Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Book Reviews

Saddle Up (Clean Slate Rach book 3) by AM Arthur: New Release Review

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Reyes Caldero keeps his past buried deep and his emotions buried deeper. But what he doesn’t say he always makes up for with his actions. When the hot chef he once saved from an abusive ex turns up at Clean Slate Ranch, the quiet cowboy is happy to act on their sizzling chemistry, even if he’s not ready to share his secrets—or his heart.

Miles Arlington needs to get the hell out of San Francisco, and heading north for a job near Clean Slate Ranch seems like just the thing. It doesn’t hurt that his secret crush slash onetime rescuer happens to work at the ranch. Miles has never been one for the outdoors, but the superhot Reyes has him ready to saddle up.

Reyes is happy to keep things casual, even though his heart has other ideas. And when Miles is forced to confront his past again, Reyes and Miles will have to put all their trust in each other if they want any chance at building a future together.

Amazon

Carina Press

Please read the first two books in the series. It isn’t 100% necessary, but it will make this one all the more enjoyable.

That being said, I couldn’t wait for Reyes and his story. Always quiet, never with much to say, but always there for his friends. Reyes and Miles have been avoiding flirting since book 1. Avoiding it so much that it was obvious to everyone. And when Miles gets a job at the ghost town and the only available bed is in the 2 man cabin with Reyes, it won’t be easy to avoid each other.

But they do. Their relationship really grows as friends. Miles is up front in that he doesn’t want a relationship but he does want to be friends. Reyes readily agrees because he doesn’t feel worthy of love.

So while this isn’t really a friends to lovers trope, they definitely grow their friendship. And I loved that.

Reyes and Miles have big secrets. Secrets that even their best friends don’t know. And when they finally tell each other- it is painful. Especially Reyes’ secret. I wasn’t expecting that.

OF COURSE A.M. Arthur made me cry. The tears of her readers feed her. But don’t worry, there is a happily ever after.

4 Pieces of Candy

Savior (415 Ink book 2) by Rhys Ford: Release Day Review

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415 Ink: Book Two

A savior lies in the heart of every good man, but sometimes only love can awaken the man inside the savior.

The world’s had it out for San Francisco firefighter Mace Crawford from the moment he was born. Rescued from a horrific home life and dragged through an uncaring foster system, he’s dedicated his life to saving people, including the men he calls his brothers. As second-in-command of their knitted-together clan, Mace guides his younger siblings, helps out at 415 Ink, the family tattoo shop, and most of all, makes sure the brothers don’t discover his darkest secrets.

It’s a lonely life with one big problem—he’s sworn off love, and Rob Claussen, one of 415 Ink’s tattoo artists, has gotten under his skin in the worst way possible.

Mace’s world is too tight, too controlled to let Rob into his life, much less his heart, but the brash Filipino inker is there every time Mace turns around. He can’t let Rob in without shaking the foundations of the life he’s built, but when an evil from his past resurfaces, Mace is forced to choose between protecting his lies and saving the man he’s too scared to love.

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

I love books that are set in San Francisco. That is what drew me to book 1 in this series. And while I liked that one, it was very cluttered with getting to know these five “brothers”. But now that that has all been established, the romance and love story between Rob and Mace were the focus.

Mace is one of the brothers who doesn’t work at 415 Ink, although he is one of the owners. Instead he is a firefighter in China town and also lives in the neighborhood. Instead of falling back on stereotypes, the author offers some insight into the neighborhood without it being a history lesson.

Rob is a newer artist at 415 Ink and he and Mace have been doing that strange dance around each other where they act like they hate each other but they really want to rip each other’s clothes off.

Which they finally do in the aftermath of an earthquake.

*Quick note. After the earthquake IT WAS NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN! Like, what? If you go through an earthquake no matter how big or small, you talk about it. With everyone. But nope, just a tool to get Mace and Rob naked together.

Back to the story. Mace broke my heart with his entire backstory. Ugh, gutted. And while I sort of understand Rob’s situation, I don’t completely. But maybe I just misread something.

