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Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Book Reviews

Footprints in the Sand (Rules of Summer) by L.M. Somerton: Quick Review

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The Rules of Summer

Sun, sea and submission…a different kind of dream holiday.

When Ben’s best friend’s appendix throws a wobbly, Ben has to holiday alone. He plucks up the courage to attend their planned mini BDSM break as a solo submissive, determined to have some fun, even if he doesn’t find the Dom of his dreams. When he meets handsome local beachcomber Rhys, Ben hopes holiday romance might turn into more—but Rhys isn’t quite what he seems and Ben has to reconcile his need to submit with his doubts about Rhys’ honesty.

General Release Date: 14th July 2020

Genre:

BONDAGE AND BDSM
CONTEMPORARY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI

Amazon

Okay, as usual, I enjoyed another L.M. Somerton book, no surprise. 🙂

This short novella was just what I needed. Ben goes on vacation alone, a brave thing honestly considering he was going to go with a friend to a BDSM week in a resort. He is a sweet shy guy who was just out to have a little fun.

He meets a nice man on the beach, and they just click. However, this story really focuses on Ben, coming out of his shell more, meeting some friends (HELLO JULES!), and then having some sexy time with a man with a secret.

There is no big drama here, just a lot of fun, sexy, sweet enjoyment, with a bit of heat…you know because they are at the beach. 😉

4 pieces of eye candy

Drive Me Crazy (Food Truck Warriors #1) by Beth Bolden: RDB, Excerpt, New Release Review & Giveaway

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When Tony Blake walks into what might be a blind date, he’s surprisingly intrigued despite his irritation with his meddling brother. But when Lucas turns out to be a new employee for their food truck, Tony’s usual charm deserts him.

Lucas might be fantastically creative in the kitchen, but to Tony’s disappointment, he’s not interested in more than a casual hookup. Old Tony would have loved the lack of strings, but New Tony is finally ready for it all.

He’s ready to find love, and to help the food truck thrive. What he needs is Lucas next to him, revolutionizing their carnivore menu with his vegan point of view, and what he wants is Lucas underneath him in bed, turning his life inside out.

As the kitchen heats up in the Los Angeles summer, can Tony figure out how to drive Lucas crazy enough to change his mind?

Book Title: Drive Me Crazy (Food Truck Warriors #1)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Angsty G Book Cover and Media Design

Release Date: August 26, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary gay romance, opposites attract, work romance, foodie romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 83 000 words

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

Tony was muttering as he climbed back into the truck.

“Gabriel’s here,” he said, “and so is Ash. And the fucking picnic truck.”

Lucas didn’t know who Gabriel or Ash were, but he had heard of the famous—or apparently in Tony’s mind, infamous—picnic truck. It was called Basket, and it specialized in all kinds of stuff you’d bring to a picnic or a cookout: ribs, hot dogs, potato salad, deviled eggs. Lucas had ordered from it once and had been surprisingly impressed by their macaroni salad. Macaroni salad, that fucking mainstay of middle-class American potlucks and grocery store delis. Completely reimagined and absolutely crazy delicious.

But it sounded like Tony was not exactly thrilled they were here, which kind of made sense, because they definitely seemed to grab the lion’s share of attention wherever they went.

“They’re new,” Lucas said. “A novelty.”

“Ross is a dick,” Tony grumbled, “and Aaron is an even bigger dick.”

That surprised Lucas. Tony didn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d trash his competition. “Really?”

“They stole our onion dip recipe,” Tony said. “Well, Wyatt’s onion dip recipe. And he thinks it’s funny, but it’s really not, because then we had to take it off the menu.”

“Why?”

“They claimed theirs is an ‘old family recipe’ which is total bullshit, but somehow it was basically identical to ours, and Wyatt didn’t want us to look like we were copying them, even though we’d had it as a side, nearly from the start. That was when we decided we’d do more salsas, lean into the fish tacos and stuff.”

“You should make it for me sometime,” Lucas said. He hadn’t intended for it to sound like an invitation or, god forbid, a date, but Tony glanced over in surprise, like he’d just propositioned him. Over onion dip, for god’s sake.

“Next big event, we’ll add it as a special. At least if freaking Basket isn’t around.”

Lucas told himself that he wasn’t disappointed in the way Tony dismissed him. He probably wouldn’t be around for the next big event, and Tony knew it.

Returning to his final set of prep, Lucas tried to let it go, but the way Tony had said it was weird. Stole. Money and a recipe were totally different beasts, but there was a weird similarity there that kept bothering him, piquing his curiosity. Finally, even though he knew better than to bring up what was clearly a sore subject, Lucas put his knife down and turned towards Tony, who was working on the spinach artichoke mixture for the grilled cheese, wilting spinach in a huge pot on the stove.

“What do you mean, they stole it?” Lucas asked.

Tony looked up, surprise etched on his face.

“Like, did they break into the truck and steal the recipe?” Lucas continued, gesturing to where the vague recipes were written out in bold, slashing letters that he’d discovered was Tony’s handwriting. “Or did they just buy some and duplicate it?”

“I don’t know,” Tony said. “I wish I did, but fuck if I know how they got it. I guess they could have recreated it. But . . .”

“It was totally identical,” Lucas finished. “Fuck, that sucks.” He knew how hard it would be to recreate a recipe that closely. It’d take dozens of attempts, and tons of time. Not the kind of time that anyone would waste in the food truck business. Tony was probably right; somehow the Basket guys had stolen the recipe.

This is a spin off of her Kitchen Gods series, which you don’t need to read to pick up this book. One of the main characters, Tony, we met in a Kitchen God’s book that focused on his brother- who is also in this book. There are a few mentions of life in Napa (Kitchen Gods), but you’re good starting here.

Tony and his brother own and run a food truck, but his brother being a classicaly trained chef and former personal chef has been contracted to write a cookbook. Because of that he won’t be able to work the truck for at least the summer. Tony thinks it is fine because he has his friend Jeremy- who his brother Wyatt doesn’t like at all. So Wyatt hires Lucas part time to help out in the truck. Although at first Tony thought it was a set up and was kind of dickish to Lucas at first. So that was funny.

The dickishness wears off fast when they start working together and making eyes at each other. Things move quickly. Both guys claiming to want hook ups only. Cliche.

There is also a small rivalry with another truck as well as a petty thief hitting their truck. Nothing big enough really to call the police about, but enough to be annoying and make Tony feel violated.

By the way, Lucas is also a personal trainer and is trying to get his energy bar business going. Add in a new relationship and I don’t think this guy sleeps.

The chemistry with Lucas and Tony was definitely hot. They made a good couple both in and out of bed. Their mutual love of food and cooking definitely helped.

All of that being said, I am a total details person and there were just a lot of details missing that took me out of the story. Stupid things like they don’t shower after working in a tiny hot food truck for 12 hours. One mention of food delivery, one mention of picking up more food. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet. And when the theif is caught- no mention of calling the police. Just, really?

2.5 pieces of eye candy

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published nineteen novels and six novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

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Alliance (Torsere Book 3) by Annabelle Jacobs: New Release Review

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With war, comes sacrifice….

Ryneq and Nykin return home to find the lowland armies camped along Torsere’s borders. Seran wants the dragons, and with a new witch in his ranks, war is inevitable.

With the elves at his side, Ryneq fights to keep Seran and his soldiers at bay. But they’re not prepared for the witch using old dark magic. As Nykin and the dragon riders battle a deadly attack, an unexpected betrayal forces Ryneq to make a difficult decision.

Faced with the prospect of losing his kingdom, Ryneq gambles on a plan that could ultimately save Torsere, if only they can stay alive long enough to see it through.

Featuring magic, suspense, and danger in the final instalment of this romantic fantasy.
Previously released through Dreamspinner

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This was a fabulous end to the trilogy, and I read it in one go. Nyken the dragon rider and consort of King Ryneq is busy juggling his new responsibilities as second to the lead dragon rider, and his relationship with Ryneq.

Ryneq–understandably–doesn’t want to put his lover in danger, but Nyken rides one of the most powerful dragons and it’s his job. It was good to see some personal issues to be resolved as their relationship grows.

Everything that the first two books have been leading to gets resolved in this book. Some I was expecting, some i was hoping for, and a few curve balls. Danger, action, sacrifice, betrayal, and heartbreak culminating in a very satisfying ending and a Happy Ever After.

I don’t think these books could be read as a standalone, but why would you want to? This is a trilogy firmy going on my reread shelf.

And dragons?

Did I mention dragons?

Five “flaming” stars

Hitting Black Ice (Heart and Haven Book 1) by Heloise West: Quick Review

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Shawn is on the run from the law and love, to protect himself and anyone else involved. Until he meets Hunter, and he no longer wants to run.

