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Oh So Oscar (Forever Love Book 3) by Charlie Novak: Release Blitz, Excerpt and Release Day Review

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What happens when a prickly travel journalist falls for his fake boyfriend?

Oscar Moore has two problems. One: He’s accidentally managed to convince his boss, the legendary editor of The Traveller, that he has a boyfriend. And two: he now has to persuade photographer and casual acquaintance, Ilias Verrati, to play along for a week-long couple’s retreat in Hawaii.

Ilias is full of sass and sunshine, but his constant flirting grates on Oscar. Unfortunately, unless Oscar wants to confess and risk his job, he has to keep up the ruse. He can manage a week, and if he can pull this off then editorial glory awaits.

Oscar and Ilias both have their own reasons for avoiding relationships—even if they desperately want one—and their work makes finding love even more difficult, but maybe a fake relationship is just what they need to give them a nudge in the right direction.

Under the Hawaiian sun, Oscar discovers there’s more to Ilias than meets the eye. But before Ilias will risk his heart, Oscar will have to find a way to open it.

Oh So Oscar is a 78,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring fake dating, luxurious hotel rooms, star gazing, and delicious food. It also contains discussions of grief, including the past loss of a parent, and the past loss of a partner.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Across the horizon, the sun turned the sky into an unearthly spectacle of colour and fire. I’d watched sunsets before, hundreds of them, but this one took my breath away in a whole new way.

I slotted my camera together at speed, lifting its bulk to my eye as I attempted to capture the majesty before me. I knew that any photo I took was never going to do the sight justice, but I had to try.

Beside me, Oscar let out a slow breath. I lowered the camera for a moment, turning my head to see his dark eyes fixed on the flaming clouds that danced across the sky.

“Wow,” he said softly. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah,” I said, never taking my eyes off him. “It is.”

He turned his head and I felt my face heat as I suddenly pretended to be very interested in my camera, praying that he hadn’t noticed me staring at him. This was just supposed to be fake. I wasn’t supposed to be developing any kind of feelings for Oscar. 

Oscar. The oft talked about but rarely seen brother. Because he is a travel writer and lives in London, he isn’t around the family as much as all of the other siblings. This time the focus is on him as the series moves out of Lincoln and the surrounding area.

Another thing that sets Oscar apart from his siblings is that he is demisexual. Yes, gay, but also demi. Hard to deal with when you are a travel writer and can be away for days and weeks at a time. So it didn’t even cross his mind when pitching LGBT+ inclusive destinations that to review them, he should be going as half of a couple. So when put on the spot he throws out the name of a gay travel photographer he has met a few times. Ya, a few times. Not even someone he would call a friend.

But Ilias is up for the adventure, if for nothing than to get a vacation in Hawaii and some exposure in a famous publication. Going with Oscar is a definite plus, even if he is grumpy.

But when they are together in Hawaii Oscar opens up more. And Ilias is a perfect gentlemen. With a little light teasing. Once Ilias knows that Oscar is demisexual, he takes that seriously. And they also agree to date each other.

In the cold light of day- in London- things are awkward again. The vacation rose colored glasses are off. But Oscar’s editor has another assignment. Fifteen boutique hotels all across England, and one in Scotland. For him and his boyfriend.

And it is during that several week 15 stay assignment that they REALLY get to know each other. They aren’t scheduled every minute of the day with resort amenities. Besides staying overnight and having one meal at each place, they are free to do whatever they’d like. And Ilias opens up as well.

This is a slow slow burn due to they whole demisexual thing, but let me tell you. WORTH IT! I thought Finn was hot. Oscar, once he feels desire for someone, let’s himself be free. Even when he realized he was ready for more, what he whispered to Ilias over a table nearly lit my kindle on fire.

Damn.

We not only get to revisit all of our other favorite characters, we also get a cute Easter Egg. I love when authors do that.

And again, a great epilogue.

Definitely a must read. The subject of demisexuality is treated with care without making it feel odd. Or that the person who was demi was odd. Nice representation.

4 pieces of eye candy

Charlie lives in England with her husband and two cheeky dogs. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.

She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters — because the world needs more of them. 

Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with baking, Dungeons and Dragons, reading and many other nerdy pursuits. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…

Website: https://charlienovak.com/

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Facebook Group Charlie’s Angels (https://www.facebook.com/groups/charlienovaksangels/)

Linktree (for all links) https://linktr.ee/charlienovak

Going Public (Jade Harbour Capital Book 2) by Hudson Lin: Release Day Review

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A boss. His employee.

And a scandal that’s about to change everything…

As an operating partner at Jade Harbour, Raymond Chao prides himself in fixing even the most disastrous of portfolio companies—no matter the cost. While his colleagues might not always like his methods, they love his results. But his latest business partner isn’t cooperating, and what’s worse, Raymond’s underhanded tactics have landed him in hot water with the law.

Elvin Goh has been Raymond’s assistant for years, and he’s been in love with the charming, ruthless playboy for just as long. There’s very little that Elvin won’t do—or hasn’t done—for Raymond. Impossible crush aside, it’s his job. But this time, even Elvin can’t see a way out.

When long nights in the office lead to whispered confessions and a newfound intimacy, it seems like a dream come true—for both of them. But with the prospect of failure on the horizon, can this dream team beat the odds and come out the victors in the office and in their hearts?

Jade Harbour Capital
Book 1: Hard Sell
Book 2: Going Public

Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters. Discover a new Carina Adores book every month!

Amazon

Harlequin

There is a lot to unpack in this book. Book 1 had fallen a bit flat for me, but I really liked that the author had representation from the Asian community, as this one also does. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect with book 2, as sometimes the second in a series can be underwhelming. I enjoyed this one quite a bit more.

One of the biggest reasons why I enjoyed it, was the reality that was brought into it. Ray was super rich, and along with that, he had a job where he did things as he wanted, no matter what, and always got away with it. The consequences, thus far had been minimal. However, in the case of the situation he found himself in, Ray was going up against something unexpected at a paper company of all places (I won’t say what, because spoiler), and clearly had no idea how to handle it. In the end, that is quite obvious. Even that, though, shows a reality when you get yourself in over your head, and you think you can do what you want. Sometimes life will just kick you in the nuts and say “Nope, I win”. Meanwhile, though, Ray finally figured out what a great person he had in Elvin, his assistant, but more than that, his person.

Elvin, very clearly, was in love with Ray. How nobody saw that, it’s truly a mystery. Even knowing, though, that he would likely never get a chance to be with Ray, he continued to help him with what he could, (even in a particularly yucky situation), knowing he was making Ray’s life easier. Ray was a fixer, always wanting to clean up for everyone in his life, and taking so very little for himself. It was lovely to see him finally get a chance at the love of his life finally. And once they got together, they were good for each other…other than some dumb stuff Ray did…but he got his crap together, so we’ll forgive him. 🙂

Having an MC that was pansexual and one that was demisexual (and a virgin!) was great. With Ray being the type of person he was, Elvin as well, it seemed appropriate for both of them.

Side note: Ming grew on me quickly.

Definitely recommend this one. It has some action, some unexpected twists, some heart-wrenching moments, but an HEA.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Only For Ollie by Lisa Henry: New Release Review with Giveaway

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Xander Finch is a top-ranked MotoGP rider, desperate to get back to the circuit after an injury. He’s going stir-crazy in his parents’ house in Ventura while he works on his recovery. Xander has tunnel vision when it comes to his sport—it’s all he’s ever wanted to do in life. When he hires a massage therapist to help speed up his recovery, he’s not expecting the guy to completely flip his universe on its head.

Ollie Baker is living in his car after a disastrous break-up, and jumps at the chance to earn some extra cash through massage. Xander Finch might be hot as hell, but Ollie’s not going there. He’s never going to let some rich guy screw him over again. Besides, Xander’s straight. Isn’t he?

When their friendship deepens into something more, Xander discovers that Ollie makes him feel a way that nobody ever has before, and maybe motorbikes aren’t his only passion after all. Navigating Xander’s newly discovered demisexuality isn’t the only challenge they’ll have to face if they’re going to be together, because Ollie’s been burned before. It’s hard for him to trust Xander, to believe that he’s really willing to make room in his life for Ollie as well as his racing—assuming he recovers enough to race at all.

Only for Ollie is the third book in the Star Crossed series, where regular guys meet famous ones, and sparks fly.

Only for Ollie

Star Crossed, Book 3

By Lisa Henry

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Sometimes you read a book that just makes you want to sigh, in a good way. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series, and this one is no exception.

I felt HARD for Ollie and all he was going through for the first third of the book. Living in his car in the driveway of his best friend’s house, uncomfortable walking into the house because her husband was an ass, getting fired because someone wanted a handy as part of his massage, all while trying to go to school and hopefully finish his degree. Every day he kept getting up, kept trying, tried to ignore that the world was beating him down. And yet, even when Xander offered him help, he made sure to draw lines in the sand (wobbly, as he put it) so that he didn’t end up dependent on someone again that could take it all away in a heartbeat. Arguing about a hotel room for $400 a night, when there was a perfectly good hotel down the road for much less…and Xander “coming out” because of it was a funny moment.

Xander, meanwhile, injured and grumpy, until he starts talking to Ollie as he’s being massaged. At that point, he begins to understand why he’s never felt any sexual attraction, why he just kissed his previous girlfriend, because she wanted him to. He was demisexual, and needed that connection first, and found it in a clumsy massage therapist with a huge heart. Xander fell in love with Ollie, with very little internal drama for himself. It felt natural to him, once he figured out why he was feeling things he’d never felt before.

I really appreciated that Xander’s injuries were not glossed over. Concussions are huge, and affect everyone differently, physically, as well as mentally. And Xander had a long way to go to heal, but also to understand that when he made poor choices about his health, he wasn’t just potentially hurting himself, but others around him. Ollie was forgiving, but even then he drew a hard line, and Xander respected that.

Xander’s family was amazing, and let Ollie know that no matter what he would have help, even as they were friends. Then later, once their relationship was out, he was instantly family. No questions, no hateful comments (which Ollie had every reason to be gun shy about), just love and joy for a person for their beloved son.

This book didn’t have any real angst, but lots of warm, loving moments. It was tender and really highlighted that even if you have little in common, you can still be proud of all your partner accomplishes, and love them unconditionally.

One small issue I had…the author for this book is from Australia, but the book is based in California. There were several instances of Australian or UK English words being used versus American words. This happens, and isn’t a big deal, but it can throw you out for a little bit.

I recommend this book, and this entire series. I’m not sure if this is the last book or not. The previous books have introduced us to the main characters for the following books, and I didn’t see anyone that I would expect to be the next MC. The covers are great on these books, by the way!

4 pieces of eye candy

Lisa likes to tell stories, mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters.

Lisa lives in tropical North Queensland, Australia. She doesn’t know why, because she hates the heat, but she suspects she’s too lazy to move. She spends half her time slaving away as a government minion, and the other half plotting her escape.

She attended university at sixteen, not because she was a child prodigy or anything, but because of a mix-up between international school systems early in life. She studied History and English, neither of them very thoroughly.

She shares her house with too many cats, a dog, a green tree frog that swims in the toilet, and as many possums as can break in every night. This is not how she imagined life as a grown-up.

Lisa has been published since 2012, and was a LAMBDA finalist for her quirky, awkward coming-of-age romance Adulting 101, and a Rainbow Awards finalist for 2019’s Anhaga.

To connect with Lisa on social media, you can find her here:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Bookbub
Twitter

She also has a Facebook group where you’ll be kept in the loop with updates on releases, have a chance to win prizes, and probably see lots of lots of pictures of her dog and cats. You can find it here: Lisa Henry’s Hangout.


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Unforgotten (Forgiven Book 2) by Garrett Leigh: New Release Review

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Billy Daley hasn’t been home in years, and he likes it that way. He’s just fine on his own—he has a cash-in-hand job at a scrapyard, a half-feral cat to keep him company, and many miles between him, his hometown and all the baggage that comes with it.

Until the job goes sideways. Suddenly he’s back in Rushmere, working for none other than his brother’s best friend—a man whose kiss Billy can’t seem to forget.

Gus Amour’s memories of Billy Daley are all spiky edges, lips crushed against lips and a reckless streak that always ended in trouble. But when Billy needs a place to stay, Gus steps in. He’d do anything for the Daley family, including living, and working, side by side with a man who makes his heart beat too fast and his blood run too hot—two things he’s been running from for years.

It doesn’t take long before their easy banter, lingering touches and heated glances become a temptation too hard to resist. But falling into bed and falling in love are two different things, and love has never come easy to either Billy or Gus. Only when fate threatens to steal away their opportunity for a second chance will they realize they don’t need easy.

They just need each other.

Forgiven

Book 1: Forgiven

Book 2: Unforgotten

Amazon

Carina Press

This is book 2, but can easily be a stand alone. I didn’t read book 1 as it is a traditional MF romance and that isn’t my jam any longer. It was pretty easy to extrapolate the background story that was explicitly told.

So there’s Billy. Left home when he was old enough and lived a bit like a nomad. Six months here, six months there, before moving on. Working odd jobs, sleeping where he can and dealing with the residual pain after and accident and shoulder surgery. His time at his current location is cut short when he gets fired for punching someone who hurt his cat. The cat is ok, don’t worry. I’d punch someone for hurting my cat too! With pretty much no options, he figures he would head back home where his brother lives. But they have a strained relationship at best AND his brother’s girlfriend lives with him. But Gus, Billy’s brother’s best friend. And the brother of Billy’s girlfriend, said he could stay with him.

And so begins forced proximity, grouchy Billy, far too sunshiney Gus and a fabulous cat named Grey.

Billy and Gus had kissed once about five years ago. And they both continue to think about it. But as men are wont to do, no one brings it up. They brood and daydream and fantasize about each other. While working AND living together.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Gus and Billy. They learned to live and work together before they learned how to be together. But of course there were still issues with that- mostly from things unsaid which lead to misunderstandings.

There were a couple of things that I would have wanted- Billy discovering that he was demisexual for one. It was never said, but it was fairly obvious to me. Gus had a breakthrough with Billy about his past, but never with Luke (Billy’s brother) or Mia (Gus’s sister). So I feel like a lot was left unsaid.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this book. The time spent building the relationship between Billy and Gus made for a deeper story.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy 

High Heat (Hotshots Book 2) by Annabeth Albert: New Release Review *2

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Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all…

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: Burn Zone, High Heat, and Feel the Fire.

Amazon

Oh Garrick. We met him in book 1 as the best friend of Linc. The super cocky smoke jumper who was gravely injured (seriously gasp inducing as I read it) at the end of book 1. Book 2 gives us a bit of a time jump as Garrick is home now, but still in recovery mode.

His neighbor across the street is an older lady he gets along with well. And then, because of a stray dog that ended up on his porch, he meets his neighbor’s grandson. Much younger grandson.

I loved Rain. This poor kid is so lost but tries to act like he has it together. Growing up in basically a hippie commune, he is definitely a free spirit. But he is feeling the pressure of not really knowing what he wants to do with his life. He is a natural caretaker though, so when Garrick needs help with the stray dog, Rain is all in.

And so begins the older/younger we shouldn’t/but we want to game. Garrick was the typical grumbly older guy feeling like he was taking advantage of Rain. But Rain was sex positive, has no hangups about age and has no problem teasing Garrick until he caves.

All the while Garrick is determined to beat the odds and get back to smoke jumping. Even though he is still on crutches at best and in a wheelchair at worst. Being such an active guy his whole life, his ego and self worth are taking a serious beating. But Rain is so good and anticipating Garrick’s needs without taking over or making Garrick feel useless.

Oh- and a cute dog! If anything can make you feel better- I am convinced it is a dog. And Cookie definitely is her own character in the story.

Garrick and Rain each have their own personal ups and downs. They have the relationship crisis that then brings them back together again with eyes and hearts wide open.

This was sweet, fun, sexy as hell, exciting and a bit romantic. Really good follow up to book 1. Can’t wait for book 3!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

I am just loving this series. It has heat from fires, and heat from the bedroom. All the HEAT! 🙂

Garrick, the injured smoke jumper from Book 1, is now home, and recovering from his injuries, hoping to get back to his high stakes job soon. And when he meets a sweet and skittish dog, and his neighbor’s grandson, Rain, his world is turned upside down again. Just what he needed.

I loved these two together. Rain didn’t fuss over Garrick, just gave him time to find what  he needed to do, and was willing to help when he was asked. Rain also had no problem being himself, whatever that was for him that day. Meanwhile, Garrick wasn’t the super masculine fire fighter who cared that his friend/boyfriend wanted to wear silver shorts or glittery tops. They were just each other when they were each other, what they both truly were looking for, first in a friend, then as lovers.

Cookie brought them together, but their own desires kept them together. Desires to be with each other, but also their future desires. Rain wanting to finally find a place he belonged. Garrick wanting to get back what he once had, but then stepping back up when he couldn’t and taking on a new place for himself.

Really enjoyed the wrap-up on this. It was just what these guys deserved.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy