Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

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I’ll be Boned for Christmas (Collier’s Creek Christmas) by Katherine McIntyre: New Release Review

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Jordan
I’ve got a rep in town for causing trouble, and it’s well-earned. But when Nick and I get caught streaking after the tree lighting ceremony, we’re in for a messload of community service to get the town ready for the Collier’s Creek Christmas Bash. Except I’ve been craving to be taken more seriously, and Nick seems to be the only person in town who does.

Nick
After Jordan and I get in trouble, one joke leads to slipping between the sheets—or at least, the stalls—and suddenly we’re hooking up on the regular. It’s everything I’d told myself I didn’t want from my straight best friend, and I’m falling too hard and too fast. Yet my sister’s upcoming wedding is the reminder that I’m not just looking for a plus one there…but for keeps, and Jordan and I are just temporary. No matter how badly I want him to be mine.

Celebrate the holidays with the men of Collier’s Creek, where magic fills the air and irresistible romances are the highlight of the festive season. Six low-angst romances, each filled with heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy romance.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

I like punny titles usually. They can be clever or funny. Or both. But I feel like the title of this book does a disservice to the story.

A friends to lovers, bi awakening small town romance. That wasn’t cheesy or corny or eye rolling. It was…sweet really. Best friends since they were 8, but they really came off as more typical best friends like in real life. Not for nothin, but there aren’t a ton of guys out there into their 20’s with a bff they hang out with one on one. They tend to hang in groups. And these 2 are part of a group of 4 and it was acknowledged that it was a little weird to hang out just the 2 of them.

I really loved how Jordan approached his new found bi side. And how Nick was afraid that when Jordan was done exploring he would lose his best friend.

Jordan does a lot of growing up in a very short amount time without losing who he is. There’s nothing wrong with having fun!

So yes, I liked this a lot more than I expected! Not that I thought I wouldn’t like it, I just thought it would be a silly Christmas short where there’s a lot of sex and not mu substance. Glad I was wrong.

4 pieces of eye candy

I’ve been enjoying this author’s books quite a bit lately. They’ve been helping me out of the funk I’ve been in, and let’s face it, there is a lot of funk out there in the world. But the funny, sexy and quirky characters have helped me to get past some of them, if even for a time.

Jordan, the epitome of the shirt that says “That’s a bad idea. What time?” really enjoys getting his friends to do those things you wouldn’t otherwise. That is how he and Nick ended up doing community service in their little Wyoming town. But it gave him a chance to realize that maybe his relationships before didn’t work out because he didn’t understand himself or what he needed, someone who was there by his side.

Nick just needed to be loved, and had worked his way through most of the town. (Which by the way was one of my questions about the book. His ex was kind of just a non-issue after he appeared for a moment.) But in the meantime, he would have fun with his friends, especially Jordan. That was until he figured out the fun he could have with Jordan was teaching him all the ways they connected.

This was a fun little holiday story that was on the hotter side of hot, with some funny elements that had me laughing enough to wake up the husband.

Side note…how sweet was Nick to be helping do the wedding favors for his sister. That was enough to make anyone’s heart melt!

I was looking forward to this book, just simply based on the title. And let’s face it…you sang it, didn’t you?

4 pieces of eye candy

On The Edge (Mount Hope Book 3) by Annabeth Albert: Release Day Review

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DANGER! RIDING TOO CLOSE TO THE EDGE!

My life is one big caution sign. Ever since my best friend’s all-grown-up son joined our shared home, I’ve been navigating a growing attraction to the injured motocross rider. Declan unleashes every protective and caretaking impulse I have, and I genuinely love spending time with the guy.

But Declan’s too young, too straight, and too temporary to risk a twenty-year friendship over. At least until he kisses me, and I tumble past forbidden attraction into a doomed secret fling.

What starts as exploration for Declan quickly transforms into an undeniable bond. He’s exactly what I’ve been searching for: a ride-or-die partner in crime who is happy making blanket forts, talking late into the night, and shares my love of cozy books and movies. What could be more perfect?

When Declan faces a crucial choice, both our hearts are on the line. Can we avoid falling over the edge into heartbreak?

ON THE EDGE is book three of the Mount Hope first responder series and features an emergency room nurse practitioner who is hopelessly soft for his best friend’s son. This dad’s best friend, hurt/comfort (heavy on the comfort), age gap romance contains small town feels, big emotional growth, and sizzling romance. While certain subplot threads continue throughout the series, each guaranteed happily ever after stands alone!

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Book 3 in the series, can definitely be a stand alone. But why? I love this group of close knit friends who are in their 40’s, supporting each other and finding love (not with each other, teehee).

I really wondered who this one would play out. Because it’s one of the 40 something guys and the son of one of his friends. So we’re talking a 20 year age difference and these guys are all in each other’s pockets living on the same property. But it was so smooth.

That was my thought through the book. It was smooth. Declan and Jonas didn’t jump into anything. Well, after fighting it for a bit. Declan because he is a motocross rider and in the closet and Jonas because Declan is the son of one of his best friends.

An accident and then proximity bring them together. But really, Jonas reading to a first unconscious Declan had me swooning. And they continued it throughout the book. Even when things started heating up between them, they still had nights where they would cuddle and read. I mean, come on. How can you not love that?

Hearing about Jonas’ upbringing was an interesting part of the story. I love that it was PART of his story, but he didn’t make it his whole story. And although their situations were completely different, that shared lack of parenting brought them together more.

If you’ve read the other books, we get a lot of Eric’s kids. Wren and Rowan the most (fingers crossed for a Rowan story down the line!). They are entertaining without drawing all of the attention. Surprisingly, Declan’s father, Sean, wasn’t as big a part of the story as I was expecting. But I liked it because there was less tip toeing around.

The age difference also isn’t a big factor. It’s brought up, but not frequently. Some stories it’s all they talk about and it gets boring. Not so here. Oh. And Jonas being all hairy and NOT buff, perhaps even a big squishy. Loved it!

I’ve already thought about how book 4 will go as there were big changes happening with the friend group and their partners. And with Eric’s kids. **here’s my eyes popping out of my head at the epilogue**

4 pieces of eye candy

Black and Brown: Raven Assassins (Ravens Series Book 1) by AE Via: Release Day Review

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Grace’s composed, yet lethal disposition balances his partner Mirage’s impulsive nature, creating a duo—the second-generation Brown Ravens—with the potential for greatness.

Grace was one of the most decorated sharpshooters in the Marines. He’s fiercely committed to righting the wrongs that plague the world and protecting the innocent.
But there are too many rules and strict orders in the armed forces the Ravens don’t have.

Mirage left his world without a trace.

He has a brilliant mind and more degrees in science and medicine than one person could ever hope to obtain.
Now that the Ravens are done administering their treatments, Mirage can throw knives so fast they turn into phantom blades before he disappears in a way that leaves his enemies in chaos and confusion. And Grace can hit a target from three miles away.

When together, their form of silent communication in the field is astonishing. Grace’s subtle body movements speak their own language and his long, intense stares into Mirage’s grey eyes have created a special bond neither of them saw coming. A forbidden romance that won’t stop them from being the second-best assassins in the world.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Man, AE Via can write some morally gray characters like nobody’s business. And make us LIKE them.

I think her darkest were Ex and Meridian from, you guessed it, Ex Meridian in the Nothing Special series. Fans wanted more of these guys. And they wanted them now. We got a Valentine’s Day short. Too short. Enough to whet our appetites.

And now, finally, Black and Brown. A spin off of Ex Meridian. They are the first generation, the Blacks, part of a program that the government would deny knowledge of that shaped these two into perfect assassins through training and medicine.

And the Browns. Second generation. We get to see these guys through the whole process. Well, we see Mirage from before he joined and Grace after he caught Mirage sneaking around. This agency exploited Mirage by offering vengeance for the deaths of his parents and also a way to take out the worst evil the world has. With Grace as his partner.

I loved these two as partners. Grace who says almost nothing with words and everything with his mind. But only Mirage understands. They way they work together, with Mirage a shadow behind Grace. It’s a carefully choreographed dance between them, until someone or someones, cut in.

The Blacks are deployed to the situation and the two teams are face to face.

It’s very James Bond, but way more lethal. Who to trust, who not to trust. Who to take out, who to keep alive. And in between all of that, Mirage and Grace develop a relationship they aren’t supposed to have. Because it was trained out of them, by drugs or conditioning. And yet, they are feeling it.

So we do get sweet scenes of going out to dinner, cooking together, and of course sexy times. Which are sometimes tender. Sigh

I would have liked to hear Grace’s back story like we got with Mirage. And maybe we will. Because one thing is for sure, well adjusted men aren’t recruited to be black ops assassins.

There’s a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book. I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger, but definitely unfinished. OF COURSE! Because the author likes to torture us! I kid, I kid. Sort of.

So yes, I definitely can’t wait for the next book.

4 pieces of eye candy

Perfect Night (Soho Knights, Book 1) by Oliver Takely: RB, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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In the vibrant streets of London, Charlie is struggling to make ends meet. To afford his mother’s care facility, he’s taken on a risky side job that forces him to sell his body. Life is tough, but Charlie remains resilient, finding solace in the camaraderie of his four best friends.

When a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with Sebastian, a wealthy businessman from New York fifteen years his senior, their connection ignites a passion that neither can ignore. After a perfect night together, they are drawn back into each other’s lives, their chemistry undeniable.

But as they navigate their growing feelings, Charlie’s desire for independence clashes with Sebastian’s longing for someone to nurture and care for. Just as they begin to explore their connection, Charlie’s life implodes, and Sebastian’s past trauma resurfaces, threatening to tear them apart.

Can they find a way to overcome the dangers from their pasts and embrace the love that’s blossoming between them, or will their tumultuous histories destroy their chance at happiness? Perfect Night is a gripping tale of love, desire, and the high stakes of opening your heart.

Title: Perfect Night
Authors: Oliver Takely
Length: 230 pages
Series: Soho Knights, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Sebastian had fallen asleep too and stirred when Charlie moved. He pulled him closer, afraid he was going to bolt.

“I need to pee.”

“Okay, but don’t run off.”

“The toilet is two feet away. Why did you book this hotel? It’s a bit bargain basement for you.”

“Cheeky fucker.”

Charlie raised an eyebrow.

“Fair point. Go to the toilet and I’ll see what I can do about food.”

“There’s a burger place down the road.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”

Charlie took a shower, but Sebastian didn’t. He didn’t want Charlie out of his sight for the time being. Not until they’d talked properly. Once they were dressed and about to leave, Charlie picked up the envelope of money and passed it to Sebastian.

“There’s no safe in this room, so you’ll need to take that with you.”

He wanted Charlie to have the money, but now wasn’t the time to get into that. He pocketed it and they left. It didn’t take them long to get to the fast-food place. Charlie suggested they eat in, or the room would stink of burgers all night. Sebastian was tempted to take them back to his suite. He hadn’t officially checked out, but he was enjoying this little bubble they were in, where they looked like a regular couple staying in a hotel and popping out for a burger. Charlie seemed more relaxed as well.

They ordered and didn’t have to wait long before they had their food. They needed to get a few things out in the open. Charlie gave Sebastian a rundown of what had happened at work. It took all of Sebastian’s strength to not go after Nathaniel Klein now. How fucking dare he treat someone like that? He wouldn’t stand for it.

“And get that look out of your eye,” said Charlie.

“What look?”

“The ‘I’m going to destroy Nathaniel Klein’ look.”

“How do you know me so well already?”

“Sebastian, will you please let me handle this?”

“Are you going to sue him, then?”

“You Americans love a lawsuit.”

“Hey.” He smiled. “Okay, I’ll let it go on one condition. Actually, two conditions.”

“It depends what they are.”

Oliver Takely is a passionate MM romance author who revels in dark, edgy stories featuring complex, flawed characters. With years of writing experience and a creative day job, Oliver Takely is also an avid reader of MM romance, consuming 300 books in 2023. His favourite trope is enemies to lovers, but is also a sucker for a feel-good Christmas romance.

Originally from the north, Oliver now resides in the south of England with his husband and their beloved fur baby, who is treated like a princess, living their own happily-ever-after straight out of a romance novel. When not writing or reading, he enjoys holidays and indulging in lots of good food, because who doesn’t love a delicious combination?

Connect with Oliver:

Website – https://olivertakely.com/
Newsletter sign up with free book – https://olivertakely.com/knights-corner

https://www.instagram.com/olivertakelyauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563482888445
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Hotshot (Elmwood Stories Series, Book 5) by Lane Hayes: RB, Excerpt and Giveaway

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The rookie superstar, the desperate cowboy, and a naughty proposition…

Denny

The press calls me this year’s hotshot, the rookie who scores at will and conjures plays out of thin air. Truth is…I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.

My anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the media without breaking into a cold sweat, but once I get through the season, I can regroup at home. Life is simpler in Vermont.

Well, not anymore. There’s a new cowboy in town. Literally, a cowboy. At least, Hank looks like one—he owns a horse, wears a hat, and did I mention he’s hot?

And get this…he has a proposition for me.

Hank

Proposition is a strong word. I prefer to call this a mutually beneficial arrangement. See, I could use Denny’s help with a family business venture, and though I was planning to offer cash, the jock has a sexier idea.

Not gonna lie, I’m interested.

This could be a fun distraction while I’m stuck in Elmwood. Nice enough place, however, the locals are wary of an outsider taking over the neighboring mill. Long story short…they don’t trust me. But they love their hometown hockey hero.

I get it.

I’ve never met anyone like Denny—skittish in street clothes and a feral beast with cunning instincts on the ice. He’s fascinating, sexy, smart, and—

Whoa! I’m not falling for the hotshot rookie. No way, no how, no chance…

Too late.

Hotshot is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small town romance featuring a hotshot rookie, a sexy cowboy, and a proposition that changes everything.

Title: Hotshot
Authors: Lane Hayes
Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
Series: Elmwood Stories Series, Book 5
Genre: Contemporary.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Audible

“Let’s get this over with. What did you want?”

“Ouch. I can’t remember the last time anyone was happy to see me,” he groused without heat. “Except Steve the contractor. He likes me okay, but he’s being paid well. Our employees do well too, but sadly, they don’t like me at all.”

“I can’t help you with that. Sorry.”

Hank sipped his beer and shrugged. “Yes, you can. I’m extorting you, remember?”

“Oh…yeah.” I chuckled.

And fuck, I didn’t want to be amused. I didn’t want to like Hank at all, but it was hard not to appreciate his self-deprecating honesty. He emanated “nice guy” vibes with the right amount of edge. No wonder drunk me had gotten flirty with him. Fortunately, sober me knew he was more than I could handle.

Which was fine since Hank wasn’t interested anyway. He wanted my alleged star power, not me.

So why was I grinning like an idiot?

Fuck, I had a bad feeling my eyes were twinkling too. I had to rein that shit in, stat.

“So…let’s make a deal,” he said, thankfully unaware of my inner detour. “I need an Elmwood buddy. My dad gave me the all-clear to make my offer sexy, so…what’ll it be?”

I bugged my eyes out. “Sexy?”

“Yeah, something interesting. If it’s money, name your price. Tell me what you want in exchange for your time.”

You.

The word tripped to the tip of my tongue. I bit it back and swallowed it, clearing my throat to be sure it was gone.

 

“I just…want to make sure that whatever I blabbed while I was wasted off my ass stays between us.”

“Yeah, but I’ll do that for free. You can trust me.”

“I don’t know you,” I retorted.

“True,” he conceded, sipping his beer. “But you don’t really have a choice. I can’t prove that I won’t sell you out. It’s a trust thing. Let’s talk about the sexy angle, ’cause I need an Elmwood buddy like yesterday.”

“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but…what does an Elmwood buddy do?”

“He shows the new guy the ropes.” Hank leaned in. “Introduce me, give me tips on who’s who and what to avoid. I suck in Elmwood and I need a champion, a liaison…a friend. That can be you.”

I huffed in amusement, feeling strangely at ease. He was charming as fuck and I was not immune. “How can you suck in Elmwood? Everyone is cool there.”

He slumped on his stool. “I don’t know, but I’m even worse in Wood Hollow. I don’t get it. People in Denver like me just fine. Even you like me.”

“No, I like your hat.” I reached for his water and winked.

 

I fucking winked.

Me.

That was me flirting. Ugh. Bad, Denny. Bad.

I felt surprisingly relaxed with him. Like I had last weekend when I’d spilled my guts and…other things. The point was, I could talk to him without feeling immediately depleted, and that alone was a minor miracle.

Hank kicked my shin playfully. “Nah, you like me. You did last weekend, anyway.”

“I was drunk, and I’m still mortified. Go easy on me.” I took a swig of water as if I were knocking back whisky.

“I’ll try, but…you shook your dick at me, then fell buck-ass naked in my bed, so c’mon.”

My eyes had to be saucer-sized. “I shook my dick at you?”

He inclined his chin and winked in a touché move that made my cock swell against my zipper.

“A week later, I’m still thinking about it,” Hank drawled.

Whoa. Was he serious?

Lane Hayes  lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayes3/
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes
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Love and Loathing in El Olvido by Sylvia San Sebastian: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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.                                  .
Harvey and his mother have spent the past twelve years fleeing from the Lucchesi crime family that massacred their clan. But the same day his mother dies of a heart attack, he receives an anonymous letter. Someone knows who killed his family, and they want him to take revenge. They list three killers, plus Nicolas Lung Lucchesi, the heir to the Lucchesi family. He’s young and short on allies, and he’s Harvey’s ticket in.

With nothing left to lose, Harvey returns to his hometown under a fake identity. When Harvey del Rosario meets Nico Lucchesi, it seems like fate—two lonely men attracted to each other’s orbit. Harvey, the sweet and charming outsider; Nico, cool and mysterious. When Nico offers Harvey a job, Harvey digs his claws in deep. He’ll do anything to remain by Nico’s side. He’ll become his friend, his confidante, his lover—all to destroy the Lucchesi family from the inside.

KinnPorsche meets 91 Days in Love and Loathing in El Olvido, a 73k word adult contemporary mafia romance inspired by the tradition of erotic thrillers. This is the first book in the El Olvido trilogy. Harvey and Nico’s story will be continued in the sequel.

Title: Love and Loathing in El Olvido
Authors: Sylvia San Sebastian
Length: 73k
Series: El Olvido, Book 1 (There is a cliffhanger for the main characters)
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense, Mafia Romance.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

All I know is that his fingers are soothing in my hair. He scratches my scalp and I

melt into his touch, into his mouth, into his eager lips on my jaw, my throat, my

collarbone. I shudder as I think about how close his teeth are to my neck. I bare my

throat to him. I let him mark me as he likes—as his tool, as his toy, as his possession.

All the blood rushes to my dick.

I can’t even muster up any disgust at myself. Nicolas Lucchesi’s hands roam my

body and I welcome it. I need his skin on my skin. I need more than a good fuck. I need

to be inside him so completely that I’ll be living inside his ribs.

New to me author, although they only have 2 books out right now. And the sequel to this book will be 3 *taps foot impatiently*. The blurb sounded good, so why not?

This book is gritty, dark, violent, very morally gray, sexy and at times you totally forget that Harvey is playing Nico to get what he wants.

Where does this book even take place? I have no idea. Could be Mexico? Texas? Central America somewhere? The only clue is that Spanish is spoken, but a lot of the players are Italian. It’s like a dusty old Western with a modern backdrop.

There are a lot of politics at play within “The Family”. Power struggles, allegiances, even a silent power struggle with the families of Nico’s parents. That marriage was a business deal and still is. But that business deal created Nico who is half Italian and half Asian and all gay. Big strikes against him in The Family.

Harvey infiltrates The Family through Nico. He is out for vengeance now that his mother has passed. He wants to kill those responsible for killing his entire family when he was a child. He got a mysterious letter with some big hints, but one of the men hasn’t been unmasked yet.

I really loved how Harvey was portrayed. He played his role so well as Nico’s lover, but with the dichotomy of wanting to exact revenge and falling in love with Nico- even if he wouldn’t admit it.

I “GRRRRRRRR’ED!” out loud at the end of the book because I wanted the story to continue. Book 2 is too far away. It was so different than any mafia book I’ve read. I definitely enjoyed it.

4 piece of eye candy

Sylvia San Sebastian writes queer romance novels with bite. She lives on a tropical island in Southeast Asia. If you buy her books, you help feed her two cats.

Connect with Sylvia:
https://sylviasansebastian.substack.com/
https://instagram.com/sssylviawrites
https://twitter.com/sssylviawrites
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