excerpt

The Little Library by Kim Fielding: Release Day Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 26, 2018 by Denise

Elliott Thompson was once a historian with a promising academic future, but his involvement in a scandal meant a lost job, public shame, and a ruined love life. He took shelter in his rural California hometown, where he teaches online classes, hoards books, and despairs of his future.

Simon Odisho has lost a job as well—to a bullet that sidelined his career in law enforcement. While his shattered knee recovers, he rethinks his job prospects and searches for the courage to come out to his close-knit but conservative extended family.

In an attempt to manage his overflowing book collection, Elliott builds a miniature neighborhood library in his front yard. The project puts him in touch with his neighbors—for better and worse—and introduces him to handsome, charming Simon. While romance blooms quickly between them, Elliott’s not willing to live in the closet, and his best career prospects might take him far away. His books have plenty to tell him about history, but they give him no clues about a future with Simon.

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Hi! I’m Kim Fielding and I’m very excited to announce the release of my newest novel, The Little Library! Set in California’s Central Valley, this story stars a guy with a slight obsession with books. What’s not love about that, right?

The day went by more or less as usual. Two people used the library—a teenage girl and a middle-aged woman. Neither of them noticed Elliott in the window, and he didn’t bother to see which books they took and what they deposited.

Then Simon showed up.

He came from the greenbelt. Today his hair was down, the locks glossy in the sun, and he wore jeans and a rust-colored long-sleeved T-shirt. Although Elliott knew better, he sat by the window, watching as Simon browsed the library. Until the inevitable happened—Simon glanced over and saw him.

To Elliott’s credit, he didn’t freeze this time. Instead he waved, fervently hoping he looked casual and friendly. Simon waved back. Good. But then instead of choosing a book, Simon walked toward the front door, and Elliott’s stomach did its best to tie itself into a knot.

“I am an idiot,” Elliott growled. Despite his nerves, he forced his feet to walk him to the door, forced his hand to undo the lock, forced his mouth into what he prayed was more a smile than a grimace.

“Hi,” Simon said.

“Hey.”

Wow. An entire word.

Simon squinted and rubbed his ear. “I, um, just wanted to thank you. For the . . .” He waved at the library.

Miraculously not swallowing his tongue, Elliott nodded. “Have you been using it?”

“Yeah. Quite a bit. I might be one of your most frequent borrowers, actually. It’s a really cool idea.”

“Well, I didn’t invent it myself.”

“Still.” Now Simon rubbed his beard. “Um, I wanted to ask you . . . Are you the one who picks out the books to include? Or does your boyfriend?”

Confused, Elliott blurted, “My boyfriend’s in prison.”

Simon actually moved back a step. “Prison? Shit! I mean, I’m sorry. He seemed like a good guy. Not that I really knew him or anything, but I’m usually a pretty good judge of people’s character.”

“He’s a complete asshole.” Elliott’s sluggish brain struggled to keep up. “But . . . wait. When did you meet him?”

“When you guys were digging the hole?” Simon pointed at the library.

Comprehension dawned, and a slightly hysterical laugh escaped Elliott’s throat. “That was my brother.”

“Oh! Jesus, I’m sorry. I just assumed . . .”

Simon looked mortified, an emotion Elliott could empathize with. Somehow that calmed him down and cleared his head. “It’s fine,” he said. “I can understand. We don’t look much alike, and I am literally flying the rainbow flag.”

“And your brother’s not in prison, right?”

“No, that would be my boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend, more accurately.”

His embarrassment apparently receding, Simon grinned. “And he’s a complete asshole.”

“He truly is.”

Simon nodded and moved his gaze to the side. “Look, I didn’t actually come here to be nosy about your personal life, believe it or not. I really just wanted to say thanks for the books.”

Maybe it was something in Simon’s expression, which was hesitant—perhaps even shy. Or maybe it was that Elliott was lonely and Simon was, well, incredibly hot. Maybe it was just gratifying to have a neighbor who wasn’t a jerk like Mike Burgess. Whatever the cause, Elliott deviated from his usual careful script. “Want to come in? I’ve got beer in the fridge.”

Simon replied without hesitation. “Thanks! Sounds great.”

Kim Fielding is the bestselling author of numerous m/m romance novels, novellas, and short stories. Like Kim herself, her work is eclectic, spanning genres such as contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and historical. Her stories are set in alternate worlds, in 15th century Bosnia, in modern-day Oregon. Her heroes are hipster architect werewolves, housekeepers, maimed giants, and conflicted graduate students. They’re usually flawed, they often encounter terrible obstacles, but they always find love.

After having migrated back and forth across the western two-thirds of the United States, Kim calls the boring part of California home. She lives there with her husband, her two daughters, and her day job as a university professor, but escapes as often as possible via car, train, plane, or boat. This may explain why her characters often seem to be in transit as well. She dreams of traveling and writing full-time.

Follow Kim:

Website: http://www.kfieldingwrites.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/KFieldingWrites

Twitter: @KFieldingWrites

Email: Kim@KFieldingWrites.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bau3S9

A complete list of Kim’s books: http://www.kfieldingwrites.com/kim-fieldings-books/

In honor of today’s release for Kim, leave a comment and we will choose someone to receive a free ebook!

Livingston by J.M. Dabney: Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

March 20, 2018 by Denise

He was the Beast without the escape clause

Francis “Liv” Livingston was a beast. No matter if he wore a perfectly tailored suit or if he was in his tactical gear, people avoided looking at him. He was always first to volunteer for the jobs only a person with a death wish wanted. Tomorrows weren’t guaranteed. His boss had come to him and told him he needed him for a job. Linus knew the jobs he liked, but when he opened the file, it all went to hell.

Beauty was only skin deep.

Fielding Haskell made his way in the world on his looks. He’d earned his first film role before he could read a script. He didn’t want the fame. He wanted to go to college. He wanted a man who didn’t look at him and see how pretty he was. Unfortunately, a so-called fan only cared how attractive he was, and it earned him a personal bodyguard and a vacation. He looked forward to the break until he met the man in charge of his safety and wondered if the danger he left was worth dealing with a sudden attraction to a man who was colder than ice.

LIVINGSTON

TRENTON SECURITY BOOK 1

J.M. DABNEY

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 03.06.18

Cover Design: RESSE DANTE

AMAZON

B&N

KOBO

He turned in a circle in the junk food aisle. Chips, cookies, and candy lined the shelves. Livingston told him before they exited his vehicle that they were there for supplies. He twined his fingers so he wouldn’t reach for anything. It had been two years since he’d had chocolate. His mother was always there to smack his hand or say something about his weight. He glanced over his shoulder to find the huge man watching him. Livingston’s face was expressionless.

The one-sided conversation he’d overheard between Livingston and Little still played in his mind. Spankings, subs, and he wasn’t so naive that he didn’t know what those meant. He didn’t know what a lifestyle like that entailed, but it had made him blush when he’d met Little and Pure, he’d barely been able to talk when he was introduced to Raul. Livingston had mentioned if he was Raul, Pure would be tied up and punished. He banished the ideas before he started blushing and drew attention to himself. His thoughts about Livingston were already more detailed than they should be and he’d only spent a week with the man.

“Did you want something?”

“What can I have?”

“I think one bag of chips, a pack of cookies, and candy will last you until we come back in a few weeks, do you believe that’s fair?”

“I can have that much?” He hadn’t dared hope for one thing, but he was allowed three different things. He glanced down at the toes of his shoes and tried to hide his excitement.

“I won’t abide you getting sick from too much, so we’ll discuss how much you can have per day.”

“Yes, sir, but could I have two bags of candy instead of the cookies. I never really liked those.”

“You may. I’ll finish shopping for what we need; then I’ll be back.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Livingston’s presence was so overwhelming that he knew the minute the man left the aisle. What was he supposed to get? What if he didn’t choose before Livingston was back and he didn’t let him get anything. He darted his gaze around, twisted his fingers until they hurt.

“Man, you okay? You look like you’re getting ready to have a panic attack.” A feminine voice came from his left, and he spun to see a black woman in coveralls watching him.

“He told me I could have chips and candy and I don’t know what to get. Maybe if I don’t choose he won’t let me have—”

“Who’s he, and why is he telling you what you can and can’t have? That’s bullshit.”

The anger radiating off the woman made him nervous. He didn’t want her to think bad of the big man.

“Livingston doesn’t want me to get sick.”

“Livingston, that explains it. Come on, little man, let’s find you junk food before your Daddy comes back. Uncle Liv can be a bit of an ass, but he’s fair. I’m Juvie.”

“Fielding.”

“Nice to meet you. You’re new in town. Liv works quick if he got you already.”

He remained silent because he didn’t know if it was safe to explain even to someone who was apparently close to Livingston enough to call him Uncle. He was curious about the big man but refrained from asking questions.

“Okay, why would junk food make you sick?”

“I haven’t had it in years.”

“No wonder you’re too skinny. Princess!” The woman’s voice boomed, and a pretty, full-figured girl ran into the aisle.

She wore a flowing hippie style dress that emphasized her curves rather than hid them. She stopped in the aisle, tilted her head to the side, and slammed her hands on her hips.

“You bellowed, Juvie?”

“My new friend Fielding here hasn’t had junk food in years. He needs help.”

“Oh, hi, I’m Princess. So, what’s our budget?”

“Oh, I—I don’t know, Livingston said I could have two bags of candy and one of chips.”

“Uncle Liv is around. Bossy bastard.”

“He’s not, he just—”

“Relax, no need to defend him,” Juvie assured him.

For the next fifteen minutes, Juvie and Princess helped him settle on chips and his candy.

“Shit.” Livingston’s voice made him spin, and Livingston was caught in a two-way hug.

It looked as if Juvie and Princess were squeezing the air out of his lungs. He barely kept from smiling, but then he frowned as Princess jumped up and wrapped her legs around Livingston to press kisses to the scarred side of the big man’s face. An odd sensation bloomed in his stomach, and he didn’t like it.

“Uncle Liv, miss you.”

“Princess, you saw me two weeks ago on our last run.”

Livingston wore a smile, a real smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. He wanted that smile for him.

“You don’t spend enough time with the Crews.” Princess pouted.

Juvie laughed as she peeled Princess off Livingston and hugged Princess around the waist.

“Hands off, Princess, you’re making his boy jealous.”

“Oh shit, sorry, Fielding. When did this happen?”

“It’s a job, Princess, nothing more.”

“Oh, so, the allowing him things, but discussing portions is just what you do with jobs now?”

“Princess…” Livingston’s tone warned the subject was off-limits.

“Fine, we helped him find things, he thought you wouldn’t let him have anything if he didn’t choose before you got back.”

He felt the weight of Livingston’s stare, and he didn’t like that it caused him to feel guilty for disappointing Livingston.

“Fielding, is this true?”

“Yes, sir.” Juvie and Princess whispered what sounded like Daddy and Livingston swatted at both of them.

“We’ll talk about this when we get home.”

Princess let out a loud sigh and laid her head back on Juvie’s shoulder. “Home, Liv, sounds so…domestic.”

This is a new series, from a spinoff of the other two series…. If you haven’t read them, it should still be okay, but I ask you, why… why haven’t you… they’re AMAZING…. You should stop what you’re doing, and go do that right now…

In this one, we have Livingston.. he’s on Linus Investigations team… And they’re even more messed u than even the twirled world AND Executioners crew, if that can be believed! It seems like all of her guys just keep getting more damaged as she goes on, and that holds so true with Livingston.

Livingston, like most of these guys, had a troubling past, so troubling in fact, this mother tried to kill him in the most unbelievably heartbreaking way when he was just 8 years old. And because of that, he wears the scars like a constant reminder why love is nothing but pain to him. He feels like he doesn’t deserve good, because other than the giant family that is all the crews, he doesn’t know any differently…

Forced to babysit a new up and coming young actor, cuz the poor kid is being stalked and threatened…he knows he’s going to hate every second of it.

Fielding has no control over his life. At 22, his parents dictate literally every single second of his life. What he eats, how much he eats, when he works out, when he sleeps, literally not one second is his own. Using him for his money is about all he’s good for to him, and their cash cow is being threatened, so they send him to Linus… who gives him to Liv to look over…. He also knows that Liv wont be able to resist him, and….good call, Linus, because despite everything… these two fall hard and quick.

My heart broke for both of them, Fielding because the kid thought he couldn’t have anything for himself… no kind of life without his parents dictating literally everything. Liv, just didn’t think the deserved anything at all.

One thing that surprised me, that I loved so much, was the way Peaches was with Liv. Now, I know she’s soused to be awesome and all that, but she gets on my nerves a lot, she’s a little TOO much, and even though she was still so extra, and kinda annoying, I loved everything she said to Liv, in all the ways she loved him and wouldn’t let him hide from it. Go Peaches!

And of course through it all, Fielding falls for Liv, and wants him to be his daddy, and you guys… Jenny did not know that shed be into all that, but let me tell you how much Im learning about myself… cuz, oh-em-gee! I like it almost as much as Liv and Fielding do, I think! It was hot… like, hot, hot! Seriously…

And then the art I didn’t like, was how set Liv was on pushing and pulling and pushing and pulling. Its like, hed push and say he couldn’t keep Fielding, but then he would, but hen hed tell Fielding he couldn’t, but then he did. Then, when I finally thought he got his head out…. He didn’t, even when Fielding begged, repeatedly. Grrrr!!!

We got there in the end though, and it was worth every second of all of it. I cannot wait to see what happens with Little, I truly hope he’s next! It just keeps getting better and better.

5, amazing pieces of eye candy from me!

J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre author who writes mainly LGBT romance and fiction. She lives with a constant diverse cast of characters in her head. No matter their size, shape, race, etc. she lives for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure she does them justice and give them the happily ever after they deserve. J.M. is dysfunction at its finest and she makes sure her characters are a beautiful kaleidoscope of crazy. There is nothing more she wants from telling her stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be amazing.

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Confessions: Robbie by Ella Frank: Blog Tour, Excerpt

March 16, 2018 by Denise

Relationships are complex.

Love ever-changing.

And when it comes to rules of the heart,

they were made to be broken…

That’s what Robert Antonio Bianchi was telling himself, anyway.

Otherwise, he really had no excuse for what—or who—he’d done.

No excuse, except for his lonely heart, a pitcher of margaritas, four Bitter Bitches, and the apparent need to confess all his weaknesses to the two men he knew would bring him nothing but trouble.

But trouble was nothing new.

Just ask his crazy sisters or any of his friends, and they’d be the first to tell you:

If there was a bad decision to be made, Robbie always had a knack for making it.

And thus begins the story of the priest, the princess, and the prick.

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Goodreads

CHAPTER ONE

CONFESSION

If there’s a bad decision to make, I will make it.

DRUNK-DIALING IS never a smart move. But drunk-dialing a married man? That is a monumentally stupid move.

That was the thought rolling around Robbie’s muddled brain as he stood with his best friend Elliot at the bar of CRUSH and tossed back his fourth Bitter Bitch. The conversation he was having with himself wasn’t a new one—or a welcome one, he thought as he swayed on his feet and kind of stumbled into the stool beside him. But forgetting his lonely life with alcohol and men who were all wrong for him seemed like an increasingly good way to cope tonight.

The hum and throb of the bass beat was rattling through him, but instead of feeling the pull he usually did to head out to the dance floor and have fun, tonight it seemed to be having the opposite effect. It was making him think really stupid thoughts.

“You’re so wasted, Bianchi,” Elliot said as he grabbed Robbie’s arm and guided him to the barstool. “What’s that? Your third shot? And how many margaritas did you have at dinner?”

Robbie held up two, then three fingers, and shrugged. “Who cares? Everyone had their New Year’s on Sunday. Tonight’s mine, and I want to celebrate.”

“If you celebrate any more, you aren’t gonna remember your first night out of the New Year.”

“Don’t care,” Robbie said, as he waved his hand through the air with flourish and leaned a little too much into the action. Luckily, Elliot was there to prop him up. “I wanna have fun tonight. Do something I shouldn’t.”

Elliot leaned his elbows back on the bar so he was facing the dance floor and said, “Why don’t you get out there and let someone do you instead? You look gorgeous tonight, darling.”

He’s right, I do look cute, Robbie thought.

In his skinny jeans and purple V-neck tee that was practically a second skin, Robbie had gone all out with smoky eyes and a new pink shade of gloss he’d bought a couple of days ago that tasted like—mmm, strawberries. He could totally hit the dance floor, find a willing man, and let him do all kinds of things. But that seemed so boring tonight, so normal, and so not what he wanted.

He wanted wild. He wanted adventure. He wanted danger. And when the two men he knew were both those things entered his mind, Robbie quickly shook his head, trying to shake them free.

Stop thinking about them, he ordered himself, but that was easier said than done. One of them was one of the sexiest men he’d ever seen, and the other the most frustrating—and what was worse was that he couldn’t have either of them even if he wanted to. What was with everyone being fucking married all of a sudden? And to each other?

But oh the dreams he’d been having lately. The three of them, all sweaty and naked; they were enough to make him want to—

No, no, no. That is the worst idea you could have, Robbie told himself. Drunk or sober.

Worst.

Idea.

Ever.

Plus, you don’t even like one of them. So stop obsessing over it.

“Earth to Robbie…” Elliot said, waving a hand, and Robbie shrugged.

“I don’t know. I’m just not in the mood.”

“You’re not in the mood to grind all over a naked man? Okay, where the hell is my best friend and what did you do with him?” Elliot asked as he swept his black bangs out of his eyes.

“I don’t know.” Robbie slumped forward on the bar, dramatic as ever, and looked up at Elliot from under his lashes. “I think I’m in a state of mourning, El, and I don’t know how to get out of it.”

Elliot frowned. “Is this about Logan? I thought you were happy for him and Tate?”

“I am, but— Ugh. They just got engaged, and now all of a sudden, he’s married. Married.”

“I know, babe. But you knew it was coming.”

“Doesn’t make it any easier. Knowing there are two more beautiful men off the market forever due to a ring and a piece of paper is just depressing.”

“Two more men?” Elliot said, regarding him with a suspicious eye. “Who else do you know who’s hitched?”

Julien, Robbie instantly thought, as an image of the famous chef came to mind.

Julien “the Prick” Thornton. And this time, as Julien’s name ran through Robbie’s head, he made a point to roll the Jul over his tongue the way Julien had when he’d introduced himself that night at the bar. That’s right…Julien “I’m gay, gorgeous, and, oh yeah, married to your worst enemy” Thornton. He was hitched.

“No one,” Robbie said, and pouted. Then he swiveled on the stool to look out at the men gyrating all over one another. “You go and play for the both of us. I’m going to sit here and—”

“Ferment?”

“Okay that word is too big for my brain right now,” Robbie said, and winced. “Go and feel up the muscles and men for me. Someone should get some enjoyment out of them.”

Elliot pursed his lips. “I don’t know…”

“I’m just gonna sit here. Not going anywhere,” Robbie promised, crossing a finger over his chest.

“Your heart is on the other side, genius.”

Robbie switched sides and did it again. “I’m just gonna drown my sorrows so my body hurts tomorrow and will take my mind off my broken heart.”

“Aww, cheer up, Buttercup. Your Prince Charming will come to you one day soon.”

“Well, until then”—Robbie gestured for the bartender—“I’m going to drink myself into a deep slumber in the hopes that maybe he’ll come on me, or, you know, at least kiss me back to life.”

Elliot placed a hand on Robbie’s arm. “Do not go anywhere. I’ll be back for you.”

“I can’t feel my legs to move, so… I’ll stay. Like a good little boy.”

“Don’t know how good you are, but…” Elliot chuckled, then before he headed out to the dance floor, said, “Where’s your phone?”

Robbie dug into his pants pocket and pulled it free.

Elliot opened the contacts and scrolled down to his name, and then set it on the bar in front of Robbie. “You need me, call. Do not leave this seat.”

Robbie touched his fingertips to his temple in a sloppy salute and then hiccupped. “Yes, sir.”

“Okay. Be back for you soon.” Elliot then turned to the bartender and said, “No more after this for him.”

When the bartender nodded, Robbie’s mouth fell open. “Hello, you’re not my mother.”

“Lucky for you. She’d be spanking your ass right now, not to mention your sisters, and I’m sure you’d much rather have that done by a man who would then pound it afterward. I’ll be back.”

Robbie dismissed Elliot with a wave of his hand, and then took great interest in scrolling up and down his list of contacts, searching for someone to occupy his time. It wasn’t until he saw Julien’s number that he realized how drunk he was, because that was the only excuse he could think of as to why he hit call.

Well that, and: If there’s a bad decision to make, I will make it.

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Phillips.

Connect with Ella:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ella.frank.31/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EllaFrank2012

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellafrank1/

Mailing List: www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn

Website: https://www.ellafrank.com/portfolio

The Blueprint by S.E. Harmon: Exclusive Guest Post and Excerpt

March 15, 2018 by Denise

Kelly Cannon is satisfied with his life. He has friends, a wonderful family, and a great job. But his love life has reached a new level of pitiful. Why? Well, his heart decided to break all the rules. Don’t fall in love with a straight guy. And definitely don’t fall in love with your best friend.

NFL standout Britton “Blue” Montgomery has pressure coming at him from all sides. From his father, who’s only interested in Blue’s football career. From his coaches, who just want him to play without getting injured again. From the fans. From his agent. And from his mother, who has popped up on the radar after leaving his family years before. And now his relationship with Kelly is on shaky ground, and that frightens Blue more than anything.

When Kelly admits he’s in love with Blue, bonds are tested, and Blue has to decide what’s really important. He doesn’t want to lose the number-one person in his life, but the cost to keep Kelly close might be more than he’s willing to pay.

It’s a good thing his nickname is the Blueprint—it’s time to draft a new set of plans.

Title: The Blueprint
Author: S.E. Harmon
Release Date: March 13, 2018
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 270

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Dreamspinner Press

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Thank you to Two Chicks Obsessed for hosting me today and a special thanks to all of you who stopped by! I’m here to talk about my newest release, The Blueprint. And what’s a story without your main characters?

Kelly and Blue are such strong characters to me in different ways. Kelly is pretty brainy guy who worked hard to get where he is. He has an awesome family who supports him in, as it turns out, all aspects of his life, and he knows exactly how lucky he is. If he could just get Blue to love him, everything would be perfect…but that’s just a pipe dream that’ll never happen. Right?

And Blue? Well, there’s just something so raw and elemental about football, and watching those gridiron giants do their thing. When I started watching some of the day-in-the-NFL videos in preparation for writing this book, I realized there was much more to being an NFL player than touchdown celebrations and cheering fans. There was a lot of practice and sacrifice and routine and hard work. That really helped me turn Blue from just an NFL stereotype into a real person with hopes and dreams and fears of his own.

Check out The Blueprint, and let me know what you think! I hope you love these guys as much as I do. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the sequel, Darker Blue.

Just as I was pulling up the Uber app on my phone, a hand clapped on my shoulder. I turned to find Kelly, and he didn’t look pleased. His usually full mouth was flattened into a thin line. Right then and there, under the haze of the streetlights, I realized what my problem was.

I was attracted to him.

I thought he looked kind of sexy, especially in those clothes. The close-fitting black slacks and blue button-down shirt fit his lean swimmer’s form like they were hand tailored for him. It was such a different look from his usual “I’m a cool young hipster professor” vibe.

He wasn’t the type who spent an hour in the mirror before he left the house. He knew how to turn it on when he went out, but as soon as he got back home, he’d be in a holey tee and threadbare jeans. I liked that about him.

I liked a lot of things about him. That realization made my heart beat a little faster. I wasn’t upset that I was apparently crushing on a guy. I was freaked because I was crushing on Kelly.

“What gives?” he demanded. “Why’d you run out like that?”

I didn’t want to interrupt your date. “I need to get some rest. You don’t have to call it a night just because I do. We’re not attached at the… at the….” I frowned as I tried to finish what used to be a very simple metaphor.

“Hip,” he said dryly.

“Hip,” I repeated with a snap of my fingers. And for some reason, I said it again. “Hip.”

He squinted at me for a minute. When he spoke, his voice sounded less pissed off and more concerned. “Do you honestly think I’m going to let you drive like this?”

“I wasn’t going to drive. I was going to call an Ubert. Ubert.” Fucking drinks had made my tongue thick and unwieldy. I scrunched my brows and tried again slowly. “Uuuberr.”

“You sound like an alien who just discovered a new word.” He sighed. “As adorable as you are, I still need to make sure you’re okay. You don’t usually drink that much.”

No, I was most definitely not okay. When did it become okay to fantasize about kissing your best friend? Especially when that friend was a fucking dude? Was it okay to interrogate a friend on exactly how far he’d gone with someone in a bathroom? Was it okay to ask if he let Connor fuck him over that sink? I didn’t think they were in there long enough to get the deed done, but maybe they’d already done it in the stalls. Maybe he was just rubbing against Kelly’s ass and remembering how good it felt to be buried balls deep.

I knew I had to be more than a little buzzed then. Because surely I didn’t leave a bar—a bar where I had a sure thing going on with a hot girl—to worry about my best friend getting some. Surely I didn’t storm out of the building like a pissy bitch—without my keys or any real plan for getting home—when I found out he had hooked up with someone. Surely that was the very definition of drunken, crazed behavior.

“Are you ready to go?” I finally asked.

“Yeah. We come together, we leave together,” he said, and he slapped me on the shoulder.

Oh. Well, maybe I’d been stereotyping a bit. Guess that was a good policy for everyone, young or old, male or female. Whatever. I was going home with Kelly, and Connor wasn’t. That was all that seemed to matter to my inebriated brain.

He hit the unlock button and the alarm chirped, and I got in the passenger side and sank down in the seat. I leaned the bulk of my body against the door and closed my eyes. I needed to get my head on straight. I had practice in the morning, and even though it was probably going to make me hurl, that was still a very good thing. The practice, that is. Not the hurling. I’d be out on the field where I didn’t question whether I was as straight as I’d always thought, where my best friend didn’t look hot, and everything made sense.

Sounded like a plan.

S.E. Harmon has had a lifelong love affair with writing. It’s been both wonderful and rocky (they’ve divorced several times), but they always manage to come back together. She’s a native Floridian with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Fine Arts, and now splits her days between voraciously reading romance novels and squirreling away someplace to write them. Her current beta reader is a nosy American Eskimo who begrudgingly accepts payment in the form of dog biscuits.

Website: http://seharmon.weebly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seharmonbooks/

The Ballerino and the Biker by Rebecca James: Book Blast, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 14, 2018 by Denise

Most of his young life, Morgan Wentworth has dreamed of becoming a principal dancer in a prestigious corps de ballet. After years studying the art in Milan, Morgan comes home to New York City to apprentice with the Manhattan Ballet Company only to be hit by the unexpected death of his older brother, Jake. The grieving dancer learns his life is threatened by a dangerous rival motorcycle gang and that pierced, tattooed, HOT biker Zeke Ivers has been assigned by Jake’s MC to guard him. Saddled with the constant presence of the infuriating man, Morgan juggles the demands of an exhausting dance schedule as well as his new responsibilities as CEO of his family’s multi-million-dollar company. He never expects to develop an attraction for the straight, obnoxious biker, but that’s exactly what happens.

Estranged from an abusive family, Zeke Ivers has lived at the Sentinel’s club house and worked on cars since he was a teen. When fellow club member Jake Wentworth and a rival club president’s girl are killed on Jake’s bike, the Sentinel’s president delegates the protection of Jake’s little brother, Morgan, to Zeke. Zeke would do anything for the club that pulled him off the streets, but Morgan’s a ballet dancer, for Christ’s sake, as well as annoying as hell. Still, Zeke finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young man. The more attracted Zeke becomes to Morgan, the more the biker is forced to examine his sexuality and decide whether two people from opposite sides of the tracks could possibly have a future together, or if Zeke should do what is fast becoming too painful to consider: let Morgan go.

The Ballerino and The Biker

Rebecca James

M/M Romance

Release Date: 03.10.18

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Amazon US

Amazon UK

For another week after the shooting, I continued escorting Morgan to his long-ass rehearsals where he didn’t rehearse, just watched intensely, and his classes where he danced until he was slick with sweat and breathing hard. And I continued studying him, memorizing every expression that crossed his face. His high cheekbones, full lips, and expressive eyes captivated me, and I’d quit asking myself why. Scared I was letting him distract me too much, I renewed my efforts to watch the exits. I’d learned the face of every person who was supposed to be around and kept a watch for those who weren’t.

The list of people wanting me to fix their cars was growing, but I never had any time. Several of the guys offered to take a day or two watching Morgan for me, but I didn’t trust the kid in anyone else’s care, and besides, there was my cover to consider. I was supposed to be a reporter doing a story on Morgan. Why would someone else show up in my place? Anyway, I knew the layout of the building, knew the corps de ballet’s schedule, and I knew Morgan. I would take care of him.

Saturday came around, and I once again thanked God the fucking masochist ballet company let the dancers have Sunday off. I planned to spend mine sleeping, unless Morgan got other ideas. The kid looked exhausted, so I doubted it. Halfway through the day, the big guy, chief of the ballet or something, announced some chick named Katie had had to leave and called Morgan in to dance her part during rehearsal. My gut twisted. How was the kid supposed to dance a part he’d only watched a few times, and a female part, at that?

But Morgan did it. He filled in for the girl like he’d been dancing the part himself every day since he got there, and I was in awe. I could tell the chief guy was impressed, too, or at least satisfied. I got the feeling he’d been testing Morgan, otherwise why the fuck hadn’t he asked one of the female apprentices to fill in? At the end of the night, like a proud daddy, I tossed Morgan a candy bar from the machine in the hall.

Morgan looked at the Hershey bar like he didn’t know what to do with it.

“For doing so great at the spur of the moment,” I told him. A smile lit up his tired face that made the embarrassing moment worth it, and he unwrapped the candy bar. He broke it down the middle and handed half to me.

“For putting up with all this,” Morgan said. Our eyes met. The whole thing felt so goddamn cheesy, I grumbled and didn’t speak again until we were pulling out of the Arts Center.

I hated the scared look Morgan had every time we walked outside the building since the shooting. I wanted to rip Spoons’s face off for putting it there, and I would if I got a chance.

“If it makes you feel any better, he ain’t gonna try the same thing twice,” I said to Morgan as he inched closer to me on the walk to the car.

He looked at me. “You mean he’ll devise another way to kill me?”

“Well, yeah.” We climbed in, and I headed for the Midtown Tunnel. I’d been changing up our route, even if it took longer to get home going a different way.

Morgan sank down in the seat and fiddled with the edge of his sweatshirt. “I can’t go on like this. I’m so fucking stressed out.”

“The way I see it, you ain’t got much choice,” I said. “You wanna be a dancer, so you gotta go to school. You wanna stay alive, so you gotta have me with you. Thing is, you gotta trust I’ll take care of you and relax.”

Morgan brought up his knees to his chin. He was like a fucking bendable toy. I bet he could put both feet behind his head. His face was broody.

“It’s gonna be okay, kid,” I said. “I got you. Concentrate on spinning around and looking pretty.”

Morgan groaned. “Shut up.”

I laughed, feeling suddenly light.

This was a new to me author and while that gave me pause (I am a creature of habit, sue me) but I am a total sucker for dancers. So I dove in.

Soooooo….while I had a few issues with some things in the book- overall I really enjoyed the characters and how this is obviously the start of a series. I would think at least. It has all of the makings of a series. One that I would totally read.

Honestly, the beginning almost turned me off of the book. Unrealistic and unnecessary. But I continued on. Because ballet dancer.

After I started to get to know the characters, they keep me reading. I like when there’s a twist on the regular thing. There is a motorcycle club- shocking I know based on the title of the book- but they are on the up and up. No drugs, no guns, no anything illegal. Nice switch. Morgan (the ballet dancer, swoon) is completely dedicated to his art and his career. He has a defined path to follow and he stands his ground and continues to dance.

Zeke (the biker, and ok, swoon) is tasked with protecting Morgan because of fear of retribution from another MC. I really liked Zeke and Morgan together. Morgan, who you would assume is fragile but is actually tough as nails and Zeke, tough biker guy who is actually really fragile, just work.

I can’t tell you my other issue directly because I don’t give spoilers. But let’s just say dumb decision that was made way too easily.

The book and story were far from perfect. But there were very likable characters, steamy romance and lots of hmm…I wonder what will happen with THAT character. I want to see what happens next.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

I’ve always loved to write and have written since I was a child, usually to entertain my family. I enjoy writing m/m romance because there’s nothing hotter than two men in a loving relationship. I write contemporary romance but am not limited to that. I enjoy writing alpha/omega and vampire stories, and I wouldn’t rule other things out. I’m very prolific, so look for a lot of things to come!

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Unraveled by K.M. Neuhold: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

March 7, 2018 by Denise

Clay:
My mind and body are full of chaos; the only time I can truly feel free is when my hands, arms, and legs are secured. Just because I want to be bound, able to give over my pleasure entirely to another person, doesn’t mean I want to be controlled, humiliated, or made to endure pain. I’m a successful, happy, confident adult man who wants a lover to tie him up. Why is that so scandalous? And why is it so difficult to find? It doesn’t help that I’ve developed a hopeless crush on my straight roommate. Maybe a fulfilling relationship isn’t in the cards for me.

Max:
I’m completely out of control of my life. My ex is trying to take my daughter away from me… again, my dream of owning my own motorcycle repair shop seems out of reach, and somehow, I find myself a thirty-two-year-old man who can’t afford to have a place without a roommate. So, it’s no huge surprise that the idea of being given complete control over someone’s body and pleasure is a major turn-on. I never had any inkling I might be into guys, until my best friend told me he likes to be tied up. Now I’m losing sleep, imagining him bound and begging for me. I can’t figure out if it’s just the kink or if it’s possible I’m falling for him.

UNRAVELED

A HEATHENS INK SPIN OFF

K.M. NEUHOLD

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 02.08.18

COVER DESIGN: K.M. Neuhold

COVER PHOTO: StockPhoto

Amazon

When I get off work, I have a few hours to kill before Clay gets home. I decide it’s the perfect time to do a little research.

I grab my laptop and settle on my bed. Clay’s reactions to dominance are at odds with what he told me he needs, and I know I have to gain a better understanding of how to take care of him.

After slogging through a few porn sites that aren’t at all helpful in figuring anything out. I finally find a blog by a couple in a D/s relationship.

I read through several posts and come to two major conclusions: First, Clay may only think he doesn’t like dominance because he’s never had a partner he’s trusted before. And second, it’s my job to read Clay’s body language and give him what I know he needs.

The main thing I’ve taken away from our previous conversations was that Clay doesn’t want humiliation and he doesn’t want pain. Maybe he doesn’t realize it’s possible for me to use some dominance to simply care for him.

The front door opens, and I close my laptop. “Honey, I’m home,” Clay calls out, and I smile.

I will give him everything he needs.

Sigh…. Okay, so I might have skipped a couple to get here, but the mmm, isn’t really my thing, but, you bet Im gonna go back and read Adam and Nox!

So, okay, in this one, we have Clay and Max, and having only read the first one in this series, I wasn’t familiar with them, but I am a sucker for a hot dad, so… it was a given.

So, Max has shared custody of his daughter Gigi, and seriously, she is so cute…. She has Max and his roommate and best friend Clay, wrapped around her little finger. Clay is a dancer at his own place, and very much out and proud, and Max is his straight bestie…. Trouble, right ?

However, here lately, they’ve been seeing each other in a new light, because Max is gorgeous, and so good with his daughter, and then Clay is so good with Maxs daughter, and they’re best friends, right …. If you’re gonna fall for someone, it should absolutely be your best friend!! In my opinion at least! They’re perfect for each other!

However, Clay has some kinks and he hasn’t had much luck with finding someone compatible in the ast. Nothin major, just a little bit of binding, and rope play… hot right ?

Well, after hearing about it and seeing a picture of Clay bound, Max is intrigued and it opens a world of possibility to both of them.

Things are amazing for a while, but then Maxs ex drops a bombshell on him that she’s leaving and taking his daughter with her….and ya’ll, I know she wasn’t being made to be the bad guy, but I HATED that so much. She was getting married, so presumably already living with the guy and had known him for a while, but you don’t tell your child’s father until you’re already moving…. Nu uh…. Not gonna fly…then tell me that you’re taking said kid across the country and not only is nobody doing anything about it, they take it to a judge and the judge just said, OKAY….. again, no way, honey…NOT GONNA FLY…. But it does…

Say whaaaaaaaaatttttttt ? …. I know, I know… I was thinking the same thing…

Now, while were on the topic of ignorance… Maxs brothers and the way they regarded their brother’s gay bestie, regardless of them not knowing he was with him, was a MAJOR no, no…. I understand ignorance can be forgiven, and they did okay in the end, but… no, I grew up with racist grandparents, and a homophobic family, and still…. By 5 years old, I was crying each time I heard the words they were using and I knew better at 5! My father called me a sympathizer…. Are you kidding me ? ….I didn’t like that either.

Other than that, though, those two things… I loved the way these guys loved each other. I loved how Max knew and loved what Clay needed, and as heartbreaking as it was, Clay knew what Max needed and let him go. Be still my heart right. I was gutted…
The end though, couldn’t have been more perfect, Or, it would’ve been amazing had Gigi got to see her Clay… but, there’ll be other books, right ?

Next time, hopefully.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!