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Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson: Blog Tour

August 5, 2015 by Denise

Title: Curve Ball

Series: Homeruns #2

Author: Sloan Johnson

Genre: MM Sports Romance

Published: July 29, 2015

Jason Klein’s living with the fallout from a decision he knew was the right one at the time. He never told anyone about the love of his life, which left him to mourn alone when he found out the man he gave his heart to had been killed in combat. Now, his heart has had time to heal, but he’s not sure he’s ready to let himself move on. Until he meets Cam Morgan…Without a job lined up following graduation, Cam Morgan took his best friend up on his offer to move to Milwaukee and stay with him until he could get on his feet. The last thing he wanted to do the day after getting to town was go to a party filled with a bunch of jocks. Sure, they were “professional athletes” but Cam was convinced that bigger bank accounts didn’t make them any more accepting of people like him. He certainly didn’t expect to meet Jason, the Mavericks’ catcher who broke every stereotype he’d had.What started out as one hot, sweaty night together quickly grows into something deeper. Jason welcomes Cam into his home and his life, but now he has to teach the younger man that it’s not a sign of weakness to let people help you.

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Curve Ball Excerpt © Sloan Johnson 2015

“If you have something to say to me, just say it.” I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel to keep from shaking Drew. He was one of the youngest guys on the team, and right now, his immaturity showed through brightly. It was about time someone knocked some sense into him, before he wound up earning a bad reputation, both on the field and off. “I won’t apologize, because I haven’t done a damn thing to offend you.”

“Really? I shouldn’t be pissed off that I had no clue you were gay?” Drew seethed, his brown eyes narrow slits as he glared at me. “And I should be totally cool with you loading up my friend in the middle of the night to take him back to your place, right?”

“Yeah, actually you should,” I quipped, twisting the wheel tighter. “Cam is a grown man, and if you truly care about him, you should be fucking ecstatic that he’s getting out there to meet people.”

Drew muttered something to himself as he went back to staring out the window. His shoulders slumped forward and he seemed to shrink in his seat. I knew that look. It wasn’t one worn by a concerned or pissed off friend, it was the look of a man who felt the love of his life slipping away from him.

“How long have you felt this way about him?” I asked. My chest tightened, knowing that I wouldn’t stand between them. Drew and I might not be close, but I liked to think of him as a friend, a brother on the team.

“Doesn’t matter.” The response was so quiet I could barely hear the words. As I pulled up to the stoplight, I placed my hand on Drew’s shoulder, unsurprised when he jerked away.

“It does,” I assured him. “And you have to know I wouldn’t have done anything with him if I’d known.”

“Don’t say that. I’ve known for a long time that he’d never feel for me what I do for him.” I suddenly missed the anger Drew showed earlier. “If the way he looked this morning is any indication, you’re exactly what he needs in his life. And if I put my own feelings aside, you’re more than that. You’re what he’s always wanted.”

That was not how I expected this conversation to go. It started exactly as I’d seen it in my mind, but I hadn’t expected Drew to step aside. Maybe I was wrong in thinking that he was immature and selfish.

“Drew, if you say the word, I’ll back off. I’m not willing to destroy two friendships just for a few nights of fun.”

“The only way I’d ask you to do that is if that’s all this is for you.” I pulled up in front of the grocery store, but neither of us moved to open our doors. “Cam is one of the best guys I know. He’s got a big heart, but sometimes, he’s a little too open with it. If you’re only in this for a couple of hot nights, then yeah you should walk away from him.”

I felt backed into a corner. Sure, I’d thought about what it’d be like to explore something more with Cam, but I wasn’t in a place to do that. It had nothing to do with being on the road most of the year and everything to do with my own inability to be open with those around me. I’d grown accustomed to never letting anyone get too close, and Cam had already seen more than people I’d known for years. There was no way I’d be able to hold back if last night and tonight turned into something more.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” It was the most I could promise him.

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Sloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s life. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass.When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after.Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?Now, Sloan is a tattooed mom with a mohawk and two kids. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself with a good book and forget she has somewhere to be.

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Treble Maker by Annabeth Albert: Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

August 4, 2015 by Denise

On Perfect Harmony, the ambitious competitors heat things up on stage and off…

Cody Rivers is determined to be a rock star, but couch-surfing between bar shows gets old fast. Joining an a cappella group for a new singing competition show could be his last chance at real fame—unless the college boy from the heart of the country messes it up for him. Lucas Norwood is everything gothy, glittery Cody is not—conservative, clean-cut, and virginal. But when a twist in the show forces them together, even the sweetest songs get steamy as the attraction between them lights up the stage. Lucas wants to take it slow, but Cody’s singing a different tune—and this time it may be a love song…

Author Name: Annabeth Albert

Book Name: Treble Maker

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Pages or Words: 100,000 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, New Adult, Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Cover Artist: Cora Graphics

The bass singer was gay. Cody wiggled his hips in an exaggerated move that always got him company on dance floors, waited a beat, and … there. Right on cue, the curly-haired singer gave him another sidelong glance.

A straight dude might grant Cody the occasional double take because, yeah, it was damn hard to ignore Cody’s style of fabulousness. Today, for example, the style gods had smiled on him—his hair was the perfect combination of deliberate spikes and casual falls, the silver specks in his eyeliner complemented his st Banner300x250 (2) udded leather belt, and his red skinny jeans showed off his ass. So when the bass’s double take had turned into something more like a quintuple take, Cody knew what those lingering glances meant. Knew it despite the fact that the bass looked fresh off the farm, all wholesome and rosy-cheeked and wearing a tie/sweater vest combo perfect for performing in a church choir.

Crash. The bass missed a step, sending a speaker skidding across the stage. One of the camera guys groaned. On second thought, maybe the bass hadn’t been checking out Cody. Maybe he had trouble controlling his big blue eyes the same way he had trouble controlling his big-assed feet.

Whatever the dude was, he was screwing up Cody’s big break. Twitchy farmer boy and the rest of his all-boy group had screwed up multiple run-throughs of the opening number for the new season of Perfect Harmony. No one would notice Cody’s singing if the other groups kept crashing into one another and losing the chorus. He’d worked damn hard to earn this solo, and he didn’t need farmer boy messing it up with his clodhopper feet that kept tripping over thin air.

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Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbert
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbertauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert
Tumblr: www.annabethalbert.tumblr.com
Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv

Goodreads Link
Tour Dates & Stops: August 4, 2015

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Foxylutely Book Reviews, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Multitasking Mommas, Charley Descoteaux, Parker Williams

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Against the Grain by Charlie Cochet: Release Day Review and Giveaway

August 3, 2015 by Denise

Sequel to Rise & Fall
THIRDS: Book Five

As the fiercest Defense Agent at the THIRDS, Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler is foul-mouthed and foul-tempered. But his hard-lined approach always yields results, evident by his recent infiltration of the Coalition. Thanks to Ash’s skills and the help of his team, they finally put an end to the murdering extremist group for good, though not before Ash takes a bullet to save teammate Cael Maddock. As a result, Ash’s secrets start to surface, and he can no longer ignore what’s in his heart.

Cael Maddock is no stranger to heartache. As a Recon Agent for Destructive Delta, he has successfully maneuvered through the urban jungle that is New York City, picking up his own scars along the way. Yet nothing he’s ever faced has been more of a challenge than the heart of Ash Keeler, his supposedly straight teammate. Being in love isn’t the only danger he and Ash face as wounds reopen and new secrets emerge, forcing them to question old loyalties.

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When I was given this book to review before release date, I freaked out a little. I mean I would have read it either way, but as we all know I gush a lot when Charlie Cochet is even in the room, much less when I get to read her books. So, I received the book, and then didn’t read it for a day or two…needed a few moments to calm down. 🙂

And then…well, I wasn’t sure what was happening! I started the book and, I’ll be honest, there was a moment where I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. I say that without taking a thing away from Charlie as a writer. I wasn’t sure merely because it was different, different than the previous four books, and I didn’t know if that would work from me. Then I read from a pure reader standpoint and realized I should never have doubted Charlie in the least. She did exactly what was right for these characters at this time.

Ash and Cael’s book should not have been like Dex and Sloane’s books. They are different characters, with different backgrounds, and different ways of thinking. So, having their book be similar to Dex and Sloane’s would have been a disservice to Ash and Cael, who the readers have been wanting to get together since book 1.

Charlie did an amazing job drawing me into Ash and Cael’s story. Yes, it is one book for their love story, but we know we will see much more of their relationship as we continue to move through the series. There was still action to be had in this story, the cover tells a tail (he he) that the reader might expect to be one way, but is quite another.

At the heart of it all is a love story. Cael patiently waiting for Ash to come around and realize that he has loved him all along, and to stop fighting the inevitable. Interestingly, even with Cael patiently waiting, there is a scene in there, that had me laughing out loud, as Cael explains how he was “prepping” for Ash. Imagining the shock on Ash’s face was enough to make me , and going back to re-read the entire scene again.

My sincere apologies to Charlie for doubting her for even a second, and I promise to never do it again. 😉 (And if you can question my love for this book, know that I preordered it, even though I received an arc for an honest review). Cannot wait to see what Charlie has ahead for Calvin and Ethan.

I have to throw a few of my favorite quotes in:

“My Cheesy Doodles!” Dex dropped to his hands and knees. “Noooooo! They were so young. So delicious.”

“You sure you don’t want to maybe date a cactus? Less prickly.”

“This is payback for every time he called me Simba, for that fucking puppet, for every smartass remark.”

Another brilliant book, Charlie. Thank you for continuing to share the THIRDS men with all of us. This could be nothing but a five pieces of eye candy review for me.

With this newest installment to the THIRDS from the adorable Charlie Cochet, It’s time for Ash and Cael to have their story told. This book has a different feel to me than the others. It focuses more on the romance and we get to understand Ash and Cale on a different level. These two have loved each other for a very long time. Ash has had a lot of emotional struggle and things he has had to work through before he could give himself fully to the relationship. I learned about issues in Cael’s past that made me understand him more. I never realized he struggled as much as he has. This story made me see each character in a completely new light and they have become my favorite. To be honest, I wasn’t too fond of Ash to begin with. He now holds a special little place with me.

Dex is still here with his humor and antics and Charlie keeps us laughing. Destructive Delta faces new struggles and I began to worry for their safety towards the end. My nerves were on edge but things always seem work out in a pretty cool way for these guys.

Charlie is gonna kick ass with the next installment and I can not WAIT. I was not disappointed with Against The Grain and this gets 5 Pieces of eye candy from me for sure.

Tell us what your favorite thing about the THIRDS series is, and one commenter will win a copy of Against the Grain from TCO.

And if you haven’t seen my video interview with Charlie Cochet from Rainbow Con, check it out here: youtube

Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens: Cover Reveal, Excerpt and Giveaway

July 28, 2015 by Denise

On 9/11 firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He’s unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt

made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick’s life is centered around helping burn victims until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.

For fashion designer Julian Cornell appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.

When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn it’s Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian in turn helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn’t prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.

Author Name: Felice Stevens

Book Name: Beyond the Surface

Release Date: August 17, 2015

Pages or Words: Approximately 78,000 words

Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance

Goodreads Link

Publisher: Felice Stevens

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Julian was in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the counter. He had a glass in front of him filled with what Nick presumed was vodka, having spied the Grey Goose bottle.

“Would you like a drink? I have beer, wine…anything you’d like.”

Nick shook his head, regret piercing his heart as he watched the hope drain from Julian’s eyes.

“I don’t think so. I’m going to head home. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did for Jamal tonight.”

Julian stood abruptly, kicking the stool away from his feet.

“Don’t treat me like I’m some fucking stranger, Nicky. You owe me. It’s been eighteen years; you think I’m going to let you walk out on me again like you did before? After what just happened between us? After you fell apart? No fucking way. I’m not that same person and neither are you, obviously.”

Taken aback by Julian’s anger, Nick remained mute.

“What the hell is going on with you? One minute you’re tongue fucking me into the next century and the next you’re freaking out. I know I’m a damn good kisser, but this isn’t about us, is it? It has nothing to do with our past and everything to do with you and the shit that’s floating around in your head.”

Julian stepped closer to him and Nick, who normally couldn’t stand people near him, was rooted to the floor, unable to move.

“Talk to me, Nicky. Tell me what happened to you.”

He was so tired of holding himself together, feeling like at any moment he’d shatter into a million tiny pieces, leaving nothing behind but a pile of dust.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The words poured out of him, flowing unchecked this time. “It should’ve been me. We all went to the Towers to save them. It was my day off, but I went anyway. I heard and couldn’t stay home; I had a duty to help, you know? But I lived and they all died. Why, Julian? Why did I live and they didn’t?”

“Oh, Nick.” Julian held him close. “I don’t have the answers for you. No one does. But I’m going to be completely selfish and say I’m so thankful you did make it and we’re here together after all these years.”

Unflinching green eyes gazed back at him. Clever, beautiful eyes that Nick could never stop dreaming of. Eyes that at one time had held the promise of forever, until Nick ruined everything with his cowardice and shame. Unable to maintain Julian’s scrutiny, Nick broke away and ran to the elevator, his chest heaving, eyes stinging with tears.

“Let me out. I need to leave here. NOW.”

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.

But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felice.stevens.1

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Twitter: @Felicestevens1

Pinterest: www.pinterest/felicestevens

Tour Dates & Stops: July 28, 2015

Parker Williams, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Bayou Book Junkie, Jessie G. Books, Bike Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Charley Descoteaux, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Bookaholic Confessions, Havan Fellows, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Ogitchida Book Blog, 3 Chicks After Dark, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Reviews by Jessewave, Christy Loves 2 Read, MM Good Book Reviews, Prism Book Alliance, Velvet Panic, Happily Ever Chapter, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Love Bytes, Multitasking Mommas, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Michael Mandrake, It’s Raining Men, Mikky’s World of Books, Divine Magazine, Andrew Q. Gordon

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Jessie G: Video Interview from 2015 Rainbow Con

July 26, 2015 by Denise

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy just left Rainbow Con in Tampa, Florida, as you may know from some of our posts. What a great opportunity to connect with authors, readers and bloggers. It’s was so much fun!

We thought this would be a great opportunity to bring the authors directly to our followers via video interviews. So, all week, we have brought you the chance to watch videos of some of your favorite authors talk about their current books, upcoming stuff, and just randomness in some cases. Enjoy!

Today’s interview is with the author of Sizzling Miami and Devils Pride MC series, Jessie G. You will get to hear what she has coming up later this year, as well as down the road. And what it is that is coming out TODAY!

Tune in! Give us your feedback, and one commenter will win a copy of Their Reason. Also make sure you check out the family tree below. It has so much great info!

Check out Their Reason (Sizzling Miami, Book 4), only on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1U0Vpsm

Family Tree for the Sizzling Miami Series and the Devils Pride Motorcycle Club Series:

Charlie Cochet: Video Interview from 2015 Rainbow Con

July 24, 2015 by Denise

We thought this would be a great opportunity to bring the authors directly to our followers via video interviews. So, all week, you will get to watch videos of some of your favorite authors talk about their current books, upcoming stuff, and just randomness in some cases. Enjoy!

Today’s interview is with Dreamspinner Press author, Charlie Cochet, author of the THIRDS series. And I fan-girled all over the place, lets just put that out there. I was very nervous to meet Charlie, but she was a dream interview, and so wonderful as you can see. AND she gave TCO an exclusive, the title of Book 7 in the THIRDS series!!!

You will hear all kinds of fun surprises in this video, so tune in! Give us your feedback, and two commenters will win a set of THIRDS playing cards, created by Charlie, and autographed!!!

Against the Grain comes out on Monday August 3rd, and is available for preorder at Dreamspinner Press. I started reading it last night (I’m sick right now so staying up all night was NOT an option) and am just loving Cael and Ash’s story already.