” Mav nodded.

“I think I have an idea, but tell me, what don’t you want?”

Mav gripped his own hands, rubbing the thumb of one over the back of the other as he contemplated Douglas’s question. “I don’t want to be hurt. Pain for me is just that, pain. I don’t have a high pain threshold, I don’t think.”

“I beg to differ.” When Mav raised his eyebrows in silent question, Douglas continued, “You manage to continue working when you have a migraine. Now, I’ve never suffered from them before, but I know they can be debilitating. If you have the strength to work through those, then your pain threshold is higher than you think.”

Mav tilted his head, and Douglas could see his brain whirling. “Regardless, though, I don’t like pain. I don’t find it sexy. I don’t find it arousing. I find it painful. It’s why I’ve shied away from BDSM in the past. I thought it was all about pain.”

Douglas narrowed his eyes. “What made you decide to research?”

Mav’s cheeks darkened until red stained his cheeks and neck. “After thinking about the massage and what you did, I was curious.” Douglas wasn’t sure if Mav was aware he was skimming his fingers across his own palms as he spoke, but the action heated Douglas’s blood.

Okay, let’s start off with the premise of this series…a secret BDSM club owned/operated by the Royal Family of the UK. And all members of the royal family are officially taken there when they are of age, and can then decide if that is something they want to pursue, or not. The premise of this was so thought provoking to me! For centuries there have been rumors of the royal family being a part of secret society groups, but this…I thought this was quite inventive.

**Side note: The book says at the very beginning that it’s helpful if you read the free prologue. To me, it was almost critical. There are mul)tiple POV’s in this book, not just the two MC’s, and it’s helpful to have some idea of the royal family dynamics before going into it. You could get through the book just fine, but this is definitely one of those cases that it is going to increase the reader’s enjoyment of the rest of this series. It’s not super long, approximately 8 chapters, I believe, but well worth the time if you are going to delve into this series.**

Douglas and Mav (Maverick) had been working together for some time, but basically ignored their attraction, letting it simmer so that it was almost an afterthought to both of them. That all changes when Douglas realizes by happenstance that Mav is very much about sensation, and he introduces Mav to the world of BDSM through sensation versus the often thought of pain/pleasure side of the lifestyle. They are in sync quite quickly with their lifestyle choices. Although I loved that Mav respected his own boundaries and refused to even enter the club until he was comfortable, which was a much longer period of time than many books would show, and Douglas never pressured him at all.

Douglas was very secretive about his “double life”, but it made him all the more appealing as a person, and a royal, which he took very seriously. He felt a strong need to help people who might not be able to help themselves. Once Mav found out about this double life, it pushed his feelings for Douglas even further towards the HEA we are all looking for.

There were some conflicts with Mav’s boss (he was basically a contractor within the castle walls) which I thought was a bit more contrived than I would have liked. However, it did introduce us to Mav’s father, who was a sassy older man that just made you want to hug him, and tell him to stay off ladders.

There is also an overarching slightly suspenseful arc that will be interesting to see how it plays out. There are several cousins that get along really well…I am thinking this is scheduled to be a six book series, with all the cousins being an MC. However, there are some definite homophobes within the family, which may be causing some trouble internally. All is not peaches and cream within the royal family.

All in all, very well done. A great start to what I am hoping is a great series.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

I am Elouise East but feel free to call me Elli. I write sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. I also touch on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.

Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point – be it blood family or chosen – is very important to me. That’s why I include a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as I believe a story needs, or a character needs. I want my characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell me they have. And trust me, most of the time, I do not have any say in the matter!

My characters come to life on the page for me as well as my readers. Their stories unfold in front of me, and I have very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of my characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I write books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of my stories. I don’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.

Who am I? A single parent to two children who make life worth living. An avid reader who still devours every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy.

Who’s in?

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Playing It Safe (Sydney Smoke Rugby Series Book 7) by Amy Andrews: Release Day Review

by

Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball.

Until one man suddenly changes everything…

Beckett Stanton is out and proud—and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing.

For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

Amazon

I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, as I believe they are all m/f. However, when I saw this one pop up on NG, I was super intrigued. First, Australia, Sydney to be exact, which I love, with a little New Zealand thrown in there, have always loved the home of the Kiwis, and on top of it sports romance. All great things in my book. I don’t know anything about rugby (although I did get to watch an All Blacks match when I was in NZ), known as footie Down Under, but I can’t imagine I wouldn’t love it.

Poor Dono…he struggled so hard to be true to himself, love his family, and just keep working his career, knowing someday he could be an out FORMER player. He never counted on falling in love. He always felt his teammates, the team leadership, the fans would hate him, and bring pain to his only child, simply because he was gay. He truly felt he had no options.

Meanwhile Beck swore he wasn’t going to do the whole boyfriend in the closet piece ever again, and kept to that, for some time at least. He told himself he could keep it separate and casual, but Dono knew exactly what he wanted, it was a challenge for him to agree to it.

This was an insta-love/lust that turned into a slow burn, allowing these two to become friends, getting to know each other on a level that was far beyond the hot sex that came later. Even though they hid away from the world, they spent time doing domestic things, cooking together, ordering in, watching movies and old rugby matches, laughing and having fun together. They dated behind closed doors, until they had no other options.

Definitely some crying, and a super happy ending. Would definitely recommend.

4 pieces of eye candy

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, double RITA nominated, Aussie author who has written eighty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.

She loves good books and great booze although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!

She lives in a pretty little coastal town where she gets to look at the ocean all day.

To keep up with her new releases you can join her mailing list here – http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newsletter.html