Book Excerpts

A Dangerous Game by Rick R. Reed: Guest Post and Exclusive Excerpt

June 8, 2016 by Denise

Sex can be a dangerous business. So can love.

On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher wants oblivion when he steps into Tricks for a drink. When a mysterious stranger steps up to pay his tab, he offers Wren the key to fulfilling his dreams of prosperity and true love.

But appearances are not always what they seem.

His savior owns the escort agency À Louer, and he wants the young and handsome Wren as part of his stable of men-for-hire. Down on his luck, Wren figures, why not? He needs the money. When he joins, though, he doesn’t count on meeting Rufus, another escort with whom he falls hopelessly in love.

But their love story will have to overcome the obstacles of not only trading love for money, but À Louer’s dark—and deadly—secrets.

Exclusive Excerpt: Wren Picks Up an Abandoned Paper on the Bus and Discovers a Murder in A DANGEROUS GAME
A Guest Post by Rick R. Reed

A Dangerous Game has its thriller aspect as well as its love aspect. Here’s where one of our boys first finds out that escorting can not only be risky—it can also be lethal.
Snatch that paper up. See what’s going on outside your own little dramafest. Maybe there’s something in there that will take your mind off Rufus for the next ten minutes. Hell, maybe the classifieds is just twitching with dream jobs, just for you.
Right.
Wren did lean over and pluck the newspaper from the seat. He scooted back up against the window and opened it.
And his heart nearly stopped.
The front-page headline practically screamed at him, making his blood run cold and the world around him dissolve.
Second Murder on City’s North Side Believed to be Linked to Escort Service
Wren fought his way through the spare, journalistic prose to learn that a second young man had been “stabbed to death along Chicago’s lakefront.” The victim, whose name and details were being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was believed to have been associated with the same escort service, À Louer, that Evan Maple, who was murdered in a similar fashion two weeks ago, worked for.
Wren scanned the article for more, but there was nothing to identify who the victim had been. But Wren was suddenly certain it had to have been Rufus who’d been killed.
That was the reason he hadn’t called.
He was dead. And before that he was being stalked by some serial killer out to put an end to male escorts by picking them off one by one, stopping their hearts and their commerce with something like a sharp hunting knife.
Wren felt like he was going to be sick. Although he still had several blocks to go, he reached up and pulled the cord to alert the bus driver he needed to get off. When the bus had barely stopped at a corner, Wren dropped the paper to the floor and hurried out the back door of the bus.
Outside the air was thick with humidity and exhaust fumes, even this early in the morning. The sun, beating down harshly out of a dirty white sky, didn’t serve to make him feel any better. Wren sat down on the curb and then put his head between his legs, trying to slow his breathing and force back the bile burning the back of his throat.
He sat there for several long minutes, waiting for his heart rate and respiration to slow, telling himself over and over again that he needed to get ahold of himself and that À Louer employed several young men, any one of which could have been the killer’s victim.

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ARe

Dreamspinner Press ebook
Dreamspinner Press paperback

Rick R. Reed is all about exploring the romantic entanglements of gay men in contemporary, realistic settings. While his stories often contain elements of suspense, mystery and the paranormal, his focus ultimately returns to the power of love.

He is the author of dozens of published novels, novellas, and short stories. He is a three-time EPIC eBook Award winner (for Caregiver, Orientation and The Blue Moon Cafe). He is also a Rainbow Award Winner for both Caregiver and Raining Men. Lambda Literary Review has called him, “a writer that doesn’t disappoint.”

Rick lives in Seattle with his husband and a very spoiled Boston terrier. He is forever “at work on another novel.”

STALK RICK
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/rickrreedbooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rickrreed
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+RickReedWRITER
Blog: http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/
Website: www.rickrreed.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rick-r-reed
Email: rickrreedbooks@gmail.com

Speechless by Nicole Edwards : Preorder Blitz and Excerpt

May 30, 2016 by Denise

Title: Speechless
Series: Pier 70 #3
Author: Nicole Edwards
Genre: Adult, M/M Romance
Coming: June 7, 2016

He’s suffering in silence…

Teague Carter, one of the four owners of Pier 70 Marina, has spent his life feeling rejected. To the point that he has never allowed himself to get close to anyone. He prefers it that way, in fact. But he refuses to believe that his destructive behavior might be something more than rebellion.

He’s unable to speak…

Hudson Ballard, Pier 70’s mechanic, has been fighting his attraction to Teague for years. He has stood by and watched the kid get more and more out of control, but this time is the last. If Teague wants to use sex to escape his problems, Hudson is certainly willing to be the one to show him that he’s good with more than just his hands.

Sometimes words aren’t necessary.

There are fireworks when this out-of-control bad boy agrees to no strings with this tatted up, dominating mechanic.

Can Teague and Hudson keep their emotions from getting involved in their arrangement? Or — thanks to the demons from their pasts — will the darkness steal from them before they have a chance?