All of the other brothers are included in the story without taking it over, which I always enjoy. That is one of the great things about reading a series.

Overall, I liked this one a lot more than the first and I am glad I kept reading. And now bring on book 3!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Professor Adorkable by Edie Danford: Blog Tour, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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What happens when a star-gazing professor falls for his hot young housekeeper? One heck of an earthy explosion…

Professor Marek Janos’s genius at analyzing stellar explosions doesn’t apply to his own disordered world. Forgetting to eat, sleep, and leave his lab has triggered some epic personal disasters. When his family insists he hire live-in help, he discovers home life has awesome benefits. His new housekeeper’s smile sparks more energy than a supernova. And the way he moves? It rocks Marek’s galaxy.

Pete Schulz took a tough fall from his high-flying life in Hollywood. But how does a guy whose best skill is getting dirty clean up his act? His new gig with Domesticated Inc seems like a great first step. Keeping house for a nerdy young astrophysics professor is exactly the low-key, no-chance-for-trouble job he needs, right?

Living together is surprisingly easy for both men. And fun. And more than a little hot. It’s when they’re faced with the idea of living apart that the truly messy work begins…

Title:  Professor Adorkable

Series: Domesticated Inc, Book One

Author: Edie Danford

Publisher: Edie Danford

Release Date: September 18, 2018

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 90,000 words

Genre: Romance, Boss, Housekeeper, Best Friends, Nerd

Goodreads

Amazon

“I made the mess,” I tell my housekeeper. “So I will clean it up.”

“Yeah, I know you can clean it up if given several hours,” Pete responds, his smile crooked. There are no signs of exasperation on his face or in his tone. No signs that he’s upset I’ve woken him up with the sound of breaking glass, and that his once-pristine kitchen floor is now covered with a mess I could have easily avoided if I’d been paying attention. “But it’s my job. Tomorrow morning your job is to go teach a class. You’ll sleep until eight, eat a good breakfast, and then be off.”

I raise my eyebrows. “That is exactly how it will happen?”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“What if I want to negotiate?”

“Negotiate?”

“Yes. Things can be negotiated in a democratic household, yes?”

“Democratic?”

I smile. “We have no dictators here. Or kings or queens.”

“Well.” He snorts. “There is that matter of your uncle signing my paycheck. But I get what you’re saying, I guess. What were you interested in negotiating?”

“Tonight I feel…antsy? Unable to relax.” I move my shoulders up and down to show him all this tension I’m experiencing. “I’ll go upstairs and sleep, but first I would like company. To hang out with you. For a while.”

His mouth droops as he folds his arms across his bare chest and stares at me. “So you’re saying you’ll let me do my job. But only if I give up my free time for you?”

“Um.” It’s cool in the kitchen, but my face suddenly becomes steam-burn hot.

Damn. I’m incredibly bad at talking to him—or any guy—I find attractive. Doesn’t matter where I am—Prague, Pasadena, Chicago. My language barrier isn’t about Czech versus English. It’s about my head versus my tongue.

What I want with Pete is complicated, not simple. But, as usual, I’ve said words that could be construed as—

God, I don’t even know what.

“You suck at negotiating, Marek.” He says it with a kind note in his voice.

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “I do.”

He sighs and runs his hand over his short hair—hair I want so fucking badly to touch. Is it bristly, soft? Would it sift through my fingers easily, or would it be like my hair and cling to my skin?

“I suppose we could listen to one Harry Potter chapter,” he says, lacking his usual enthusiasm for the idea. “But just one. And if you fall asleep or if I fall asleep or if we both fall asleep, it will be your job to wake up and go back to bed. No sleepovers. That’s a rule that’s not allowed to change.”

I swallow. Ordinarily I would give him shit about the unreasonableness of his request—if we’re asleep, how will we know we’re asleep and thus breaking his rules?

