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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

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Exposed by Christmas: A Secret Santa story by Hayden West: RB, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 18, 2022 by Denise

.                                              .

Secrets refuse to stay buried.

Pulled in for an op he never wanted, Michael Little knows it won’t be a hardship to pretend interest in his target. What does prove difficult is knowing that when it’s over, he’ll have to walk away.

Radek Dionne has busted his ass to keep his name away from the shady dealings his family is involved in. Used to people wanting him either for those connections or due to him being a player in the NHL, he keeps to himself. Until one night when he meets someone who gets to him on a level he’s never expected.

But family has a way of showing up when you least want them to and his is no exception. Secrets are exposed and loyalties tested. Will they be together by Christmas, or has this last secret ruined any chance of a happy ever after?

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, sexual harassment, blackmail, and kidnapping. There is mention of child abuse, domestic violence, drug abuse, human trafficking and child trafficking.

Exposed by Christmas by Hayden West

General Release Date: 13th December 2022

Word Count: 32,013

Book Length: SHORT NOVEL

Pages: 135

Genres: ACTION AND ADVENTURE; CHRISTMAS; CONTEMPORARY; EROTIC ROMANCE; GAY; GLBTQI; SPORTS; THRILLERS AND SUSPENSE

Amazon – All Regions

First For Romance

I’m not sure that I’ve read anything by Hayden West before, and I very rarely read hockey books, because I don’t know the sport at all, but I’m a junkie for the holiday books, so had to give it a shot (pun intended).

Radek is a hockey player who meets Michael at a party, and they immediately get involved. Meanwhile, Michael is an undercover CIA agent, working with the FBI, trying to bring down Radek’s brother who he’s done everything he could to distance himself from. Michael falls in love with Radek, but he has to follow where the job leads him. He never believes that Radek is guilty of any wrongdoing, but they need Radek to draw his brother out.

The secrets, of course, come out, and all hell breaks loose. Radek had every reason to be angry at Michael. And being the alpha male he was, he really wouldn’t let Michael explain, he just turned away. Radek was hard to like when he was angry and jealous, and he was A LOT. But it was obvious how much he loved Michael.

Fortunately, they do get the bad guy, and the HEA. And wow, the epilogue…my heart!!!! (I wanted it to be a little longer, to be honest.)

The book was a novella, but it had a little bit of everything happening. Some sexy times, some action and adventure, friends that wouldn’t turn away from Radek, and some very questionable dealings.

It was a good ride, and I enjoyed it.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Hayden West lives in the Pacific Northwest, enjoys being outdoors, and hanging out with friends when not working on the next novella to be released.

Find Hayden at their website and blog.

Author Links

Website: https://authorhaydenwest.wixsite.com/authorhaydenwest

Blog: https://authorhaydenwest.blogspot.com/

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Book Blast, New Release Review, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 3.5 stars, author, book, Book Reviews, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, Hayden West, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, novella, review, romance

Sleigh Ride with Kellan by Sophia Nixs: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 14, 2022 by Denise

.                                  .

A rugged, bearded mechanic becomes my knight in shining armor.

Traveling three hours to make my twin daughter’s Christmas come true.

I never expected him.

We are the complete opposites and he infuriates me like no one else.

Love was never on the cards for me.

A blizzard holds up my plans and I end up staying the night with him.

Everything I never thought I wanted.

I thought being stranded at Christmas was the only surprise I was in for. How wrong was I?

Title: Sleigh Ride with Kellan
Authors: Sophia Nixs
Length: 20K
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Grumpy sunshine, Close/ Forced proximity, Secret Billionaire, Alpha male.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

I hated waking up early but I knew that Kellan needed to be back on the road as soon as he could; especially with only two days until Christmas. He needed to get back to his girls. I hated leaving him alone sleeping away in my bed but I’d never seen anything so perfect before as I creepily stood and watched him for a few moments before I got dressed and left him. I bet with the girls it was rare for him to have a full night’s sleep or to even sleep in this late. At least this way he could travel home refreshed and ready for the excitement of Christmas ahead.

I ensured Pip was okay and cleaned up the mess he had made before topping up and giving him a hand fed treat of some wet food and water. I grabbed my truck keys and Kellan’s car keys, determined to try and fix this mess he’d got himself into and help him on his way, while hopefully making sure his Christmas dreams didn’t shatter before his eyes.

I just needed to hope my skills were up to the job because no matter what, I couldn’t be the man to destroy two little girl’s hearts. They needed Kellan and one way or another, I’d get him back to them, even if I ended up buying him a brand new car myself.

This was a quick read, and since I haven’t read anything by this author (or her original pen name), I figured I’d give it a shot.

This is 100% insta-love. If you don’t like insta-love, this isn’t going to work for you. It was a sweet and sexy story, with a cute dog, even cuter twins and a little bit of alpha male thrown in.

Kellan, as a foster parent, was all about just getting back home to his girls with the puppy that they so desperately wanted. But as can happen in the winter, blizzard comes along and takes out the car, leaving Kellan and little Pip in a dangerous place. Eli, the son of the people Kellan purchased the dog from, came to the rescue. As a mechanic he could take care of the issues. However, first they had to stay at Eli’s for the night.

This was a feel good story, with insta-love, and an ever so patient man left back in Pennsylvania. Eli never called or even texted for three weeks. That seemed odd to me. I know he was giving Kellan space, but even a “I’m thinking about you” would have been good. And Kellan never once looked Eli up on his phone? “Man of my Dreams”? I guess I struggled with that a bit.

Probably my biggest issue, and it’s one I very rarely bring up, was the editing. When I receive ARCs, I very rarely comment on editing, as often the book hasn’t been through a final round of edits, etc. However, it needed a good edit, from either an American editor, or one who is very experienced in editing America based books. One of the MC’s was from Manhattan, the other Pennsylvania. Somebody should have caught things like “we’re a right pair” or “stay at mine”. It does jump the reader out of the story.

In the end, a lovely holiday ride. It did have a very happy ending, with the twins falling in love with Eli instantly, when Kellan introduced them. Couldn’t ask for more from a holiday romance.

3 pieces of eye candy

.                                .

Sophia Nixs is a romance author from the United Kingdom that writes steamy contemporary MM romance.

Sophia is a romantic at heart, she adores everything to do with love. In her eyes, when someone finds loves that’s all that matters.

Sophia’s dream is to live in the countryside where she can write her stories from her book nook whilst looking out at the gorgeous scenery in peace and quiet.

Connect with Sophia:
https://www.facebook.com/SophiaNixsAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/sophianixsauthor
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Filed Under: Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Book Blast, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 3 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, novella, review, romance, Sophia Nixs

The Humbug Holiday by Lane Hayes: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

December 13, 2022 by Denise

.                                              .

Two grumpy bears and a holiday season neither will forget…

Joe

So this sexy silver fox rolls into my small New England town and buys a run-down old house in need of renovation. That’s where I come in. My job is to do some basic repairs, so he can write in peace. Yep, the hotshot is a bestselling author, but that’s not why I recognize Cameron Warren.

No worries, I won’t let a one-night stand make things awkward. I could use the work, but is he seriously asking me to help him buy a Christmas tree too?

No way.

Cameron

I’m a good-natured guy all year long, but I have to admit…I hate the holidays.

There. I said it.

This season, I’m hiding away on the opposite side of the country in a picturesque village. My family isn’t excited about my decision, and the only way to assure them I’m fine is to deck the darn halls. Or hire someone else to do it.

The handyman might not be the logical choice for an elf, but his grumpy act makes me smile. Which makes me think the holidays might not be so “bah-humbug” this year after all.

The Humbug Holiday is a bisexual, age-gap romance featuring two grumpy bears who find unexpected magic and learn to embrace everyone’s favorite time of year!

Title: The Humbug Holiday
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 35k
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday.
Tropes: Bears, Second Chance, Holiday Romance, Romantic Comedy.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Audible – Narrated by Michael Dean

Goodreads

A playful smile ghosted over Cameron’s full lips. “You’re stubborn, but loyal. You’re extremely private, but I can’t tell if that’s a protective mechanism or defensive. You’re a loner.”

All true.

“Anything else?”

“Well…I think you have a bit of a God complex,” he replied carefully.

I narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me?”

“You’re a control freak. In a perfect world, you’d like to control or manage others’ expectations. You hate that you care what others think, but you do. That probably has something to do with the fact that you come from a good place and you don’t like the idea of anything tainting it. Big cities have a way of desensitizing. Trust me. I know how that goes.”

I was too taken aback by the ultra-personal read to reply immediately. Surprise gave way to righteous indignation and anger.

I glowered as I moved toward him. “What the fuck? You don’t know me or anything about my life or—”

“Hey, relax.” Cameron held his hands up in surrender. “It’s an observation, not an insult.”

“Well…don’t observe me. It’s creepy,” I growled. “Especially coming from someone who writes murder mysteries.”

A slow-moving pirate’s smile took over his face. “Fair point, but as you said, it’s my job to watch and take note of my surroundings.”

I cocked my head, studying his chiseled features and proud carriage in those designer duds. Everything about Cameron Warren screamed “special,” and I had no doubt that was the case. But I was still smarting after his astute analysis. I couldn’t help wondering how much of his dapper bear façade was for show.

“Hmm. Maybe. Or maybe you snoop to dodge your own reality.” I shrugged. “Just a thought.”

He arched a brow but didn’t speak.

Was it my imagination or was the air suddenly buzzing? My gaze darted to the darkening skies out the window, but the sizzle of electricity was all us. I couldn’t read any signs.

Were we joking? I mean, we were throwing some personal shit out there. We were both guilty of being borderline rude…and too familiar. It should have felt unsafe to have someone poke at me for a reaction, but damn it…it turned me on.

He turned me on.

Okay, I have a very soft spot  for grumpy bears…my dad was one. Bah Humbug! all the way for him. But he had the softest heart buried in that grumpy face that he was so well known for. So, there was zero chance I was passing up not only a grumpy bear book, but two grumpy bears and a holiday story to boot. I was not disappointed.

I will admit, I’ve not read a lot of Lane Hayes’ books…I’ve seen the error of my ways, I promise! This book just hit me in so many good ways. These two did not love the holidays, and both with very good reasons. However, those around them did (all the older ladies who would not let them just be by themselves was so funny to me!) and so because they loved those people, they “suffered” through the holiday season, with all the gruff exterior they could muster. Until they met their match in grumpiness in the other.

Joe was hit hard in the past by a former lover/boss, as well as some nasty allegations against him, and came home to essentially lick his wounds. After being in that situation, I’m sure you would want to be somewhere where people love you, appreciate you, will leave you alone a bit, and that feels comfortable. A bit like curling up with a hot cocoa under the covers.  Cameron meanwhile, needed a change of pace, a slower one in order to breathe, away from his aunts, and everyone wanting a piece of him back in California. He had his own demons to battle with regards to the holidays that had been sitting in the background for decades.

These two somehow found a way to learn to like the holidays again, through the magic of being with each other. Or at least, they probably always liked it a little, but came to realize that they did, by finding each other. It was a gradual process, but fun to see the progression.

This book wasn’t super funny, although definitely had its moments. “I picked up a red bulb and gingerly attached the hook to the tree. Okay, that wasn’t so bad.” But it just felt so good to read. Seeing these two big old grumps learning they can be happy inside, and with each other, even if they feel the need to keep up their front to the outside world for their own sanity.  Until, of course, everyone just knew they truly loved the holidays. It did my heart more good than I would have ever imagined. It’s definitely on the read again list.

4 pieces of eye candy

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not-quite-empty nest.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/Lanehayesauthor
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Book Blast, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 4 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, excerpt, exclusive, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, Lane Hayes, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, Release Blitz, release day review, review, romance

Vow Maker (Mixed Messages Book 4) by Lily Morton: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 8, 2022 by Denise

.                                   .

Dylan Mitchell wants to get married.

However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit.

Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour. He’s confounded an army of wedding professionals, and now Dylan, the man who knows and loves him better than anyone, has joined the ranks of the confused. Can anything please his fiancé and get them to the altar?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes the sequel to Rule Breaker. A romantic comedy novella full of family chaos, meddling friends, sexy bathroom encounters, and love. Always love.

Title: Vow Maker

By: Lily Morton

Series: Mixed Messages, Book 4

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Book 1: Rule Breaker

Book 2: Deal Maker

Book 3: Risk Taker

“Okay. I can certainly see what I can do, but at this short notice, many big venues are booked. They’re probably booked until you both draw your pensions.”

“Really?” Dylan asks.

I stir. “Even if we throw obscene amounts of money at the venue?”

Joe blinks. “You’re going to gazump a bride?”

“If necessary,” I say silkily.

“Well, I like a brave man. Brave or foolhardy? I’ll leave that to posterity and whoever does the speech at your funeral.”

“We are not doing that, Gabe,” Dylan says firmly. “For shame.”

I sit back in my chair. “I sense my bloodthirsty nature isn’t suited to a marital discussion.”

“You’d be amazed,” Joe says cheerily. “You’ve obviously never been near the Harrods bridal department during a sale. Russell Crowe could have done all his research for Gladiator in one fell swoop.”

Engaged for SEVEN YEARS? That’s bonkers. But I digress.

Dylan and Gabe were my first story by Lily Morton. And probably many people. We just fell in love with the cranky, perfectionist boss and sassy, sarcastic assistant. It was hard not to. Two more books with other couples followed and we’ve circled back around to the originals.

Now I am going to admit that sometimes I feel like follow up books like this are thin. No real substance, just wanting to be a people pleaser that sells. But this one didn’t feel that way for me at all. I was thrilled to pick up seven years later and watch them try to plan their wedding. As soon as they could find a wedding planner.

The wedding planner they do ultimately hire had a very easy chance of taking over the story with pratfalls, etc. But nope. He mostly stayed in the background, gently guiding both men toward their goal.

Of course we get a little Ivo, Henry, Jude and Asa. And Dylan’s boisterous family.

In the end, they get their perfect wedding and we get the perfect end to a great story line.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – Chocolate Baileys.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily’s Snark Squad Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 4.5 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, Lily Morton, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

Christmas at Queens Crescent by Kristian Parker: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 7, 2022 by Denise

.                                 .

Jeremy Brookes is having a mid-twenties crisis. After losing his mother, he’ taken up his father’s offer to move from Canada to London to start a new life. The problem is, he has no idea how to do it. His billionaire father as some ideas… Once Jeremy is installed in the exclusive neighbourhood of Queens Crescent, he will have to sort his life out pretty damned quick if he’s to avoid a lifetime at the pharma company where his father is CEO and his stepmother rules HR.

Jeremy isn’t cut out for that life or that of a spoiled rich kid, worrying where his next designer label is coming from. Then he happens upon Stuart Monroe, the handsome Scottish florist with a shop around the corner. As the only socialist in Kensington, Stuart’s lowly background makes it a challenge to be surrounded by such wealth. Instantly drawn to this rebel in their midst, Jeremy decides to do the sensible thing: go undercover as Stuart’s new shop assistant to get to know the enigmatic stranger better.

What could possibly go wrong?

Title: Christmas at Queens Crescent
Authors: Kristian Parker
Length: 42K
Series: Queens Crescent, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Christmas, Opposites attract.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Jeremy exhaled. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Stuart leant against the counter, grinning. “So are you. You’re going to be running the place if I’m don’t watch ma back.”

Jeremy’s neck burned. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t overstep the mark. I saw you letting go of an opportunity just because she pissed you off. Nose cut, spite face came to mind.”

Shaking his head, Stuart straightened up. “And a bit of psychoanalysis on the side? Is there no end to this man’s talents? Well, how about you show me how talented you are at emptying a van? It’s parked out the back.” He handed Jeremy the keys.

“You’ll be thanking me,” Jeremy said with a grin. “I like expensive champagne.”

“Duly noted.” Always an advocate of quitting while he was ahead, Jeremy wandered into the storeroom, painfully aware that Stuart would be watching him.

When he got to the van, he allowed a smile to creep over his face. It was going to be interesting working here.

This book is all about starting over after a huge loss, and finding something completely new, and hopefully amazing. Jeremy lost his mother to cancer recently, and moves to London to start over…with his life and with his father, and hopeful for a love interest in there also. I loved the idea after such a challenging time with a dying parent that you adored (having been there less than a year ago), he gave himself permission to just see where his new life would lead him, and be open to it.

Stuart, the florist around the corner, had been bullied as a child by rich kids in his private school, that he’d had a scholarship at. He was understandably wary of anyone with more money to spare than sense. However, even with all that, he moved his business to this neighborhood. I struggled with that idea. If it was as triggering as it seemed to be, why would he put himself in that space, no matter how good the space was? And he seemed to at least like some of his clients, but never said anything but negative things. His back and forth with Jeremy, also was a bit exhausting. He was a good hardworking, lovely Scottish man, who just wanted his business to do well.

Meanwhile, Jeremy went about it completely the wrong way, lying to get into the job, to get to know Stuart. It showed a lack of maturity on his part, although in his defense, he went to college, and then right into caring for his dying mother, so he hadn’t learned how to deal with people in the outside world as much. However, he also didn’t learn any sort of humility. At one point he says “I’m not going to apologize anymore” and I just thought it was too soon to make that type of statement.

However, I really liked their interactions, and that they had fun together no matter what they did. Jeremy showed that even though he hadn’t gone to many of the places he tried, he was willing. He just didn’t know how to hide that he had money.

The side characters were great. His stepmother turned out to be so kind and gentle with him (as a child with a stepmother that I adore, I am always happy when I read about good stepmothers). His father, while a bit overbearing, also wanted only the best for his son. And the neighbor, Mrs. Wimpole…I kind of want to be her when I grow up.

All in all, a nice holiday story, with a great visual backdrop.

3 pieces of eye candy

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Connect with Peter:
Website & Newsletter – www.kristianparker.com
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @kparkerwriter
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His Fake Boyfriend by Hurri Cosmo: Blog Tour, Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt and Giveaway

December 5, 2022 by Denise

.                                       .

Noah is Griffin Colewater’s best friend and absolutely no one knows him better. Certainly not any of the parade of girlfriends he’s had over the years. Even his most recent, Lauren, whom he has been with the longest.

And just broke up with.

Does it make Noah a terrible friend if he’s just a little bit thrilled about that?

It doesn’t really matter, though. Griffin is the oldest son of the owners of Colewater Properties, a multi-gazillion dollar hotel conglomerate. He is also next in line to take over when his father retires which makes Griffin the most sought-after bachelor in the city. So, another girl is right around the corner.

The issue? Griffin’s mother claims to be desperately tired of his playboy antics. She is demanding Griffin settle down with a wife and family “or else”. Being that Griffin has never actually been able to please his mother in anything, Noah doesn’t understand Griffin’s hopeless mission to make that happen now.

Which makes the huge charity bash his parents are throwing a bit problematic. His mother is insisting on meeting Lauren. Yep. Griffin has yet to tell her he’s single again. And he insists he’s not going to. Instead, Griffin does something insane. He hires a fake girlfriend. Yah. A fake Lauren. Well ― not fake. She’s a ‘Lauren’, too. But that’s not the point. Griffin asked Noah to provide the “girlfriend for months” knowledge to Lauren number two so she could pull this whole ‘girlfriend’ thing off.

Honestly. What can go wrong with that?

Everything.

Because Griffin is not only Noah’s very best friend in all the world, Noah is also so crazy in love with the man, he hurts. A stupid stunt like this could reveal that very thing and freak Griffin’s parents out so badly, he’s sure they will gift Noah with cement boots and personally pitch him off the pier themselves. But the bigger problem in Noah’s mind? Griffin is totally not gay and if he ever found out Noah’s true feelings?

Damn.

Griffin would more than likely be the one mixing the cement.

Title: His Fake Boyfriend

Author Name: Hurri Cosmo

Word Count: 53,000

Genres: Contemporary

Keywords/Categories: friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, rich man/poor man, discovery of self, millionaire boyfriend, friends to lovers, fake boyfriend, contemporary, gay romance, mm romance, gay, romance, MM, new release, announcement, giveaway, bi, bisexual, gay

Amazon – All Regions

What was your first published work? Tell me a little about it.

That would be “Until You”. It was actually a fan fic for the “Finder” Manga which I converted into a novel by changing some of the details. I love the “Finder” series. I also wrote a few others for that series that I converted into books. “I Believe Now”, which is a sequel for “Until You”, “Baby, Think It Over” which became “Unexpected Heart”, “Ladders” which is not available at the moment and even “The Astral Mage” had an influence from that Manga.

Have you ever taken a trip to research a story? Tell me about it.

We went to New Orleans for a wedding and the “Crow Boy” story manifested in my mind. I didn’t GO to New Orleans to research it, but once I was there, I had to do that. It will be about a boy who can enter people’s memories and can change them. He also has a “pet” crow but I think the crow is actually a shifter that has yet to show himself. I don’t have the entire premise for that story yet. I have the cover for it though. Great, odd, creepy cover. Bits and pieces. Soon.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Noise. People talking to me. Too many things on my plate.

Do you use a pseudonym? If so, why?

Hurri Cosmo is a pen name. I also wrote a novel under the name Teri Yorek. Teri was my sister. When she passed away way too young and more than twenty years ago now the family went through her things and found a number of notebooks where she had written stories. I asked if I could have those notebooks because someday I was going to be an author and I swore to my mother that when I did I would publish her story. I pieced together all of the writings and finally came up with “Every Breath”. Painted Hearts Publishing published it for me. That was amazing. Thankfully because my mother had become ill as well so prior to my mother passing away it was done. When the book came out, my mother put it on Teri’s silent piano on a small easel. That was a bigger compliment then any five star review I could get. However, I DID get two five star reviews for this book.

Do you ever base your characters on real people?

Absolutely. In fact, most of my characters are based on “real” people. They have to be. I used to consider myself an artist. But the problem was, even though I came up with stuff in my head, I couldn’t get it down on paper. So in my stories I use personalities that I know. Even so, often times, they go off in directions I am totally not prepared for. But I love that.

How long do you write each day?

I don’t write every day. I do WORK at my craft every day. I read, research, write, think, dream. All that stuff. It all contributes.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

It’s hard not to read the bad ones. It’s hard TO read them, but if I do, I try to pull from them something I can use. The good ones uplift me, just like any other author. But it’s the bad ones that stick. Scar.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

In the past it was just months. I was working parttime back then and now I am working fulltime. More than fulltime. I get up at three in the morning to get that time alone but that is often interrupted these days since my husband gets up shortly after that now, loving those early morning hours. With less and less time to myself, it unfortunately takes upwards of a year.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I am not sure why I write Gay Romance. All I know is that when I discovered it, started to consume it, I knew this was the genre for me. At least for now. I have written one romance that had a man and woman. That was the story I wrote for my sister, Teri. I also have one mystery story I wrote. No romance at all. Paranormal. It’s not published. I need to update it. It is truly the first book I wrote. I might get it out. We will see. I have all of these ideas written down, too. Mystery, fantasy, paranormal. Prior to discovering gay romance, I was writing all kinds of genres.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?

Part time. I wish it was full time. Someday when I retire I can maybe say that I am full time. It affects my writing by me not being able to actually get my ideas out as quickly as I want to and I don’t have a great memory. So… I lose a lot.

Do your books spring to life from a character first or an idea?

Both. It really depends. Many things.

How do you approach covers for your indie stories?

In the past I had to rely on someone else to “see” my vision because I published through small publishing houses. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. I have also bought pre-mades. Most recently, for this book, I employed an artist. That was great.

“Ahhhhhhh!”

The scream jarred Noah awake and nearly off the couch. With eyes wide and his heart in his throat, he darted his gaze around the large living room, expecting big foot or murderers or at the very least a hot guy running naked across the floor. But there was none of those things. Just Griffin’s latest, his longest actually, standing there trying to cover her nakedness with perfectly manicured fingers. Her hair was only a bit out of place. However, she had no doubt gone to bed with her makeup on.

“What’s wrong?” Noah croaked out, trying to calm his heart as Griffin came tearing―okay, stumbling―up the hallway behind her, yanking on a robe.

“Lauren? What the fuck?” Griffin made it into the living room to stand beside Lauren. He, too, had perused the room with eyes that were barely open, squinting against the bright early sunshine already pouring in the windows. “Why are you screaming?”

She pointed a finger, having to bare a plump breast to do it, right at Noah. “There’s a man in our house.”

Griffin glanced at Noah and grinned. “Where?”

“Funny,” Noah deadpanned as he flopped back into his pillow, blood still pumping loudly in his ears. “What time is it, anyway?”

“Fuck,” Griffin grouched. “Six. Lauren, what the fuck are you screeching at six in the morning for?”

“I’m not screeching!”

Oh, she so totally was, and it grated on every nerve in Noah’s body.

“There’s a stranger sleeping on the couch in my living room!” she insisted.

Wait. Her living room?

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Griffin yawned. “That’s Noah. You know Noah.”

Which was true. It would be hard not to know him if anyone met Griffin even a little. They were pretty much inseparable.

“How did he get in here, and what is he doing in our condo at six in the morning?”

“He has his own… wait…” There was movement and suddenly Griffin was hunched down near Noah’s head. “Hey buddy, she has a point. What are you doing here? What happened?”

“I was kicked out,” Noah moaned sleepily.

“What? That asshole!”

“Who’s an asshole?” came that shrieking voice again. Evidently, she felt it safer to shout from a distance.

“Can you tell her to tone it down a bit?” Noah whimpered.

“I can tell her. She won’t listen.”

“Quit talking about me like I’m not here!”

“Pretty tough to forget that,” Griffin murmured.

She squealed again but seemed to storm off because it was blessedly quiet again. Noah really did need to learn to like her better. Or at all. The problem was, she hated Noah.

“You’re going to pay for that,” Noah said.

“Believe me, I already am. Tell me what happened.” Griffin picked Noah’s head up, scooted himself under it so he was sitting on the couch and laid Noah’s head in his lap.

“You need to go do this with Lauren.”

“Do what? Besides, I want to find out what happened.”

Damn. Noah should never have come here. He wished now he had barged in on Genny and Marcus instead. Of course, he didn’t have an open invitation there like he did here. Still… “Sorry for… well, ruining your morning with Lauren.”

“You didn’t ruin anything. Quit stalling. Was it that asshole, Sabastian?”

“Who else? He…”

“He what?”

“He’s a jerk. They’re both jerks. They threw me out last night.” Literally. But he didn’t say that out loud. He was still pretty freaked out about it.

“Fuck, Noah, you’re the one on the lease. Not that asshole you let move in with you. Why do you…? Wait. You’re shaking. What else happened?”

“I’m… just cold.” Lie.

“Hmmm. Well, never mind. I’ll deal with it.”

Oh shit. “How?”

“I don’t want you to worry about it.” He patted Noah’s head and smoothed his most likely wild hair. “What time did you get here?”

“About two.” He had somehow misplaced his wallet. Most likely it was laying on his living room floor having fallen out during the scuffle. Having no money or bus card meant he had to walk instead of being able to take a taxi or even mass transit. Thankfully the doorman knew Noah, and Griffin had left explicit instructions with the building’s staff that if Noah ever needed anything, including a spare key card to Griffin’s condo, he would be given it.

“Really? Wow. Go back to sleep.” He continued to stroke Noah’s hair. “Even I got more sleep than that.”

Noah opened his eyes and turned his head to stare up at Griffin. “Are you serious? Two o’clock, Griffin. You guys were going at it like… like…” His anxiety tamped up a bit. “Well, whatever. I shouldn’t have come.” Especially since it always depressed him to be reminded Lauren was front and center. And other things.

“Of course, you should be here, you know that. Why didn’t you just sleep in the guest bedroom?”

Noah rolled his eyes and turned back away. “You mean the one next to your room? You know why.”

Griffin harumphed. “Really? What? We were noisy?”

“You were deafening. Earsplitting. God. I hate the sound of hetero sex.”

I am Hurri Cosmo and I live in Minnesota where I hold tight to the idea that here, where it’s cold a good part of the year, I won’t age as fast. Yep, I avoid the truth as much as I avoid mirrors. But one of the reasons I love writing is reality doesn’t always offer up a “happily ever after” and being able to take control of that is a powerful lure.

Being a happy ending junkie, writing just makes them easier to find. Oh, I don’t mind “real life” and I do try to at least keep it in mind when I write my stories, but I truly love creating a wonderful couple, knowing they will fall in love and have their HEA. Every – single – time. And, of course, that is exactly the reason I love reading this genre, too.

Give me a glass of red wine, some dark chocolate, and my computer, whether I am reading or writing, and I will entertain myself for hours. The fact I actually get paid to do it is Snickers bars on the frosting on the cake.

Author Website: https://www.hurricosmo.com

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/hurri.cosmo

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/HurriCosmo

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6466687.Hurri_Cosmo

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hurri-Cosmo

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

1 day ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: BE MY VENGEANCE by @davidsonkingauthor releasing November 2nd!What you will find inside…🔥bi-awakening🔥unrequited love🔥pining🔥questionable morals🔥mafia romance🔥best friends to lovers🔥found family🔥rage & revenge🔥mm romanceAlex’s entire world fell apart in the most violent way possible, and now he seeks vengeance on every person who destroyed his happily ever after.Alex Walker’s life is all about revenge, and he doesn’t care if it takes him down with it. However, there are many people who love him and are willing to help him retaliate against those who took the love of his life away from him while keeping him alive. With his life on a path to self-destruction, it will take his best friend to push him out of the way and make him see that he’s not dead inside, he’s only just starting to live.Danny Brooks has been hopelessly in love with Alex for years. He watched him fall in love and get married, then lose it all. Danny had every intention of quietly pining for his best friend until the end of his days and for him to never find out. But secrets never stay under lock and key, and now Danny not only has to keep Alex alive, he’s also hoping he won’t lose the one person who means everything to him.With a war in their midst and bodies in their wake, Alex gradually learns to lean on Danny and accept his comfort while they navigate new emotions, dangerous situations, and try to build a forever that neither of them saw coming.Be My Vengeance is book 3 in the Be Mine series. This is not a standalone book. It’s recommended you read book 1 (Be My Monster) and book 2 (Be My Ruin) first.✨Catch up on book 1 & 2 in the Be Mine series, available in KU, before book 3 releases#davidsonking #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

1 day ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: MY MERRY MÉNAGE by @lex.ambermm & @authorbecbenson releasing November 1st! Why you will love this book…❄️MMM holiday romance 🎁Established couple adds a third ❄️Cozy 🎁Very low angst ❄️Hookup Turns Into More 🎁Friends to LoversScottyIn my mid twenties an attractive couple moved down the hall from me and I was never subtle about my interest in them.On an amazing vacation fifteen years ago, I was lucky enough to actually live out my fantasy of hooking up with them and it was even better than I’d imagined.Shortly after, I met someone and we ended up moving across the country. Over the years, I lost touch with Joey and Patrick, but I’ve never forgotten that night with them.Now I’m forty, single, and back living in New York City. The last thing I expected after running into them was an invite to a cabin for the holidays or that their vacation hookup rule would still be in place.I’m definitely interested in reliving the best hookup of my life, even if I’m not sure how it will go after so many years apart, but there’s no way I’m turning down their offer.Looks like I’m packing my bags and heading to a snowy cabin in Vermont for what’ll probably be the steamiest Christmas I could ever agree too.My Merry Menage is a cozy, low angst MMM holiday romance where an established married couple adds a third to the relationship.#lexiamber #becbenson #holidayromance #mmmromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

2 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: KNOCKED SIDEWAYS by @cagardnerwrites releasing October 22nd! Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥Hockey Romance🔥LGBTQIA+🔥MM🔥Age Gap🔥Forced Proximity🔥Slow Burn🔥Hurt/Comfort🔥Gruff Lumberjack/Anxious Golden Retriever 🔥Chosen Family of Hockey BrosAs a rookie NHL defenseman, Remy Ladoux’s used to taking hits, but getting traded hurts.It’s bad enough that Remy has to leave his sister behind. Being dumped by his almost-boyfriend doesn’t make it any easier. And the hit that just might finish him off? His new teammate is also his long-time hockey idol, Jed Grant.Still, Remy’s not about to make waves by crushing on the goalie—even if Jed’s so hot that he melts Remy’s brain. And if Jed’s known for anything, it’s being rock-steady both on and off the ice. So it shouldn’t be a problem when Jed takes Remy under his wing.It turns out, though, that Jed’s not so rock-steady when Remy’s around. Remy’s smart and hardworking and eager to please, and for the first time in his life, Jed can’t help himself.Mentoring the gorgeous new rookie?Part of the job.Offering him a place to stay?No big deal, Jed’s done it before.Letting Remy fall asleep in his bed?That one’s a little harder to explain.Jed knows he’s getting in too deep, too fast. But Remy’s the first guy he can actually see a future with. He just hopes he’s not the only one who’s been knocked sideways.Knocked Sideways is a spicy, slow-burn m/m hockey romance between a gruff veteran goalie who thinks he’s happiest on his own and the sweet, sexy rookie who might just change his mind. It is the first in the Colorado Blizzards series and can be read as a stand-alone.✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up to review here: bit.ly/knockedsidewayssignup#cagardner #mmromance #hockeyromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

3 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨It’s cover reveal day for BLUEBIRD DAY by @ryecoxauthor releasing November 16th!What you will find inside…🔥Fake Boyfriend❄️Holiday Romance 🔥Slow Burn❄️Stranded Together on a ski lift🔥Sworn Off Love❄️Chinese MC🔥MM Romance There's always something to look forward to after a shitstorm.David LiuI thought nothing could be worse than being cheated on, then my ex proves me wrong by parading around his affair partner at our cousin's wedding.It's a week and a half long event at a ski lounge, and I'm stuck watching their sickening PDA. Not only that, my ex is set on rubbing his new relationship in my face at every chance he can get.As if things aren't complicated enough, my ex's other cousin offers himself as a buffer.Jensen lives abroad and is the free spirit of his family. I'm warned against him. He's known as a bit of a Casanova, and I allegedly fall in love with any man who can make me laugh (which I do not! I vow never to love again).But Jensen's more than just the funny guy who's helping me keep my ex off my back. The more time we spend together, the more I want to dive straight into complicated and forget all about my vow of singlehood.Even if it's all fake, I know he's mine to keep.Bluebird Day is a standalone fake dating MM holiday romance featuring endless banter, one nosy family, an MC who swore off love (who's he kidding?), stranded on a ski lift ;), and a slow burn that ends in the sweetest happily ever after.Cover Credit:Illustrations by Rho3x, Typography by Getcovers#coverreveal #ryecox #mmromance #holidayromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

3 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: EVERY NOVEMBER by @authorbecbenson releasing October 21st!Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥hurt/comfort🔥hookups to lovers🔥long distance situationship🔥insta-lust/emotional slow burn🔥mental health themes/rep🔥marking🔥mutual piningTwo thousand miles. Eleven months. One night a year in a town neither of us lives in anymore.MARCUSGoing home is a performance. One I’ve rehearsed my whole life, even if I’m not sure why I keep showing back up.Then I met him.Evan is confident, happy, free in a way I’m immediately drawn to. Our chance encounter was only meant to be a one-time thing – a way for us to blow off some steam while we were both in town for the holiday.But three years later, I find myself looking forward to going home in a way I never thought possible. Evan is the first good thing in my life in a long time. Which is exactly how I know it won't last.EVANI have a great life in Seattle with good friends and my dream job, but it still feels like something is missing.Maybe it’s being so far from my family. Going home to see them is always one of the highlights of my year.Even more so since meeting Marcus.I know our situation is meant to be a holiday fling, but after three years of hotel rooms and opening up to each other in a way that feels like so much more, it’s hard not to wonder what we could be – if he’d give us the chance.Are we strong enough to survive the distance, or is one night a year all we’ll ever get?Every November is a standalone MM romance with a long-distance situationship, mutual pining, and hurt/comfort themes. HEA guaranteed.#becbenson #hookuptoloversromance The Author Agency ...

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