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Excerpt from Speechless © Nicole Edwards 2016Thursday, June 2nd
TEAGUE CARTER TRIED to ignore Hudson Ballard. Hell, he’d tried to ignore the bastard for the past … what? Two years now? Maybe three? Who freaking knows and who really cares. Regardless, it was getting more and more difficult as each day passed, but he wanted to think he’d done a pretty decent job all this time.
Until now.
Until today.
Until this fucking cruise, where he’d seen more of Hudson than he cared to.
Yup, Teague had mastered the art of avoidance or so he’d thought. But here on this stupid cruise ship, with the way Hudson was watching him, avoiding the man was damn near impossible. To the point that Teague simply wanted to punch him. In the mouth.
But he hadn’t.
No, he had settled for drinking himself into oblivion and it’d worked. He could no longer feel his fingers or toes, and his tongue had long ago gone numb thanks to the whiskey he’d been drinking like water. Chasing it with beer helped, too. It’d been the only way he could handle watching Hudson talk to the guy he’d brought on the ship with him. Stupid asshole.
He peered over his shoulder at Hudson, noticing the big guy was watching him intently. Teague had the sudden urge to stick out his tongue, but he knew that was petty and childish, and he was doing his best not to give in to those impulses. Shit, he was twenty-five years old, for fuck’s sake. He could act like a grown-up when need be.
Still didn’t mean he liked the fact that Hudson had brought along a plus one on this trip. Teague was pretty sure someone had said the guy’s name was AJ, but he wasn’t positive. Nor did he give a fuck. What the hell kind of name was that, anyway?
“A. J.” Teague smiled to himself as he began saying the letters faster. “A. J. A. J. A. J. Age. Age. Age. Age. Age.” He laughed because they now sounded funny and made his tongue tingle.
He rolled his eyes and lifted his empty glass. Too bad the bar was closed already. Then again, the reception was over, which meant the private room would probably be closing soon, too. The alcohol was definitely helping to keep him from thinking about Hudson. In fact, he’d done everything in his power not to pay attention to Hudson and his new boy toy. The boy toy who had been signing to Hudson earlier and was now talking to Milly.
Did anyone else find that strange?
Gay guy. Straight girl. No matter how you calculated it, the math didn’t add up.
Damn. He’d obviously had far too much to drink, because it sure as shit looked like Milly and the guy were flirting it up. But that couldn’t be the case. The asshole was here with Hudson.
Hudson the Prick.
Mmm-hmm, that was what Teague had started calling him. It was a good name for him, too.
When his head started spinning again, Teague knew it was time to get to his cabin. He wasn’t sure how he was going to make that happen, but he figured he’d get there eventually. If not, he could always lie down on the floor and take a nap. It wasn’t like anyone would be worried about where he was or who he was with. Unlike everyone else on this stupid cruise, he didn’t have a plus one. He was rolling solo, like always.
Oh, wait. Roan was, too.
Whatever.
Roan wasn’t important right now.
“Son of a fucking bitch,” he muttered, holding his empty glass. No more whiskey and no more bartender meant heading back to his room was a definite must.
He managed to twist in his chair and get his feet firmly on the floor, but when he went to stand, the room started spinning again. He had to sit back down. Luckily, no one had moved the chair or he would’ve been on his ass on the floor, and he was seriously questioning whether or not he could’ve gotten up from that point.
Okay, one more try.
Again, Teague pushed to his feet, this time remaining upright long enough to get away from the table. He started in the direction of the door, hoping he would make it. Right foot. Left foot. Right foot.
Wait, which foot was he on?
He looked up at the door. That was a long-ass way from where he was, but…
Shit.
He stumbled again and grabbed the nearest chair. “If the ship would stop rocking, I’d be fine.” He wasn’t sure who he was talking to, but the words helped his tongue not feel so numb, so he continued to ramble as he pushed away from the chair and made another go at getting to the door.
Unfortunately, the door disappeared from view when a giant body stepped in front of him.
Fucking great.
Now he had to deal with Hudson the Prick.
Teague instantly looked at Hudson’s hands as he signed. He had absolutely no fucking idea what Hudson said, but if he knew Hudson, it was going to be something that involved telling Teague what to do. So he replied in kind. “Thanks for the bit of advice, Dad.”
The next thing Teague knew, he tripped on his own foot, and the world tilted sideways. Just as he was gearing up to kiss the floor, Hudson’s enormous arms wrapped around him, keeping him from face-planting. Because he was too drunk to do otherwise, he allowed Hudson to get him to his feet by putting his arm around his back.
Hmm. The guy smelled good.
Then again, he always smelled good.
Something dark and woodsy…
Had to be cologne. The expensive shit, at that.
While Hudson guided him toward the door, Teague tried to ignore the heat that seared him from Hudson’s touch. He hated how fucking good it felt for someone to be touching him like this. He wasn’t sure anyone had ever attempted to take care of him or given a flying fuck whether or not he made it where he needed to go, but it seemed Hudson was doing just that. Sure, Teague had friends, kind of, but most of them would’ve laughed their ass off once Teague hit the ground. They wouldn’t have helped him by any means. And since he had no family…
Teague was distracted by Hudson’s scent.
“Why the fuck do you have to smell so good?” He tried to peer up at Hudson, wanting to look into those emerald-green eyes. “And why the hell aren’t you with your boyfriend?”
He knew better than to expect an answer from Hudson. The guy was mute; he couldn’t speak. If he signed a response, Teague wouldn’t understand, anyway. And truthfully, he didn’t want an answer to that. He’d done his best not to think about Hudson and that guy sharing a room, sharing a bed…
He shook his head, trying to dislodge the stupidity that was bouncing around inside his brain.
Hudson helped him onto the elevator, then pointed to the panel by the door.
Teague reached out and hit a button. Seven was a good number. It was random, sure, but that was because he couldn’t remember what floor he was on.
When they got to the floor, Hudson helped him out, still holding him upright as he led him down the hall. For some reason, this didn’t look like the right one, but Teague really didn’t know. His vision was blurry, so he couldn’t tell for sure. The carpet was different, maybe?
“Not my floor,” he mumbled, trying to remember what floor he actually was on. “Room number doesn’t have a seven.”
Or did it?
He felt Hudson’s arm tighten around him, and he got the sense Hudson wasn’t pleased with him, but he didn’t give much of a fuck. No, he didn’t give a fuck at all. The thought made him chuckle.
No fuck at all.
It seemed like forever before they finally made it to the right floor. It had only taken another detour on the wrong one before he got lucky. This one looked like the right place. And this—he reached out his arm and pointed—was the right door. Maybe. When they stopped, he noticed Hudson’s hands moving, but he didn’t know what Hudson was saying, so he frowned back at him.
Not wanting to touch Hudson any more than he had to, Teague attempted to stand up on his own. “Fuck. Why’s the room spinning so damn much?” And who stretched it? The last part he kept to himself because his lips felt funny.
He peered up at Hudson at the same time those penetrating green eyes glared back at him. He was tempted to ask him what his problem was, but then…
Son of a bitch.
Hudson’s hand dove into Teague’s pocket, dangerously close to… Oh, fuck. Just a little to the left…
No, wait. Not to the left. He wasn’t supposed to want Hudson touching him.

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New York Times bestselling author Nicole Edwards launched her professional writing career in July of 2012. Having been an avid reader all of her life and a huge fan of creative writing, it seemed the likely path for her to take. Since then, she has released fifteen books and has no plans to stop. As her full-time career/hobby, Nicole writes steamy contemporary and erotic romances.

Nicole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who was born and raised in Texas. Married with three kids and four dogs, she has plenty of interaction to keep her imagination brewing. Her books have been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After segment as well as Indie Reader’s best seller list. She has forged her way as an independent author.

Although she has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, she prefers to be hiding out in her writing cave, talking to the fictional characters that have built up in her head over the years.

When she isn’t writing or plotting her next book (sometimes translated to “playing on Facebook”), Nicole loves to read and spend time with her family and her dogs.

We invite you join the Nicole & Colt Edwards Group on Facebook. Don’t miss out on the fun and prizes at the Speechless Release Party happening Monday, June 7th starting at 8 AM CST till Tuesday, June 8th at 10 PM CST.

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Believing Blue by Nicole Colville : Blog Tour, Review, Series Review and Giveaway

May 17, 2016 by Denise

Believing Blue

Manchester Ménage Collection, Book Three

Nicole Colville

M/M Romance

Cover Designer

Kellie Dennis from Book Cover by Design www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk/

Release Date: 04.21.16

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1MLnIM5

Believing Blue Full cover

Is there a fated path we follow, or is it simply a series of coincidental events?

Police officer Kellan Howard is rumoured to have spent too much time in sub-zero temperatures, leaving him with a block of ice for a heart and women lining up to help thaw it. Mountain climbing is his only love, leaving no time for a relationship, and although meaningless sex satisfies his physical need, it’s empty. When he attends a fatal traffic accident, he didn’t expect his entire life to change. Along with a final message, Kellan is offered something else from the dying man: the chance to fall in love. Kellan’s never considered being with a man, but when he meets Valentino, he’s instantly drawn to him.

Suffering from crippling agoraphobia, talented Italian artist Valentino has a solitary existence, only experiencing life outside the house through his partner Stuart. When their relationship comes to an abrupt end, Kellan helps ease his suffering. A deep bond binds the two men together, and the sexual tension can’t be denied, but Valentino questions if the distance between their very different lives is too much, and if they can bridge the gap by themselves.

Ballet dancer Blue has a vibrant personality which demands attention, but his humour and courageous attitude are a shield. Blue’s good at making others believe in themselves, but what he needs is someone to believe in him. He could be the bridge both men are looking for, but Blue’s never allowed anyone to get too close, and when Kellan and Valentino enter his life, he desperately tries to protect his heart and his secrets.

When all three meet, the chemistry is undeniable, but each have fears about moving forwards. Together, they learn love comes in many forms. It can’t be restrained or labelled, and it doesn’t always appear in the way you first imagined.

blue tino & kell

Kellan gritted his teeth together and stood up. “I won’t leave you like this.”

“Get the hell out!!” Valentino gripped the base of his nose, rubbing it gruffly. His eyes snapped shut, but not quickly enough.

Kellan spotted the misty glimmer in them. Whether his tears were caused through sheer frustration or sadness, it didn’t matter. Kellan couldn’t leave. He’d have to be forced from the house by an armed response team. “No!” Kellan held his shoulders firmly. “I won’t leave you.”

“God-damn it, Kellan.” Valentino’s eyes flew open, and Kellan’s hands were thrust from him with a jerk. “You’re such a pain in the arse.” He leaned forward, almost hissing his words out against Kellan’s lips. “Why don’t you just leave me alone, huh? Why do you continue to push me when I don’t want it?”

Kellan’s body brushed against Valentino’s firm flesh, and he cursed himself for responding so quickly. “Don’t lie and say you don’t want me here when I know damn well what you want.” Kellan didn’t really know for sure, but there was a heat and need between them which couldn’t be ignored anymore. Valentino needed him, and Kellan was willing to hand over whatever he could to fulfil that need.

Valentino turned those teal green eyes on Kellan’s, a soft growl spilling from his lips. “You’re a fucking tease! A tease, Kellan.”

Kellan was about to come back with a response, like how he had no idea he’d been teasing Valentino, but he was halted by two hands on either side of his head and Valentino’s mouth being forced against his. He stopped breathing, too stunned to act. Valentino had his face clasped tightly to his, those full lips hitting Kellan’s hard and fast, his tongue licking and seeking entrance inside.

A white hot shot of lust spiked through his body and every thought other than being against this writhing, sexy man disappeared. Kellan grabbed hold of Valentino’s hips, rushing him up against the wall and taking ownership of his mouth with a grunt.

Valentino bit down on his lip causing Kellan to pull back. As soon as they separated, Valentino had the upper hand and was spinning him around, holding him against the wall and spreading his thighs open with his knee, rubbing up against the hard length of Kellan’s cock. Despite knowing he could easily restrain Valentino and take control back, he didn’t want to. He wanted this from him. “You know what I want?” Valentino breathed out through their kisses. “You want to give me what I need, Kellan?”

I got a glimpse of Blue in Discovering Dalton so I knew I was in for a treat, but holy hell I didn’t expect Blue to be that funny!

During a snow storm while working for the Mountain Rescue, Kellan stumbles across a bad single car accident. The driver of the car, Stuart is trapped and badly hurt. With help from Milo and Dalton they are able to keep Stuart comfortable while waiting for emergency services to get to him. Because of the bad storm it takes the ambulance close to three hours to get to Stuart. Kellan talks to Stuart to take his mind off of his injuries, learning about the mans partner Valentino.

Unfortunately, Stuart isn’t able to survive his injuries and Kellan has to deliver the news to Valentino. Valentino is an Italian painter who battled depression and agoraphobia. When Kellan meets Valentino something calls to him, as the months go on Kellan continues to check on Valentino and the two form a fragile friendship.

Needing a change of scenery after the accident, Kellan leaves the Mountain Rescue and becomes Dalton’s new partner. While meeting Dalton and Milo for lunch Kellan accidentally bumps into Blue and a serious of unfortunate, hilarious events ensue.

With Blue and Kellan butting heads at every opportunity things start to heat up between Kellan and Valentino. Valentino saw what his illness did to Stuart and he decides he can’t do that to Kellan and breaks things off with him.

After witnessing a break in at Living Ink, Blue and Kellan start to spend more time together realizing that there first impressions may have been way off. Kellan and Blue start a tentative relationship, going slow and getting to know one another when Blue starts modeling for Valentino.

As Blue and Valentino get to know one another Valentino tells Blue about the man he let get away and Blue encourages him to reach out to him and let him know how he feels not knowing that man is Kellan. After receiving a text from Valentino, Kellan shows up to confront him about it and let him know he can’t walk away from Blue, when Blue walks out do the studio all the pieces fall into place. Can Blue and Kellan help Valentino work through his grief without losing themselves? Can Valentino overcome his fear and love again?

This books is equal parts sad and hysterically funny. Nicole Colville takes you right to the edge of so sad you just want to curl up in a ball and sob and pulls you right back to laughing your but off in minutes. I think without all the comedic touches of Blue this would have been a tough read, but the sadness was beautifully written and the comedy was funny without being tactless and insensitive. I’m sure it was difficult to write, but wow she nailed it!

5 pieces of eye candy

Wow, what a really good read. Lots of crazy different emotions throughout the whole book. The story flowed well and I never lost interest. This was my first story by this author and I wasn’t disappointed.

I have never encountered another character like Blue. He was a pretty hilarious individual and I never knew what to expect with him. He has a very sharp tongue that can cut you before you blink. He was really quick to jump to conclusions and I found myself gritting my teeth and wanting to shake him more than once. He’s so insecure and going through so much emotionally and I think that fueled his reactions a lot. He did grow on me and I adored him by the end of the story. He brought so much to the relationship. He was the absolute perfect match for Kellan and Valentino. He’s a one of a kind person, that’s for sure.

Kellan was my favorite in the trio. I loved his personality. He was such a sweet guy with a huge heart and he always put others before himself. I felt like he got the short straw in a lot of the situations though, and that hurt my heart for him.

Valentino is an Italian artist with lots of emotional and anxiety issues. Dealing with the sudden loss of Stuart, his long time partner, has debilitating effects on him. I cried for him more than once. I was so proud of him for finally facing his issues and coming out a stronger person.

All three men in this story are very different and compliment each other perfectly. Each one brought something significant to the relationship. I loved getting to
know each character inside and out and the author brought each one to life beautifully. The passion between them is scorching and the sex is off the charts hot.

Blue’s family was a trip and I caught myself laughing out loud more than once. The secondary characters brought so much life to the story. I can’t wait to check out the other books in this series and find out how the other couples came together. I will definitely read more from Nicole.

5 pieces of eye candy

MANCHESTER MENAGE COLLECTIONS

SAVING SAMUEL, BOOK 1

Saving Samuel Cover

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I am a huge lover of m/m/m so I was excited to dive in to this series and Nicole Colville did not disappoint!

Danny, a fire fighter and Milo, a police officer have been together off and on for six years. Milo is closed off emotionally and Danny needs to hear “I love you” which Milo hasn’t done. Milo will only top and is not willing to even try bottoming for Danny which becomes a big issue in their relationship. After not hearing from Milo for two weeks while he was on holiday with his family, Danny decides they need to end the relationship for good. Danny thinks that after six years if they weren’t able to make it work they never will. Milo isn’t so sure about that and he’s not ready to call it quits because deep down he does love Danny.

During a routine fire Danny rescues what he thinks is a scared woman from a burning abandoned building. When he goes to the hospital to check on her he finds out from the nurse that she is a he named Samuel. While waiting for Samuel to wake up Milo shows up investigating the fire and tries to talk to Danny about their relationship. Danny cuts him off and demands that they only speak to each other about work and nothing personal. Milo sees the way Danny looks at Samuel and demands to know if he has feelings for him. Milo tries to explain to Danny that this is a pending investigation and that they must remain neutral, to which Danny rolls his eyes.

Once a scared Samuel wakes up he tries to run, he has to stay one step ahead of the people after him. Danny catches him running from the hospital and takes him to his house to recover and help keep him safe. One morning while Danny is at the store Milo stops by to talk to him and spooks Samuel. Milo is furious that Danny has been hiding Samuel from him.

The two come to blows and Milo decides to stay at Danny’s to help watch over Samuel and so the two can talk. As Samuel gets comfortable with Milo the three settle into a comfortable routine making Milo realize that Danny was right, there had been something missing in their relationship. As the three embark on a new relationship together, problems from Samuel’s past start to surface ripping Samuel away from Milo and Danny. Can Danny and Milo get to Samuel in time?

I really loved this story. Especially how all their different personalities meld together. Milo is very stoic and serious, not very demonstrative with his feelings while Danny is very caring and tender. Samuel is run by emotion, he’s very caring and kindhearted and enjoys taking care of his men.

The plot was well throughout and engaging. The story moved along at a steady speed never getting boring or stagnate. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

I loved how bringing Samuel into the mix gave both Milo and Danny something they had been missing which in turn allowed them to appreciate their relationship and the new relationship with Samuel. At no point did the author gloss over Milo and Danny’s issues, which was as good to see. As a trio they confronted the issues head on and dealt with them. I so loved this book and can’t wait for the series to continue.

5 pieces of eye candy for Saving Samuel

DISCOVERING DALTON, BOOK 2

Discovering Dalton Cover

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Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Wk5eFq

I was really excited to dive in to this book because I enjoyed Saving Samuel so much. How is it possible that I love Dalton, Liam and Troy even more than Samuel, Danny and Milo?!?

Dalton has discovered his wife of 10 years in having an affair, with this realization comes about 30 pounds of added weight because Dalton is eating his feelings instead of confronting them. Milo steps in and takes Dalton to his gym, Aspire to help the man rebuild his confidence.

Liam, the owner of Aspire and consummate King of one night stands lives with his foster brother Troy. Liam believes he gets everything he needs but sex from his relationship with Troy, so he goes to hookups and leans on Troy for his emotional support. Troy is a tattoo artist who owns Living Ink and is always looking for the love of his life. Troy want to love and be loved, beyond ready to settle down and always devastated when Mr. Right-Now turns out to be a frog instead of Prince Charming.

Dalton can’t catch a break in his personal life. First his wife leaves him, and then his father becomes ill. When Dalton’s wife leaves he is forced to really take a look at his life and decide who he is and what will make him happy. A panic attack at Aspire has Dalton looking at Liam in a new light. As the two embark on a no strings attacked journey of self discovery Dalton realizes he may not be as straight as he has always thought and Liam realized he may be willing to be tied down to one man if that man is Dalton.

Meanwhile, Dalton’s father passes away and he realizes life is short and to stop putting everything off. Dalton decides to get a tattoo in remembrance of his father. The atmosphere is electric the minute Troy and Dalton meet. Dalton has never met anyone who has made him feel like that and Troy is almost too scared of being hurt again to even test out their connection.

Dalton thinks he may have something real with Troy so he has to talk with Liam and see what his feelings are. Liam has made it clear he is only available for something light and fun, nothing resembling permanent. After a blow up Liam and Dalton go their separate ways. Liam realizes he loves Dalton but he doesn’t think he can have that without giving up his relationship with Troy, as dependent as it may be.

One night Troy and Liam decided to meet at a bar for a drink and happen to run into Dalton. As the three of them realize what has been going on they need to decide whether or not they want to be in this together or continue on the way they are too scared to make changes. Can Dalton be the one thing that each brother has been searching for? Can Troy and Liam finally admit that they love each other in more than a brotherly way?

I love how different each of their personalities are and how well the meld together. Liam is a hot head while Troy is quiet and soft spoken and Dalton is stronger than even he thinks he is.

I really wanted to hate Dalton’s wife but I couldn’t. She really did love Dalton and want him to be happy.

I love that even when Liam is the least emotional of the three he was still able to comfort Dalton when his dad died. I love that Troy has found the love and security he was looking for with both Dalton and Liam.

The story was fast paced and entertaining. I found myself looking at my Kindle at 68% through it and was equal parts happy and sad. Happy and excited to continue on and find out what happened and sad because it was almost over. This one will definitely go on my re-read list!

5 pieces of eye candy for Discovering Dalton

Welcome to the home of bittersweet M/M romances which will leave you craving more

Nicole grew bored being a supermodel genius who worked part time for NASA, and decided to take a break from helping solve the mysteries of the universe with Stephen Hawkins to write m/m romance.

She has a loving relationship with her hubby of twenty years, and has achieved a lot in her short life considering she’s only eighteen. She has fourteen dogs of all different breeds, plus twenty cats, and when she’s not tending to their every need, and solving complex math problems, she loves to sew and can be often found knitting in the garden, which she maintains all by herself with her magical green fingers.

Finding time to make all of her own clothing and master the kitchen better than Gordon Ramsey, she’s also a vegan domestic goddess and can often be found cooking up a storm bare foot in her kitchen.

Okay, so that’s not true, especially the cooking part, though I do tend to be bare foot and I swear like Gordon does while burning my latest creation — and I still think NASA will be getting in touch. Any day now!! *crosses fingers* I could sooo do that job because I’m so obviously awesome, but until they do…

I’m a full time author of M/M Romance and Erotica, and somehow I have several bestselling books under my belt. I’ve been writing for four years, and I self publish all my work under Hidden Pleasures Publishing along with my amazing team of helpers in the form my cover designer Kellie Dennis, editor Jessica McKenna, and all of my beta readers and PA’s.

I’m a wife to my beloved hubby and mother to two young girls, and I do in fact have two cats who I adore, but no dog, as the hubby put his foot down. I live in Leeds in the North of England and I love it, despite the terrible weather.

My men are all seeking what everyone is, true love mixed with passion and their own happy-ever-after full of laughter and tears.

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Power Play by Avon Gale: Blog Tour, Character Interview and Giveaway

May 10, 2016 by Denise

A freak accident during the Stanley Cup Playoffs put an end to Max Ashford’s hockey career. Despite everything, Max gets back into the game he loves—only this time, behind the bench as an assistant coach of the Spartanburg Spitfires, the worst team in the entire league. But nothing prepares him for the shock when he learns the new head coach is Misha Samarin, the man who caused Max’s accident.

After spending guilt-ridden years for his part in Max’s accident, Russian native Misha Samarin has no idea what to do when he’s confronted with Max’s presence. Max’s optimism plays havoc with Misha’s equilibrium—as does the fierce attraction that springs up between them.

Not only must they navigate Misha’s remorse and a past he’s spent a lifetime to forget, but also a sleazy GM determined to use their history as a marketing hook. But when an unwelcome visitor targets the team, Misha revisits his darkest days, which might cost him and Max the beginning they’ve worked so hard to build.

Author Name: Avon Gale

Book Name: Power Play

Series: Scoring Chances

Book: Three

This book can be read as a standalone

Release Date: May 9, 2016

Pages or Words: 240 pages

Categories: Bisexual, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads Link

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Learning to Love by Felice Stevens : Blog Tour, 5 star Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

May 10, 2016 by Denise

LEARNING TO LOVE

by Felice Stevens

Released May 2nd, 2016

After ten years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn’t turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn’t count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he’s buried deep for years.

An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn’t good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah’s father. But Jonah hangs tough—he won’t allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren’t always taught in school.

I read a shorter version of this book as part of a holiday anthology and loved it, so I was really excited when Felice said she was going to expand on it. I don’t know how it’s possible but she managed to make this story even more beautiful.

Gideon, a dyslexic man who has fought for everything he has in life put himself thru culinary school and returns to New York with his business partner Rico to open “The Garden of Eat-In.” Gideon wants to prove to everyone from his past, including the perfect son of the Rabbi, Jonah that he has made something of himself. Gideon doesn’t count on the sparks flying when he sets eyes on Jonah again after all these years. To make matters worse, Jonah isn’t the arrogant spoiled boy he remembers from his past.

Jonah is determined that Gideon is going to give him a chance, but Gideon is used to keeping everyone at arms length. No one but his business partner knows of his disability and he plans to keep it that way. When Jonah pushes to get closer to Gideon, Gideon pulls away, often with cold, cutting remarks. Jonah quickly realizes that this is Gideon’s only defense against a cruel world he faced alone so he doesn’t give up.

Jonah and Gideon start spending more and more time together and quickly Gideon’s defenses start to crumble. After a date gone horribly wrong Gideon comes clean to Jonah about his disability, thinking that it would be the end of the relationship, but Jonah surprises him. Jonah has been waiting for Gideon for longer than he would dare admit and wasn’t about to let Gideon go for anything.

After a few mis-steps and a health scare with Jonah’s dad, Gideon has to admit to himself and Jonah how much he has come to mean to him. It will take Jonah’s persistence and undying love to convince Gideon that it’s real and that he’s in it for forever.

I love that even though Gideon felt he was weak and less than because of his disability, he never came across that way. He was a strong, confident business owner that wasn’t defined by his disability.

I loved that Jonah loved him with his whole heart regardless of the dyslexia. Seeing a young Gideon through Jonah’s eyes just showed how much and for how long he has loved Gideon.

This book made me feel so much. It’s definitely going on the permanent re-read list.

5 pieces of eye candy

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“How did you know where to find me?”

“I didn’t. But when I went to your apartment and discovered you weren’t home, I thought to myself, ‘Where would a chef be early on Saturday morning?’”

Pleased he’d thought so carefully about me, I bit my lip to keep from smiling, then muttered with my head down, “Lucky guess on your part.”

“I’d like to think so,” said Jonah, his voice as soft as the breeze. My eyes met his, the hurt from our last conversation shimmering bright in their depths, causing a throb within me of a longing I’d never known existed. “Or maybe it was fate.”

He smiled then plucked the paper bag of rugelach out of my clutches, rummaged through it until he found an apricot one, and bit off half.

“Well, if you’re that hungry, I guess you can come home with me, and I’ll make you an omelet,” I grumbled but couldn’t stop the small grin tugging at my lips. “But I planned on browsing a bit more through the market first.”

“I’d like that.” Jonah walked beside me, and we meandered past the stands piled high with colorful peppers and squash. We strolled in silence, but every few steps I’d sneak a glance at him, expecting Jonah to speak. Instead he remained irritatingly, cheerfully silent.

I sampled some hot mulled cider and licked my lips. Spending so much time with Jonah gave me new insight. I’d always thought him superior and judgmental; perhaps I had been wrong in my assessment. He captivated me with the humor in his speech, warmth in his smile, and that unmistakable flare of desire in his eyes. Goddamn it, I wanted him.

I extended the paper cup. “Do you want a sip?” Its heady cinnamon scent remained one of my most favorite things about the fall season. To my shock, instead of answering me, he bent down and kissed me on my lips, lapping at their sticky sweetness. He stepped back, but I put a restraining hand on his wrist.

“What’s going on? Why are you really here?”

The honesty in Jonah’s face took my breath away.

“Do you really have to ask, after the last time?”

My body refused to listen to the war inside my head, kindling a deep need I couldn’t understand. I took a step forward, but unlike me, Jonah didn’t retreat. He stood firm, and I stood close enough to almost touch. Close enough to smell him.

“I’m not who you want; can’t you see that?”

“You don’t have any idea what I see when I look at you, Gideon.”

I wanted to yell back at him, No, you have no idea who I am, but I couldn’t bring myself to ruin the moment. I had no clue who Jonah thought I was, but I wanted to be that man if only to be able to have him always look at me like this. Like I was special. Like I was his. The sun beat hot upon my shoulders, and I held his gaze while contentment poured over me like a warm summer rain.

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is
tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner. My character have to
work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes
love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a
lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but
daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful
stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a little angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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A Mended Man by Jaime Reese: Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

May 3, 2016 by Denise

Title: A Mended Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House #4

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2016
Photographer: wagnerLA Photography
Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Detective Aidan Calloway is rock-solid strong. He’s a man of justice—loyal to his friends, family, and job—even if it requires bending a law…or two. He shields himself behind an abrasive, fearless facade, until a phone call one night chips his armor and throws his perfectly planned, hollow life into a tailspin.

Jessie Vega is the epitome of optimism. His carefully crafted attitude of hope and positivity protects him from a past filled with too much pain. When a ghost from a dark time resurfaces and nearly breaks him, he must tap into his inner strength or risk losing everything he’s worked so hard to build.

But Jessie can’t do it alone. He must fight to break through Aidan’s ironclad defenses to reveal the heart of the man hiding beneath the tough surface and mend his damaged spirit. Only then can they truly heal and become strong enough to battle the demons that haunt them and threaten their chance to finally be together.

———

***This book contains scenes and subject matter some readers may find distressing.***

———

Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

A Mended Man, the fourth book in The Men of Halfway House Series is a big departure from the previous books. As I was reading this book, the marriage vows kept repeating in my head “Love is patient. Love is kind.” Truer words could not have been written about Aidan and Jessie. These two showed so much patience, kindness and love for each other throughout the book that it bled through every word, heartbreaking in its intensity, but joyful in all its love.

I’ll admit, Jaime broke my heart in the prologue, making me wonder how I would be able to get through such an emotional book. I should not have doubted her talent for reaching in and healing not just her men, but her readers.

Aidan was the patient protector through part one, allowing no one to hurt Jessie as he waited for him to come back to him, knowing that he was a closed off man, but that Jessie was the only person who could make a dent in his suit of armor. His determination to see Jessie through another particularly rough time in his life was awe-inspiring. Even knowing that he couldn’t give back to Jessie what he wanted to, because of his own haunted past, he steadfastly held on, not letting Jessie’s recovery falter.

This book was more than a slow burn. You could compare this to trying to light a fire by rubbing two sticks together. It took a very long time to get Aidan to let go enough to let Jessie in. Meanwhile Jessie patiently sat back, quietly supporting and encouraging Aidan. He was never concerned about a timeframe for them to come together, only pushing a little when the moment was right, then letting that hump they climbed over be enough until the next time.

Jessie’s never ending supply of patience, and Aidan’s coming to grips with his past merely by determining it was time is what finally brought these met to a place where they could love each other. And they did, fully, accepting each other’s strengths, and when the other was at a low point, being the strength needed to keep moving forward, building what they needed to, together.

This book was long, 145K words according to the author (for reference, 50K is usually considered a full book), and there were times as I was reading it that I couldn’t help but wonder “is this scene necessary, or possibly could it be cut so that the reader doesn’t feel like they are reading for days on end?”. And yet, with every scene that I thought that, I found out later how important that scene was later, realizing that there were no unnecessary scenes. In order to fully experience and understand these two men, the relationship they slowly built together, and how they would be able to heal and mend their past so they could find their future, every scene, every moment was necessary.

Although there was so much pain revealed in this book, Jaime did an amazing job of filling in humor, so that the reader didn’t feel like a heavy weight sat on their chest until the HEA finally made its way into their lives. The humor, whether from Aidan accusing Jessie of being obsessed with balls, or Jessie finding light moments to help lift the dark spirit that enshrouded Aidan, allowed the reader to enjoy their moments together, rather than wondering if the next moment would be another crush to one of their spirits.

If the reader met these two in person, it would be hard not to realize how perfect they were for each other. Aidan, strong, protective, willing to do anything to keep those he loved safe, taking on the burden of others mistakes, in order to allow people to feel freedom themselves. Jessie, strong in his own way, quiet, but not willing to stay silent when it came to the man he loved, allowing the positivity to be the uplifting piece that Aidan needed to not just keep moving forward but to life himself to a new place.

This book will stay with me for a while, heart wrenching as some of the parts were. The all consuming love and support these men had for each other is something we all want to aspire to, and few can achieve.

And the little glimpses of my favorite character in this series, Cole, were epic. I could not have been happier to see his happy fun face. 🙂

I know this book took Jaime a long time to write and get it right. But this book was worth every second of the wait. I saw a little note at the end that said “more coming” in this series, and in a way that makes me happy, and in a way, I want this to be the end. Because how could this love story be topped? I have no doubt this author will be able to do it, as she excels at what she does in many ways. I can’t wait to see what she has ahead for all of these men.

A beautiful 5 pieces of eye candy for this one.

“A beautiful story of love making you whole again!” – Bike Book Reviews

“Heartbreakingly beautiful” – Amazon Customer Review

“As always the wait was worth it and Jaime delivers yet another stunning but very different book.” – Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews

“So…where are we going?” Jessie asked, returning the items to the pantry and the refrigerator. He hadn’t expected Aidan to arrive home early, and he definitely hadn’t expected him to announce a dinner excursion, especially not after spending so much time on the couch lately, having far too much fun to want to escape the house.

“Wherever you want to go is fine. You’re always cooking and you stay in the house unless you’ve got an appointment, so I figured a break would be nice. To get out, do something…different. As long as I can pick a steak, I’m fine with any place you want to go.”

“You choose the spot. Surprise me,” Jessie said.

“Okay.”

“So where are we going?”

“Uh, I thought you said to surprise you?”

Jessie bit his lip, trying to disguise the humor at seeing Aidan squirm. He figured Aidan was probably getting a little edgy lately, always giving in and letting Jessie get his way each time. “I need to know what to wear.”

“A suit. Definitely a suit. A dark one. Either the blue one or the charcoal.”

“So it’s a date?” Jessie asked, trying to contain the flutter in his chest. He cherished their time hanging out on the couch or back porch but going out in public together? Definitely one heck of a milestone.

“Uh, okay,” Aidan said with a pinched expression.

“It’s not a date?”

Aidan rubbed the back of his neck. “If you want to do something else too, we can.”

“We don’t have to do anything else. Dinner’s fine.”

“Okay. So it’s not a date?” Aidan said, scratching his stubble.

Jessie hid a grin at Aidan’s confusion. “How about you tell me. Do you want it to be a date?”

“I want to take you out to dinner. I want you to wear a suit, because you look hot as hell in them. If that makes it a date, then cool. It’s a date. But if I have to do something else to make it a date, like a movie or…fuck if I know…a walk on the beach or something. Let me know and we’ll do that too.”

Jessie wrapped his arms around Aidan’s neck. “Where did you get that from?”

“Google.”

“I think you better leave the research to me.” Jessie chuckled.

“As long as you wear your suit.” Aidan snaked his arms around Jessie’s waist and leaned in for a quick kiss.

Jessie nuzzled Aidan’s neck. “And you need to keep your stubble. It’s hot.”

“You like soft balls and hard stubble. I think you’re confused regarding what you want.”

“I know exactly what I want. I want all of you, soft and hard and everything in between.”

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

The Men of Halfway House
A Better Man
A Hunted Man
A Restored Man
A Mended Man…More to come…

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