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Book Reviews

The Longest Night by Z. Allora: Exclusive Guest Post, New Release Review and Giveaway

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I’m super happy to have Z. Allora here talking about her latest holiday novella, The Longest Night. She talks below about stereotypes and her dislike of them, but that she is fascinated by those stereotypes. And this novella has stereotypes! Check it out and don’t forget to leave a comment to enter her giveaway!

The holiday season is lonely for construction worker Benjamin Morgan, a big muscular guy who just wants to submit, obey, and serve. But the men he’s attracted to usually don’t have a dominant bone in their bodies. He’s done seeking his BDSM dreams with someone who isn’t interested in putting him in his rightful place—on his knees at their feet.

When a friend sets up a meeting with Foster Ridgeway at the BDSM club, Entiwned, Benjamin has his doubts. Of course he is attracted to bookish Foster, who works for the same construction company, but how will someone so small and delicate-looking master Benjamin? But when Foster–the tiny temple of dominance wielding a crop—heads toward Benjamin, he might get what he’s always wanted, just in time for Solstice.

Title: The Longest Night
Author: Z. Allora
Release Date: December 20, 2019
Category: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 73

Amazon

Thank you so much for allowing me to visit Two Chicks Obsessed and talk about the locations, stereotypes, and my current release. The Longest Night is a contemporary BDSM with of course a happily ever after. The story is set a few miles from where I grew up. To celebrate I’m doing a giveaway.

The location of the story is crucial to how I write a character because places impact us.

I write stories set in places I’ve visited or lived because location determines so much about people: their attitudes, their use of language, the filters they see the world through, what they’ve had to deal with, how they deal with it, etc.

As with each of my stories, I worship atypical characters that are on the edges because I validate everyone especially though folks on the fringes. I find the uniqueness that emanates from differences intoxicating. Where the person is from determines the details of what they have had to deal with in their past and affect how they view current and future events.

Stereotypes, in general, suck. However, knowing what the “stereotypes” are in an area allows me to acknowledge what the person may have endured (especially if they don’t agree with it or have fought against it). It’s fascinating to me to figure out how a character is affected by the stereotypes they grew up with?

One of the most important things is how do my characters deal with not only what’s thrown at them but how people see them. What do they carry into the world with them because of the baggage the stereotype forces on them? How does this affect their relationships? Their mannerisms….

The Longest Night is set in Upstate NY (Albany). I grew up 10 miles away in Schenectady, NY so I’m very familiar with societal expectations/beliefs from that particular area.

One of the stereotypes I examined through this story is the heavy machismo overtones. My characters came of age with expectation men needed to be manly. (Probably in most parts of the USA, but I’m most familiar with the brand of sexism from this area and how it was translated in day-to-day life.)

So, while my character Benjamin physically meets the criteria of being a man’s man (big and muscular), he’s a sub. In his early 20’s, this stereotype encouraged him to meet the expectations society had about what it meant to be a man, but now in his 30’s he’s no longer willing to compromise who he is or settle for something that doesn’t meet his needs. His struggle happened before the story, so we only see the results and how he deals with them going forward.

Foster, the Dominant, has dealt with the opposite problem. People would see his slender, almost delicate frame as weak and the opposite of control. His struggle was needing to learn how to defend himself and how to dominate people who were much bigger than himself.

Turning these stereotypes upside down pleases both of these men. Benjamin is a sub and countering the manly man stereotype by submitting adds an extra kick for him. Foster gets a boost from dominating larger men. They both acknowledge the fetish-y nature of part of their attraction to each other but it goes much deeper than stereotypes Albany, NY force fed them.

This was a short little holiday novella. Not the traditional holidays, but a little different take than you might normally see in holiday romances. In addition, with both MC’s trying to find their Mr. Right, and having very different stereotypes of what BDSM might look like, it hasn’t been easy for either of them.

I absolutely loved the twist on the stereotypes. Benjamin could not have been a sweeter, more gentle man, with a huge submissive side, who merely wanted someone who was his idea, someone smaller, to Dominate him. He finds that person in his coworker, Foster, but not until good friends put them together.

It’s a match made in heaven, and a sweet, but very sexy story. The joy emanated off Benjamin, and it just made the reader happy to see him be so elated that finally someone saw him for who he really was.

There could be nothing but an HEA here, and the sooner the better. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

BIO: Z. Allora believes in happily ever after for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her the opportunity to open hearts and change minds.

To contact Z. Allora:

E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com

FACEBOOK:   Z Allora Allora

Website: www.zallorabooks.com

Twitter: @ZAllora

Blog: http://zallora.blogspot.com

Dreamspinner: https://bit.ly/2Jv14r1

 

GIVEAWAY: What stereotypes have you seen in your area? Let me know in the comments to enter to win an e-book one of my other Entwined BDSM stories: Lock and Key or Secured and Free. I’ll contact the winner by Dec 30th.

Rialto by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott: RB, Exclusive Guest Post, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Someone has it out for Rialto.

Ian Banner is loving his hectic life. He’s newly married, ready to start a family, and opening a new restaurant. All his dreams are coming true.

The last thing he needs is a problem with his restaurant.

But when one attack after another comes, he grows convinced he has another enemy.

Ian tries to handle things by himself, but his friends are soon drawn in when the attacks become violent. That’s when Ian realizes the target isn’t Rialto. It’s him.

Rialto is the final installment in the Unbreakable Bonds series and features sexy times, Daciana snuggles, overprotective family, fire, and of course, code names.

Title:  Rialto

Series: Unbreakable Bonds Series #8

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott LLC

Release Date: December 16, 2019

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 74,000

Genre: Romance, Thriller/Suspense

 

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4 Cornerstone Locations of the Unbreakable World By Jocelynn Drake

When you’re lucky enough to either be writing a long series around a specific group of friend, or if you’re lucky enough to fall in love with a series like that, you find yourself returning to some of the same locations over and over again. There’s always that one friend’s house where everyone gathers. Or maybe that favorite neighborhood pub where you sit in the same stool every time.

These places start to feel like home as much as your own bed or sofa in your house.

The boys of the Unbreakable Bonds quickly developed four such places that they quickly identified as home and I thought we’d visit those places today.

Shiver

Lucas’s night club Shiver in downtown Cincinnati was one of his favorite and it was the best place to kick off the series. The wild and adventurous night club encapsulated the crazy roller-coaster rides that were ahead of the boys. But Shiver itself was very much described Lucas Vallois – cold, bold, and different from the rest of the crowd. Even in the midst of the all the noise and chaos of the night club, the boys had their own secret hideaway that set them apart.

I think Shiver most closely called to the Lucas and Snow of old. They were cold, unreachable men. Rowe could never be described as cold, so it was a difficult fit for him, but he was always happy to follow his friends wherever they went. Sadly, we never got to see Ian here, but then the chef had his own place in the world.

Rialto

The restaurant created by Ian Pierce and funded by Lucas Vallois, Rialto served as the kitchen and dining room table where this strange little family gathered. Ian’s cooking was to die for, and the boys were always happy to gather here for just another taste. But Rialto was also Ian’s domain. It was the place where Ian started to come into his own, where he found and stretched his self-confidence. It was the one place where he ruled supreme. The Unbreakable Boys had a tendency to bulldoze anyone not speaking loud enough; they tended to overprotect. Standing in Rialto, it was the one place where Ian could be sure that his voice would always be heard. In Rialto, Ian is king.

Rialto has always been a place of family and love. Lucas had his first “date” with Andrei in Rialto. Ian had numerous meetings and important discussions with the boys in Rialto. It was where Ian managed to slowly woo Hollis with his cooking.

Ward Security

If Rialto was the dining room for the family home, then Ward Security was the armory. Of course, if you ask Rowe and Noah, they’d likely tell you it was the toy chest. When you’ve got stubborn, bossy men like Lucas and Snow in your life, it’s hard to claim yourself the undisputed ruler of anything, but Rowe managed to carve out his own territory in Ward Security. The converted warehouse was where Rowe gathered together the very best toys, whether you’re talking about weapons, surveillance, or just random tech. Rowe is a big believer in he who has the best toys wins, and Rowe very much wants to win. But he also wants to be well equipped for any eventuality. He cares a great deal about the people in his employ and he wants them to always be protected against danger.

But more than just toys and gadgets, Ward Security was where the boys came to seek Rowe’s advice. Sometimes they needed his help in uncovering some hidden facts or mounting rescue missions. And sometimes they just needed his expertise on how to proceed. For Rowe, Noah, and Andrei, Ward Security became a second home to meet the other half of their family – the Ward Security family.

The Penthouse

When you received your key to the penthouse, you knew you were a part of something special. Lucas’s penthouse in The Ascent, a condo skyrise in Northern Kentucky, was more than just Lucas’s home. It was a home for all of them. At one time or another, they all slept and ate meals in that penthouse. Ian made breakfast twice a week there. They got drunk so many times in that penthouse. And it was the first home for Daciana Vallois.

Rising above the Ohio River to look down on Cincinnati, the penthouse was a fortress and an escape. When the world threatened, it was the one place they could all run to and be safe for at least a few hours.

For all of the Unbreakable Boys, the penthouse was home.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick tour of the four cornerstone places within the Unbreakable Bonds world. If you’ve not read the series yet, we hope that you make a stop in Cincinnati and meet the boys. The series is now complete with eight novels and four short story collections. Jump into the adventure today!

I’m so obsessed with this series that I didn’t even care who it involved, I love them all! However, in this one, we get to see Ian and how amazing his restaurant, Rialto is doing. He’s got an amazing family, a career that he loves and the man of his dreams who he’s taking the steps to become foster parents with. Ian’s life is as close to perfect as he could’ve ever imagined and boy, did he deserve it.

Hollis is working as a PI, which you know is kinda like his work as a cop, but with fewer rules and red tape, so it’s perfect for him. As long as he gets to come home to the love of his life every night, he can’t complain. Everything’s been quiet, the families are getting settled and, well, it was about time for explosions and mayhem, right?

When someone starts attacking Rialto, Ian thinks it’s probably just someone jealous of his restaurant or his success, especially now that he’s opening a second place. It starts off with little things, like a call to ICE, bad reviews online and surprise visits from the health department… but with anything that comes to these guys, it escalates and does it quickly. Only, it’s been years since Ian’s had any trouble with anyone and the person he had trouble with… Is dead… so, who could possibly have it out for him?

The one thing that drives me crazy about these guys, is their all set to suffer alone. Like, you have this family who SPECIALIZES in finding people, eliminating threats and who genuinely take it as an insult when you keep them out of the loop with things that involve your safety…So, why do you insist on keeping everything from them? I understood Ian’s reasonings this time and was glad that that didn’t last long, but still…

It isn’t hard to figure out the type of person behind all the trouble, and let me tell you, you’ll fall more in love with Ian and his big heart when he discovers the who and the why. I don’t want to give anything away, but I’m so flippin’ petty, I might’ve acted as I’m sure, Snow, Rowe, Lucas and Noah would’ve loved too, but Ian, although fierce when he has to be, especially when it comes to his family… I loved his determination in this one. His forgiving heart and his patience and understanding…. I just loved it all, even though it raised my blood pressure and kept me on edge for a good last hour of the story lol

If you love this family, their shenanigans, cute babies, ridiculous code names and lots of steamy love.. don’t skip this one. It was a great ending, though, I’m still hoping for a spin-off or something so it’s not really over… but even if it is… everyone is in such a good place and they’re all so healthy and happy and together. What could be better than that?! Perfect addition <3

5 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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | eMail

http://drakeandelliott.com/

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

https://twitter.com/DrakeandElliott

drakeandelliott@gmail.com

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The Fairy Shop (2019 Advent Calendar – Homemade for the Holidays) by Tara Lain: New Release Review

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When Nate Hawthorne meets Asher Dane, the huge, tattooed hunk is the personification of Nate’s dreams. But Nate knows there’s no future, because Asher is also the personification of his beloved five-year-old daughter Delly’s nightmares. She’s frightened of big men. Things turn around for both of them, however, when Delly goes Christmas shopping at the Fairy Shop and begins her quest for a wand that will make her brave. Neither of them guesses that the Fairy Shop will be the source of far more than Delly’s courage. On Christmas Eve, under the influence of a very unusual fairy, Nate’s life will change forever.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2019 Advent Calendar “Homemade for the Holidays.”

Amazon

This is nearly a perfect Christmas short for me. A little romance, a little magic, a little family that you make.

I read several Christmas stories already and while they were good- they were regular book length. But this was a nice, tidy short that had enough packed in that it didn’t feel overloaded, but was also a complete story.

Nate and Asher are adorable, Nate’s daughter is adorable, the Fairy Shop is adorable… But it also isn’t saccharine sweet.

This is probably my favorite Christmas story of the year.

4.5 Pieces of Candy

What Works For Us by Colette Davison: RB, New Release Review and Excerpt

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An elf costume, a pair of lacy knickers, and a Christmas charity auction might make Sam’s Christmas wish come true.

When sweet barista, Sam, agrees to be a ‘slave’ in a Christmas charity auction, he’s thrilled to be bought by the man he’s had a crush on for the last three months.

Theodore is everything Sam is looking for in a man: older, authoritative, and caring. Unfortunately, Sam isn’t the most forward person when it comes to telling men he likes them. Wearing a sexy costume allows him to be a much flirtier version of himself, but can a naughty elf tempt Theodore into bed?

As their relationship intensifies, Sam finds something in Theodore he didn’t realise he needed: a man he wants to call his Daddy.

But Theodore isn’t out of the closet, and whilst Sam is happy existing in a bubble over Christmas, he knows that can’t last forever.

Can Sam risk giving his heart to a Daddy who might not ever be able to hold his hand in public, let alone commit to him?

What Works For Us is a Christmas romance with an age-gap relationship, lacy underwear, role-play, Daddy kink, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Release Date: December 17, 2019

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Age-gap, role-playing, Daddy kink, out for you

Themes: Self-discovery; sexual awakening

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 57 000 words

 

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Goodreads

He stood and opened the door, and his heart leapt into his throat. His whole body tingled as he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from what the young man was wearing.

Sam didn’t have the boxer shorts on. Instead, he wore a woman’s elf costume, which comprised of a short dress with a green lace-up bodice and bright red skirt. Due to Sam’s height, the skirt barely covered the top third of his thighs. The skirt was filled out with netting, like a tutu, making it even shorter. Sam was wearing candy cane-striped stockings. Theodore knew they were stockings because he could see the top of the suspenders peeking out beneath the white fake fur trim on the hem of the skirt. In his head, Sam wore a floppy hat—like the Santa ones that had been flooding the shops for the last three months—but in green to match the bodice. Theodore managed to drag his gaze down to Sam’s feet long enough to note that he was wearing black pumps.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to clean in high heels,” Sam said in a confidential whisper. He sounded and looked more confident than he had minutes before.

Theodore’s mind had turned to goo. He’d seen men in drag before, but this was different. Sam’s festive costume was tapping into desires that Theodore hadn’t realised he had. He could feel his blood pumping through his veins, racing to get to his dick rather than his heart. He had a sudden desire to pull Sam into his arms and kiss him. Hard.

Dear God, don’t let me get an erection.

Just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse, Sam did a slow twirl. At the back, the skirt barely covered his bottom, giving Theodore the tiniest glimpse of white lace. A shiver ran through him, and he let out a little gasp of desire.

“Do you like it?” Sam asked.

Wow, I was not expecting this story…

We first meet Sam, who works at a barista at a café, who has a crush on one of his morning patrons. For the last several months, he’s noticed the older gentleman and admired him in his fancy suits, expensive watch and lovely eyes…even if they don’t connect with him very often because the guy is always looking at his phone… still, he’s exactly Sam’s type, even though there’s no way possible that the man could return the attraction, because let’s be real… Sam’s much too young, works at a café serving coffee and still a full-time student. So, he admires from afar each morning and that’s all he gets…

Until Abigal, Sam’s co-worker hatches a plan for Sam to put himself out there…and maybe a little more. She surprised me with the depth of her scheming, but it came from a good place, I loved her personality and her friendship with Sam…. And because of that friendship, when Abigal’s sister is putting on a charity auction for “slaves for a day”, although inappropriate sounding, it was all in good fun and went to a good cause, Sam never dreamed that the handsome latte guy would not only bid on him, but actually outbid everyone else and win him for the day!

Theodore gutted me from beginning to end.
At forty-three, he was firmly in the closet and had no plans to come out, ever. The way he was raised by the worst kind of extremist parents, he was not only taught that being gay was wrong and sinful, he actually believed it. He felt guilty for being attracted to Sam not only because he’s also a man but because he’s so much younger than himself. He felt shame for being who he is, can you even imagine that? For forty-three years, living that way? My heart broke for him so much seeing him struggle.

Then, a scheme from a co-worker has him bidding on a naughty elf at a charity auction his company was at and he gets the shy little barista he’s been mooning over, but trying not to be noticeable with, and Sam comes to collect.

It’s awkward at first, but the two use role-playing, both of them shedding the things/reasons that hold them back from going for what they want and lemme tell ya… it’s steamy. Its light, as far as a lot of roll play goes and I’ll admit I had a tiny problem with them jumping into something so quickly and being like, yes, this is what we’re doing, this is our lable… but, I mean, they had open communication and they both liked the different “kinks”, so why not? It worked for them and even though it was new and fun and they were with each other so much, I had to remind myself that they’d only known each other for such a short time. So, when Sam went home for Christmas, I could understand his family’s reluctance to see Theodore as Sam did. They didn’t know him, they didn’t know their relationship, so I thought it was a little unfair, though, as a parent…. I would’ve had the same reservations.

Now, in saying that…. I do think that with as much communication the two had, Sam and Theodore, I wish they would’ve talked a bit about this before they did because though I saw where Sam was coming from, I thought he pulled the rug out from under Theodore and he kept saying that he wasn’t pushing, but he kind of was. He wanted promises, he wanted assurances and dude, you’ve been together five minutes. He was so reassuring and supportive in the beginning and was everything Theodore needed because let’s be real… after forty-three years of being ashamed of who you are, even accepting that you’re gay and being willing to be in a relationship would be insane…. And he just expected him to be okay with it and be willing to promise to come out someday? I just didn’t think it was fair. Theodore needed to work on himself, to accept himself and be okay with who he is and though he get there, I just didn’t think it was fair of Sam to put that on him just then….

It wasn’t fair to either of them, honestly, but Sam knew that going in. So, that was my only problem. I adored the rest of it. I loved how fast and intense their relationship was and they had some very serious steamy time that was also fun to read. And, I would’ve liked to have seen how Sam’s family treated Theodore by the end, but maybe there’ll be another book? Fingers crossed, I’d love to read more about these two! And Lain as well, I bet he’d be a fun one 😊

4 pieces of eye candy

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

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Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

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Fighter (Survivor Trilogy Book 3) by TM Smith: Audiobook Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Fighter – A Survivor story 

Dedication and smarts have given Blair Cummings a leg up in the Bureau. His job is all-consuming, but rewarding. It doesn’t leave much time for a love life though, not that Blair believes in love. At nearly thirty, he’s only ever been in one long- term relationship due to his inability to commit to anything other than his job and his family. 

Born into a family that is as successful as they are hateful, Howard Manning Tullor Junior ran so far away from his last name that he wound up in the arms of Satan himself. Freedom comes at a high price but it’s one Mannie is willing to pay, setting him on a path that leads him to a quiet, laid -back FBI agent. 

Their attraction is unexpected, and yet, welcomed. Blair seems to have finally found something worth fighting for, but Mannie, still haunted by ghosts of the past, wonders if he’ll ever be able to move on. The two are working toward their future, but can a budding romance survive when past and present collide? 

Audible US

Audible UK

Amazon US

Amazon UK

iTunes

Fighter is the third book in the Survivor trilogy by TM Smith. It finishes the arc that begins back in Book 1 with Survivor, the story with Taylor and Frank, which was a really tragic story, with a happy ending.

These three books run very concurrently, which in some ways makes it difficult to keep up. Because you are only reading (or listening) to one book at a time, you have some idea of what is happening elsewhere at the time you are reading the current story. So, the timeline changes, and moves forward many years, and then moves back at start of the next book.

The over-reaching arc is suspenseful and well documented, so you can see how careful that the author was with the details to ensure that when all three victims beginning having their stories converge, the differences between their stories are evident. Yet, there is a clear path about how much they diverge and reconnect.

The writing style is a bit formal to me as a reader, with quite a bit of flowery prose, and phrases that seemed somewhat dated in today’s society. However, the connections between all the characters was created clearly, and showed how they grew and morphed over the years. I love stories that show connections with all characters, and create a new family.

Nick J. Russo’s narration was fantastic, as always, with clear character voices and accents. His voice goes from playful to angry to passionate so very well.

Story: 3.5 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel. 

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love! 

Website: www.authortmsmith.com

Blog: www.ttcbooksandmore.com

Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTMSmith

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994621997270606/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/TTCBooksandmore

GoodReads: https://goo.gl/XQugse

Pinterest: https://goo.gl/cq9R9t

Youtube: https://goo.gl/Rpq5gX

Merry Christmas! Prize box (US only!)… You Got This! Personalizable journal (Hey… you totally got this!) This Classic Happy Notes™ notebook is perfect for journaling, taking notes, making lists, and writing down your BIG IDEAS! Three dividers included so you can create different sections to fit your needs!

  • 60 sheets of lined paper
  • 3 dividers included)
  • relaxation coloring book with color pencils & sharpner, chapstick, Kleenex with a motivational note, Incense w/holder, various Author swag, Captain Marvel pic, passport binder, 750 piece puzzle and a reversable canvas bag from ‘Fresh off the Boat, ABC network. 

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)

*Headphones w/Audible codes (Headphones US only, Audiobook codes can be either US or UK Audible)

*Full size 2020 Calendar (US only)

*Jay Aheer prints (International)

*Signed paperback copy of Fighter (US only)

*Starbucks Giftcard (IF your country has a Starbucks and I can forward you an e-giftcard, you can win!)

*Jay Aheer prints (International)

*Signed paperback copy of The Messenger (US only)

*direct from prime (International) Something bookish!

*3 best selling eBooks —- Ann Lister (eBook copies of… Fall Again, Book 10 in The Rock Gods and A Rhythm You Feel, Book 1 in The Rock Gods: East Coast Label) Morticia Knight (eBook copy of In the Name of the Father)

*Storiarts Black Beauty fingerless writing gloves (US only)

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Mr Frosty Pants by Leta Blake: Audiobook Review

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Frosty former friends get a steamy second chance in this Christmas gay romance!

Can true love warm his frozen heart?

When Casey Stevens went away to college four years ago, he ghosted on his straight best friend, Joel Vreeland. He hoped time and distance would lessen the unrequited affection he felt, but all it did was make him miss Joel more. Home for the holidays, Casey hopes they might find a way to be friends again. But Joel’s frosty reception reminds Casey of just how hard he had to fight to be Joel’s friend in the first place. It’s going to take a Christmas miracle to get past that cool façade again.

Joel isn’t as straight as Casey believes, and his years of pining for Casey have left him hurting and alone, caring for his abusive father and struggling to get by. Unable to trust anyone except his rescue dog—and with no reason to believe Casey is interested in him for more than a holiday fling—Joel’s icy heart might shatter before it can thaw.

Can Casey and Joel’s love overcome mistrust, parental rejection, class differences, and four long years apart?

Mr. Frosty Pants is a stand-alone, Christmas gay romance by Leta Blake featuring a virgin hero, childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and romantically steamy scenes.

Audible

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I really enjoyed this book when I read it last year on ebook, so I definitely wanted to listen to the audio book. I think I enjoyed the audiobook even more than the ebook. Yeah! (That does happen to me quite often, simply because I enjoy the life and character that the narrator brings to the MC’s.

John Solo’s characterization of Frosty Pants Casey was fantastic. I could hear his grumpiness in every word. Meanwhile, Casey, at first seemed almost too sweet, but gained more strength as he grew in his rediscovery of Casey.

And I had forgotten about the redemption of … one person until I listened to the audio, and I was glad to have that moment again, knowing how Casey felt.

Honestly, this could be a re-read, re-listen Christmas book every year. Casey discovering the joy of Joel discovering the joy of Christmas. They blend so well together, and create a mix of personalities that works well.

Story: 4 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 4 pieces of eye candy