But I keep quiet tonight. I know I’m pushing him. I know he’s beginning to figure out I want more than just his company. So much more.

If this were a work-related matter, I would get my way with a few basic words. Logic applies in my lab. When it comes to my personal life, however, logic rarely applies. Basic words never seem to work.

If I tell Pete what I really want—to take him into his room, to put him on his comfortable bed, to kiss his clever mouth over and over and over, to blow him until his sweet hotness spills down my throat, to hold him tightly and use friction to excellent effect (inside or outside our bodies, I don’t care) until we both come—then he would say “no” quickly and firmly, and quietly shut that detestable door in my face. And I’ll be lucky if he’s still around in the morning.

The situation between us is confusing. I hope this is more than just his workplace. We are friends. He’s my best friend, actually. And he’s the one who makes this place a home.

Occasionally, I have a hard time understanding…what had my language tutor called it? Nuance. Nuanced meanings. Pete and I have a lot of nuances happening between us.

“One chapter would be good,” I tell him. “Chapter Twelve. ‘The Tri-wizard Tournament.’ I need to know all about it.”

He nods and tips his head toward the open door to his suite. “I’ll meet you in there.”

My heart bounces around in my chest—more zaps from that ionizer—but my head doesn’t like the take-care-of-business look on Pete’s face. No smile, no teasing, no dancing notes to the way his boots clap against the tile floor. He checks the locks and the deadbolts on the back door and walks toward his room.

He glances at his doorway and then me, his eyebrows rising. He looks as though he’s holding his breath, maybe holding back a sigh.

Maybe it would be better to give him space tonight. Better for me to be apart from what I want so much, but can’t have. I should walk away, go back to my room without bothering Pete.

My damp toes stick to the cold floor. I want to be more than a job for him. I want to be more than some guy he feels sorry for, some guy who can’t even say what he wants.

I walk over to the sink and retrieve a glass from the nearby cabinet. I fill the glass half full at the tap and then drink. I set it down carefully. The water is cold, but my skin feels hot. I can feel Pete watching me, waiting.

My eyes shift to the hallway. But my feet carry me toward Pete.

Sigh……

This book was adorable. I’m was so charmed by both characters, I’m not sure which one I adored more. See, Professor Marek, simply put…. Is a genius. His mind is a beautiful thing, as are the things that come out of his mouth. He might be a little socially awkward, being that he speaks facts, because that’s just the way his mega brain works. He may seem enept in other ways, socially especially, but it’s the most charming thing about him, I feel like. He’s just so…. adorable. He’s the kind of guy you want to put in your pocket and just hug him whenever you think about how precious he is…

Having achieved so much in his short life, he’s got everything a person could need, but no need for it…. As a new professor, and studier of the astrophysics, it takes up a lot of his time; all of it really, that is, until his uncle hires him a housekeeper named Pete… Pete keeps him alive in every way. He takes care of him, but not just in the way he was hired to, but in all the ways that Marek needed.

Unfortunately, Pete is hiding his past, not only from Marek, but from everyone, even himself. He was complex in the way that, he cared about Marek, but didn’t want to. He wanted to take care of him, no matter how hard he tried to keep things professional, he couldn’t stop his feelings in check, but honestly…. You’d love him too! And in the way that he tried to put rules in place so that the past wouldn’t repeat itself for him. I’ll admit, he hadn’t made the best decisions in his previous line of work… but honestly, he was young….and when you’re young is the time for making mistakes. He learned from them, I truly believe that he did; he just wouldn’t let himself recognize that. He was a better person, he didn’t have to try, he just was. The way he was with Marek was proof of that.

Of course, with every happily ever after, there has to be bumps in the road; and their was…and there was a time when both men needed to prove that they could stand on their own two feet, but together, Marek had said that they could fix anything, as long as they did it together…. I loved that. He knew he loved Pete and he never stopped fighting for him, even when it hurt him to step back and give Pete his space to work things out for himself.

Other than Marek’s uncle…. I loved the secondary character’s and all of the friends and family. I love the family that’s unwaveringly supportive, and the friends, even the unlikely seventeen year old girl that taught them some amazeballs new words… they were all just so sweet. I’m definitely going back to read about Josh and Nick. I hope to see more of these two in the future as well….

Sigh….. did I do that already? It was just cute. Perfectly adorkable. I loved it. Great ending <3

5 stars from me.

 

Edie lives in Vermont with her husband, two sons, and random creatures that might or might not be pets. She loves libraries (where she’s found play, work, and love since she was a kid), long walks (unless ice is involved), lewd language (in the right context), luscious romance (of any variety), and alliteration.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail

http://www.ediedanford.com/

https://www.facebook.com/edie.danford

https://twitter.com/ediedanford

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12013781.Edie_Danford

ediedanford@gmail.com

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Charity Parkerson’s Sugar Fighter (Sugar Daddies #1): Quick Review

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Zeke is the older man. The richer man. The man who plans to give Korey the world.

As MMA’s Light Heavyweight champion, Zeke’s million-dollar matches and multi-million-dollar sponsorships have given him the freedom to do whatever he likes. It pleases him to spoil Korey. Before Zeke’s best friend Charlie was deployed two years ago, he made Zeke swear he’d care for his brother Korey if anything happened to him. When Charlie is killed by a roadside bomb, Zeke takes the young college student in, determined to give him everything he requires to succeed. He never expects to end up hoping he can keep Korey under more than his roof. He needs Korey beneath him.

If Korey had been in his right mind after Charlie’s death, he would’ve turned down Zeke’s offer. By the time he realizes his mistake, he’s already addicted to Zeke’s powerful presence. He never meant to end up dependent on the man’s smiles and hot glances. The money, Korey could live without. The man has him hooked. There’s only one problem—neither man wants to cross the line from friends to lovers, ruining what they have.

Sugar Fighter is a short introduction to a new series by Charity Parkerson, Sugar Daddies. This series will feature male/male May/December romances where the men are hot, rich, naughty, and don’t like to be told no.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Hmmm, hot older guy and the younger brother of his best friend from the army who had passed…. Sounds good right? I thought so too!

So, first, we have Korey, who when he lost his brother, he lost the last person he had. Having moved to a new state where he didn’t know anyone just before, he was surprised that his brother’s best friend Zeke stepped up and offered him a place to stay so he could continue school…..He had plenty of money and plenty of room, and he’d promised to look after Charlie’s little brother.

Zeke was a professional MMA fighter and a good one at that. He had more money than he knew what to do with, so it allowed him to take care of Korey; and he loved doing it. He had feelings for Korey and wanted to be the one that he relied on. Korey was in the same boat, but never imagined Zeke would return his feelings.

That was, until hiding their feelings was too much on both of them and they finally gave into each other. Should’ve been great, right? But of course it wouldn’t be that easy…. Zeke reacted badly and Korey got his feelings hurt, and the more Zeke messed up, the more he didn’t know how to fix it.

I really felt for Korey, who hasn’t had that one unrequited love? It’s the most painful feeling to know that your heart is with someone and then them not feel the same way. Of course, Zeke did, but it took a while for him to admit it to not only himself but to Korey.

With the help of Maverick, though…. They got there. Overall, it was a short and sweet read… I’m looking forward to Maverick’s story… he deserves someone amazing. I have a feeling his story will be just as bittersweet.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Second Chance Ranch by RJ Scott: Blog Tour, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Rob arrives at Crooked Tree determined to find a safe place for his niece and nephew. A family for them is the final thing on his list, and then he can vanish completely. Falling for a local paramedic along the way, is a disaster in Rob’s otherwise perfect plans.

Paramedic Aaron, the middle of five brothers, would like someone to love. A great believer in fate he is convinced though, that one day he’ll find someone. He just never thought it would be a man in so much pain, or that children would be part of the package.

Rob is ready to leave. Aaron wants him to stay. Their love has an expiry date, and it’s tearing them apart. Can they find a way to save what they have?

Length: 55,300 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Amazon

 

Book #1 – Crooked Tree Ranch – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 – The Rancher’s Son – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 – A Cowboy’s Home – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #4 – Snow In Montana – Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

Chapter 1

Rob Brady knew three things. His sister was dead, he was the guardian to her two boys, and he was stuck in Hell.

And why am I fixating on Hell?

Oh yeah, the room, the kids, the crushing grief of absolutely fucking everything.

If Hell was a small, airless room with no windows, a flickering light, and two utterly silent children staring at him as if he’d personally murdered their mother.

Oh, and a thin-lipped woman from Child Protection Services looking at him the same way.

Of course, he hadn’t killed his sister because he only ever took out the bad guys. With ruthless efficiency, he’d carved out the poison in the US and kept its citizens safe. Most people would’ve described him as an assassin, but he was more than that; the last resort when normal lines of defense failed.

At least, he used to be until he caught a bullet things went pear-shaped.

“How long have they been on their own?” Rob Brady didn’t know what else to ask. He wanted to be angry with the DCFS but how could he be? Instead, he wavered between anger and guilt, and it was guilt that was winning.

“Mr. Brady, they were never on their own.”

“My sister—” He stopped talking when he realized he was just about to state how long ago his sister died when her children were sitting right there in the room. Lowering his tone, he then turned to Sylvia from the DCFS, efficient and steady, and just ever so slightly pissed at him. “A year. They’ve been on their own a year.”

Sylvia inhaled sharply and clutched her folders to her chest.

“And for a little less than that, we have tried to track down their uncle and been unable to find anything.”

“I know. I get that.” Anyone trying to find him would reach several dead-ends whichever way they went. First of all the navy and his time in the SEALs, then when he joined the team combatting mainland terrorism. At every turn, his existence was classified, and in the end, he’d become nothing more than a ghost. “That isn’t my point.”

Sylvia tapped a finger on the files in a steady rhythm. “Then please, can you enlighten me as to what exactly is your point?”

He opened the door and gestured for her to go into the hallway, following her out and shutting it behind them. He had questions and didn’t want to ask them in front of his nephews.

“Why has no one adopted them? Why don’t they have a forever home with a new family?”

“Because your sister’s intention was that you would take the boys. It’s explicitly stated in every legal form we have, and it was her dying wish.”

“But she couldn’t have known I would ever come back. Or that I was even alive…” He floundered for something to say. He’d come back to town on the off chance he’d see what was left of his extended family from a distance, and instead, he’d learned his sister was dead, after losing a battle with cancer, that there was no father in the picture, and that his nephews were in the system.

“Nonetheless, they are legally your responsibility. Given you worked so hard to get authorization from Governor Chilton, something I’ve never seen before, along with psych evals that no normal person would have access to, you are now in a position to leave with your nephews.”

The minute he’d heard about the boys, he’d realized he needed to get things done. He’d called in favors, had people who owed him create a backstory so tight he seemed like Mother fucking Teresa, and now he was here. His nephews needed a home, and he thought on his feet because he only had another three good months to put anything in place for them. He wanted them looked after, safe, and so he had one more mission before leaving. He’d have to delay spending his last weeks on a beach in Aruba, sipping cocktails and sleeping with anything that moved.

“I can take them today?” he asked. A small, hesitant part of him wanted her to say no, that there were more details to be ironed out.

“Yes.”

“Now?”

“Yes.” She pursed her lips as if it were against her better judgment. But he’d passed all the checks, and the references were sound, he had the governor’s endorsement. It was done.

“Okay then.”

He pushed back into the room. Bran, the older of his two nephews, stared at him steadily. Toby, the youngest, sniffled and gripped his brother hard. Any ordinary uncle would’ve hugged them close and told them everything was going to be okay. But he wasn’t a regular uncle, and he swore Bran knew that because there was accusation in his eyes.

You don’t even know us; he seemed to be saying.

Was it right for Rob to be taking them from their new foster home? They’d been placed with a family currently fostering six kids, and on the surface, everything seemed okay. He’d done his due diligence, and the parents checked out, but there was a weird vibe in the house, a rule of fear, and he didn’t like it.

He’d stayed alive this long by listening to his instinct, and his gut told him he should take Bran and Toby, that he was the boys’ kin. He also knew where he could find them a better home. In the mountains, with rivers and horses, and a whole group of people who would look out for them.

“Everything will be okay.” Was he reassuring himself or the boys?

If anyone who knew him had seen he was being handed two children to take care of, they’d call the cops.

Of course, he could handle the cops. He’d done it before, but the kids would slow him down. Unless he strapped them to his back and—

“Mr. Brady?”

Sylvia talked to him, or at him, and from her expression, she wasn’t impressed he’d stopped listening.

“Sorry, say again?” He glanced at Toby who was sniffling harder and snuggling deeper into his brother. I should go to Toby and…

And what?

Do what? Say what? Scare the kid rigid by being all up in his face?

“We need an address for our records. Unless you reside with Governor Chilton?” The last she added sarcastically.

Oh yeah, a house, an address, he probably needed those. He’d managed to fool them with his credentials so far, and the recommendation he’d gotten from the governor for a favor owed had cut through the red tape. The address was easy; it was the only place he had on his to-do list, the one where the kids could maybe have a home. He just needed to hire a lawyer, update his will, get Justin to agree to his proposal, and he’d be able to leave without any worries.

“Crooked Tree Ranch, outside of Helena, Montana.”

 

I love this whole series!!!

I’ll admit, it’s been a minute, so I had to go back and remind myself who Rob was, but if you loved and read Justin and Sam’s story, you’ll remember that he’s a former partner of Justin’s, sent to kill him in their book. Of course, he didn’t, because he wanted out of the life just as Justin did, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous and that when he left Justin alive, he didn’t think he’d ever see him again.

Rob never counted on checking on the sister he’d left behind at 18, when he signed up to serve his country. Imagine his surprise that she’d not only died but she’d left him her two children, boys, Toby and Bran. Now, we all know Jennifer’s a sucker for stories involving kids, and this one was no different. The two boys were a major part of this story; more so even than relationship that forms between Rob and Aaron, the sheriff’s brother, the paramedic. Remember him? Yeeeeah, I was excited for him too.

Unfortunately, things hadn’t been easy for Toby and Bran, shuffling into foster homes until they found Rob; (which meant, Rob wanted to be found), he was all set to leave them in foster care until he checked out the home of where the boys were staying and moved heaven and earth to get them with him. He didn’t know what to do with them and the boys didn’t trust him for a good little bit; but they needed him…they needed each other, Rob just didn’t realize it yet.

Rob had been shot and left badly injured after his last mission, and the effects from that were a problem. We don’t get to that problem for a while though, so I was left frustrated with Rob the majority of the book. And figuring something is going to happen to him; he takes the boys to Crooked Tree Ranch, because he hopes that Justin will have his back. It’s slow going, but Justin and Sam were my favorite and I knew that Justin would indeed have his back and take care of those kids should he and Sam need to. I fell in love with him all over again.

My heart still hurt for Rob, because I knew how hard he was trying to keep a distance from the kids, and trying to get the kids to keep their distance from him as well; and I hated seeing it; because those kids needed him so badly.

See, Jennifer not only loves stories about hot guys with kids; but she also has two kids, two boys and was a single parent until her oldest was 5. Remembering them trying to impress my husband of the last 9 years, wanting him to love them and be to them what they didn’t have. Stories like this one hits me close to home…(okay, and Jennifer will stop referring to herself in the 3rd person, and also mention, he jumped into that dad role and has been the best one ever since) So, I was rooting for this small family, even when I thought it was impossible.

I shouldn’t have worried though, not really; I’ve read this entire series and I’m also a big fan of Ms. Scott, and I know that especially in this series; we get our happily ever afters! And Aaron, he was stubborn, having all those brothers, I’m sure he had to be; but it worked in his favor here. He didn’t let Rob scare him or push him away, and the quiet way he loved Rob, not pushing him, even when he knew what the outcome would likely be….He was just there, loving him in the time he got with him. He fought for them, but he couldn’t make him do anything unless Rob was willing to fight for all of them. It was Justin who pushed, and I loved him all the more for it.

I loved them all actually, I don’t even know what I’m saying. And while Justin and Sam remain my favorite, I’ll have to say that Toby and Bran are a very close second. I’d love to read more about this little family and I hope we get so much more from this series. I love them all, and I loved the way this one ended. Yay for all of them..

Sigh…Great addition…I’ll take the next one, now please 😀

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

August 30 – Cdawgz Reads, Gay Book Reviews, OMG Reads, Xtreme Delusions, September 3 – BFD Blog, September 5 – My Fiction Nook, September 7 – The Geekery Book Review, MM Good Book Reviews, September 10 – Mean Girls Luv Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Reads, September 12 – Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, Reading In Sarah’s Corner, September 14 – Two Chicks Obsessed, Southern Babes Book Blog, Jim’s Reading Room, Nicole’s Book Musings, September 17 – Momma Says: To Read or Not To Read, Wicked Faerie’s Tales, The Way She Reads, Sexy Erotic Xciting, September 19 – Making It Happen, Padme’s Library, September 21 – Mirrigold, Lillian Francis, Bayou Book Junkie, Virginia Lee

RJ’s goal is to write stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, that hint of a happily ever after.

RJ is the author of the over one hundred novels and discovered romance in books at a very young age. She realized that if there wasn’t romance on the page, she could create it in her head, and is a lifelong writer.

She lives and works out of her home in the beautiful English countryside, spends her spare time reading, watching films, and enjoying time with her family.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit and has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the following links below:

Email RJ (rj@rjscott.co.uk)

Goodreads Page | RJ’s Blog | RJ on Twitter | Facebook | Library Thing Page | Tumblr |Pinterest

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*** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ***

Looking Forward by Michael Bailey: New Release Review

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Owen Hannity was nineteen when he lost almost everyone he thought he could trust. Each loss more painful than the last.

With the unwavering support of his best friend, Andy, Owen put the pieces of his life back together. Now, more than two decades later, Owen owns and operates a successful comic shop. Despite his modicum of success, he still feels like a shell of a man, carrying the emotional scars from his past.

Without warning, Owen’s past returns. Secrets come to light. Secrets that could either destroy Owen or finally give him the strength to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about Andy, himself, and the way in which he views the world.

To see that he is truly worthy of loving himself and finally begin…

…Looking Forward.

Amazon

 

Oof. This is a tough one for me to write. This is Michael Bailey’s second book. I hadn’t read the first one because I tend to get nervous about new authors who are know readers of the genre. If that makes sense. But I read some of the reviews from the first book and thought- hey! let’s give this one a shot.

Again, oof.

What this story needed (besides several edits) was a hard assed beta reader. Or three. Sure, have your friend beta read it, but tell them to be honest. Like brutally honest. Sometimes honesty hurts when you put your heart and soul into something, but ultimately it will make it SO MUCH BETTER!

Because the bones were there for a good story. And there was a lot there. But it was too much because scenes weren’t long enough to really sink our teeth into and care about these characters.

It’s a love story with angst and pain. There’s a time jump from 1992 to present. I enjoyed seeing the references about how so many silly things were different in 1992. Land lines. Land lines and long distance phone charges. Writing a phone number down. On a napkin. Silly things, but they harken back to when I was in my late teens.

As much as I enjoyed those things, the first “half” of the book in 1992 was entirely too long. And the second half, set in the present, was too short.

I needed more. I needed to sink my teeth in. But there was no meat. Just bones and fat.

2 Pieces of Candy

*** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ***