Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

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Loving A Warrior by Melanie Hansen: Blog Tour and New Release Review

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BUD/S: six months of the most intense training there is. It’s survival of the toughest, and Matt Knytych is determined to come out the other side a navy SEAL.

Distraction is life or death. And just the sight of former marine Shane Hovland is enough to shake Matt’s concentration.

Shane came to BUD/S training ready to prove himself—again. Semper Fi is forever, but he needs a new start. Not this dangerous heat with a man he barely knows.

Everything they’ve ever wanted is riding on a thin, punishing line. And they’ll have to fight for more than just each other if they want to make it through intact.

After all, the only easy day was yesterday.

Length: 77,300 words approx.

Publisher: Carina Press

Amazon US

Amazon UK

I went into Loving A Warrior with high hopes. I had read one other book by this author and it destroyed me. It broke my heart, made me cry and then put me back together again. So I was looking forward to the feels! To a great story! A fabulous romance!

But it was…boring.

Literally 80 or 85% of the book is them going through BUD/S training to become SEALs. Besides some kissing and one quick jerk off scene, both buys are willing to wait so they are distracted. Just. Wait.

And they are together a lot. But they just abstain. Which is FINE. I have nothing against that. But then give me more story. Not more SEAL training. “Get wet and sandy!” It was so tedious.

The real story, the conflict, the drama all happened at the very end of the book. There were super vague hints to it, but it should have been explored more throughout the book.

If you want to learn about the brutal training you have to go through to become a SEAL, read this book. If you want a romance and hot sex between 2 SEALs, I can suggest way better books.

3 pieces of eye candy

Melanie Hansen doesn’t get nearly enough sleep. She loves all things coffee-related, including collecting mugs from every place she’s visited. After spending eighteen years as a military spouse, Melanie definitely considers herself a moving expert. She has lived and worked all over the country, and hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to the love stories she gets up in the wee hours to write. On her off-time, you can find Melanie watching baseball, reading or spending time with her husband and two teenage sons.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

November 26 – The Novel Approach, Diverse Reader, Xtreme Delusions, Gay Book Reviews, Archaeolibrarian, BFD Book Blog, Love Sawyer, November 28 – The Blogger Girls, November 29 – Joyfully Jay, November 30 – Two Chicks Obsessed, Mikku-chan, Mainely Stories, December 1 – My Fiction Nook, December 4 – Love Bytes, December 5 – Mirrigold, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Bayou Book Junkie, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, Valerie Ullmer, Jessie G Books, Wicked Faerie’s Tales & Reviews, Lillian Francis, Reading In Sarah’s Corner, Jim’s Reading Room, Making It Happen, Sexy Erotic Xciting, MM Good Book Reviews, December 6 – Gay Book Reviews

 

Claimed (Breaking Free Book 7) by A.M. Arthur: New Release Review

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University student Demir Higgs is on the fast-track to graduate with honors and dive straight into medical school. His career plan leaves little time for dating, so after he catches his casual boyfriend cheating, Demir attends an anonymous sex party, determined to finally lose his virginity. He chooses an older alpha in a red mask and the man takes Demir apart piece by glorious piece, worshiping his body in ways Demir never imagined. Too bad he’ll never see the man again.

After his bondmate disappeared eleven years ago, Senior Constable Brandt Lars fell into his work and avoided dating, disinterested in relationships. Not until the boy in the blue mask. Introducing the young beta to the wonders of sex was Brandt’s absolute pleasure, and he can’t stop thinking about him—until Brandt comes face to face with Blue in the form of Demir Higgs, the middle son of a work colleague. Demir is equally drawn to Brandt and their chemistry is through the roof. The age difference is an issue, but their attraction is real, and stolen moments turn into a secret relationship they both enjoy…but something is still missing.

Years ago, Oliver Strand lost all his memories in a horrible car wreck that left his face scarred and his sense of smell obliterated. But he built a new life for himself and his son, and now he’s visiting Sansbury Province as a guest speaker at a territory-wide anti-sex-trafficking conference. What he does not expect to find at the conference is an alpha he doesn’t know, but who insists Oliver is his missing mate Ollie Lars, who disappeared the same week as Oliver’s accident.

Brandt is overjoyed to discover his bondmate is alive, despite Oliver having no memory of his old life in Sansbury, and he’s determined to keep both mate and son in his life. But he’s also in love with Demir and doesn’t want to lose him. Demir is ready to be the bigger person and step aside so the Lars family can be together again—until Demir realizes he and Oliver have unique chemistry of their own. And they’ve also both been claimed by the same alpha.

Can a grumpy alpha in love with two men, an omega with no memory of his mate, and a beta determined to chart his own course find a way to navigate the complicated waters of a poly relationship? Or will all three men end up stranded alone with broken hearts?

NOTE: This is a non-shifter, M/M/M Omegaverse story with alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, and mpreg. In this world, omegas are second-class citizens, but they are working toward gaining more civil rights and protections under the law. Series warnings for mentions of past physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Additional warnings for extremely kinky sex, including dirty talk, light spanking, biting, edging, roughhousing, come-swapping, and threesomes. This series is best read in numerical order.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

The is the book fans of the Breaking Free series have been waiting for. Sweet, beta Demir, cranky, Alpha Brandt and…..Brandt’s presumed dead spouse? YYAAASSS!!

I can hear it now. Oh you can’t do a menage in a Alpha/Omega/Beta universe!

Oh yes you can. And AM Arthur did. Quite well. It is hot. It is sweet. It is sexy. It is a bit romantic. And it is deliciously filthy. This book is not for the pearl clutching crowd.

Technically, I suppose, this could be read as a stand alone, but really, the world building that began in book 1 is so intricate and connected that you really should read them all in order.

Small little tangent here. I get plot bunnies- ideas for books- all. of. the. time. It’s almost annoying. But that is all I get. It’s the characterizations and world building and plot lines…. I could never do it. And after book 7, I don’t know how she keeps it all straight. Straight. Heh. It’s admirable to say the least.

Although Ollie and Brandt technically have a history together, Ollie remembers none of it and Brandt is the first to admit that Ollie is a different person now than he was then. So really, the three of them- Ollie, Brandt and Demir- coming together was rather organic. Nothing was forced or stilted. It all just made sense.

This is a BIG book. 400 solid pages. But you really need all of those pages to get the whole story. I don’t think any words were wasted. And there is still more to their story that we haven’t heard yet. Supposedly. I mean. I might have heard something. But I will totally deny it.

I’ll say it again in closing- this book is filthy. But in an oh so good way. And it isn’t gratuitously so. It fits. It is who they are. And it’s delicious.

4 Pieces of Candy

Familiar Demon by Amy Lane: Exclusive Cover Reveal

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TCO is excited to have Amy Lane stopping by today with the cover reveal of her upcoming book, Familiar Demon, book 2 in the Familiar Love series. This amazing cover was done by the fabulous Reese Dante, and the book–like all of Amy’s books–looks great! Can’t wait!

For over a century, Edward Youngblood has been the logical one in a family of temperamental magical beings. But reason has not made him immune to passion, and Edward’s passion for Mullins, the family’s demon instructor, has only grown.

Mullins was lured into hell through desperation—and a fatal mistake. He’s done his best to hang onto his soul in the twisted realm of the underworld, and serving the Youngblood family when summoned has been his only joy. Edward concocts a plan to spring Mullins by collecting a series of items to perform an ancient ritual—an idea that terrifies Mullins. He can’t bear the thought of losing Edward and his brothers to a dangerous quest.

But every item in their collection is an adventure in brotherhood and magic, and as Mullins watches from the sidelines, he becomes more and more hopeful that they will succeed. When the time comes for Mullins to join the mission, can he find enough faith and hope to redeem himself and allow himself happiness in the arms of a man who would literally go to hell and back—and beyond—to have Mullins by his side?

Title: Familiar Demon
Series: Familiar Love: Book 2
Author: Amy Lane
Release Date: February 12, 2019
Category: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 248
Cover Artist: Reese Dante http://www.reesedante.com

Dreamspinner Press eBook
Dreamspinner Press Paperback

Amy Lane lives in a crumbling crapmansion with a couple of growing children, a passel of furbabies, and a bemused spouse. She’s been nominated for a RITA, has won honorable mention for an Indiefab, and has a couple of Rainbow Awards to her name. She also has too damned much yarn, a penchant for action-adventure movies, and a need to know that somewhere in all the pain is a story of Wuv, Twu Wuv, which she continues to believe in to this day! She writes fantasy, urban fantasy, and gay romance—and if you accidentally make eye contact, she’ll bore you to tears with why those three genres go together. She’ll also tell you that sacrifices, large and small, are worth the urge to write.
Website: www.greenshill.com
Blog: www.writerslane.blogspot.com
Email: amylane@greenshill.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amy.lane.167
Twitter: @amymaclane

Havoc by Kindle Alexander: Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

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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: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42263959-havoc

Cover Art: Reese Dante

Amazon US

Amazon CA: 

Amazon UK 

Amazon AU

Playlist:

This story started pretty strong for me. Misunderstood biker and uber rich guy who’s father is using him for political gain. Sparks fly when they meet and catch some serious fire when they get together.

Alec is being put on the political path that his father wants. Since his bigoted father wants to run for president, he knows to show his softer side- and having an out gay successful judge of a son is the way he is going to do it. But other than that, his father has no purpose for him.

Keyes never came out, but being gay seems to be common knowledge in his motorcycle club. And if anyone forgets, his nasty father will remind them.

These two are the epitome of polar opposite. So, yay! I love that both men are “normal”. Meaning there are no virtual emotional walls to break down, they aren’t nasty or have chips on their shoulders like the world owes them. They are just guys who have accepted their lot in life.

The chemistry between the two men is WOW. And while it is amazing, I feel like that took over from the plot line. After finishing the book and seeing that there is a book 2 coming, I assume a lot of the plot points will be addressed in book 2. But to just kind of leave it all behind while these guys got it on was a disappointment. Especially since several months go by. As noted at the beginning of one of the later chapters “5 months later”. Uh, 5 months later and NOTHING has happened with the several things that were started in the beginning of the book? Just didn’t make sense to me. Things should have happened!

There is a lot I can’t say for the sake of spoilers. You’re welcome.

I definitely want to read the next book because there was so much left without answers.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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/

https://bit.ly/2zpJSAj

Stuck With You by Jay Northcote: New Release Blitz with Review

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Two clashing colleagues stuck together for Christmas—will opposites eventually attract?

Patrick has been single since he broke up with his cheating ex almost a year ago. With Christmas looming, he’s resigned to spending it alone with only memories of happier times for company. When a business trip with a co-worker leaves them stranded in the Lake District due to heavy snow, it seems Patrick will have company for Christmas after all. It’s a shame his companion is Kyle, who’s undeniably attractive, but annoying as hell.

Aware of Patrick’s reluctant admiration, Kyle basks in the attention even though Patrick isn’t the type of man he normally goes for. Averse to relationships after being hurt in the past, Kyle enjoys the occasional hook up, but has given up on seeking anything more meaningful.

Stuck together, their antagonism escalates along with a heavy dose of sexual tension until it finally ignites. What starts as a Christmas fling soon feels like something special; but will their tentative connection melt away as the snow thaws? If they’re going to take a chance on finding happiness together, they’ll have to put their differences aside and learn to trust one another.

Contains: enemies-to-lovers, snowball fights, bickering, spanking, a cute dog, a wise old lady, mistletoe, and a happy ending (of course).

Length: 53,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Hot cover!

With our first snowfall coming down right now here in the Midwest, and Christmas right around the corner, I figured this one would be perfect. Co-workers who can’t stand each other, but secretly attracted to one another… uhm, yes please…. But, let’s discuss.

Patrick and Kyle are forced on a business trip together when their boss is fed up with their back and forth. I get it though, these guys are night and day. Patrick is a year off of a betrayal by his fiancé and though he knows that he’s a commitment kind of guy, he hasn’t jumped in and got back out there yet.

Kyle is the exact opposite, and I’ll admit, I did not like him….He’s bratty, conceited, slutty, childish and immature… I never warmed up to him. So, like I said, forced on a trip together, their car breaks down in a snow storm on the way home. No choice but to take shelter from the cold, they find a little flat in a tiny village with a grumpy (at first) old lady.

I don’t even know how it happened, because Kyle is obsessed with Grindr and Patrick is telling himself the entire time, that even though Kyle is gorgeous, younger and conceited… he knows he’s bad news… Kyle admits several times that he’s never been attracted to Patrick, and he’s not his type and he really treats him awful….but then all of the sudden, there’s spanking. Lots of spanking. Lots of spanking and awkward dirty talk … I will admit that I skimmed, it was very uncomfortable, and maybe it was supposed to be. Maybe it was these two trying to figure out what they needed from each other… but it was like…. I’m going to spank you, then apologize and ask if you’re okay… then we’re going to talk, awkwardly while we take a trip to poundtown together, and then go back to grumping at each other once it’s over. I just couldn’t keep the connection with these two, because it was like, one step forward and then two steps back.

Thhheeeeennnn, when I think maybe…. Patrick jumps the gun and makes an assumption (Grindr induced assumption)… Kyle throws a hissy fit and then childishly pouts and makes Patrick pay for it, even though he apologized, more than once… and it just didn’t work for me. I wanted it to, so, so, so bad, because I loved the premise and I love Jay… but I just couldn’t get into this one. Maybe it was me, I dunno.

Alls well that ended well though, because once these two worked out their feelings and admitted their attraction to one another, things went much better and we get a very cute HEA.. which is always a happy ending for me.

3 pieces of eye candy from me

 

November 23 – Gay Book Reviews, Diverse Reader, BFD Book Blog, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Lelyana’s Reviews, November 26 – CupcakesAndBookshelves, The Day Before You Came, Mirrigold, Mainely Stories, Mikku-chan, November 28 – Megan’s Media Melange, The Geekery Book Review, Wicked Faerie’s Tales & Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed, November 30 – Momma Says: To Read or Not To Read, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Xtreme Delusions, December 3 – Gay Fiction Addiction, December 5 – Book Corner Reviews, Boulevard des Passions, December 7 – Valerie Ullmer, Southern Babes Book Blog, Kimmers Erotic Book Banter, Lillian Francis, Book Lovers 4Ever, Open Skye Book Reviews, Jessie G, Bayou Book Junkie, Making It Happen

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has been published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are also available as audiobooks.

Website: https://jaynorthcote.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jay_Northcote

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/jaynorthcotewriter

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/jaynorthcotefiction

Facebook author group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaysplayground

Newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/JN-readers

Jay’s books: http://author.to/JayNorthcote

 

Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert: Blog Tour and Review

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One hard-nosed military police officer.

One overly enthusiastic elf.

One poorly timed snowstorm.

Is it a recipe for disaster? Or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for holiday romance?

Teddy MacNally loves Christmas and everything that goes along with it. When he plays an elf for his charity’s events, he never expects to be paired with a Scrooge masquerading as Santa Claus. His new mission: make the holiday-hating soldier believe he was born to say ho-ho-ho.

Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki doesn’t do Santa, but he’s army to his blood. When his CO asks an unusual favor, Nick of course obliges. The elf to his Kris Kringle? Tempting. Too tempting—Nick’s only in town for another month, and Teddy’s too young, too cheerful and too nice for a one-night stand.

The slow, sexy make-out sessions while Teddy and Nick are alone and snowbound, though, feel like anything but a quick hookup. As a stress-free holiday fling turns into Christmas all year round, Teddy can’t imagine his life without Nick. And Nick’s days on the base may be coming to a close, but he doesn’t plan on leaving anything, or anyone, behind.

Title: Better Not Pout

Author: Annabeth Albert

Pages: 288

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Male/Male, Holiday

Imprint: Carina Press

Add on Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Publisher

 

Tis the season for Christmas stories! And for me there is no better way than with a book by one of my favorite authors.

This story deviated from her norm in that it was set in upstate NY (not the Pacific Northwest or San Diego) and it featured an Army MP (not a Navy Seal). And it was adorable.

Nick is in his last month of active duty as an Army mp before he retires. Sounds like he was pushed into retirement, but I don’t think it was ever explained why. And without giving anything away, the events surrounding the tragedy in Nick’s family was never really explained either. Small details most probably won’t notice.

Teddy runs a non-profit in his home town. A hometown that seems to be overrun by his extended family. Nick is persuaded to help Teddy and the non profit by dressing as Santa for some pictures and other events leading up to Christmas.

To say Nick and Teddy are polar opposites is putting it mildly. Nick is super grumpy, minimalistic, isn’t close to his family and doesn’t care about the holidays. And he much prefers sun and surf to snow and ice. Teddy is a do-gooder, perpetually happy, is ridiculously close to his family and adores the holidays.

I loved Teddy’s confidence. He puts himself out there with Nick and when he is turned down he doesn’t get all mopey and feeling sorry for himself. He just continues on. The way he slowly insinuated himself into Nick’s life as a friend was super cute.

And then they did get together and wow. That would melt the snow on the roof.

I appreciated that the book included Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in the story line. It was a fairly happy, low angst book with all of the holiday and family feels.

4 Pieces of Candy

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series include the #OutOfUniform, #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat, #RainbowCove and #PerfectHarmony series.

To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.