ER physician’s assistant Hunter guards his heart carefully, but that doesn’t stop him from falling for the temp front desk clerk. He keeps his distance from relationships for a good reason but just can’t help himself when it comes to Shawn.

Forced into a hostage situation, buried passions explode in the aftermath, and sex in the supply closet brings both their hearts back to life. But as they explore their relationship, the past catches up with Shawn.

FBI agent Nick Truman has finally found his man, and when Shawn escapes, he focuses his attention on Hunter. Will Shawn sacrifice himself to save Hunter from the man who framed him for murder?

Amazon

I grabbed this one, because I was intrigued by book 2 which comes out Sunday, Send Lawyers, Guns and Roses, and it appeared that there was going to be some necessary information, that it would not be stand alone. And I was correct. I’m glad that I had the background of book 1 to get me into book 2.

The first 40% or so of this book is told from Hunter’s POV. He has a crush on Shawn, meanwhile Shawn won’t date him, then he will, then he won’t. It’s a bit of a push and pull, that of course ends with them falling in love. After that 40% we learn how Shawn (soon to be known as Alex) ended up in the situation he was in, on the run, fake identity, with an FBI agent trying to kill him.

The story is convoluted, to say the least, and you don’t always know who the good guys are, or who will come out of the woodwork to try to do some damage. I do like a suspense story that weaves in and out. The trip “north” is kind of hilarious how to goes down, I will say that.

I think my biggest issue with the book was these two men were a hot mess, and trying to fall in love while dealing with all that was going on seemed a little too surreal. They really hadn’t known each other long before they started dating/not dating, then Shawn was on the run for a while, and then Nick came to find Hunter. In addition, I will say I was very confused at Shawn heading to Florida, then suddenly delivering a letter directly to Hunter in Mass. That seemed like a huge timeline issue to me.

Overall though, suspense well done, and I could see the upcoming issues for book 2, and looking forward to how they settle themselves into a relationship.

3 pieces of eye candy.

Wild Sky by Zaya Feli: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Tauran Darrica has been retired from the Valreus Sky Guard for four years following the Battle of the Broken Wings that resulted in the death of his dragon. Now, all Tauran wants to do is spend his days forgetting the past and gambling his way to an unsteady income.

So when his old general from the Sky Guard hunts Tauran down to request his help with staving off the increasingly aggressive wild dragon population, Tauran refuses. But a fire ruins his rented room and leaves him without a place to stay, and Tauran finds himself on the road to Valreus, after all.

Tauran is determined to stay as far away from dragons as he can get, but a starry-eyed young man from Sharoani, land of the wild dragons, might just ruin his plans.

Kalai Ro-Ani has spent his life watching the stars, knowing he could never reach them.

With his wild dragon Arrow, he sets out for the city of Valreus in the hope of building himself a better future than he could have stuck at the foot of the Kel Visal dragon temples.

But nobody told Kalai that only the Sky Guard is allowed to own dragons, so when Arrow kills a guard in Kalai’s defense, it looks like his adventure might be over before it can begin. But a chance encounter at the old Valreus archive offers Kalai the future he’d been hoping for. In the span of a single day, he has a home, a job, and a purpose.

In Valreus, something much bigger falls into his lap – along with a tall and striking Valrean man with a rather strange disposition.

A new, LGBT+ fantasy story from Zaya Feli, featuring dragons, aerial battles and epic journeys through dangerous wilderness.

WILD SKY by Zaya Feli

Publisher: Self-published

Release Date: Ebook: August 24th | Print: TBD

Length: Ebook: 189,000 words

Subgenre: Fantasy/Romance

Warnings: mentions of symptoms of depression and PTSD. Medicine addiction and withdrawal.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

From the author, Zaya Feli:

The overarching theme is about how healing is possible despite severe damage. That some things may not be fixable, and that simply learning to persevere and find support and happiness where it exists can be enough.

It took Tauran two days to work up the courage to enter the guard grounds.

He knew he was being a coward. That this new place, these new recruits, and the Ground Guard had nothing to do with what had happened at the Solar Tower.

But Tauran’s nerves weren’t so easily convinced.

When he approached the steel gates, he was happy he’d skipped breakfast. He grabbed the string and rang the bell a little too hard.

The hatch in the door opened, and a thankfully unfamiliar face appeared.

“Tauran Darrica,” Tauran said, “here at General Falka’s request.”

The doors swung open with a groan.

And then he was inside.

The atmosphere was such a stark contrast to the gloom brewing in Tauran that he had to pause and take a moment to adjust. It was as if Tauran’s memory of the guard had frozen in the time after the Battle of the Broken Wings, that stunned period full of fear and sorrow and rage.

But in the four years since Tauran had last been surrounded by the guard, it had recovered.

Young recruits ran past him shoulder to shoulder on their way to the first lesson of the day. A pair of older men, captains, judging by their uniforms, sat bent over a table, spending their break playing a game of Isutagi. At a table behind them, a woman with her sleeves rolled up past her elbows focused all her attention on the pistol she was cleaning. Black and copper uniforms dominated the outdoor space. The Ground Guard had always outnumbered the Sky Guard, but the difference seemed even more stark, now.

A brief glimpse of silver caught Tauran’s eye here and there. Messengers, or perhaps weather specialists, on their way to delivering flight reports and air pressure charts.

Tauran took a deep breath of the air inside the grounds and found it didn’t sting as much as he’d feared.

This book (all 764 amazing pages) kept me reading until a ridiculous time in the early hours of the morning to finish. It’s been a while since I  was so engrossed in a story. It kept me glued.

Fantasy at its best, and a new to me author I’m thrilled to discover has a backlist.

Two men. One a washed up permanently damaged ex Dragon rider who’s own Dragon died in a terrible war, and one a young innocent-ish geek who happens to have his own wild dragon currently hidden because in their world, dragons are so rare only properly trained riders are allowed to keep them.

The world building is amazing, the relationship between them and their dragons are wonderful, but this isn’t just a sweet romance.

There is evil, betrayal, enemies where you least expect, a wild dragon egg about to hatch, and problems that seem insurmountable. And not everything is black and white. Expect surprises and plot twists.

This will appeal to fans of Mercedes Lackey, Megann Derr, and C.S. Pacat

Five “Dragon’s teeth” (Sounds better than stars)

Zaya Feli grew up in various small towns in eastern Denmark where she spent most of her childhood and youth daydreaming about strange and incredible fantasy worlds. In 2018, she moved to northern Denmark with her pet snake, Helix, to work as a web developer, and is now dedicating all her free time turning the fantasy worlds inside her head into words and illustrations on the page.

An avid sci fi and fantasy fan since childhood, she also has a deep love for history, archery, nature, language and art.

Zaya Feli released her debut novel, Stag’s Run, in November 2016, and has since released four more full length novels and a short story. Her favourite genres are fantasy and sci-fi with a sprinkle of romance.

Connect with Zaya: Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Website

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Golden Valley (Pack Collection Book 3) by Cardeno C.: Quick Review

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A generous Alpha with a tragic past and a young Omega with hopes for the future overcome mistakes to heal a pack and find happiness together.

Life has thrown more than his fair share of challenges and losses at Alpha Morgan Peters. Despite his pain and disappointment, the shifter picks himself up and does right by his pack. As the years pass, Morgan establishes himself as a leader who is as kind as he is strong and Golden Valley prospers. But it isn’t until an Omega shifter enters his life that Morgan sees hope for a future where he can be more than an Alpha.

When Psi Omega Ricky Marx goes to Golden Valley as a representative of his home pack, he is thrilled to find his mate—the beautiful, powerful Golden Valley Alpha. Unfortunately, their first meeting doesn’t go well, and overwhelmed by his mistakes, Ricky sees no choice but to flee.

Morgan’s past makes him struggle to absorb more loss. Ricky’s youth makes him struggle to find his voice. But if these two shifters can overcome their challenges and come back together, they’ll heal the Golden Valley pack and fulfill their destiny.
Word Count: 41,524

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Somehow Cardeno C makes me read things that I would not normally read, and love them. I don’t normally read shifters, any kind, and yet, when I received this review request, I knew I had to get this one in, and I’m so glad I did.

This story takes place over a longer period of time than might be the case in a “normal” book. Lots of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and loads of longing. I really liked, as the story moved along Ricky becomes even more confident, and determined not to be a pawn in a pack struggle.

Both MC’s are sweet, caring people, who only want the best for everyone, they just didn’t communicate well enough to get to that point for themselves. Ricky choose not to really talk to anyone, which I did find somewhat frustrating, as he had a very supportive group of people behind him.

Overall, really enjoyed this new addition to the series, and loved catching up a bit with previous characters in the series. FYI. This does have mpreg, if that is not quite your thing.

4 pieces of eye candy