Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Book Reviews

Havoc by Kindle Alexander: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour and Giveaway

by

Keyes Dixon’s life is challenging enough as a full patch member of the Disciples of Havoc Motorcycle Club but being a gay biker leaves him traveling down one tough road. With an abusive past and his vow to the club cementing his future, he doesn’t believe in love and steers clear of commitment. But a midnight ride leads to a chance meeting with a sexy pretty-boy in a wicked hot sports car that has him going down quicker than a Harley on ice.

Cocky Assistant District Attorney Alec Pierce lives in the shadow of his politically connected family. A life of privilege doesn’t equal a life of love, a fact made obvious at every family gathering. Driven yet lonely, Alec yields to his family’s demands for his career path, hoping for the acceptance he craves. Until he meets a gorgeous biker who tips the scales in the favor of truth…and he can no longer live a lie.

Can two men from completely different worlds…and sides of the law…find common ground, or will all their desires only wreak Havoc?

Title: Havoc

Series: Tattoos & Ties #1

Author: Kindle Alexander

Genre: M/M MC Romance

Release Date: November 27, 2018

Goodreads

Cover Art: Reese Dante

 

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK 

Amazon AU

 

He rifled through his sweat pants until he found a pair of elastic-waist capris then changed his mind and reached for his athletic shorts. He didn’t see Key as a capris-wearing guy.

“I admittedly haven’t washed too many clothes in my life,” he said, tossing the shorts to Key who had waited at the sink counter for him, lounging back against the granite. Alec opted for the capris and stepped into those. “But I’ve seen it done a million times on the Big Bang Theory.” When Alec said it out loud, the logic seemed faulty, but he wouldn’t be dissuaded.

Key trailed behind him. They had to sidestep the disruption they’d made in the living room as Alec weaved through the house, back to the kitchen entrance, picking up Key’s hastily discarded clothing along the way. He felt happier and more at ease than he had in a long time, and strangely enough, it wasn’t because of the sex he’d just had. With Key’s jeans in hand, Alec pulled the contents of the pockets free. He handed a trailing Key two pocket knives, one bigger than the other, a wallet, cell phone, loose coins, and some sort of tool, probably for a tire. Maybe. Who knew.

At the washing machine, Alec opened the front-load door, tossed the clothes inside, and shut the latch with a confident little click. That was when things turned dicey. His moment of superiority vanished. Alec stared at what could only be described as a NASA-level control panel. His housekeeper always did the laundry. He had no idea what to do but reached out a finger to touch the board. Every light on the thing illuminated, making it even more confusing.

“This is fancy,” Key said from behind him.

“Yes, it is. Hang on. Let me get my bearings.” Alec turned to leave the laundry room in search of his cell phone. Surely, he could find step-by-step directions on YouTube. No matter the complexity of the machine, people washed their clothing every single day. It couldn’t be that hard.

“Where you goin’?” Key asked, taking a step to the side to block Alec’s exit.

“To find the directions.”

Key crinkled his handsome face at that statement. Then he threw out an arm to block Alec’s continued retreat while he looked at the control panel. “Do you have laundry soap?”

“I believe it’s self-dispensing,” Alec said, cocking his head to stare at the device.

“Should we check that? Where does the detergent go?”

Oh great, Key was one of those common-sense guys. Every time Alec looked at the machine, he grew dumber by the second. Hell, with all these hard-hitting questions, this quiet, unassuming Key should be taking Alec’s job as prosecutor.

As if his hands held all the answers, he used them to outline the rectangle of the machine. “Somewhere inside this box.”

“Fancy.”

“You said that before,” Alec pointed out.

“Mine has a knob that pulls out or pushes in.”

“That’s the way they are on the Big Bang Theory too.”

Playlist:

 

Check out Erin’s review here.

 

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it’s true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women’s hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life – I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations – regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal… I don’t want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I’m going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I’ll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died – weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn’t have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It’s everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness – it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It’s its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn’t be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

Social Media Links:

✦ Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKindleAlexander/

✦ Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/KindleAlexander

✦ Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/kindlealexander2.0/?hl=en

✦ Book+Main Bites ➜ https://bookandmainbites.com/KindleAlexander

✦ Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6421828.Kindle_Alexander

✦ Amazon ➜ https://amzn.to/2JXnKRF

✦ BookBub ➜ https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kindle-alexander

✦ Newsletter ➜ https://www.kindlealexander.com/contact-us/

Christmas Countdown Giveaway (on authors page):

https://bit.ly/2zpJSAj

Barbies and Beaches by Asta Idonea: Release Day Review

by

For the first time ever, Shane is not looking forward to the annual Boxing Day barbeque at Matty’s house. He recently divorced, none of his friends know what to say to him now, and Shane is tired of the pity and awkwardness. Things take a turn, however, when he meets Matty’s English cousin. Neil is struggling with the Australian heat, having left the UK after a bad breakup. When Shane suggests the two of them head to a secluded beach to cool off, the growing intimacy between them might make both reassess their current situation.

Title: Barbies and Beaches
Author: Asta Idonea
Category: Holiday, Advent
Pages: 21

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Barbies and Beaches was a very short, short story. I’m not sure I would call it cute, as both characters were basically somewhat depressed at the time they met. However, I could see how they made a connection based on their recent breakups.

I definitely would have liked having a few more pages to connect with the characters, so that they could connect with each other. I don’t even think we learned what Neil did for a living, although we did learn about Shane’s occupation.

Short stories are what they are, short, but this one felt like I could have enjoyed it more, if I’d had a few more pages to learn more about the characters versus the issues behind why they both wanted to leave the party.

3 pieces of eye candy

Join the Club by Charlie Cochet: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

by

When the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds.

Eduardo “Lucky” Morales is a fighter, from his childhood days in Cuba to his time as a Special Forces Green Beret. Scarred by the wars of his past, Lucky has learned nothing lasts forever. Guarding his heart is second nature, and getting emotionally involved is not an option. As co-owner of Four Kings Security, Lucky works hard alongside his former brothers-in-arms and fellow Kings, but he also plays hard. Flirting with sexy Texas cowboy and detective, Mason Cooper, is too much fun to resist, until Mason turns the tables on him.

Mason Cooper may not be a soldier, but he’s fought his share of battles as an openly gay cop and now a detective for Major Crimes. Mason has no idea when things changed between him and Lucky, but the gorgeous, fiery Cuban has turned his world upside down. When a mistake leads to his suspension from the force, Mason turns to the least likely person for help: Ward Kingston.

Determined to keep Mason at arms’ length, Lucky is surprised to find the man at Four Kings Security. The Florida nights might be getting cooler, but the heat between Lucky and Mason burns hotter with every passing moment. Working private security can be dangerous and unpredictable, but so can falling in love.

Word count: 75,208

JOIN THE CLUB

FOUR KINGS SECURITY #3

CHARLIE COCHET

M/M ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/CONTEMPORARY

RELEASE DATE: 11.19.18

COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

This was going to be a long night. Lucky felt it in his bones.

Once they were in downtown Jacksonville, Lucky pulled the truck into the parking lot of the bank across the street from the skyscraper they’d be watching. Jack had acquired the perfect spot near the lot entrance in case they had to move quickly, and a small team of security agents were parked in the Central Station parking lot, waiting for word from Lucky. With the engine turned off, Lucky unbuckled his seat belt and climbed out of his seat at the time Mason did. Lucky reeled back in an effort not to bump into him, the back of his knees hitting the seat. He flailed, throwing an arm out, but he needn’t have worried. Mason wrapped an arm around his waist and caught him, bringing him up against his hard body.

“Easy there, darlin’,” Mason murmured quietly, their lips only inches apart. “Don’t want you hurting yourself.”

Lucky swallowed hard. He felt Mason’s warm breath against his skin. “You’re stepping on my shoe.”

Mason frowned. “You’re worried about your shoe?”

“These boots are Guiseppe Zanotti.”

“Am I supposed to know what that means?” Mason asked, releasing Lucky.

“It means they cost almost a thousand dollars.”

Mason stared at him. “Why the hell are you wearin’ thousand-dollar boots to work surveillance? You know there are kids out there starvin’?”

“Yes, I know,” Lucky spat, pushing Mason away from him. “I was one of them. Now excuse me. We have work to do.”

At least Mason had the decency to look mortified.

“Shit, Lucky, I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

“Forget it,” Lucky muttered, taking a seat behind the console to log into the security system. “I don’t need to explain myself to you. Just sit down and pay attention.”

Mason took a seat beside him, his expression solemn. Thankfully, he didn’t speak. Lucky didn’t need his apologies or his permission. In Cuba he’d spent most of his time barefoot because the shoes given to him were either beyond salvation or he grew out of them so quickly they hurt his feet to the point he couldn’t walk. Now he could afford all the shoes he wanted, and if he wanted to spend money on designer shoes, no one had the right to make him feel like shit for it. He wasn’t stupid. His savings account was solid, and his retirement account was one of the first things he’d set up when he got his first job. He spent a lot of money, but he also saved money because he knew what it was like to have nothing. He was never going back to that again. Never.

In my experience, in a book series there is always that one that is kind of…meh. Still good, but not nearly as good as the others. That is what we have Join the Club.

I was looking forward to Lucky and Mason. They were heating up the pages of books that weren’t theirs. But this story just didn’t do it for me. I felt like the catalyst for Mason temporarily joining the Kings was weak and never resolved, they had several jobs that they worked which just kind of cluttered the story and for all the bluster King himself says about how he hires employees, he basically just handed Mason the job for the sake of he and Lucky getting together.

We saw a lot of Ace- which was good for some comic relief- and got more of Lucky and Mason’s respective back grounds. but…meh. It felt like a filler book to me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret reading it, if you are a fan of Charlie Cochet and this series you should read it, but it is definitely my least favorite.

3 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

Blog: http://www.charliecochet.com/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Facebook Author Page: http://facebook.com/authorcharliecochet

Tumblr: http://charliecochet.tumblr.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charliecochet/

Twitter: @charliecochet

Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/charliecochet

 

 

 

That Turtle Story by C.S. Poe: Excerpt and Release Day Review

by

Nor O’Brien spends his days in sunny Key West caring for and rehabilitating sea turtles. He doesn’t need anything else in life, expect maybe a significant other to cuddle with after a long day. But recent heartbreak has left Nor salty, and he’s not in the mood for anything, Christmas included.

Then Eugene Montgomery walks into Turtle R&R, claiming to have found a clutch of eggs in distress. Nor is smitten with the tourist at first sight, and at the suggestion of his screwball colleagues, indulges in some no-strings-attached fun. Nor and Eugene are quick to get along, happily enjoy each other’s company, and take in the island’s unique holiday pleasures together.

But Nor would never leave his turtles, not for any man. So when his rebound fling turns into strong romantic feelings for Eugene, it’ll take a Christmas miracle to keep the two together forever in Key West.

Title: That Turtle Story
Author: C.S. Poe
Category: Holiday, Advent
Pages: 41

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

“Nor was recently dumped,” Gus said suddenly from behind us.

Eugene looked over my shoulder at her.

“Yup. So it’s mot that he’s a typical eye-undresser,” Gus continued, “just that I think he’s entering the rebound state–”

“I’m not,” I hastily said to Eugene.

“And he saw your abs,” Gus said.

Eugene smiled at that and glanced down at me. “I’m a personal trainer,” he clarified.

“Of course you are,” I answered. My face and neck were hot, I was surprised no one saw smoke wafting up from the collar of my shirt. “Gus is teasing.”

“No, I’m not,” Gus said, sounding too serious for her own good. “Hey, if you’re into dudes,” she addressed Eugene, “Nor is Grinch-lite–cute in the glass-is-half-empty sort of way. Might make your vacation memorable.”

I specifically asked the author for the above excerpt, because it was such a perfect example, early in the story, of how funny and enjoyable this one was.

I love C.S. Poe‘s stories, long and short, in part because the humor and sarcasm that she puts into her characters speaks to my sarcastic personality. And this short Christmas story is no exception. Nor’s internal dialogue, and Bah Humbug attitude, made me laugh, Gus’s external dialogue was hilarious. And I loved how sweet Eugene was. All the things I love about this author’s books.

Their conflict was simply a lack of verbal communication, although their communication behind closed doors seemed to be spot on. 🙂 The story was cute, sweet and fun.

The ending was just perfect, because you couldn’t help but root for these two.

4 pieces of eye candy

 

First Light (Heartsville Book 2) by Christina Lee and Felice Stevens: New Release Review

by

Two years after the death of his wife, Aubrey Hendricks is still weighed down by grief. He can’t focus on anything beyond working at the family farm, First Light. At the urging of a friend, he takes a step toward resuming a normal life and reopens the bakery his wife once ran. He places a Help Wanted ad in the local paper, and to his surprise, an applicant shows up the next day.

When Oliver Hansen gets a second chance at life, he grasps it with both hands. Leaving his stressful life in New York, he plans to enjoy the simpler things. Driving to Heartsville in the Pocono Mountains to thank his heart donor’s widower is a top priority. But the brusque man with the melancholy eyes strikes a chord in Oliver. So when Aubrey mistakenly believes he’s there to apply for the bakery job…Oliver takes him up on the offer.

As Oliver busies himself with the grand reopening, he and Aubrey establish a tentative friendship, which soon shifts to blazing attraction. Oliver falls hard for him, yet he can’t help but wonder if Aubrey’s feelings are an attempt to maintain a connection to the wife he’s still mourning. And Aubrey is unsure if Oliver will tire of the slow pace in Heartsville and go running back to the city he loves. The two must successfully navigate the stormy waters of grief, doubt, and their very different lifestyles, or they risk losing both their hearts—again.

*Please note: This is in the same world as our MMM, LAST CALL, except FIRST LIGHT is MM and a complete standalone.

Amazon-Kindle Unlimited

First Light is a super slow burn romance with mature men and second chances.

I really enjoy books with main characters are around my age. It shows that just because you aren’t 22 anymore doesn’t mean you can’t find love. And for Aubrey, it was finding love for a second time when he absolutely did not expect it.

There were no real dramatics or big angst between the couple- which I thoroughly enjoyed. It could have been VERY dramatic or angsty given the nature of their relationship, but as mature men, they actually discuss things. So refreshing.

Poor Aubrey is so gruff and grumpy. He honestly doesn’t realize how many people truly care about him. He doesn’t have the typical walls up of “I’ll never love again!”, he is just doing the best that he can.

And while Oliver is a total city guy his whole life, he adjusts to living a quiet farm life fairly quickly. He was open to new things, new experiences, perhaps a new life. He never tried to make Aubrey move on. In fact, he encouraged Aubrey to talk about Lisa and their life together.

I didn’t completely understand why Aubrey’s former in laws blamed him for Lisa’s death. She was a grown woman who was driving herself home. I mean, if it was me I sure wouldn’t want someone coming to pick me up just because it was raining. They only appear about twice in the story and were a bit distracting for me. If anything, I would have wanted them in there more. Perhaps making Aubrey question moving on with his life.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The premise was different, mature men, slow burn…so many things to love

4 Pieces of Candy

Oz by Lily Morton: RB, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

by

What happens when temporary becomes forever?

Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy-free as the day he left it.

However, when he gets there he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met. An earl belonging to a family whose roots go back hundreds of years, Silas is the living embodiment of duty and sacrifice. Two things that Oz has never wanted. He’s also warm and funny and he draws Oz to him like a magnet.

Oz banks on the fact that they’re from two very different worlds to stop himself falling for Silas. But what will he do when he realises that these differences are actually part of the pull to one another? Will falling in love be enough to make him stop moving at last and realise that he’s finally home?

OZ

A FINDING HOME NOVEL

LILY MORTON

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 11.20.18

COVER DESIGN: Natasha Snow Designs

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

 

That night at midnight I sit at the kitchen table looking over the mass of papers and plans and sheets of paper covered with my sprawling handwriting. I lift my glasses and rub my eyes and look again. No, still there.

I look down at my current huge shadow who is sitting by my chair and watching me with mournful brown eyes. “Are you waiting for me to start screaming, Chewwy, or just bored?”I ask conversationally. He stares at me for a long second and then gives a huge yawn which shows off his massive teeth. I shrug. “Okay, just bored.”

“I didn’t know you wore glasses.”

The deep voice coming from the kitchen door makes me jump. “Shit, you startled me.” I take my black-framed glasses off, feeling slightly self-conscious at being found talking to the dog. “I took my contact lenses out.”

Silas gives me an exhausted smile. “They suit you.”

He comes into the room fully and I look at the tired slump of his shoulders. “Have you been out on a call?”

He gives a jaw-cracking yawn that almost sets me off. “Horse birth that looked like it was about to go pear shaped.”

“Bugger. Was everything okay?”

He nods and grins. “One very pretty filly called Moonshine.”

“Aw, that’s pretty.” I pause. “So, while we had dinner you’ve had your hand up a horse’s vagina.” He nods, biting his lip in an attempt not to smile, and I grin. “After the dinner we had, I have to say your evening looks like it might have been better.”

A burst of laughter comes from him and I smile as he sinks into the chair opposite me. I can’t help the warm feeling I’m getting in my chest at making him laugh. Why, oh why, does he have to be so nice and sleepy looking?

His voice breaks into my thoughts. “How bad was it?”

I shudder. “We had beef casserole.”

He grimaces. “God, I feel your pain. Last time I forced that down I was ten and I had to eat it because my father believed in serving up leftovers until they were eaten.” I stare at him and he nods. “I had it for breakfast, lunch and supper.”

“Oh my God. Did you eat it in the end?”

“Did I, fuck. I gave it to Cyclops, our old bulldog. It made him sick, though, so I spent a whole night nursing him and mopping up vomit.” He pauses. “Which was still better than eating that shit.”

I laugh. “Is that where the desire to be a vet came from?”

He stares at the wall, deep in thought. “No. I just think that animals are better than humans for the most part. They’re simple. You love them and they love you back, and no matter how you fuck up they still love you. That’s loyalty for you.” He seems to come to and gives me an embarrassed look.

I sort of stumbled on Lily Morton a while ago and devoured the Mixed Messages series. So I was thrilled to see a new release. Oz is connected to the Mixed Messages series, but it is completely unnecessary to read them first.

So while I did like this book, I didn’t love it, and there were a few things that had me stuck. The book opens with Oz finding his boyfriend/boss in bed with someone else. Who he lives with. Or had lived with for like 3 weeks. And I think it was mentioned that he had the job for all of 6 weeks. Any mention of where he lived or worked previously isn’t mentioned at all. That was just odd.

Silas is a bit….wishy washy for me. He is an heir with a title, Lord Ashcroft, and a mansion but is also a full time veterinarian. Which is totally fine. But he doesn’t seem to really be passionate about either. Nothing about him really stood out.

Moving on, the book was fun and witty like the previous, but it seems like everyone around Oz absorbed his personality traits. Oz is a force to be reckoned with, but he shouldn’t overshadow everyone else.

I did like the slight age gap and that it wasn’t a focus at all. Instead the focus was more on the difference in class and background. Oz never giving himself enough credit just because he has a pedigree. And Silas trying hard to seem like a “normal guy”.

I enjoyed the story, but I felt it was lacking a bit. It seemed that the job that Oz was originally hired for wasn’t completed on page- not for nothing, but a big reveal, congrats, we did it chapter was necessary. Stronger characters would have worked better for me. But still a cute story.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Facebook Author

Facebook Profile

Website