book

Who We Are by Nicola Haken: Blog Tour, Reviews, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 14, 2017 by Denise

Title: Who We Are

Author: Nicola Haken

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 13, 2017

synopsis

Since putting his life on hold ten years ago, Oliver Clayton doesn’t know who he is anymore. To his clients at the hair salon, he’s the sassy and confident stylist. To the crowds who come to watch his drag act at the club, he’s the fierce and fabulous Miss Tique. He’s popular. Talented. Out, proud, and self-assured.

He’s also a good actor.

Sebastian Day is content with life’s easy, if not a little monotonous, routine. After several failed relationships, he likes the simplicity of being alone in his truck at his job as a heavy goods driver, spending the weekends with his teenage son, and putting the world to rights with his cat, Marv. He’s not lonely. He isn’t hiding.

At least…he doesn’t think he is until he meets the mesmerising stranger with the red hair and purple lips.

Can Oliver and Sebastian help each other embrace who they are? Or will a cruel twist of fate end their journey before it’s even begun?

Angie at Wicked Reads ~ “Very heartwarming story, the banter between these guys is so sweet. I can’t say enough about this book to do it justice, just read it, you will love it.”

Beverly at Southern Babes Book Blog ~ “Sebastian and Oliver’s story is beautiful and heartbreaking… These two amazing men are trying to figure out who they really are and together they figure out that they can do anything.”

Jodi at Alpha Book Club ~ “Oliver’s story will make you cry and stand up and cheer for how strong of a human being he is… Loved this story and would recommend to anyone.”

MJ at Alixzia Reading Corner ~ “I ache and bleed with this book for every page turned! Highly recommend!”

Deanna at Two Chicks Obsessed ~ “This might be my new favorite Nicola Haken book. Broken nearly broke me, thus becoming my favorite; but this one left me far more emotional and thoughtful. I think it’s taken the crown.”

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Who We Are

~ Sebastian~

I WAS JUMPING down from my cab after arriving back from my last drop of the day when my life almost ended. Okay, so maybe I was known for being a tad on the dramatic side, but when Benny – my oldest friend and biggest pain in my arse -jumped out from behind my trailer, I almost choked on my fucking heart.

“Jesus Christ,” I muttered, breathless from the fright. “How the hell did you get in the yard?”

I’d been a heavy goods driver for thirteen years, working here at Patterson Haulage Ltd. for three of those – long enough to know they didn’t let pedestrians wander in off the streets to play hide and seek behind the lorries. Transport was in my genes, I guess. My dad had been a trucker all his life, and he met my mum at work – she worked as a clerk in the office. I never wanted to do anything else. I walked straight into my first warehouse job fresh out of school and stayed there until I was old enough to train for my Class 1 licence and could go out on the road. I loved my job.

“That old lady with the bright orange face let me in. Told her I needed to talk to you about Scott.”

“Scott?” Slamming the door to my cab closed, I fished my phone from the pocket of my Hi-Vis jacket and scanned the screen for missed calls. “What’s wrong with him?”

“Well, he likes Eminem, but hopefully he’ll grow out of that.”

“What?” Narrowing my eyes in confusion, I stared at Benny who looked to be admiring his thumbnail.

“Nothing’s wrong with him. I just knew they’d let me come see your truck if I played the kid card.”

Rolling my eyes, I huffed as I turned and re-opened my cab door. Climbing the steps, I leaned inside to grab my holdall and tacho card before hopping back down. “You’ve seen a wagon before. You shouldn’t use Scott like that. There could be a real emergency one day.”

“And if there is I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be the one anyone’d call about it,” he said, his tone amused as he ran his finger along the curtain of my trailer. “This needs a wash.”

“You offering?” I asked as I locked up the cab and started walking towards the transport office. I found it highly doubtful as I turned my head to the side and eyed up his leather coat, and beige turtleneck that no doubt he’d paid upwards of a hundred pounds for. Benny worked in recruitment. In other words, companies paid him far too much money to find them suitable candidates for their businesses, money which he wasted on overpriced shit he didn’t need. “Or did you come here for another reason?”

