Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

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Unlikely Hero by Sean Michael: Exclusive Guest Post, Release Day Review with Giveaway

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When his three-year-old daughter is kidnapped, Eric Wilson doesn’t have many options, and time is running out. With nowhere else to turn, he reaches out to his ex, influential businessman Brock Vencenza, whose money and contacts might be able to save Josie.

Brock never got over Eric’s loss, and he’s more than willing to help when Eric needs him most. Together with law enforcement and private security, they embark on a twisting investigation to find the little girl—and who wants to hurt her and destroy both men in the process. Under the circumstances, confessing he still has feelings for Eric would be inappropriate, but Brock can’t deny what’s in his heart. He doesn’t know if their love can be rekindled or if he can even protect Eric and Josie. But one thing is certain: Brock’s determined to be the hero in reality that he is in Eric’s eyes.

Title: Unlikely Hero
Author: Sean Michael
Release Date: November 20, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 210

Amazon

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Thank you very much for hosting me today!

With it being Thanksgiving, I’m thinking about how Eric and Brock would celebrate the holiday and I’m pretty sure they would approach things from very different angles.

Eric would plan ahead. He’d make up menus for the day before Thanksgiving, then Thanksgiving itself and he’d even make plans for what to do with the leftovers. He’d find recipes and by the time Thanksgiving week would arrive he’d have everything he could buy ahead bought would be purchased and he’d have all his lists made up – no doubt attached to the fridge with magnets.

Brock on the other hand would want to lavish Eric and Josie with everything possible, but rather than planning out and doing everything himself, he’d order everything to be made and delivered by a private chef.

Both men would consider what they’d done a way to show their love for their family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers, and happy November to everyone else.

Sean Michael

smut fixes everything

Eric’s daughter is kidnapped from her daycare and left a ransom note on his car. Im not sure when the daycare noticed her missing, as Eric just picked her up and noticed she was gone, or what… but instead of calling the police, he calls Brock…his ex from nine years ago. Now, I’m not sure what Brock does, but he seems to have infinite money and “kidnapping” experts on his payroll, so…they jumped in to try to get Eric’s daughter Josie back.

Now, nothing in the beginning of this story goes by protocol at all. It’s hands down ridiculous! The handling of the kidnapping, the police, taking Josie to the hospital, Brock just being the one in charge of Josie, even though he’s not family…him taking her out of her room and out of the hospital and to other buildings…You can’t do that! Even if he was her parent, he still couldn’t do that! You can’t just take an admitted baby out of her room and walk to another building with her lol that’s insane! Then his lawyer just checked her out of the children’s hospital without being seen again or anything with a man that wasn’t her guardian?  I mean… he is her guardian, but nobody knew that yet. And that was another ridiculous thing…he was named guardian of her in case anything were to ever happen to Eric, but he and Brock hadn’t been together for near on a decade…. Could you imagine?? What if something had happened to him after a decade later and then someone showed up on his doorstep with a baby and was like SURRISE! You’re her guardian! …..all that part was just so unbelievable.

Now, if you’re like me though, and don’t care about the randomness and unlikelihood of some plot points…I can overlook a lot. I enjoy the fluffiness and the endearments, although baby and Eric’s constant thinking Brock is his “hero”…But I like a good family book, with hot guys and their baby’s. It made it somewhat redeemable. The dialogue was also kind of cheesy, lots of “lover’s” and again, the repetitive “baby’s”

Now, the people who kidnapped Josie, was…Okay, just know that it isn’t what it seems, because the first reason, the initial thought of why, was so extra, that I was like…seriously??? But putting all the pieces together later, makes more sense. Not a lot of sense, cuz the person behind it is a serious whack job, but I guess it’s more believable than the initial thought.

I also really wish we’d have found out what happened to Gordon’s partner Max. They done so much for them and I hated to think that Max got in any trouble at all for protecting them and doing his job. I know he cant get in that much trouble since he was there at the end, but I wanted to know he was okay.

And if you know me at all, you’ll know that I’m a sucker for a happy ending, and this one of course had that. I loved that they ended up happy and healthy and together. Although the story was at times over the top and a little believable, it was still enjoyable.

3 pieces of eye candy from me.

Best-selling author Sean Michael is a maple leaf–loving Canadian who spends hours hiding out in used book stores. With far more ideas than time, Sean keeps several documents open at all times. From romance to fantasy, paranormal and sci-fi, Sean is limited only by the need for sleep—and the periodic Beaver Tail.

Sean fantasizes about one day retiring on a secluded island populated entirely by horseshoe crabs after inventing a brain-to-computer dictation system. Until then, Sean will continue to write the old-fashioned way.

Sean Michael on the web:

WEBSITE: http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com

BLOG: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/

TWITTER: seanmichael09

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/seanmichaelpics/


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Jared’s Evolution by Riley Hart: Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway

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He wants to dominate me…to discipline me. He wants me to call him Daddy… 

I’ve always taken care of myself–worked hard to become king of the courtroom and excel in the cutthroat business of winning cases. I’m fierce…brutal…confident. I’m a lie. Underneath my armor, I’m drowning, losing myself under the weight of life. At thirty-three years old, I should be able to handle the pressure.

My neighbor Kieran sees past my spotless suits and manufactured control to the real Jared. The one who secretly craves being dominated, to serve, and to give up control–not just in the bedroom, but in every aspect of my personal life.

I can’t want this…but I do… When I’m under Kieran’s command–spanked, rewarded and caged–I’m free. With Kieran’s care and guidance, my mind is unburdened as my body soars to new heights, and Kieran becomes what we both need him to be: Daddy.

It’s a journey of dominance and submission–of rules, schedules, security and discipline. He opens my world, teaches me, changes me…but he doesn’t let me in. It’s temporary, Daddy tells me, and I’d be wise to remember that, so I don’t get hurt.

Warning: Jared’s Evolution contains BDSM elements, domestic discipline, spanking, and daddy kink–without age play–between two consenting adults. If any of those things offend you, reading this book might not be a good idea.

Jared’s Evolution is part of the Desires Unleashed collection. Some books in this collection will have darker themes. Please be aware Desires Unleashed are er*tic and not your typical Riley Hart romance. You can expect the mental and emotional journey to be led by the physical/s*xual moments–which will be intense, frequent and kinky.

 

Today we have Riley Hart stopping by to chat about her new release Jared’s Evolution.    Welcome Riley!! Thanks so much for having me!

Jared’s Evolution is the start to a new collection from you.  How is it different than your Contemporary Romance books? Jared’s Evolution is part of the Desires Unleashed collection. So far, any books that I have planned for the collection will likely have BDSM and kink themes. Some will be darker than others and they’ll likely all be erotic romance instead of just really sexy romance like I usually write. These books will be about journey and discovery—often times sexual or through sex and kink. I’ll be very true to these books in how they come to me, which means some typical “romance rules” could be broken. But as of now, any of the books I have planned in this collection will have an HEA.

Where did the idea of Jared’s Evolution come from?  I’ve wanted to write a book like this for a long time—years, honestly. I’m fascinated with BDSM and kink and I really wanted to write a book about someone coming into their own and learning who they are through it. So much of BDSM and kink is mental and not just physical. It’s about a connection that’s deeper in so many ways. That’s so interesting to me.

Jared’s story is done in 2 parts.   Why did you separate the 2 parts? The story really did unfold that way to me. Plus, it takes place over quite a long time. Each part does almost feel like it’s own story—a different stage Jared and Kieran are in their journey.

When will part 2 be released? End of November/beginning of December. Release date coming soon!

The book has a warning attached to it stating it is not your typical romance.  Can you elaborate on what that means? I think there are certain expectations in a romance novel, as there should be. Romance has it’s “rules” the same as horror, or thrillers or any other genre and romance readers come into romance expecting those things—again, as they should. While there is love and sex in their journey, and there will be an HEA…this is about more than the romance. It’s about Jared’s journey and how he comes into his own. About discovering who he is, how strong he is, what he wants. That kind of discovery takes exploration, and things that often happen in real life, but don’t happen in most books. Not every relationship plays by the same rules and not playing by those rules don’t make it wrong…just different. Some people share…some people break up…some relationship are open. I won’t close the door on any possibility that’s right for the couples in these books.

There has been some discussions within the community regarding BDSM/kink and whether or not it is a trend.  What are your thoughts on that?  I don’t see it as a trend. BDSM/kink is a niche market that will always have a smaller reader base than “mainstream” (except those few books explode onto the scene) but I feel like people are more comfortable being sexual, and exploring BDSM and kink in ways we haven’t always been. I’ve always believed everyone should see themselves in the books they read, and that means everyone, so I see the growth in BDSM as more people giving readers the chance to see themselves and their relationship in books and to explore desires they might not have felt comfortable exploring a few years ago.

What is it about Daddy Kink that draws you in?  How did you incorporate that into Jared’s book? I love the dynamic. For me it’s not about the word Daddy but about the give and take…it’s about someone who needs to take care of another person, and that person who needs to be taken care of. The world is such a big place and to find someone who’s needs match your own…that’s a beautiful thing.

How did you decide it was time for you to write a BDSM/Daddy kink book? I got tired of being scared…tired of waiting for the right time. I went into this book knowing that some of my current reader base wouldn’t be into it—and that’s okay! We read for pleasure so we should read the kind of books we want but I felt this story so deeply and kept it inside because…what if it scared some of my readers away? What if everyone hated it? What if I couldn’t do this story justice. I don’t know if people realize how many “what ifs” plague us as writers. I stressed and worried and over thought—should I wait? Should I use a pen name? And finally I just…let go…and wrote…and fell in love. I didn’t know what I would do with Evolution when I finished…I just wrote. And in the process, I let go of the fear and followed my heart.

If you could choose one thing that readers would take out of Jared’s Evolution, what would it be? That different doesn’t mean wrong…just different. That there are so many different ways to love and be in a relationship and as long as it’s consensual, and you’re not abusing someone, then there’s no wrong way to do it. That what’s right for me might not be right for someone else, and that’s okay. That it’s okay to be who you are. That BDSM and kink are about more than whips, ropes and commands. That it’s about connection, a fulfillment of needs, and that it’s very much a give and take. That there are so many places to find beauty and wherever someone finds that beauty, is okay. I guess that’s more than one thing. Lol.

How many books do you have planned for the Desires Unleashed Collection?  I have no idea! There are two Jared and Kieran books but I plan to keep writing kink and BDSM along with my other books. Whatever I write that fits with the Desires Unleashed theme, will go into that collection.

What can we look forward to from you in 2018? I plan to release the second Last Chance book (Color Me In) January or February. I have the third Wild Side book to write and a novel called His Truth already written. And whatever else I co-write with Christina or Devon. LOL.

Thank you so much for stopping by.   Congratulations on your new release!!! Thank you!

 

The next couple days, I did exactly as Kieran had told me. Or Daddy. Should I think of him as Daddy? I still wasn’t sure about that. All of it felt weird and made me slightly uncomfortable, if I was being honest. But still, I did as I was told, because that part felt right. The schedule calmed me. I also went to bed at nine as he’d said, ate three square meals a day, and browsed the site he’d given me.

Some things I learned right away weren’t for me. I wasn’t sure the idea of most pain did much for me…but my dick got hard when I read about getting spanked. The confusing part was I also knew I wanted the spankings for discipline. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much care went into that act. How much care went into making sure I was good, and letting me know when I wasn’t. For teaching me a lesson when I was bad so I wouldn’t do it again. So how could something both turn me on and be used as punishment at the same time?

I also didn’t like it when men spit in another man’s face, or slapped his face. Watersports, I didn’t think were my thing either. I couldn’t imagine a situation where I would want Kieran to pee on me or to drink his urine. I didn’t knock it of course, because to each their own. It was all so much fucking information; I wasn’t sure what to do with it all.

I felt very settled on both Thursday and Friday though. I liked the schedule, knowing exactly what I had to do outside of work to take care of myself. It took a lot of the pressure off me. There was a security to rules that soothed me, likely because I’d lacked them most of my life. Nothing was ever stable, growing up. My parents left me for days at a time and they weren’t really parents even when they were there. But as soon as I thought about it that way, I got nauseated and weak because who in the fuck wanted someone else to schedule their life for them because they couldn’t handle it?

I’d never had anyone there for me. Everything I’d done in my life, I’d done on my own and I was damn proud of that fact.

Why was my brain playing tricks on me now?

I was nervous to go to Kieran’s condo on Saturday. More nervous than I’d ever been for anything in my life. My brain was at war with itself and I hadn’t figured out who was the winner—the part of me who felt weak by the things I’d read, or the part of me that quietly desired them.

I’d decided I was going to tell him no.

Then yes.

Then no again.

In the end, I figured I’d wing it. We’d talk and would likely both realize this was a mistake and go our separate ways.

My hand shook as I knocked on Kieran’s door.

He opened it a moment later and smiled. His white-blond hair was wet, and he didn’t have a shirt on. Droplets of water slid down his shoulders, and chest, some even racing down the lines of his clearly defined abdominal muscles. He was bigger than me, both taller and broader, and I liked that very much. His size made me feel as though he could protect me.

“You don’t play fair,” I told him as my dick stirred at the sight of him. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“I play to win, Jared. Come in.”

I did so automatically. Kieran walked toward the dining room table, rather than the one we often sat at in his kitchen.

“Sit,” he told me.

I did before saying, “I don’t know if I want this.”

He cocked a brow at me. “Don’t you? Ignore what you think the answer is supposed to be. Ignore what society would say, and answer honestly. Did you have to think twice before doing as I said the past few days? Sitting when I told you to just now? Even before you realized you were obeying me the past few weeks, you were. You follow direction so beautifully, Jared, and it would be a crime to yourself not to take what you need.”

What I needed? Not what he thought I wanted, it’s what he thought I needed? He was fucking crazy. This wasn’t a necessity. Maybe a part of me wanted it but that’s as far as it went.

“I don’t need a damn thing.”

“Time will tell about that.” He sat in a chair beside me and asked, “You did as you were told since Wednesday, right?”

“Yes,” I answered before shifting uncomfortably. It didn’t sit well with me how easily I’d obeyed Kieran and the peace I’d found in it.

He smiled. “I knew you would.” I tried to turn away but he grabbed my chin and didn’t let me move. “Did it help? Answer truthfully. I’ll know if you’re lying. I’ve been studying you these past few weeks, Jared. Learning to read you as a good Dom should. Don’t disappoint me by lying.”

“Yes,” I replied, without fighting his grasp. “But that doesn’t mean anything. Maybe I like schedules.”

“Maybe you like my schedules. Maybe you like giving up control because it’s so goddamn hard to know what to do sometimes, isn’t it?”

I opened my mouth but, before I could reply, he said, “Don’t lie.”

“I can’t.” I shook my head and he dropped his hand. I missed the contact instantly. My skin tingled where he’d held me. “I don’t know.”

“See?” he asked. “You told the truth. You said you don’t know. You won’t always have all the answers, Jared, no one does. But you were a very good boy because you admitted that, rather than saying no.”

I nodded as a jolt rushed through my body and I trembled. Good boy. I had been Kieran’s good boy and it made my body come alive in ways I tried to deny. It made me feel like too much electricity was running through my body, making it hard to sit still.

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook – https://m.facebook.com/rileyhartwrites/?fref=ts

Website/Newlsetter – http://rileyhartwrites.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=fd4d3feb40bf50237c9e6a36c&id=e748308e14

Twitter – https://twitter.com/RileyHart5?s=09

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Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Katie Porter: Blog Tour and Giveaway

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​
Up-and-coming film producer Kyle Wakefield lives in the closet rather than risk the wrath of his influential, conservative parents. The only time he took a chance on love was a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. But when Nathan proved himself hell-bent on self-destruction and wound up in prison, Kyle closed off his heart.

Almost a decade later, Kyle’s production partner hires Nathan’s stunt company, Second Chances, to work on a big-budget action film in London. Nate is floored by his explosive reunion with Kyle. But he sure as hell isn’t surprised that Kyle still treats their mutual needs—and Nate—like dirty little secrets.

As the London holiday season casts its dazzling spell, the two men find themselves falling in love again. Kyle is one breathless kiss away from declaring himself to Nate—and to the world—but they cannot ignore secrets borne of youthful mistakes. To protect their bright new future, Kyle and Nathan will need all their passion and trust . . . and a little Christmas magic.

Publisher’s note: This is a lightly edited reprint of a previously published novel.

#CameUponAMidnightClear #NetGalley

 

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

 

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:

Pre-ordering this collection will allow you to download each story two days prior to its official release date, as well as save 20% off the list price of the individual books.

Katie Porter is the co-writing team of Lorelie Brown and Carrie Lofty, friends and critique partners of six years. Both are multi-published in several romance genres. Carrie has an MA in history, while Lorelie is a US Army veteran.

Generally a high-strung masochist, Carrie loves weight training but she has no fear of gross things like dissecting formaldehyde sharks. Her two girls are not appreciative.

Lorelie, a laid-back sadist, would rather grin maniacally when Carrie works out. Her three boys love how she screams like a little girl around spiders.

Connect with Lorelie and Carrie:

To celebrate the release of Came Upon a Midnight Clear, one lucky winner will receive a $10 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 25, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Reservations by Kindle Alexander: Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

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Title: Reservations
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: October 30, 2017

Wildly successful entrepreneur, Thane Walker is stubbornly set in his ways. Adamantly resistant to the shackles of commitment, he’s seen enough unhappy endings to learn the best way to play is by keeping his men on the payroll.

Levi Silva’s dream of graduating from one of the country’s top medical schools is in his grasp, until news from home changes everything. Now, he’s raising his two teenage brothers and trying to keep everyone’s head above water, emotionally and financially.

When Levi’s new job puts him in Thane’s path, their chemistry explodes, but their fear of being involved in relationships keeps them apart. Unfortunately, despite the intense desire drawing them together, neither man can move forward until they get past their own…Reservations.

Amazon Review – ““Reservations” by Kindle Alexander is a rare gem in the world of M/M Romance, because it is genuinely compelling story telling!”

Amazon Review – “Thane & Levi stole my heart!!”

Amazon Review – “Thane and Levi!! Simply amazing”

Amazon Review – “A beautifully written love story that is guaranteed to melt you heart!”

 

 

I love Kindle Alexander’s books so I was not so patiently waiting for this book to release. I like how past characters always pop up throughout the book and thoroughly enjoy reading about them again.

Levi has had to put his dreams of finishing med school on the back burner and return home to raise his two younger brothers after his father loses his battle with cancer. Levi is working as a physical therapist and a coffee shop but can barely keep them afloat. When Levi gets word that the coffee shop is going out of business he is left scrambling to find another job until one of his past patients makes him an offer that is too good to be true.

Thane is the owner of Reservations, a club for gay men to mingle, dance, eat dinner or find a partner for the night in a safe space. Thane has the whole world in his grasp and has never found someone that couldn’t be bought until he sets his sights on Levi and finds out that not everything has a price.

In order for Thane to get what he wants he will need to stop wielding his money like a sword and trying to slay all of Levi’s dragons for him. Levi is as independent as they come, bordering on control freak so Thane will have to prove he’s serious before Levi will let him in. Just when Thane and Levi begin to figure it all out someone from Levi’s past shows back up to upset the delicate balance that they were just starting to enjoy.

Such a great read, it was a really long book but the story moved along at a decent pace the whole time. There weren’t any parts where I felt like the story dragged along. I think the length helped Levi overcome his fears and put the doubts to rest without it feeling rushed or like he let Thane strong arm him. The execution was well done!

Levi: Such a great character. Nurturing to his brothers, he never makes them feel guilty that he’s put his schooling on hold. Independent and strong, I love that about him. Even though he’s struggling he never takes what Thane is trying to give because he has such strong self worth.

Thane: Billionaire playboy. Jaded by his parents failed relationship he only has time to entertain escorts, never wanting feelings to get involved. Once he finds out that his parents relationship is not what he remembers it causes him to re-think his whole outlook. I love his tenacity, he never stopped pursuing Levi, however whenever Levi said he was uncomfortable with something Thane stopped and reflected and came at him from a different angle.

This story is full of great new characters, Aunt Linda is one of my favorites, but we also get to see old favorites. Tristan and Dylan and Kellus and Arick make a few appearances. I really think it’s time for me to re-read some old favorites.

5 pieces of eye candy

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!

I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it’s true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women’s hair!

Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life – I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations – regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal… I don’t want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I’m going to tell you about Kindle.

I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I’ll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died – weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn’t have to be alone.

That time in my life was terrible. It’s everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.

Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness – it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.

Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It’s its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn’t be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com


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Snowcroft Restoration by Christi Snow: Release Day Review with Giveaway

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Two years ago, Law Wyman went undercover for an FBI investigation that went sideways. It cost him both the love of his life and his sanity. The nightmare still haunts him, and so does some unfinished business…Ian Mayne, the son of the man who ruined his life.

Two years ago, Ian had to face the truth about how his father spent a lifetime torturing and trafficking LGBTQ teens. Ever since, Ian has done everything he can to make up for his dead father’s many sins through his law enforcement job. Too many paid in horrific, horrible ways at his father’s hands while Ian kept the truth about his own sexuality hidden.

Law is doing all he can to save Ian, but Ian doesn’t necessarily want to be saved.

Two men…both horrifically haunted by what happened. Is it possible they can find healing together? Only if they have the courage to face their demons and each other…

Trigger Warning: This is a hot story about two men who have both survived past abuse.

All the details…
Title: Snowcroft Restoration
Series: Book #4 in the Snowcroft Men series
Genre: male/male romantic suspense
Book length: ~94,268 words
Release date: November 15, 2017

1. Snowcroft Lost

2. Snowcroft Safehouse

3. Intertwined Hearts

4. Snowcroft Restoration

Amazon

Everywhere else

Goodreads

I think every reader goes through phases in their reading. You may go through a stretch where all you want are sweet stories, with puppies, ice cream and rainbows. Other times you want some kink, and you read everything you can get your hands on. Lately, I have been on a mystery/suspense kick (Thanks C.S. Poe!), and anything in this sub-genre has been voraciously read by this reviewer. And then you add in that Christi Snow wrote it, well, you didn’t need to ask me twice. This even though I knew at some point I would be curled in a fetal position on the couch, freezing to death cause I didn’t want to leave to get a blanket. (It’s happened more than once…). I snatched up Snowcroft Lost the very first day it came out, and have loved Christi’s stuff ever since. Waiting for Law’s book was a little bit of torture for me.

Law had been through so much, it was tough to read again just how much he had been through. He definitely needed some time to heal, learn to deal with his PTSD and grief, and how to recover mentally and physically from the torture and loss he endured for week’s as a result of his FBI undercover operation. The man he had loved had given his own life to save Law’s. That is a sacrifice that is beyond loving, and yet can leave survivor’s guilt. Taking the time he needed, and not rushing himself back to work, or whatever his next steps would be, allowed him to work through as much as he could with his therapist. However, even from the beginning of the book, you could see that he was ready to come back to the world of the living, to step into what would be his new life.

Ian, meanwhile, had been through many similar situations as Law, from his father’s extreme punishments to finally finding out what his father truly did with the camp that he kept in Snowcroft. He had his own form of PTSD, and had managed to work through most of it on his own. Ian came through the torture and the pain of growing up with his horrific father with such a positive personality. He spent his entire life trying to make up for what his father did, by trying to save his friend, working for the Forestry Service, even his choices with regards to the camp he inherited.

These two men didn’t just work on solving the case that brought them together in the first place, but really tried to connect with each other to find what they needed to make their relationship work. Even when the unthinkable would happen (and it did several times-one of those times ended with me in that fetal position spoken of previously), rather than hiding, or running away, they connected back to their bonds and found what they needed to move forward.

This author knows how to write suspense so well. There were a few times in the book that I swore I knew what was going to happen next…until it happened, and I looked up from kindle wondering where that came from, why didn’t I see it? Then two chapters later, something else happens, and I am shocked once more. She weaves in the mystery, some guns, maybe a bomb or two throughout this series, and you never quite know what to expect. As a reader, that is exactly what I want. I want to walk in knowing I am going to have a great story, and have no freaking idea where it will lead to. Small spoiler...what she did with the house…the visuals I had…that is some fantastic writing to get me there, cause houses are not supposed to do that-ever. (That’s all I’m saying…you will know what I mean when you read this book).

There’s definitely some hotness with these two, although very carefully written considering the traumas Law been through. So well done here, too. The reader got some smoking hot scenes, yet intertwined with the caring and the necessity to acknowledge how difficult this was for Law. It helped to bring Law and Ian closer, even as they had to use some additional therapy options to find a way to not let each other go. Great research on the part of the author.

Few characters deserved a happy ending more than these two men, and I am so glad I finally got to read it. And now…now I am looking forward to seeing what Christi does with _ and _ (I can’t tell you, but when you read it, you will know who…), because how do you redeem a character when you have seen them _ someone’s _ with a _. 😉

Without question another 5 pieces of eye candy read for me, from the amazing Christi Snow. How she has time to write with all her reading, I will never know, but I am thankful she does! Bring on Snowcroft Book 5!!!!

TCO is giving away an ebook of Christi’s (even Snowcroft Restoration), in honor of her release day. Just respond with which of her books is my (Denise’s) favorite. (pppsssstttt…it’s a trick question, because I love all her books and I couldn’t possibly pick one). Anyway, name any one of them, and you’re entered. 🙂

 

Lace-Covered Compromise by Silvia Violet: Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

by

Adam Kingston expects to inherit his father’s multinational conglomerate. When he finds out half of it went to Nate Thomas—an annoying man whose dreams for Kingston Corp.’s future clash with Adam’s need to stave off financial disaster—Adam is furious. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to wrest control of Kingston Corp. from Nate.

Nate may be soft-spoken, but he refuses to be swayed by Adam’s arrogant demands. When Nate accidentally drops a pair of his lacy panties in front of Adam, there’s no mistaking Adam’s interest. Nate hadn’t realized Adam was bisexual, but now that his secret is out, Nate is willing to use Adam’s lust against him if it means protecting the welfare of the company he loves.

For Adam and Nate, hatred and desire are closely linked. Their inability to compromise threatens the company and could expose their tightly held secrets. But as they work together to develop a plan to save Kingston Corp., they begin to realize there might be more to their relationship than anger and lust.

Hello! I’m Silvia Violet and I’m here today to share my sexy contemporary romance, Lace-Covered Compromise. I can’t wait for you to meet Adam, a sharp-minded businessman with control-issues and Nate, an easy-going environmental scientist who likes panties and lipstick. They are going to take you on a wild ride.

Follow along through the week and don’t forget to check out my giveaway of a $25 Riptide Publishing gift card.

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I do LOVE a HOT book. And when Silvia Violet writes it, you can usually count on some smokin’ hot sex scenes to be sliding across your kindle like it’s coated with the lube that Valerie mentions knowing is Adam’s favorite brand. 😉 The even better part of her books is that she wraps around those sex scenes neatly with usually a great story, and The Lace Covered Compromise does all that!

If an enemies to lovers book is written well, the push and pull can make for some fantastic reading, and Ms. Violet does it very well. Written in first POV, we only see Adam’s view of his contentious relationship with Nate. However, there are frequent small glimpses of Nate not seeing their relationship in quite the same way that Adam does (at least when Adam isn’t being a complete a-hole).

Adam has to grow so much in this book, and he does, thanks to his father’s death, and the patient love of Nate. Oh, and the fact that Adam learns he likes to be controlled during sex, and apparently loves having his man wear some lace over his man bits. In the end, though, the portion of the title that is the most difficult for Adam to do, and the part that also creates the most growth for him is “compromise”. Not something he has ever had to do, he learns that it won’t kill him to compromise, even if it seems like he would be losing to do it.

The resolution to this issue seems a bit too easy for a man with Adam’s personality to do without an incredible amount of stress, but it works because at that point, he knows he has to choose between that, or his love for Nate.

And there is one piece that you almost never get in any romance novel that the author gives you here. A chance to see the MC’s actually BE in a relationship after all the work to fall in love and resolve their problems. You see Adam and Nate talk, go on a date, do normal things. The reader even gets to see Adam’s relationship with Valerie mature and become one where they are even more honest with each other.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the sex scenes…OH MY! The author is, shall we say, creative, and I loved every part of it. Even angry sex has its consequences, which are discussed as adult-like as the “no condom” conversation. I couldn’t stop reading this book! Thank goodness for the kindle app on my phone, so I could at least pretend to get some of my day job work done, while finishing the book. 🙂

Highly recommend, and this is a MUST re-read for me.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia’s stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. She can be found haunting coffee shops looking for the darkest, strongest cup of coffee she can find. Once equipped with the needed fuel, she can happily sit for hours pounding away at her laptop.

Silvia typically leaves home disguised as a suburban stay-at-home-mom, and other coffee shop patrons tend to ask her hilarious questions like, “Do you write children’s books?” She loves watching the looks on their faces when they learn what she’s actually up to. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, curling up with her favorite books, and spending time with her family.

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To celebrate the release of Lace-Covered Compromise, one lucky winner will receive a $25 Riptide gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 11, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!