Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

giveaway

Hearts and Hazelnuts by Kris T. Bethke: Exclusive Guest Post, Release Day Review with Giveaway

by

Mechanic Jordan Hart is down on his luck, so he gladly accepts a temporary job servicing tractors at a hazelnut farm in Newberg, Oregon. He doesn’t expect to be attracted to his boss, Beckett Shaw. Still working on embracing his bisexuality, he’s reluctant to start anything, but Beckett’s gentle coaxing convinces Jordan to take a risk.

Beckett has vowed not to get involved with anyone until he can restore the Shaw Farms name as a leader in hazelnuts. But there’s no denying his interest in the shy mechanic who shows up at his door. Just as they begin to find a balance, outside forces threaten to tear them apart. Job opportunities force Jordan out of the Portland area he loves so much. But when danger comes too close to Beckett, Jordan must decide if he can follow his heart to the Willamette Valley… and straight back to Beckett.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Title: Hearts and Hazelnuts
Author: Kris T. Bethke
Release Date: November 29, 2017
Category: Contemporary, States of Love
Pages: 103

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Dreamspinner Press

Kobo Books

 

Hi there! I’m Kris T. Bethke, and first let me say a great big thank you to the gang here for allowing me some time.

Being a part of the States of Love collection is an honor for me, and it was something I wanted since the sub call went out. I loved the idea, and I’m so excited to be a part of it.

That said, this was a challenging book to write. Looking back on it now, it was a great experience, and I learned a lot about myself as a writer. At the time, though, it was sort of frustrating. And the first hurdle I had to overcome was which character would tell the story.

If you’ve read any of my backlist, you might have noticed that I’ve always written in first person, past tense. I write that way because it’s my favorite tense to read. There’s an immediacy to being in one of the character’s heads that really works for me. And up until this book, I found it the easiest way to tell my stories.

But Beck and Jordan had other ideas.

For a long time, I flip flopped back and forth between which guy would get the narrator role. Both had merit. Both Beckett and Jordan have a high stake in the story, and either one of them would have been a good driving force. But I was struggling with finding that perfect balance, and the right scenes to show. No matter which MC I used, it felt like something was missing.

I briefly flirted with the idea of alternating first, but that’s a whole other set of challenges, and even though I gave it a try, it still wasn’t right. So I took a deep breath, threw caution to the wind, and started writing third person.

It’s not like I never used alternating third before, but I hadn’t used it in a full length story. I had a deadline I couldn’t go back on, and I was getting anxious, so I knew I had to try something. And lo and behold, it actually worked. Where before I was having issues, now the story flowed.

There’s something special about getting both MCs’ POVs. It gives the reader a more complete picture, for sure. But it also gives the story a different feel. I didn’t know, when I started out, that this was what Beck and Jordan needed. But when I was finished, I knew I had the right story on the page.

(And it was good practice for the next three books I wrote, which had to be in alternating third, but that’s a different story altogether.)

In the end, I have a book I’m proud of. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. Hearts and Hazelnuts is available now from Dreamspinner Press.

Excerpt:

“We sell at a booth at the Newberg fair. Would you be interested in helping me out there?”

Okay, that wasn’t exactly what he planned to say. In fact he’d been ready to calculate the hours Jordan had worked and cut him a check. But when it came down to it, Beckett just couldn’t say the words. He wanted to see more of Jordan.

“Umm. I guess?”

Jordan looked totally confused. With good reason, Beck supposed. It was an odd request, and Beck couldn’t explain the reason behind it. He wasn’t going to start anything with Jordan. His focus had to be on the farm and nothing else. It just seemed too soon to say goodbye, so he thought fast.

“I need Cory to stay here and supervise the tail end of the harvest. And it’s easier to work the booth if I have someone helping me out.” It was all technically true, if not entirely accurate. Beck could work the booth by himself if he had to.

“Okay. I can help.” Jordan still looked at him oddly.

“I’ll pay you your regular rate.”

Jordan shook his head before Beck even finished talking. “No. That’s too much. Whatever you pay the guys.”

Beckett’s heart melted a little because Jordan was clearly an honest man. Which Beck already knew that, but he was glad to see it confirmed. “Okay. If that’s what you want. You’re helping me out, and I appreciate it.”

“I don’t mind. I’m happy to help.” Jordan’s gaze dropped to his hands. Beckett’s did too, and he watched as Jordan rubbed his palms over his jeans. He had good hands, strong and veined, and Beckett would have liked to know what they felt like on his skin.

“Thanks,” Beckett said softly. He really had to get himself under control. After Saturday he’d have to put Jordan out of his mind. It was the best thing for everybody.

“What time do you want me here?”

Beck squinted as he thought. “Fair opens at eight. We have to be there by seven thirty to set up. So, umm, be here by seven?” Though it was only a few miles up the road, it would take a bit of time to get everything in the truck.

Jordan nodded and stood. Then he took a deliberate step to the side so he was farther from Beckett. Barely keeping in a sigh, Beck stood too and leaned back against his desk to give Jordan even more space. He knew he was being weird, but he couldn’t seem to help it.

“Okay. See you then.” Jordan barely waited for confirmation before he left. Beck stared after him.

Dammit.

Lookit that cute cover….. Why wouldn’t you stop and read a book with such a cute cover? I’ll be honest, it was the biggest reason I wanted to read it… Its okay, you can call me a judger.. it paid off in this instance!
In this incredibly sweet, albeit short story, we have Beckett and Jordan.

Jordan was out of work, something about his old boss embezzling from the company he worked for as a mechanic, or something like that. Unfortunately, as we all know, jobs are hard to come by and the cost of living is expensive, so Jordan moves in with his brother while trying to find a different job and get back on his feet. That’s where he meets Beckett.

Beckett needs help with one of his tractors, it’s harvesting time and he needs a mechanic and calls Jordan’s brother, who refers Jordan for the job.

These two have chemistry right away but it’s a little slow going at first. Jordan is hesitant, he needs the job and once he gets a regular job, this temporary arrangement at Becketts farm will be forgotten.  Its not that easy though, as these guys go from a nice, working friendship to a sexual relationship and even though Jordan wants to be hesitant, it’s not that easy with easy going and charming Beckett. I loved these two together, they were sweet.

Unfortunately, Beckett also had some trouble with a neighboring farm that wanted his land. I dunno why the dude didn’t approach Beckett’s dad when he had the farm, youd think with the way the man was money hungry and wanted to retire, he’d been the first one to sell. I mean, I’m glad he didn’t, but the guy was just random, foul mouthed and tried to be scary, but he came off as dumb and not so threatening, even though he tried really hard to be. It just wasn’t’ convincing. Which is probably why Beckett didn’’t hold anything he said with a grain of salt. He was more a nuisance than anything.

Which is why when Jordan accepted a job hours away and their relationship took a hit, Beckett didn’t call Jordan when the old man made good on his not so idle threats. Jordan comes running, and again… more sweetness. I just loved all of this story and wish it was longer!

I also wouldn’t mind reading more about Cory, especially now that he’s away from the cheating boyfriend. I bet that’d be a good story!

Final thought? I loved it!

5 pieces of eye candy from me.

Kris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long.  An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head.  She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project.  Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time.  A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and naps on the weekend are one of her greatest guilty pleasures.  She lives in a converted attic with a way too fluffy cat and the voices in her head.  She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated.

Find her on her site https://kristbethke.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Kris-T-Bethke/100014524539852 or on Twitter https://twitter.com/kristbethke


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dyeing to be Loved by Aimee Nicole Walker: Audio Book Tour and Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

by

Gabriel Wyatt is a big city Detective living in a small Ohio town. He expects a peaceful existence once he moves from Miami, Florida, but that’s the last thing he finds. Instead, Gabe discovers murder, mayhem, and one smart-mouthed stylist he can’t get out of his head.

Josh “Jazz” Roman is a small-town business owner with big dreams and an attitude to match. He finds himself in the middle of a case that brings the dreamy detective to the front door of his Curl Up and Dye Salon. Josh learns that the biggest threat to him isn’t a killer; it’s a man who wants something from him that he vowed to never give again – his heart.

Both men deny that there’s something between them, even though they’re drawn together like magnets. Can Gabe convince Josh to let down his guard or will Josh let past hurts destroy his chance at a happy future?

DYEING TO BE LOVED

CURL UP AND DYE MYSTERIES SERIES, BOOK 1

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

RELEASE DATE: 11.08.16

AUDIO RELEASE: 11.07.17

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wander Aguiar

COVER ARTIST:  Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Listening Length: 8 hours and 49 minutes

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

 

My ringing phone woke me up. I was disoriented because it had grown dark while I napped on the couch with Diva and I momentarily forgot what day it was. I looked at the caller ID and was shocked to see who was calling me. I debated on letting it go to voicemail for about two seconds before I answered it.

“Hello?”

“How are you doing?” Gabe’s deep voice warmed parts of me that no amount of purring from a cat could affect.

“I’m doing okay,” I replied. Was I?

“You feel like having company?” I heard the slight hesitation in his voice, as if he wasn’t sure how well his question would be received.

I knew what happened almost every single time that we were alone together. Was that what I wanted right then? “Yes,” I said answering both of our questions.

“Good,” he said, his voice deepening because he also knew what would happen. “Come down and let me in.”

“You’re here now?” I stood up and ran my free hand through my hair in an attempt to smooth it into place.

“Yes. Come down here and let me in. I’m freezing my nuts off,” he groused.

“Give me a few minutes,” I said and then hung up. I flipped on a few lights on my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I rushed through my routine so that I didn’t keep him waiting long. It was freezing outside and I didn’t want his balls to freeze. I was pretty fond of them, even if I was unsure of the man they were attached to.

“It’s about time,” he said when I opened the door to him. “What the hell took so long?”

I grabbed him by the coat and pulled him into me, pressing my lips against his. Gabe parted his cold lips and I slid my tongue inside to explore his warm mouth in a languid kiss. For once, I didn’t want to rush him into bed. I wanted to take my time and get to know his body better. Hell, I hadn’t even wrapped my lips around his big cock yet; a mistake I planned to rectify immediately.

“Minty fresh,” Gabe said, when our kiss ended. “You’re forgiven for making me wait.”

“Come upstairs with me and I’ll show you other things I can do with my minty fresh mouth.” I laughed when Gabe growled playfully. I needed to be careful or else I’d start liking the detective and the things he made me feel.

So, I kind of did this whole series out of order (which is actually really strange for me, I try to always read a series in order), I actually didn’t read any of this series, until Someone to Call My Own (Road to Blissville, #2), came out. It wasn’t intentional, it was on my TBR, but I just hadn’t gotten to it. But then I read the synopsis for STCMO, and saw the word psychic, and immediately had to read it. As I was reading it, there were a lot of references to Josh and Gabe, as well as some appearances, and since the book was running somewhat concurrently, I knew I was going to need to read it. But I still hadn’t gotten to it.

Then I found out that Joel Leslie was going to narrate it, and I was done. Yep, had to wait for that. And I am so glad I did. He did a great job with this book! He gave each character a little more personality with this voice, and inflections. I loved hearing him switch from Josh to Gabe, to even Savage, the dirty mouthed bird. 🙂 He brought all the characters to life for me (and I have to say that he really hit me HARD with the prequel, with his voice inflections of the amazing sounding woman who brought Josh and Gabe together), and I couldn’t have asked for a better narration for this book.

The author has created some great characters in Josh and Gabe. Well, Gabe was kind of an idiot and a tool, but he came around. Josh was someone who you wanted to be friends with, someone you knew would have your back no matter what. He is hilarious, and snarky, and I wanted to head to his house for Sunday dinner. Aimee created characters, you WANT to read five books on, and then wonder whether there will be more from these two men.

The mystery was well done (although I’ll admit the prequel threw me for a loop, as I wasn’t expecting it), and I know there will be more ahead in this vein. I’m definitely looking forward to it. Now, I have to decide…do I wait for Joel’s next installment, Something to Dye For, or do I dive right in, and then listen to the audio book later? Hmmmm…

Either way, I highly recommend this book, and the audio narration.

Both get 4.5 pieces of eye candy

 

  

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

TWITTER

BLOG

Dyeing to be Loved, Book 1

Something to Dye For, Book 2

Dyed and Gone to Heaven, Book 3

I Do, or Dye Trying, Book 4

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish: Exclusive Guest Post, Blog Tour with Giveaway

by

Last month, Alex Barrow’s whole life imploded—partner, home, job, all gone in forty-eight hours. But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.

Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.

When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

My Favorite Holiday Stories are About Emotional Intensity

Holiday stories tend to fall into two general categories: 1.) Stories where, because of family expectations, the holidays are a period of intense emotion and social navigation for the main character; or 2.) Stories where, because of a lack of family or friends, the main character is alone for the holidays, resulting in either a period of intense emotional navigation because they’re alone, or emotional numbness because they’re accustomed to being alone.

I like both types of stories because they’re great set-ups for putting romantic relationships through their paces. When a relationship has to contend with strong family dynamics, it’s placed under a microscope. When a relationship takes the place of family over the holidays, it takes on some of that emotional weight.

As a reader, the key to them working is great character development. I need to see exactly what feelings the characters will have when going to see family, or when treating Christmas like any other day because they don’t celebrate with family. What memories are brought up? What hopes did the holidays used to evince? What fears do they evince now? What do the characters dream of for holidays in the future? If a character doesn’t care about the holidays, how does that affect their partner? And, hey, cozy cuddling, making out in front of the fire, and descriptions of delicious food really doesn’t hurt!

 

About the 2017 Holiday Charity Collection

20% of all proceeds from this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

Each year, Riptide Publishing releases a holiday collection in support of an LGBTQ charity. Twenty percent of the proceeds from this year’s collection will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

The Russian LGBT network was founded in April 2006. It is an interregional, non-governmental human rights organization that promotes equal rights and respect for human dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. They unite and develop regional initiatives, advocacy groups (at both national and international levels), and provide social and legal services.

To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website: https://lgbtnet.org/en.

 

This collection would not be possible without the talent and generosity of its authors, who have brought us the following holiday stories:

Buy all three in the collection and save!

 

Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

 

She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.

Connect with Roan:

To celebrate the release of The Remaking of Corbin Wale, one lucky winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 2, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

If the Fates Allow-Holiday Anthology: Exclusive Guest Post, Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

by

Gracious Living Magazine Says It Has to Be a Live Tree by Killian B. Brewer: Determined to make his first Christmas with his new boyfriend magazine-perfect, Marcus seeks the advice of lovable busy bodies, the Do-Nothings Club. When he learns that his boyfriend, Hank, may have ordered a ring, Marcus’ attempts to transform his home into a winter wonderland get out of hand.  Featuring the characters from Lunch With the Do-Nothings at the Tammy Dinette.

Killian B. Brewer lives in his life-long home of Georgia with his partner and their dog. He has written poetry and short fiction since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. Brewer earned a BA in English and does not use this degree in his job in the banking industry. He has a love of greasy diner food that borders on obsessive. Lunch with the Do-Nothings at the Tammy Dinette was published in January, 2017. His debut novel, The Rules of Ever After, is available from Duet Books, the young adult imprint of Interlude Press.

True North by Pene Henson: Shay Allen returns to her hometown in Montana for the holidays with her best friend Devon with the intent to return home to L.A. by New Year’s Eve. Instead, the weather traps them in the small town, but the there’s a bright spot: her old crush Milla is still in town.

Pene Henson has gone from British boarding schools to New York City law firms. She now lives in Sydney, Australia, where she is an intellectual property lawyer and published poet who is deeply immersed in the city’s LGBTQIA community. She spends her spare time enjoying the outdoors and gazing at the ocean with her gorgeous wife and two unexpectedly exceptional sons. Her first novel Into the Blue (Interlude Press, 2016) received a Lambda Literary Award for Gay Romance. Her second novel, Storm Season, was published by Interlude Press in 2017.

Last Call at the Casa Blanca Bar & Grille by Erin Finnegan: As the one-year anniversary of his lover’s death rolls around on Christmas, Jack Volarde finds himself at their old haunt—a bar called the Casa Blanca, where a new bartender helps him open up about loss, and see brightness in a future that had grown dim.

Erin Finnegan is a former journalist and a winemaker who lives in the foothills outside Los Angeles. Her novel Luchador was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2016, and along with her 2014 debut novel, Sotto Voce, received both a Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year award and a PW starred review.

Halfway Home by Lilah Suzanne: Avery Puckett has begun to wonder if her life has become joyless. One night, fate intervenes in the form of a scraggly dog shivering and alone in a parking lot. Avery takes him to a nearby shelter called Halfway Home where she meets bright and beautiful Grace, who is determined to save the world one stray at a time.

Lilah Suzanne has been writing actively since the sixth grade, when a literary magazine published her essay about an uncle who lost his life to AIDS. A freelance writer from North Carolina, she spends most of her time behind a computer screen, but on the rare occasion she ventures outside she enjoys museums, libraries, live concerts, and quiet walks in the woods. Lilah is the author of the Interlude Press books Spice, Pivot and Slip, and the Amazon bestselling Spotlight series: Broken Records, Burning Tracks and Blended Notes.

Shelved by Lynn Charles: When library clerk Karina Ness meets a new patron, lonely business owner, Wesley Lloyd, she puts her own love life on hold and begins a holiday matchmaking mission to connect Wes with her uncle Tony.

Lynn Charles’ love of writing dates to her childhood, when thoughts, dreams, frustrations, and joys poured onto the pages of journals and diaries. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and adult children where a blind dog and his guardian cat rule the roost. When she’s not writing, Lynn can be found planning a trip to New York or strolling its streets daydreaming about retirement. Her novel Black Dust (2016) was named a finalist for a Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year award. Her other novels include Beneath the Stars (2017) and Chef’s Table (2014).

 

  

SUGAR AND SPICE

LYNN CHARLES, author of Shelved, from If the Fates Allow

As we approach the holidays our thoughts often turn to food. More specifically, sweet food. Baked goods full of sugar and spice and… well, our doctors might question the idea of “everything nice.” Take a holiday, throw a family or group of loved ones together and you will most likely find not only food, but food that is as much a part of the tradition as the holiday itself.

And that is where the similarities of holidays typically ends. Every culture, every family celebrates with their own embraced collection of special treats. What’s common in one place—stollen in Germany—is less so in Italy where panettone and ricciarelli—a gluten free almond cookie—are more common. Ride or die fruit bread lovers blend with sugar cookie traditionalists. It’s even better when cultures cross and you try new things and add them to your own celebrations. Or you try them and have to reluctantly tell your friend, waiting for your reply on how delicious stollen is to sadly find that you did not, as much as you appreciated the gesture, enjoy the dry bread loaded with dried fruit and overly sweet powdered sugar icing. Not that I know that experience personally. Not at all.

In my family, cookies are king. I’m sure some of what we consider traditional to us are borrowed from elsewhere. In fact, I know it—one of my favorites are what we called snowballs. What were they really? Mexican wedding cookies. Mom also made chocolate crinkles, sugar cookies, peanut blossoms and seven-layer bars. When it was my turn to make holiday goodies, I took some of Mom’s, added in one of my mother-in-law’s specialties—meringue drops—and found a few specialties of my own. For years, my kids, husband and I would spend an evening decorating the gingerbread cookies I’d baked that afternoon. We’d ice them to look like celebrities or favorite fictional characters, but after a few years, I realized no one was really eating them. It was the decorating that made them fun. Now, it is required I make marshmallows for my daughter, peanut blossoms for my son and shortbread—his father’s favorite—for my husband.

In my short story, “Shelved,” part of the holiday anthology If the Fates Allow, our curmudgeonly barber’s family holiday treat is pasticciotti. Tony makes it every year and shares it with his own found family in town. They are so good, his niece Karina—our narrator—counts these treats as one of her uncle’s best qualities when trying to hook him up with her new friend at the county library:

“And he makes the most amazing pasticciotti that should never go unshared.”

“Pasticciotti?”

“It’s these custard-filled pastry… pie… things, and they take forever and a day, and he destroys his kitchen and my waistline. He shoves them off on his clients because—”

Because really—what else is there to say once you’ve announced the man you’re trying to promote makes miniature custard pies? And with Karina and her Uncle Tony, his Italian desserts are a familiar part of the holiday. So familiar the day to bake them brings her to his apartment with the comfort of walking in unannounced, of tossing a scarf on a chair. But this year, the year we meet them in the story, their tradition changes. Not in the treat—pasticciotti are there to stay—but in the company.

And really, isn’t that what makes the holidays rich? Traditions ground us, but they also mix and blend and morph over time to fit into the new families we make and love.

What are some of your holiday dessert traditions? I’d love to hear them. And come visit me at lynncharles.net for my own personal experience with pasticciotti… and maybe a recipe.

 

He put the car in drive, cranked up the heat, and grinned. “Point the way!”

She chewed on her bottom lip as she gathered the courage to mention the daydreams that had kept her mind occupied that afternoon. “I’ve been thinking,” she said. She kept her eyes on the road ahead in case her next sentence flopped like a basket of rotten tomatoes. “You might like my Uncle Tony.”

Wes remained quiet; his finger, softly tapping to the music, never paused. “Huh. What’s so special about Uncle Tony?”

Karina dared a glance Wes’s way. He seemed cautiously interested. “Well, he’s… I mean, he’s—” She was not going to say Uncle Tony’s interest in men was the main impetus. That was absurd and wrong, but— “He was married to my Aunt Jodi.”

“Your Aunt Jodi.” Wes pulled up to a traffic light. “If he was married to your aunt—what makes you think he’d be interested in me?”

Karina rolled her eyes. “There are such things as bisexuals, you know.”

“I—I do know, yes. I’m sorry.” He looked at her with a pained smile. “I’m so out of the dating game that I—yes.” He continued to tap his steering wheel to the music. “You said ‘was’ married—is that why it’s past tense?”

“Yeah. He didn’t come to terms with it until later and… she wasn’t keen on the idea.”

“That’s a shame,” he said. “Thing is, I’m not too sure I’m keen on getting back in the dating game.”

“But it’s Christmas!”

“What does that have to do with—” Before taking off from the light, he shot a look at her. “Your love bomb and your Christmas spirit are still tangled.”

She ignored him; of course they were tangled. That was the point. “But, Wes… walks in the snow and packages with pretty bows and eggnog under the tree.”

“You know, some people like being alone at Christmas.”

“Oh, come on. No one likes it; they put up with it. You said you were my age when—look, it was a long time ago, and maybe it’s time—”

“How old do you think I am?”

“You’re forty-six. Turn right up here.”

“Huh. Someone did more than fix my résumé, I see.” The smile he’d been visibly fighting this entire conversation finally broke free.

“Look, Uncle Tony is lonely, and you seem—”

“Lonely?”

“Well. Yes? And I think he’d make you laugh, and he loved James and the Giant Peach as a kid too…” She lingered and hoped that revelation would spark the ultimate flame. When he didn’t flinch, she rushed on. “And he makes the most amazing pasticiotti that should never go unshared.”

“Pasticiotti?”

“It’s these custard-filled pastry… pie… things, and they take forever and a day, and he destroys his kitchen and my waistline. He shoves them off on his clients because—” She stopped rambling. Wes was laughing, and they’d driven right by her house. She directed him around the block.

“Does Uncle Tony know you’re trying to hook him up with a failed businessman?”

Lynn Charles is an author of queer contemporary romance novels. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and daughter where a blind dog and his guardian cat rule the roost. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education, worked at her county library, and absolutely never judged you for what books you checked out. Her novels Chef’s Table (2014), Black Dust (2016)—a finalist for the Foreword Review Indie Award in Romance, and Beneath the Stars (2017), can be found at Interlude Press and most online book retailers. Keep up with Lynn at lynncharles.net.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Davis Row by N.R. Walker: Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway, Release Day Review

by

 

What could an ex-con and a parole officer possibly have in common?

Nearing the end of a suspended jail sentence should unlock a brighter future for CJ Davis, only the chip on his shoulder is as hard to shift as his bad reputation. Born into a family of career criminals who live down Davis Road, an address the cops have dubbed Davis Row, his name alone is like a rap sheet that makes optimism impossible.

Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance.

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they’re not that different at all. 

Amazon

 

“So? Are we doing this?”

CJ chewed the inside of his lip like he was trying not to smile. “Yeah.”

I pushed away from the fridge, where he’d had me pinned earlier, and stepped in front of him. I leaned in as if I was going to kiss him but whispered in his ear instead. “You just made me very happy.”

I went to pull back but he had a hold of my shirt. He still had his head down but he pulled me against him and wrapped both arms around me. It wasn’t a hug that was leading to something more physical. It was one of those soul-soothing hugs that I didn’t reckon he got too often. So I slid my hands over his back, letting him feel my touch as much as I could, and he sighed into me. “You made me pretty happy too.”

I smiled into his neck and neither one of us were in any hurry to move. “I never thought I’d like the smell of cigarettes, but on you, it mixes with something else. I dunno what it is, but I like it.”

He chuckled, his breath warm on my neck. He still didn’t want to let go of me. “I really like how you smell. I’ve always had a thing for guys who smell nice and it was the first thing I noticed about you.”

“Is that so?”

“Mmm.” His arms tightened around me. “This is nice. Hugs are good.”

I chuckled. “Hugs with you are particularly good.”

He rested his forehead on my shoulder. “Are you gonna hound me to quit smoking?”

“Nope.”

“Good.”

“As your unofficial boyfriend, I accept all your dirty, stinking, cancer-causing habits.”

He snorted. “Gee, thanks.” He pulled back now, and with his hands on my hips, he met my eyes. “I wish I could stay, but I should probably get home.”

I sighed. “Yeah.” I cupped his face, and begging be damned, I pressed my lips to his.

Noah Huxley is a brand new parole officer and ready to make a difference. Having had tragedy with his own family where he failed like his sister was failed, he wanted to help people like she wasn’t about to be helped.

Then, we meet CJ Davis, born to the well known Davis family on Davis row, everyone knew them to be the trouble makers they are. Their dad being the absolute worse, but his brothers not any better.

When Noah met CJ, he was hostile and defensive. He was on parole, a 2 year suspended sentence on a crime that he got caught red handed doing. They just didn’t know the reason for what he done the thing that he done… I know there is no justifiable reason to break the law, but when your desperate and someone in your family is in need…. Someone, the only someone in life that cares about you or that you care about… it would be hard not to do what you could to help them…. And that’s exactly what Cj was doing the night he caught caught…. Sadly, because he was a Davis, nobody gave him the benefit of the doubt and painted him with the same brush they did all the Davis’s.

Not Noah, though…. Noah saw what everyone else refused to see. Everyone accept the two people who knew Cj and knew the kind of person he was- his boss and the guy who raised him, pops. They know hes a good guy who just got dealt a bad hand.

When Noah helping Cj turns into attraction that turns into something else…. They both know its against the rules, at least for the next couple weeks until Cj is off parole.  Its tough, but Noah does what he can to help Cj in the meantime… helping him get his life together and do things to better his situation that nobody cared to help him with before.

I loved that about Noah. He was patient and understanding. He was honest and so sincere in the way he wanted to help, not just Cj, but everyone he could. I did get a little ticked at him for forgetting the person he knew Cj to be and my heart broke for Cj once again that things just kept going wrong for him… He was forgiving though and Im glad it didn’t cause more problems than it could’ve. I can imagine how badly that would’ve hurt. Especially because Cj had enough going on with his dad out of jail… he was a terrible, terrible person and I felt for him so much.

Overall, I knew it would be a great read because I’m a fan of the author, but the whole story just sucked me in and gripped me in a way that once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it back down! I love when that happens!!!

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

 

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.
She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…


Contact N.R. Walker

Website

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Instagram

Amazon Page

Google +

Email: nrwalker@nrwalker.net

I have some special items from NR Walker-signed too!-that I will give to two lucky winners. Just comment on this blog post and you will be entered!

Tried & True by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review with Giveaway

by

When THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley met Team Leader Sloane Brodie, he couldn’t have imagined how slamming into his new partner—literally—would shake both their worlds. Now four years later, they’ve faced dangers, fought battles both personal and professional… and fallen deeply in love. Now their big moment is finally in sight, and they’re ready to stand up together and make it official. Unfortunately, as the countdown to their big day begins, an enemy declares war on the THIRDS….

With their family in danger, Dex and Sloane are put to the test on how far into darkness they’ll walk to save those they love. As secrets are unearthed, a deadly betrayal is revealed, and Dex and Sloane must call on their Destructive Delta family for one last hurrah to put an end to the secret organization responsible for so much devastation.

Dex and Sloane will have plenty of bullets to dodge on the way to the altar, but with happiness within their grasp, they are determined to get there come hell or high water….

Title: Tried & True
Series: THIRDS: Book Ten
Author: Charlie Cochet
Release Date: November 24, 2017
Category: Paranormal
Pages: 254

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Kobo Books

 

My reading time lately has been cut severely because…life. So, I am only reading the books that I want to read. And there was absolutely NO CHANCE I wasn’t going to be reading Tried & True (btw, love the color reference on the cover!!!!) by Charlie, the final book in the THIRDS series (but not even close to the last book with Dex and Sloane…I talked to Charlie in October, and she is working on a new series regarding the TIN adventures that Destructive Delta has ahead of them!)

This is the THIRDS book that all THIRDS Nerds have been waiting for, the wedding between these two men who started their working relationship with Dexter Daley hanging upside down, and have spent years learning how to love each other. This was all worth the wait, and honestly made me want to go back and start all over again, from Hell & High Water.

There were a few adventures in this book-how those men didn’t arrive at the altar by wheelchair is beyond me-but in the end, it was about celebrating a love that has grown and changed, been hidden then outed, helped them find a family they never knew, and bring about quite a few sexy times. And donuts, lots of donuts. In other words, what we read in that book was the culmination of 4 years, 10 books and countless tears (at least by me!), although most of the ones from this one were happy.

I won’t tell you about the wedding, because if you are a true THIRDS NERD, you will want to read it all on your own, but it is worth every word, every second, and every happy tear.

Thank you Charlie for an amazing journey with these guys, and I can’t wait to see what their next adventure will bring.

5 pieces of eye candy


a Rafflecopter giveaway