“I came because, as you know, it’s my birthday on Friday. The big three-four. I want y…” Pausing mid word, Benny spun on his heels. “Holy hot ginger.”

I didn’t need to turn around to know he’d spotted Rod, seeing as he was the only red-headed bloke who worked at this depot. “Christ, Benny. Keep it down. I have to work with these guys.”

“Chill out. The fact you’re mates with a gay guy won’t give away the big secret that you like cookies and ice cream.”

“It’s not a secret,” I snapped. Or maybe it was, given that I’d never told anyone I worked with that I was bisexual. My last two relationships had been with women, and ‘passing’ as straight was simply…easier. I was a copout and a liar but I was tired of explaining, defending myself.

There are a lot of misconceptions about bisexuality and I’d encountered most of them during my twenties. Now, at thirty-four, I was kind of exhausted with it all. I wanted to fall in love and create a future with another person as much as anyone, but I’d given up on the idea a while ago. Relationships, for me, whether with a man or a woman, seemed to consist of me justifying myself, reassuring my partner, or hiding – as Benny would say – the cookies or ice cream part of my sexuality.

I couldn’t just be me.

I wasn’t good enough.

Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t want to sleep with everybody, and there weren’t twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay. The last one confused me the most. The number of people who believed bisexuality was a temporary label used to ease the transition to gaytown would never cease to amaze me. It happened, sure, but there were a hell of a lot of bisexuals claiming to be gay, or straight, for no other reason than they couldn’t face the stigma attached to it, too.

I was simply attracted to people. I got turned on by the way someone carried themselves, by their confidence, or even shyness. I felt the same stir in my cock and pull of excitement in my chest when I saw the rugged grooves of a man’s chest as I did the silky curves of a woman’s hips. People are beautiful. I couldn’t help it. It’s just the way I was made.

Thankfully, many people realised these days that being gay or straight wasn’t a choice. Unfortunately, some of these same people believed bisexuals were capable of making a choice, and that they should. Well, I tried that when I was a teenager. I tried to pick a side, to ‘fit’ in somewhere.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work out too well.

“Just tell me what you came for,” I added to Benny, pushing open the swinging door that led to the warehouse which, in turn, led to the office.

“Do you have Scott this weekend?”

“No. Lisa’s taking him to see Jenny’s parents in Cornwall. Why?”

“Great! You’re coming to the village for my birthday.”

Ugh. “Ah, you know it’s not really my scene.” I had my reasons for not frequenting the village, unlike Benny who spent so much time there it could be considered his second home. Besides, after a day on the road my idea of a good time was Netflix and a takeaway.

“Yes, Mr Misery, I know having fun isn’t usually on your To Do list but it’s my birthday and you’ll hurt my feelings if you say no.”

We’d reached the office now and I handed my keys over to June through the window partition while raising a sceptical eyebrow at Benny. “Fine,” I said. “But as soon as you’re too drunk to notice whether I’m there or not I’m leaving.”

“I love you.” He turned to June who looked rather amused by my dickhead friend. “I love him, you know.”

“Knock it off, moron,” I said, ramming my shoulder into his.

“Watch the jacket!” he shrieked as he rubbed at the tan leather that made him look like a seventies pimp. “You’re covered in dirt and smell like oil.”

“Please excuse my friend, June. They don’t usually let him out unattended.”

“Don’t mind me, lovey. I’ve seen all sorts in my time.”

I risked a glance at Benny, whose mouth had dropped ever so slightly open. For a man who wasn’t easily offended, the image was priceless.

“You’re on the Midlands run tomorrow, lovey,” June added as she tapped on her keyboard.

Nodding, I told her I’d see her in the morning, swung my holdall over my shoulder and started making my way to the car park, all the while trying not to laugh at Benny’s reaction.

“Did she seriously refer to me as an all sort?” he muttered under his breath when we neared my car. I knew he wouldn’t let it go so easily. “Clearly, out of the all sorts she’s met none of them have been make-up artists.”

“Stop it,” I said, snorting as I clicked open the central locking on my matte black Ford Galaxy. “June’s lovely. A little old-fashioned, but harmless.”

“I’m sure. It just wouldn’t hurt for her to go down a shade or twelve in the foundation department is all I’m saying.”

Opening the rear door, I tossed my bag onto the back seat. “Have you finished being a bitch?”

“God, I hope not.”

Removing my thick, Hi-Vis jacket, I threw that on top of my bag, revealing my dark green uniform polo shirt, before closing the door and getting into the driver’s seat. “Is that all you wanted? You could’ve called or text.”

Benny leaned against my open door, hand on hip. “Told you, I wanted to see your big truck.” He winked at me.

I wanted so badly to roll my eyes, or at least keep a disinterested expression, but I couldn’t help chuckle at him.

“I was in the area, and besides, you’d have said no without my pretty face to seduce you.”

Probably.

“And hey, if you want to bring a plus one your red-haired co-worker is more than welcome.”

Shooing him away from the door, I pulled it closed and brought the engine to life before rolling down the electric window. “Let me know when and where during the week,” I said, dismissing the idea of inviting Rod. He’d only been here for three months and I didn’t know the guy well, but the fact he had a wife and three kids told me Rod wouldn’t be interested in the kind of socialising Benny had in mind for him.

“Will do,” he said, tapping the roof of my car before backing away. “Don’t forget I have expensive taste!”

Shaking my head, I bit my lip to suppress the grin that wanted to escape as I reversed out of my space. I already had his present – a bottle of Dior aftershave, same as every year. It was the only thing I knew the fussy bastard wouldn’t return in exchange for store credit.

deanna review

I’ve read some of Nicola Haken before and as usual she ripped my heart out of my chest again. In the best way possible. (There’s a compliment in there somewhere.)

Oliver Clayton put his life on hold 10 years ago to raise his little brother after his mother died of leukemia. He works in a hair salon by day and a drag bar by night to make ends meet.

Sebastian Day is a truck driver. He lives alone with his cat Marv and spends weekends with his son, who he’s raising with his best friend and her wife.

The two meet at a bar and exchange numbers. Both of them will need to come out of their comfort zones if they want to see where this goes. Oliver us so used to living for his brother and Sebastian isn’t really living at all, instead choosing to spend down time at home with his cat.

After several weeks of dating things start to get serious. They introduce their families and start planning for the future. When a health scare puts Oliver’s plans on hold Sebastian will need to hold on tight and anchor Oliver to the life they have started creating together. With support from Seb’s friend Benny and Oliver’s friend Rhys, Sebastian and Oliver can’t look anywhere but forward, together.

I’m not sure where to begin. Even knowing Nicola’s writing, when she hit me with the plot twist I was left stunned. I felt like Seb and Oliver had climbed to the top of the mountain together and she just drop kicked Oliver all the way back to the start of the trail. I cried all over myself while he climbed back up, she totally made up for it. The ending was perfection.

The speed of the story was perfect and it was in no way predictable. She shocked my socks off a few times. The characters were lovable and relatable.

I really would like a sequel that tells Rhys and Benny’s story but I’m so afraid of what she will do to them to give them their happily ever after. In order to live up to this book she’s going to have to hit one with a car or something equally shocking and horrific.

This might be my new favorite Nicola Haken book. Broken nearly broke me, thus becoming my favorite; but this one left me far more emotional and thoughtful. I think it’s taken the crown.

5 pieces of eye candy

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Whenever Ms Haken has a new release- I MUST HAVE IT! First the Souls of the Knight trilogy, which was so good. Plus, rock stars. But then she branched out a bit in her next 2 books. Both of them both broke my heart but left me happy. And she did it again.

When I first started reading this book I thought “hmm, maybe this will just be a nice love story romance and she won’t rip the heart right out of my chest and stomp on it”. HA! She did. And I am totally ok with that. Because her writing is so great that you have to feel deeply for her characters. They climb into you and won’t let go.

Oliver is a hair stylist just barely making ends meet while raising his brother. One night a week he goes out and performs as Miss Tique- his drag persona. And although he is in drag, he does it with his beard. And sings his own songs. I loved her.

Sebastian is a single dad, co-parenting with his best friend. And one night he runs into Oliver. Or Oliver runs into him. And he is smitten. The purple lipstick mesmerized him.

They begin to date, slowly. Each hiding the secret of the teenager at home. And while Sebastian is ready to go all in, Oliver isn’t. But fate has a different idea.

Even with everything life throws at them, they have a good slow romance burn. Both teenagers play heavily into the storyline which was nice because they really were integral to the story.

I don’t want to tell you too much about what happens. Because I really want you to read this book. Have tissues handy, but you will also smile and laugh and swoon.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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Nicola Haken lives in Rochdale, England, with her five kids – one of whom is a grown man who many refer to as her husband. She spends her days writing about life, love, and all the beauty and angst that comes with it, and her nights binge watching Netflix or being the household slave. She’s also not very good at referring to herself in the third person, so if you’d like to get to know her your best bet would be to follow her on social media!

Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…

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Jumping In by Cardeno C: Quick Review with Giveaway

March 9, 2017 by Denise

jumping in synopsis When love’s on the line, the brave jump in with both feet…

Small town cop Clint Rivera can’t catch a break. His ex of two weeks is suddenly getting married, his dogs tore up his furniture, he’s getting evicted, and he’s out of beer. When he decides to solve his alcohol shortage by going to his ex’s engagement party, Clint winds up too drunk to drive himself home.

Enter gorgeous deputy mayor Hawk Black, the man who constantly shows up unexpectedly and sends Clint’s body and mind into a tailspin with nothing but his whiskey voice and blue eyes. After months of patience, Hawk can finally seduce the man he’s been craving.

Clint’s day might not have started out well, but Hawk’s going to make sure it ends with a bang, preferably in bed. He’ll show Clint some rewards are worth the risk. With love on the line, Clint will need to decide if he can open his heart, tear down his shields, and jump in with both feet.

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deanna review

I’m a huge Cardeno C fan so I usually jump to read any books that are released. In true CC fashion, this book did not disappoint.

Small town sheriff, Clint Rivera is having a run of bad luck. He’s just returned to town after a bad breakup and a two week vacation at the lake to find his ex, Ewan Gifford is engaged to a woman and throwing the engagement party of the year. Clint heads home to lick his wounds only to find the dogs have eaten the couch, he’s being evicted because the landlord sold to a developer and he’s out of beer.

Taking care of pressing matters first, Clint heads to the engagement party for the free alcohol and runs into the sex deputy mayor, Hawk Black. Since Clint has been drowning his sorrows in alcohol all night he isn’t fit to drive himself home and Hawk jumps at the chance to offer a ride.

Hawk has been lusting after Clint for months and finally sees his opening. Not one to let a chance pass him by, Hawk goes on the offensive with one goal in mind. Win over Clint Rivera.

Love this story. The characters are relatable, the plot line realistic and entertaining. This could easily be turned into a full length novel. Hint hint.

4 pieces of eye candy

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jennifer

Okay… I’m Jumping In on the 6th book and don’t realize how I haven’t read any of these before when I adore this author!

Clint is a cop in a small town, just getting back from a camping trip in the woods to get over a bad breakup with a man who insisted they stay hidden. When he gets back, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong and an already terrible day is made worse, by an invitation to said exes wedding… to a woman, just two weeks after they broke up. Which means, he must’ve been seeing her when they were together.

Hawk Black has had his eye on Clint since the second he laid eyes on him. Uprooting his whole life on a glance, he’s been patiently waiting to make his move on Clint; the day he gets back from his camping trip, he gets his chance. Now, I know a lot of people are leery about insta-love, but…. I’m a sucker for it, when it’s believable. I loved these two, especially together.

Hawk is sweet and romantic and he knows what he wants and is intent on getting it. Clint needs a little more convincing but a weekend with Hawk showing him what life could be like if he stopped fighting the inevitable, it didn’t take no time for him to fall for Hawk as well… afterall, he was already insanely attracted to him and had been since he laid eyes on him as well.

The only problem I had with this, was that it wasn’t longer. But, alas, it was a novella, so I knew it wouldn’t be. I loved it though… I need to go back and get the others of this series, I already know I won’t be disappointed.

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

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Rough Edges by Cardeno C: Quick Review includes Giveaway

March 8, 2017 by Denise

rough edges synopsis Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.

Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.

Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

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deanna review

As expected from Cardeno C this novella is perfection!

Kyle Potter as had to claw and scrape to earn every single thing he has. Brent Haralson was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. They are attracted at first sight but Kyle can not let go of the fact that Brent has no job or direction in life while he’s busting his ass to make ends meet.

When a stroke of bad luck leaves Kyle without a job and a home, Brent offers up his spare bedroom until Kyle can get back on his feet. Kyle begrudgingly accepts the offer and begins to see a completely different side of Brent.

Is it possible that he has been wrong about Brent this whole time?

Amazing story. Great life lesson. Never judge a book by its cover. The characters and the storyline were well developed. I read it one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.

4 pieces of eye candy

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jennifer

Ok, I’m kind of on the fence about this one.

I’m a huge fan of this author, I love her stories and the families and friendships. But I found that I couldn’t really forgive Kyle, he was suuuuuch a stuck up jerk!
See, he and Brent had met through mutual friends, but when Kyle found out that Brent was a trust fun baby and didn’t have to work, he pretty much wrote him off. He treated him awful.
Like he was a bum because he didn’t have a job, then didn’t care to take the time to get to know him and maybe find out when he was about, aside from not having a job.

Brent was caring and compassionate and patient and a lot more forgiving and tolerant than I would’ve been. I wanted to lay Kyle out several different times. He took it all in stride though.
I mean, I can understand Kyle being envious, having had to work so hard his whole life and kept getting slapped down by life; but none of that was Brent’s fault and the way he treated him was just… unjust and unfair.

Having lost everything, yet again, Brent offers his guest room and instead of being grateful, he was still bratty and rude, even though he accepted it. I don’t remember ever even reading a thank you.
Over time though, when he got his head out of his butt, he did start letting his guard down and he and Brent started getting along. The sex started off, almost clinical and formal but it was kinda hot at the same time. I didn’t feel any connection between them, really and I felt bad for Brent more often than not. He seemed to be a glutton for punishment.
In my opinion, he was the only redeeming quality of this story. I just don’t think this one, was really for me. Not bad, by no means, it’s a good, enemy-to-lovers story.
I guess I just couldn’t get over Kyle and his resentment.

3 stars from me.

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As the Sun Sets by RJ Jones: Blog Tour, Guest Post, Review and Giveaway

March 2, 2017 by Denise

synopsis

Doctor Scott Penney used to be a Paediatric Oncologist—until he burned out. Watching children suffer and die took its toll on his mental health. To cope, he used anonymous sex as an emotional crutch, thinking it was better than hitting the bottle. But that inevitably destroyed his relationship with the man he loved.

With his tail between his legs and a year’s worth of celibacy under his belt, Scott accepts a position as an Accident and Emergency consultant, leaving his career in oncology and London behind.

Ben Jenkins is a paediatric nurse who loves his seaside city, his job, and his faithful old Labrador, Happy. When he meets the new doctor, Ben falls for Scott’s kind-yet-reserved personality—not to mention his good looks. Scott is great with the children who come through the hospital, but Ben senses there’s more to Scott than meets the eye.

Scott tries to resist Ben’s sunny charm—Scott’s not boyfriend material, after all—but it’s impossible not to fall in love with the sad looking old dog and his charming owner. As Scott and Ben get closer and the weather heats up, tragedy strikes and Ben is left wondering how much of Scott’s history he actually knows.

For them to move forward, Ben must show Scott that no matter what happened in the past, a beautiful day can always start after the sun sets.

**This can be read as a standalone**

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Guest Post

This guest post was supposed to be what I’ve got coming up this year, but it’s not a lot.

After As the Sun Sets, I have a story set in Australia called Solid Rock that I plan to release in May, all things going well. It’s about a British boy, James, who has been left his estranged father’s ashes to scatter at Uluru. He thinks he can go to the middle of Australia, release his dad’s ashes, and then return to England within a few days. Little does he realise the magical lure of the rock. Cue Matt. An Aussie tour guide and Alice Springs native. Matt helps James and decides a distraction couldn’t hurt. After all, it’s not often Matt comes across another gay man in the middle of nowhere.

They build a friendship, learning about each other, and James discovers there’s more to Australia than just a hunk of rock and deadly animals. But James has to return home. You’ll have to wait and see what happens when it’s released, but this may be my favourite ever story I’ve written.

I don’t have much else in the works. I started writing a short ménage with very little plot, but that’s been sitting on the shelf for some time. I’ll probably finish it soon, though. Sex scenes are fun to write. 🙂

I don’t know if I’ll get anything else out this year. Potentially, there’s a big move on the horizon with my family moving to Portugal. This will mean very little time to write, but that may not be a bad thing. My mojo is starting to run out. Competition is fierce and if you don’t promote yourself constantly then you don’t get many sales. I get enough sales to keep going and readers seem to like what I write, so I can’t complain. But the pressure to promote and put myself out there is too great.

So, we’ll see. I’ll still write, but the pressure is starting to take the joy out of it, so I may not publish. You’ll have at least another full-length novel from me, but I can’t promise much past that at this stage. Who knows? I may start publishing everything for free to escape the pressure.

Thanks for having me. <3 RJ

jennifer

Okay, I came in late in this series. Book 3, however, it must be okay to read as a standalone because I didn’t feel I missed anything at all by not starting from the beginning. I’m going to go back and read the others though, because I really enjoyed this one.
Scott Penney was a pediatric oncologist. Can you imagine how terrible of a job that would be? Rewarding, sure….absolutely, but, losing children? Caring for little kids and seeing them get sicker and eventually not being able to beat the cancer, ravaging their bodies? That takes a special kind of person to do and I wasn’t surprised that it was too hard for him. He felt each loss, it hurt him not to be able to save every one…
Getting burnt out on the job and running from the relationship he ruined by not being able to cope with everything; he decided to get out of the area and try something new…New beginnings and all that. He moved to Brighton and began working in an A&E service. That’s where he met Nurse Rainbow…
Ben is a pediatric nurse who works alongside his volunteer mother at a hospital. She’s a trip too, Glo. She’s everything that is a hippy mom and you cannot help but love her.
Ben starts out just meeting and having a couple lunches with Scott, but their attraction for one another is palpable. Ben is patient and kind and caring and he’s so understanding and willing to help Scott. He’s there for him when he needs him, just to listen. He doesn’t push and he’s such a genuine person, I loved that he was exactly what Scott needed, when he needed it. Scott had been beating himself for a long time over what happened in his last relationship and he just didn’t think that he deserved to be happy.
Ben and his puppy, Happy, wanted to prove to him that he did.
This story was heartbreaking in places and so hopeful in others. I adored the way Ben was with Scott and I loved when Scott finally started opening up and allowing himself something good….something happy. He truly deserved it. The way he grew up and family he had to tolerate…smh… it’s a wonder he turned out to be the kind of man he did at all. He has a good heart and like I said… it takes a special person to do the work that he done with such passion and blinding hope to make people better. I enjoyed that.
Overall, this was a really sweet read. The ending was just perfect as well. I’m looking forward to reading the others in this story.
4 pieces of eye candy from me!

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tco-also in series

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Buy: As the Leaves Fall

Buy: As the Ice Melts

meet the author

rjones-avatar_hires RJ started as a reader and eventually made the progression to reviewing. It wasn’t until two men popped into her thoughts, insisting on telling her their story that she started to write. It started with one scene. A hot and dirty one in the shower.

RJ’s initial thought was if she could write their scene then they’d shut up and allow her to concentrate on other aspects of the day. That shower scene was 3000 words long and three hours of work. But they didn’t shut up. They told her their entire story and she didn’t sleep for days. Sometimes she couldn’t keep up with what they were telling her and she had to keep a notebook by the bed.

Whilst RJ was writing their story a side character decided he needed his story told too. Then other characters followed suit.

You see the problem? If RJ ever wants to sleep again then she needs to write.

RJ is a wife and a mother to two boys. Even her dog is a boy.

She is surrounded by males.

RJ writes emotionally charged, character driven romances. Her guys will always get their HEA, but it will never be easy.

Where to find me

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/robyn.j.jones.1711

Twitter – https://twitter.com/rjjonesauthor

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/rjjonesauthor/

Website – http://rjjonesauthor.com

Email – rjjonesauthor@gmail.com

Amazon page

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Snow Blind by Eli Easton: Release Day Review with Giveaway

March 1, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Snow, steam, and secrets.

The latest snowstorm carries something unexpected to the doorstep of Hutch’s secluded Alaskan cabin: a stranger named Jude, the most beautiful man Hutch has ever seen. Jude says he’s in the area for a ski trip and that he fled a domineering lover, thinking he could make it into town. But Hutch is a suspicious SOB and treats his unwanted guest warily. The problem is Jude isn’t just gorgeous, he’s funny and smart and flirtatious.

Two gay men snowed in for three days—things happen. Really good things. By the time the storm clears, Hutch finds himself a little too attached to Jude Devereaux, San Francisco-based male model. But is Jude what he claims to be? Or is he entangled in the secrets Hutch moved to Alaska to escape?

Title: Snowblind
Author: Eli Easton
Release Date: March 1, 2017
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 196

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deanna review

I haven’t read anything by Eli Easton before but the synopsis of the book sounded promising. Boy, was I impressed. The story was nothing like I expected, in only the best way. What a great story.

Jude is on vacation with his boyfriend when they have an argument and Jude storms off. Just his luck he would walk out in the middle of a snow storm.

Hutch is living on his own in the wilderness of Alaska under an assumed identity and always looking over his shoulder. From what, we don’t know yet. When someone turns up half frozen on his doorstep in the middle of a snowstorm he is immediately on high alert.

Have they found him? Is this stranger who he says he is? Can he trust him?

This story is amazing. The plot twist that came about a quarter of the way into the story was so unexpected and so brilliant. The story was entertaining and super hot. The chemistry between Jude and Hutch was scorching. I absolutely adored the ending, it totally made my heart happy.

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Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali: Release Day with Giveaway

February 24, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Bryan Dane’s been living the dream—photography student by day, up-and-coming rocker by night. His summer goals are to earn his last few credits, graduate from NYU, spend as much time in the recording studio as possible, and survive the next few months without sex so he can complete his yearlong goal of self-imposed celibacy. Everything is on track until he meets Oliver Newcastle.

For years Oliver planned a marriage of convenience with his high school BFF, but now that she’s fallen in love for real with someone else, it’s no longer convenient. So Oliver came out to his family, quit his job, and left small-town New England for NYC, an intensive summer study program, and a chance to find his own happiness.

From the moment they meet, the sexual tension between Bryan and Oliver sizzles. But Bryan wants no part of a relationship, and Oliver wants to sow his wild oats—he just isn’t sure how. Oliver seeks Bryan’s help navigating the NYC gay scene, which throws them together in increasingly more sexual situations until they can no longer deny they’re hot for each other. Bryan is desperate to keep things simple, but fate may have other plans.

Title: Moment of Fate
Series: Moments In Time: Book Five
Author: Karen Stivali
Release Date: February 24, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 244

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Heather's Review

The Moment in Time series by Karen Stivali was one that I devoured when I first found it. When Moment of Silence came out, I was excited to see more of the same group of friends. And even though it’s been over a year, I felt that same excitement when I found out Ms. Stivali had written Moment of Fate.

Bryan and Oliver’s story isn’t one where the characters instantly fall into love and bed. In fact, they can’t because Bryan’s sworn off sex for a year. While there were some great moments of chemistry between them, at times, I felt like it was a whole lot of “I really like him but I said I wouldn’t have sex for a year.” There’s a whole lot of avoiding talking about the attraction they both feel, which also felt frustrating at times.

All of that being said, once they got past their issues, they really got past their issues. They burned up the sheets. There was nowhere left to fall, because they’d fallen in love without the sex. It was sweet and hot.

By the time it was all said and done, I was happy to see Bryan and Oliver together, even if there were some loose ends I felt could’ve been tied up better. Who knows… maybe book six will eventually be coming out?

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