Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

giveaway

Ties That Bind by Alex Whitehall: Exclusive Guest Post and Giveaway

by

Thank you to Alex Whitehall for joining TCO to talk about his latest story, Ties That Bind. This looks really good, and at a short story length, a quick read to get drawn into. 🙂 Make sure you enter the giveaway at the end.

Thank you for joining me on my blog tour for Ties That Bind, the story of three men searching for a way to keep one of them alive. Now out at all major retailers!

Originally Ties That Bind was written for a submission call looking for poly relationships, but it wasn’t the first story I dreamed up. Today I’m going to talk about a few of the other ideas I brewed and what it might mean for future books I’ll write.

My main goal while brainstorming was to not have the relationship be the driving conflict. It’s too easy for me to want to fall into the insecurities of one character and have that become a central issue, so I immediately took that off the table. From there, I spent a lot of time telling my ideas to the dogs I was pet-sitting and trying to figure out what might work.

The first idea involved two men going on vacation to a house in the middle of nowhere and the “ghost” that they find there. I actually wrote several openings for this concept, but the more I brainstormed the story and how it would unfold, the more I realized that there was no way it was going to fit within the original word count limit! So it was shuffled to the side to languish until I have the time and focus to give it the attention it needs.

The next idea stemmed from one similar to Ties That Bind, drawing on threes as a source of power in magic. However, in Ties That Bind, one of the characters isn’t actively involved in the day-to-day magic, while in the potential story, it was going to be a plot point, specifically centered around the solstice and conveniently (or inconveniently) falling in love with someone you remember from high school. Again, the more I pondered, the bigger the story became and it went on the shelf. For another day.

Thinking my problem was involving magic, I wrote several openings in a contemporary setting, but after the first few pages, the characters fell flat. So I wandered back to magic, and not magic, and how a world with both would exist together, and how a mixed triad of magic and non-magic users would work, and I definitely needed to have a familiar in there…

And that’s how I got Ties That Bind. But don’t be surprised if you see something of those other ideas show up in future books!

For Chel, Tomlin, and Mathias, life is simple but good. They share a home and a love, and despite a few conflicts of personality, are happy. Mathias runs a magic shop, where he makes magic items and potions for his customers, and Tom is his familiar, helping supply his magic. Chel, who’s not magical, works at a bookshop and makes sure dinner is on the table for his lovers.

When Mathias suddenly comes down with a mysterious illness, Chel and Tomlin seek out answers. As Mathias’s familiar, Tomlin can sense that nothing is wrong with the magical parts of him, but when a trip to the doctor’s indicates nothing is wrong with him physically either, they start to worry.

Then Mathias collapses, and the search to find the truth becomes urgent.

Word Count: 17,000

Price: $1.99

For Chel, Tomlin, and Mathias, life is simple but good. They share a home and a love, and despite a few conflicts of personality, are happy. Mathias runs a magic shop, where he makes magic items and potions for his customers, and Tom is his familiar, helping supply his magic. Chel, who’s not magical, works at a bookshop and makes sure dinner is on the table for his lovers.

When Mathias suddenly comes down with a mysterious illness, Chel and Tomlin seek out answers. As Mathias’s familiar, Tomlin can sense that nothing is wrong with the magical parts of him, but when a trip to the doctor’s indicates nothing is wrong with him physically either, they start to worry.

Then Mathias collapses, and the search to find the truth becomes urgent.

Less Than Three Press

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

If there are two types of people in the world, Alex Whitehall probably isn’t one of them, despite being a person. Their favorite pastimes include reading, horseback riding, sleeping, watching geek-tastic television, knitting, eating, and running. And wasting time on the internet. And spending glorious evenings laughing with friends.

While Alex prefers sleeping over doing anything else (except maybe eating), sometimes they emerge from the cave to be social and to hunt for food at the local market. They can be found blogging, reading, and tending after their aloe plants.

Connect with Alex:

Comment with your email address below to be entered in the giveaway! The winner will be able to choose between an ebook copy of Hard Truths or an Audible download of Magic Runs Deep! Selection will be made Sunday, April 28 at 7pm. The winner will be contacted by Alex.

Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to win:

Boy Meets Boy Reviews – April 24

MM Good Book Reviews – April 24

Love Bytes Reviews – April 25

That’s What I’m Talking About – April 25

Book Reviews and More by Kathy – April 26

Bayou Book Junkie – April 27

 

Impacted! by Mickie B. Ashling: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

by

 

Once again, Mickie B. Ashling is stopping by to bring us some fun from her latest release (re-release) Impacted! There is a great little excerpt, along with a giveaway of a DSP gift card, so make sure you enter! Can’t wait to read this book!

On his way home from vacation, Scott Gregory, a closeted sub, hooks up with the gorgeous Red, a flamboyant Dom, for a thrilling one-off at a BDSM bar. They part ways after a satisfying scene… but meet again when Robin Kennedy—Red—arrives at his new job as a dental hygienist and discovers one of his two bosses is Scott.

Robin and Scott embark on a journey of exploration into their kinkier sides and discover they’re more than compatible—they’re a perfect match. But keeping employer/employee and Dom/sub separate at the office presents difficulties, and to make matters even more complicated, the owner of the dental practice is an acknowledged homophobe.

They fall in love, but Robin chafes at all the secrecy, refusing to live in the shadows. Scott isn’t as brave; he’s desperate to protect his job and his future. Will they be able to find some middle ground… or will their entire relationship fall apart because of fear?

First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, August 2009.

Title: Impacted!
Series: Bay Area Professionals
Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Release Date: April 12, 2019
Category: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 191

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

I’d like to thank Two Chicks Obsessed for giving me the opportunity to share an exclusive excerpt of Impacted! This novel was originally published in 2009 when I was a newly minted author. It was my first foray into BDSM and I’ll admit I didn’t know much about the men and women who participate in the lifestyle. The second edition offers a gorgeous new cover designed by Kanaka along with extensive edits for a more enjoyable reading experience. This book is the first in a five-book series involving dental and medical professionals living in San Francisco. People rarely associate sexy with dentistry but I can promise you my characters are nothing like the ghoulish men who come to mind when you think of dentists. I hope you’ll give them a try.

They met downstairs at the entrance of the building, rather than leaving the office together. Something unspoken, a shared paranoia due to the nature of their workplace, acknowledged this would be for the best. They walked several blocks until they got to Grant Street and then turned left to enter the portals of Chinatown. After maneuvering several streets, Scott led Robin into a six-table hole-in-the-wall, assuring him the restaurant had some of the best Szechwan food around.

“You like spicy?” Scott asked as they sat across from each other. Space was limited, and their knees were touching under the round table.

“I like hot sauce,” Robin replied. “Does that answer your question?”

“Yes.” Scott nodded. “The Yu Shan shrimp will make your toes curl.”

Robin chuckled. “My toes usually curl when a sub starts to beg.”

Scott felt the blood rush to his cheeks. “Are you always this direct?”

“Would you prefer a lying sack of shit?”

“No,” Scott replied uneasily, “but most men would ease into this conversation.”

“Why be ambivalent when I know exactly what I want?”

Scott picked up the bottle of beer the waiter set on the table and took several gulps. He could feel Robin’s eyes on him the entire time. He wanted to iron out the pros and cons of starting anything, given their special circumstances, but his cock had a mind of its own, and his control was unraveling.

“How do you know I’m interested?”

Robin reached under the table and licked his lips when his fingers grazed the growing bulge between Scott’s legs. “I can smell your need, Dr. Gregory.”

Scott inhaled sharply.

Robin continued to stroke, and Scott found it difficult to think of anything other than his aching groin. It was embarrassing to lose control this quickly, but he couldn’t pretend he was unaffected, not when he was so obvious.

Robin leaned forward until their mouths were inches apart. “Tell me what you want, my gorgeous pain slut.”

Scott looked down and let out a shaky groan. “I want….”

“What, baby?” Robin asked gently. “How can I make it better?”

“Hurt me,” Scott whispered, almost afraid to say the words. “Dominate me.”

“I would love to,” Robin said. He shifted in his seat, and Scott almost cried out when Robin stopped stroking. With both hands back on the table, Robin pinned him with a determined look. “We need to talk first. Tell me what your limits are.”

Scott nervously ran a hand through his hair, taking deep breaths as he fought to recover. He couldn’t believe he’d caved this easily. “I don’t like to be bound.”

“You didn’t seem to have a problem with the cuffs.”

“No, it’s the heavy stuff I can’t handle. The idea of cages, straitjackets, and ball gags make me claustrophobic.”

“So you don’t like it or haven’t tried it? There’s a difference.”

“I guess I’ve never been with anyone who made me feel safe enough.”

Robin nodded. “We’ll work on it. What about pain? Do you have limits there?”

“Not really, except you can’t mark my arms. I wear short sleeves at work.”

Scott nervously fidgeted with the utensils, and Robin reached out and laid a firm hand on his. “Don’t be embarrassed.”

Scott laughed a little too quickly. “I’m really nervous, for some reason.”

“There’s no need,” Robin said, radiating confidence. “We’ve already lived through the awkward first date—which exceeded my expectations—and I can’t wait to be alone with you again, but getting these pesky questions out of the way will guarantee future success. Do you have a favorite tool?”

“I like most of them, but I prefer the cane.”

Robin whistled. “You are a little pain slut, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Shall we pick a safeword?”

“Already?” Scott asked, surprised.

“I want you something fierce,” Robin stated matter-of-factly. “I’ve had a raging hard-on since I walked into the office and saw your beautiful face.”

“God….”

“Don’t you want me?”

“More than anything.”

“Good,” Robin replied in a low voice. “I want to be sure we’re on the same page.”

“Oh yeah, same page, same book,” Scott acknowledged.

Robin squeezed Scott’s hand and turned it over. He rubbed his thumb in gentle circles on Scott’s wrist, moving gradually up his arm. Goose bumps erupted, and Scott forgot how to breathe. The gentle strokes turned rougher, and Robin snuck under the short sleeves and dug his nails into the tender skin near Scott’s armpits. Scott’s whimper wasn’t planned, but the satisfaction on Robin’s face made Scott wish they were in a private room so he could lunge at the man and kiss away the smirk.

“You’re so fucking responsive,” Robin husked.

“Robin?”

“What, baby?”

“Can we go to my place after we’re done eating?”

“Hell yeah, but you need to pick a safeword before we leave.”

“It used to be red, but obviously I’m changing it. How about blue?”

“Whatever works for you, baby.”

“Please don’t call me baby.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t like it.”

“I do, and unless this is a hard limit, I’ll call you whatever I want,”

 

Mickie B. Ashling is the pseudonym of a multifaceted woman who is a product of her upbringing in multiple cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West. A little bit of this and a lot of that have brought a unique touch to her literary voice she could never learn from textbooks.

By the time Mickie discovered her talent for writing, real life got in the way, and the business of raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing–and the inevitable emptying nest–dreams of becoming a published writer were resurrected and she’s never looked back.

She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world. She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.

Mickie currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.

Contact Info

E-MAIL: http://mickie.ashling@gmail.com

BLOG: http://mickiebashling.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MickieAshling

INSTAGRAM: @mickieashling

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004QSCN3E

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2904716.Mickie_B_Ashling


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jude by Garrett Leigh: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Isha has spent the last year watching his BFF get his happily-ever-after. He’s proud of Dom, but…it hurts to see him so free while Isha’s love life is still on lockdown. Only Isha’s ex-wife knows the secret that he’s kept caged for so long—that he’s queer too, and he’s lonely.

Jude’s too chained to his work to notice what he’s missing by being terminally single, but a new face in the village soon catches his attention. City boy Isha is gorgeous, and when he starts to haunt Jude’s reptile shop as well as the hook-up app on his phone, he’s a welcome distraction from Jude’s business problems.

For a control freak like Isha, letting Jude under his skin is an existential meltdown, but Jude’s not in the market to be anyone’s queer crisis, not when he’s facing troubles of his own. Unlocking their lives could push both men apart forever, but it might be a risk worth taking if sharing is the key to their happy future.

Length: 60,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 

Lucky – Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Cash – Amazon US | Amazon UK

This author is growing on me more and more. It took me a while to find them, but I read everything I come across. And they just keep getting better. Even though this isn’t listed as part of a series, it is obviously book 3, although it can very easily be read as a stand alone. Which I did. Although, when time allows, I will go back to read the first two.

I also want to read the other two because I feel like there is some back story for Isha that I didn’t get in this book. Like why he left his high profiled career to move into this next stage of life doing something completely different.

One of the things I really enjoy is the diversity in the books. People are described, of course, but then it never really seems to be an issue. No one is clutching their pearls that a white guy and a middle eastern guy are together. They just are.

I wish Isha hadn’t been closeted. I mean, I kind of get it. But at the same time he is friends with all of these out people. It just kind of broke my heart that he felt the need to hide.

And Jude- Jude needs to be with someone who is out. He is totally that guy who wants the whole shebang. The partner, the pda in public, cooking dinner together. And he deserves it.

There was good flow in the story- even with Isha kind of being a jerk. Not a jerk, but dude come on. Open up a bit. Even his kids play a decent role in the story and aren’t just cute filler.

And even Jude worked in and owned an exotic pet shop, talk of spiders was kept to a minimum. Snakes and geckos were much more prominent.

And I learn a lot of British slang! It cracks me up when I have to put my kindle down to google a word or a phrase. But I love it too. I like when books aren’t “American-washed”. If a story takes place in England, use that vernacular.

This was a good story with a slightly older main character, a main character with a disability, kids, friends, ex wives and creatures kept in cages.

4 pieces of eye candy

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with renowned LGBTQA+ photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Yes, Chef by T. Neilson: Exclusive Guest Post and Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

by

 

TCO is excited to have T. Neilson stop by today, bringing everyone a guest post, excerpt and giveaway from Dreamspinner Press’ newest release, Yes, Chef.  I love the excerpt, especially the ending! Make sure to leave a comment at the end to enter the giveaway.  

A savory slice of first love.

Simon’s dad died when he was young, leaving Simon to take the reins of the family restaurant business—and the responsibility for his mother and brothers. His commitment to his duty left Simon time for little else, least of all romance.

Argentinian celebrity chef Luke Ferreya has wanted Simon since their culinary-school days, but for Simon, family always came first. Now Luke’s back in Simon’s life—briefly before he returns to South America—and he’s determined to give Simon a sample of everything he’s missed out on.

Simon’s brothers are grown, and his mother is doing fine on her own, and Luke is offering a second chance for a future full of the pleasures of fine food, wine, and especially love. Without his obligations to hide behind, can Simon finally allow himself to say “Yes, Chef”?

Title: Yes, Chef
Series: Amuse Bouche: Book Two
Author: T. Neilson
Release Date: April 2, 2019
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 193

Amazon

Dreamspinner

Kobo

If you can’t handle the heat…

Well, Simon never could handle the heat, which was exactly why he got out of the kitchen. He’s a much better restaurant manager than a chef. At least, that’s what he’s been telling himself. He was never really chef material. Not like his friend Luke. Luke with a natural ability with flavors, with great knife skills…. and an exceptional ass. But that was more than ten years ago, and anyway, Simon ran away to work the family restaurant at Lake Balmoral, Middle of Nowhere USA. It seemed so much easier than figuring out why Simon did what he did the last time he saw Luke.

As for Luke, he’s had about as much of the kitchen as he can stand. Burnt out after earning two Michelin stars, Luke is ready to leave the culinary world behind, and his family’s ranch in Argentina is singing a siren song. There’s just one thing he wants to do before he leaves forever, and that’s find out if an old culinary school friend could, after all this time, be something more.

Now Simon Love, a man too busy to have his own place let alone go on a date, suddenly finds himself back where he was ten years ago — head over heels with Luke. Which would be fine, if Simon wasn’t prepping for the biggest make-or-break event in the culinary calendar, and if his kitchen wasn’t in total disarray.

On the shore, Simon tried not to watch Luke dress, but he still found himself sneaking glances. He told himself not to be a creep, but he kept right on doing it.

Luke didn’t seem to notice, but then, Luke seemed to be having trouble getting his jeans on over his wet legs. They seemed to stick to his skin, and Luke wriggled and twisted to get them up his thighs and over his ass. Jesus. Simon tugged his own pants on as fast as the fabric would allow and then zipped his cock safely away. Luke left his pants undone as he pulled his shirt on. Ridged belly, black- fuzzed treasure trail, skin all damp and glistening. Simon’s cock pulsed. The lake had not been cold enough.

He pulled on his shirt and saw Luke watching him. Horrified, he glanced down at himself, but didn’t see any evidence of unplatonic interest, at least not visible. “What?” he asked.

Luke shrugged. “I think it’s important for you to know what it is you do and don’t do,” he said.

“What?”

“I mean, I think if you don’t set boundaries, you try to do everything yourself. And then you wind up like me.”

Luke touched Simon’s shoulder with a cool, damp hand, and the contact startled him. He looked at Luke, at his hand.

For an instant he imagined that hand tightening. He imagined Luke stopping him, turning him. He imagined Luke leaning toward him. God, his skin would be cool still from the water, and damp, but his mouth would be hot. He thought of how it would be to feel the thick muscles of Luke’s legs brush against his, slide along his, frame his hips.

“You are worried that you’ll burn out like me. Aren’t you?”

Simon forced his mind back from the brink. “You’re the best chef I’ve ever known,” he answered in a croak. “I should be so lucky.”

Luke’s eyes were fixed on him, dark and soft and warm as an August night. His broad brow creased under the slick of his wet black hair. He’s beautiful. How did I miss it for so long?

Luke’s grip on Simon’s arm softened just a little, and the subtle shift made the hairs on Simon’s arm and neck stand up. The contact was as electric as a rolling summer storm. He found himself holding his breath, waiting for something he couldn’t explain or express. “I should be so lucky,” Simon heard himself say again, in a whisper.

Luke’s mouth parted just a little and curved just slightly into a small, soft smile.

“Simon,” Luke said in a low, soft voice that Simon could hardly hear over the buzzing in his head. It was a rumble—a purr. I want him to kiss me. God, please let him kiss me. “It’s not lucky to burn out. It’s a disaster. I wasted my whole youth building a business I walked away from. And what good have I done in the world? Who have I helped? No one.”

Simon reached for something that would sound sensible, reasonable. “You’ve mentored so many chefs,” he managed at last.

Irritation creased Luke’s features. He shook his head. “That’s the absolute least I could do. Besides, I get their labor. It’s not altruism. It’s trade. Listen to me,” Luke said. He turned and gripped both of Simon’s arms, firmly but not hard. “There’s more to life than your kitchen. Don’t do what I did. Don’t let the work become who you are.”

It was too late. Work had poured like sand into every part of Simon’s life and filled up all the empty space inside of him until he was his own shape, but all the him had been displaced… until now.

He felt his breath coming short, as though he were about to give a talk to a banquet room full of guests. His lungs felt too small for his chest, and his heart battered against the cage of his ribs like a bird beating at a window. He knew what he wanted in a way he had never known before. Kiss me, kiss me, please kiss me.

Book one in this series, Sweet Nothings, was a book I really enjoyed. I loved the youngest brother, with the oldest brother, Simon from this book, dynamic. However, Yes, Chef, just fell flat for me.

This being a category romance, usually you do have the MCs separate for a while, before they do finally find their way to each other. In this book, the MC’s don’t even acknowledge to each other that they want the other, much less kiss, before 85% of the book has been completed.

I felt like there was a ton of “I want him, but he doesn’t want me” and “I want him but he’s leaving for Argentina”, and very little of the two men actually re-connecting. As a reader, it felt like a repeating pattern throughout 3/4 of the book.

There were definitely aspects that I really enjoyed. I’d like to see a follow up scene with these two men, to see where they are at six months down the road. I want to know more about Sam’s circumstances, as a future possibility of a story. He was intriguing to me. I also really loved the camaraderie with the Brasserie employees. They all seemed to get along so well, and cared about each other so much. A very different scene versus what Luke had left behind.

Overall, a book that had potential, but needed more character connection for this reader, but still has kept me interested in a next in the series.

3 pieces of eye candy

About the Author: T Neilson is a writer and foodie who lives on Vancouver Island where the bread, beer, and coffee scene is a thing to behold. A romance writer since 2015, and a food industry die-hard for over a decade, Neilson decided to get out of coffee tasting and get into writing for good. These days Neilson spends a lot of time chasing after a toddler, thinking about upcoming books, and working toward the perfect hand-pie crust. It’s not an easy life, but someone has to do it.

https://www.tneilson.com/

https://twitter.com/TamMacNeil

T. Neilson is giving away an ebook copy of her book Submission Guidelines (a book that features some of the side characters who appear in this book). Leave a comment on this blog post and be entered for a copy of it! Check the book out here.

Snow Storm (Haven Hart book 5) by Davidson King: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

by

The city of Haven Hart rests under the heel of Christopher Manos. He reigns over the most dangerous and deadliest citizens as the most powerful crime boss the city has seen in generations. Yet, for the last five years, the harshest edges of his nature have been tempered by the loving devotion of his husband, Snow, and the nephew Christopher adores like a son. His life is a balance of darkness and light until a birthday trip for his nephew, Simon, is interrupted by a hail of bullets and explosions, threatening to destroy it all.

Snow has found a home, a family, and the love of one of Haven Hart’s most powerful men. When Christopher and Simon are kidnapped, Snow risks everything to find his family. Utilizing specialized skills he learned on the streets and the finer points of running a city from his crime boss husband, Snow takes on roles he never dreamed he would–protector, leader, and avenger. No one threatens his family and lives. Experienced enough to know he can’t do this alone, Snow calls in every favor he is owed, risking his life promising favors in return, all to save his family and the man he loves.

The sins of the Manos crime family are escaping the dark recesses of the past and threatening the bright future of everything Snow and Christopher have built. Yet, even with the help of some unlikely and uniquely dangerous people, Snow finds himself wondering if their efforts will be enough to save the two most important people in his life. Will the loving family Snow has finally found be taken from him forever?

SNOW STORM

Haven Hart Series Book 5

Davidson King

M/M Contemporary/Action/Suspense Romance

Page Count: 225

Release Date: 03.20.19

Cover Design: Morningstar Ashley @ Designs by Morningstar

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Christopher

I didn’t go on many trips for my business, but when I did, it was only for a night. When we’d gone up north to keep Snow and my family safe, we’d been together. Leaving Snow behind this time felt all wrong. Of course, when I mentioned it to him, he rolled his eyes, lightly slapped my chest, and told me to relax, he had Bill and like seventy other people watching over him. When it came to Simon, it was a different story.

“Do you have your allergy medicine, hypoallergenic pillow, and bug spray?”

Simon chuckled. “Yes, because you packed it all and then you checked my bag a hundred times.”

“Okay, well, if you forgot anything, I’ll send someone up to bring it. Don’t hesitate to call me.” Snow pressed his hands against Simon’s cheeks, making him look like a fish.

“Babe, we won’t have reception, but I have a satellite phone in the car. Don’t worry about him.”

He smiled and gave me a strong hug. “Be good, you. No murder.”

This earned a laugh from Frank and Jerry, who were waiting by the front door. “None, I promise.”

He nodded and shooed us out the door. “Remember, if a bear comes toward you, assume the fetal position and pretend to be a baby!” he shouted right before the door shut.

Fun, fun, fun. Fast paced, exciting, and hot.

I’m going to start with the meh. I kind of hate how many people die and it’s like “well, they knew what they were signing up for”. Why do I care about this in books but not movies? They could kill everyone in a movie and I’m like, whatev. I guess it shows how much more invested I am in books and the characters there.

Ok, on to the good stuff. We are back to Chris and Snow! You love Snow. You know you do.

Christoper is kidnapped! WHA??? The all mighty mob boss got himself and his nephew snatched. And while it seemed to be super professional, the expertise dwindled quickly from there.

The story moved well and never got boring. Chris never lost his…”Chris-ness” even though he was being held against his will, threatened, his nephew threatened, his very empire threatened. Note to self: don’t piss off Christoper Manos.

I, once again, absolutely adored Snow. His backbone of steel in the face of possibly losing his husband and nephew he thinks of as a son. He definitely learned a thing or two from Chris, whether he wants to admit it or not.

We get to see just about everyone in the Haven Hart universe at least briefly. Most importantly Black and his merry band of assassins. But it is Poe who breaks or heart. I am dying to finally hear his entire story. He absolutely killed me and broke my heart with just a few words.

So give me more! Please give me Poe. Don’t make me wait. I NEED IT!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

 

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

When she’s not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

Links

Website: https://www.davidsonking.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DavidsonKingsCourt/

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonKingAuthor/

Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/DiverseReader

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsonkingauthor/?hl=en

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YztgRD

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/davidson-king

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17286464.Davidson_King

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidsonKing11


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fracture by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott: RB, Excerpt, Release Day Review *2 and Giveaway

by

After three years, Snow and Jude’s relationship is still passionate and strong. They’re getting ready for a romantic vacation at home when Jude receives a horrifying call no one wants to receive. His youngest brother was found barely clinging to life. While Jude’s family is rallying around Jordan, Jude is determined to find out what happened to him.

Snow and Jude follow the clues, investigating a side of Jordan’s life none of them knew about…and is far darker than any would have believed possible. They get pulled deeper into the seedy side of life, while echoes from a past Snow thought he walked away from return to offer an unexpected insight into the cause of Jordan’s injuries.

But someone else has noticed their involvement and is furious, putting them both in danger. The risk is high but so is Jude’s determination to find the truth—though the knowledge could very well fracture his heart.

Title:  Fracture

Series: Unbreakable Bonds Series #6

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott LLC

Release Date: March 29, 2019

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 71,000

Genre: Romance, Thriller/Suspense

Add to Goodreads

 

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Shiver (Book #1)

Shatter (Book #2)

Torch (Book #3)

Devour (Book #4)

Blaze (Book #5)

Snow rushed through the emergency room with Jude. His heart was pounding so hard it was like he could feel it in his throat, threatening to choke off his airway. A sinister nagging voice in the back of his head kept repeating, <em>Three years, three years, three years</em>.

Roughly three years ago, he’d run into this same hospital to find one of his best friends on the floor, his entire world falling apart because his wife had been killed in what had appeared to be a car accident. And he hadn’t been there to operate on her. To save her life.

Melissa Ward had been light and laughter and happiness. She’d brought joy to all who knew her.

And Rowe Ward had been devastated to lose her. They all had been.

They’d nearly lost Rowe to his grief.

Now Snow was running through the hospital where he and Jude worked nearly every day. He was vaguely aware of familiar faces registering surprise and flashes of sadness as they passed by, but it didn’t matter. They stopped only long enough to find out that Jordan was in surgery and that Jude’s family was already in the surgical ICU waiting room.

“Snow,” Jude said in a low, shaky breath as they waited for the elevator to ascend to the correct floor. That broken sound gutted him.

He reached over and wrapped his hand around the back of Jude’s neck, pulling him tight against his taller frame. “We’ll figure this out,” he replied, forcing the words past the lump in his throat while telling himself that this was not going to be like Mel.

Jordan was a strong young man. Not even twenty-one yet. A good guy who loved to laugh. Definitely not the sort to seek out trouble. This had to be nothing more than him being in the wrong damn place at the wrong damn time. The doctors on call would be able to fix him up and get him safely on the mend.

But he couldn’t give Jude promises that he couldn’t keep or offer fake platitudes. Jude had worked as a paramedic for several years now. He’d been the paramedic first on the scene for Mel. He knew how quickly things could turn bad with nothing anyone could do to stop them.

“My brain won’t accept it. Not Jordan.”

“I know,” Snow said. “But he’s young and he’s strong. That works in his favor.”

The elevator doors parted, and they were quickly moving again to the large, quiet waiting room.

Every time, I think I’m prepared for the wild ride my emotions and my heart rate is going to go on, but I never really am… Its like a little action movie in each story, and I love every second of it!

In this one, we go back to Jude and Snow, which I keep saying are my favorite, but then I remember Noah and Rowe and it’s just a big ol’ toss-up. But, I was glad to see all the guys again, and we get a little peek at all of them, of course they get brought in…. When one person in the family is going through something, they all rally in their bad a $$ glory…

What starts out to be a sexy vacation with Snow and Jude, quickly turns into a nightmare with Jordan, Jude’s baby brother. When the call comes in that he’s been found naked, beaten and shot, it flips a switch in Jude that worries Snow. It’s touch and go for a while for Jordan, but Jude feels somewhat responsible for now keeping a better eye on his brother and therefore feels like he has to find out how it happened and who was behind it.

We know these guys are only inches away from full blown insane, and none of them seem afraid for their safety…. Noah and Rowe seem to find extreme danger, a hobby and a fun past time and it is hilarious when they chase the tails of the evil that sometimes infects their inner circle. It’s entertaining for sure, but my heart broke for Jordan, and Jude for having to watch what happened to his younger brother. I could not imagine, and it had me in tears. Of course, nothing new there, I’m a cryer, but it was heavy and descriptive and it just gutted me. You might need a warning there, it could be triggering to some.

It definitely tripped something in Jude though, even though a healer at heart, he needed to get justice for his brother and I so thoroughly understand that… I know these guys do bad things, it seems like murder is just second nature to them…. But they do it for the greater good. They do it to protect their family, and every single time they take a life, I feel a little vindicated on their behalf.

And through it all, we get such a sweet ending for Jude and Snow. I love seeing the guys with Lucas and Andrei’s baby, and I hope they all get to a point where they have little mini badasses running around. I can’t even imagine the trouble they’d all get into. It would be so perfect….

So, in saying that… you can count it as my vote to just keep this series going forever, because I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of them all. I love it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me… I need to take a blood pressure pill and rest a while til my heart rate goes back to normal. I highly recommend this one! Now, who’s next?!

FAVORITE LINE: “And then, when those twenty minutes were up, they’d plan to set the world on fire.”

5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Oh man I love these books. First the original 4 guys, then little novellas for them. Then a spin off. Now we are getting back to the original 4 and new stories. This book focuses on Snow and Jude- and Jude’s brother.

Jude’s brother ends up beaten, shot and left naked in a field to die when he is found. Jude sees red and wants vengeance, not trusting the cops to do their jobs. So he and Snow poke around a bit themselves, but find that this is way uglier than they thought and enlist Rowe, Noah and one of his hackers to help out.

The more they dig, the uglier it gets. It starts to bring Snow back down a dark path he left behind. But he and Jude are total support for each other without dissolving into that over protective thing.

And even though the guys are working on figuring this out- don’t worry. There is plenty of Snow and Jude hotness to go around.

I really loved that for a good portion of the story it was only Snow and Jude looking into this. They only called Rowan and Noah when they had to. And the other two guys and their significant others are kind of on the back burner and don’t take over the story. Not even Lucas- who loves to take over a story.

The only weak point for me is what brought Jude’s brother to the brink. I thought it was kind of weak. It could have been a lot stronger if the bad guy focused more on the repercussions than what brought him in. How is that for vague? I hate spoilers. Even little ones. Don’t hate. You’ll thank me later. But even that didn’t really detract from the story.

Definitely one of the strongest books of the bunch and I can’t wait for more.

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | eMail

http://drakeandelliott.com/

https://www.facebook.com/drakeandelliott/

https://twitter.com/DrakeandElliott

drakeandelliott@gmail.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway