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Promise (Single Dads 3) by RJ Scott: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Leo Byrne is a cop, Jason Banks is an ex-con. Even after one stolen kiss, something has to give before Leo can convince Jason that falling in love is even an option.

Adopted at a young age, Leo is part of the sprawling Byrnes family. With his dog Cap, three siblings and a whole mess of nieces and nephews, he is never lonely, and his life is full. Love is the last item on his to-do list, but seeing his best friends Sean and Eric happy and making new families makes him want things he doesn’t think is possible. Kissing Jason at an event to honor his bravery was one thing, but anything other than that is off limits. Until Jason has no one left to turn to, and it’s Leo who helps him at his lowest. Taking Jason and his daughter into his home is one thing, but falling for the ex-con is something else altogether.

Jason made a deal to keep his daughter safe and spent years behind bars as a result. Volunteering as a convict firefighter was as much about helping the community as saving his sanity, but now that he’s out, he doesn’t even have that. He’s lost his future, his self-respect, and has no friends or a place to call home. Worst of all, even after rescuing his daughter he still can’t keep her safe from the man who wants to use her as a bargaining chip for money. Meeting Leo might give Jason a way to keep Daisy safe, but falling for the stubborn cop means the truth has to be revealed, and he could lose everything all over again.

Length: 57,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

 

Book #1 – Single –  Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Book #2 – Today – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Oooh, single dads, how I love you!

So, if you’re jumping into book three, then I’ll assume you’ve read books one (the doctor) and two (the firefighter) and now this one, best friend/roommate/chosen family of the others, Leo (the cop). In saying that, I loved the other stories but I didn’t so much remember the situation between Leo and Jason, (the cop and the convict) that happened last book. It gets brought up in this one, a lot, so I suppose I should’ve went back and had a refresh, I didn’t feel like I needed to with as often as it was brought up…..So, I don’t necessarily remember what happened, but apparently, Jason and Leo shared a kiss in what Jason thinks was gratitude and afterward Leo regretted it. Instead of talking about it like adults, it was a pretty big misunderstanding that lasted half the book… however, it also took a backseat to the real problems, which is where this book begins.

While Sean has been busy at the hospital and Eric is away, fighting the wildfires in California, Jason, who you should remember from last book, who was running and hiding with his almost four year old daughter (you will be reminded of this a lot), and he helped save Eric… who told Jason that if he ever needed help, to come find him…which he does… beaten up, exhausted from running, broke and just broken.. he’s gotta keep fighting to keep his daughter safe, but he doesn’t know who to trust.

Working with the FBI who hasn’t done a whole lot to keep them safe and Daisy’s mother in a coma from the guy he’s currently running from, Jason has no choice but to go to Eric and hope he’ll help them. Not counting on Eric not being there, he runs into Leo, Eric’s friend/neighbor/old roommate/chosen brother, and him being a cop is the last thing he needs, because remember, law enforcement hasn’t been able to keep them safe up until then… and the kiss they shared, it left things awkward and misunderstood on Jason’s part.

Leo takes one look at Jason and his daughter and his instincts to turn him in are strong, but Jason asks him to trust him and to give him a little bit of time. Seeing that he’s about to drop and is in no shape okay to take care of his little girl, he gives them someplace to settle until they can figure out what they need to do… of course, Leo hasn’t been able to get Jason out of his head since the kiss, and Jason thinks that Leo couldn’t possibly want him because he’s a cop and Jason’s a criminal….two sides of very different coins, eh?

It bugged me that everything was so secretive for so long, when Leo was doing everything he could to get Jason to trust him. What he’d done wasn’t even that bad and it would’ve made so much more sense for Jason to tell him what was going on so he could help. He needed someone to help him so badly, and here was Leo begging to help and Jason wouldn’t let him. I wanted to shake him so many times, but I understood that he has a child that he had to put first and things hadn’t gone his way when he’d trusted before. So, understandable to a point, but still frustrating. While staying with Leo, both Daisy and Jason learned to trust Leo and it was cute to watch them both warm up to him, especially when Leo was done letting Jason hide from him…. Hello, hot toppy cop. Bonus!

Another thing I loved was Leo’s faith and the way he talked to God. Now, it’s not a big part of the story, but it also kind of is. As most LGBT+ stories kind of shun the community and ruin relationships and self-worth, I loved that Leo not only still believed in God and had faith in Him, but also used it in everyday his everyday life and didn’t think twice about it. He has a great family, too, an adopted one that didn’t care if he was LGBT++++++ or any letter that it might entail. They encouraged him to be who he is and they loved him no matter what. I love love loved that! Great seeing it in a same-sex read. (at least to me)

Overall, I enjoyed the trope…. the guy on the run who ends up with the cop who keeps him safe… I love the single dad, the cute kids, the awesome family and slow burn, as it took Jason a while to trust Leo… so, it was a very cute read if you don’t mind some things being repetitive. This will always be a sweet series for me and I’m so glad that Leo got his HEA and that Jason and Daisy were safe and accepted into the growing family of men in uniforms and their partners and babys.

I can’t wait to see who’s next!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

Email RJ rj@rjscott.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Instagram | Pinterest

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Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel (Deviations Series Book 6) by Jodi Payne: New Release Review

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Fans of the iconic Deviations series will fondly recall Bradford as the beloved owner and Master of the elite and exclusively male BDSM club that anchors the series, and also as the wise man who introduced Tobias and Noah.

Dominant Bradford’s story is one defined by sudden opportunity, unimaginable heartbreak, and new-found purpose. His calling is to provide a safe and supportive environment for men in the lifestyle. Bringing Doms and subs together is his superpower, yet he feels fated to be alone himself.

In this prequel to the series, you’ll not only discover Bradford’s own history, but also how Bradford is first drawn to Nikki, a beautiful and hungry young man living on the streets, and the unexpected ways Bradford grows and changes while helping Nikki understand a world of strange, new desires.

Deviations readers already know outcome of Bradford and Nikki’s journey together. Soft Limits is a deep-dive into Bradford’s story, into what makes the Dom tick, and how he ended up with ownership of the club. It also introduces Nikki, the sub that tests Bradford’s patience, steals his heart, and soothes his soul.

**WARNING: BDSM, mentions of homelessness, loss of spouse (in flashback)

Amazon

Full disclosure: I’ve never read any of the Deviations books. But being that this is a prequel, I figured it was safe. The author states that she means for it to be read last, but hey, I read it first and still liked it,

Bradford is like the Dom of all Doms. He owns a BDSM club- which houses a restaurant and bar as well as various rooms for fun. And being a Dom like that, when he sees a young man in need of help, he jumps right in.

Nikki is homeless and accepts Bradford’s offer of a dishwashing job. I get that this guy is a bit naive, but to have zero clue that there is a BDSM club beyond the kitchen doors is a bit much. But we will let that go.

What I enjoyed the most about this story is that BDSM is explained SO WELL. About how it isn’t always pain or sex or humiliation. And that using a safe word is totally ok. How BDSM means something different for everyone and contracts are entered into for an evening, for months or for years.

It did feel a bit like Bradford was grooming Nikki, but then the way Nikki took to submission so effortlessly made it not creepy. Bradford is extremely patient with Nikki, gently correcting him when needed and praising him as deserved.

Although she says to read this last, I am glad I read it first because now I want to read the others!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

 

 

*** Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ***

Silent Sin by E.J. Russell: Exclusive Cover Reveal

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E.J. Russell is here today with an exclusive cover reveal to her upcoming gay historical romance, Silent Sin. It looks like it has some mystery and suspense wrapped up in, it my favorite kind of historical! Check out the lovely cover below by L.C. Chase.

When tailor Marvin Gottschalk abandoned New York City for the brash boomtown of silent-film-era Hollywood, he never imagined he’d end up on screen as Martin Brentwood, one of the fledgling film industry’s most popular actors. Five years later a cynical Martin despairs of finding anything genuine in a town where truth is defined by studio politics and publicity. Then he meets Robbie Goodman.

Robbie fled Idaho after a run-in with the law. A chance encounter leads him to the film studio where he lands a job as a chauffeur. But one look at Martin and he’s convinced he’s likely to run afoul of those same laws—laws that brand his desires indecent, deviant… sinful.

Martin and Robbie embark on a cautious relationship, cocooned in Hollywood’s clandestine gay fraternity, careful to hide from the studio boss, a rival actor, and the press on the lookout for a juicy story. But when a prominent director is murdered, Hollywood becomes the focus of a morality-based witch hunt, and the studio is willing to sacrifice even the greatest careers to avoid additional scandal.

Title: Silent Sin
Author: E.J. Russell
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Category: Gay, Historical Romance
Pages: 268
 

eBook

Paperback

E.J. Russell—certified geek, mother of three, recovering actor—holds a BA and an MFA in theater, so naturally she’s spent the last three decades as a financial manager, database designer, and business intelligence consultant (as one does). She’s recently abandoned data wrangling, however, and spends her days wrestling words.
E.J. is a multi-Rainbow Award winner, and her book, The Druid Next Door, was a 2018 RITA® finalist.
E.J. is married to Curmudgeonly Husband, a man who cares even less about sports than she does. Luckily, CH loves to cook, or all three of their children (Lovely Daughter and Darling Sons A and B) would have survived on nothing but Cheerios, beef jerky, and satsuma mandarins (the extent of E.J.’s culinary skill set).
E.J. lives in rural Oregon, enjoys visits from her wonderful adult children, and indulges in good books, red wine, and the occasional hyperbole.
Newsletter: ejrussell.com/newsletter
Website: ejrussell.com
Facebook reader group (Reality Optional): www.facebook.com/groups/reality.optional
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/e.russell.author
Twitter: @ej_russell

First Impressions (Auckland Med: Book One) by Jay Hogan: New Release Review

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Michael:

Two years ago I made a mistake—a big one. Then I added a couple more just for good measure. I screwed up my life, but I survived. Now I have the opportunity for a fresh start. Two years in NZ. Away from the LA gossip, a chance to breathe, to rebuild my life. But I’m taking my new set of rules with me.

I don’t do relationships.

I don’t do commitment.

I don’t do white picket fences.

And I especially don’t do arrogant, holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world.

Josh:

One thing’s for certain: Dr. Michael Oliver is an arrogant, untrustworthy player, and I barely survived the last one of those. He might be gorgeous, but my daughter takes number-one priority. I won’t risk her being hurt again. I’m a solo dad, a K9 cop, and a son to pain-in-the-arse parents.

I don’t have time for games.

I don’t have time for taking chances. I don’t have time for more complications in my life.

And I sure as hell don’t have time for the infuriating Dr. Michael Oliver, however damn sexy he is.

Title: First Impressions
Series: Auckland Med: Book One
Author: Jay Hogan
Release Date: November 1, 2019
Category: Contemporary Romance

Amazon

Okay, first impression? Hot cover!

Anytime you give me a hot man in uniform, it’s going to give me pause. Throw in a hot doctor, uhm, yes, please! Make one of them a dad? Just take my money…. Take all of it!

In this one, we have Michael, who I’ll get to first. I didn’t care for him in the beginning. He’s arrogant and slutty and no matter what his reasons were, I just didn’t connect with him. After the death of a patient had hit him hard and lead to a multitude of problems in his life fueled by alcohol, guilt, and anger, he tucked his tail and ran away to Auckland, NZ, to take a job there. That’s where he meets K9 officer, Josh something or other and his dog.

A drug sting lead him and his team to the club where he finds Michael in a compromising position in the backroom of a club. He’s unapologetic but he knows Michael’s type, having had his heartbroken by a player of the same type. He wasn’t far off, Michael admits later to have purposefully cheated and though it’s off-page, I just never got over that either. I get the why’s, kind of, but it just wasn’t a good excuse to me. I didn’t like the way he treated Josh one second and then flipped the next and their banter wasn’t fun in the beginning.

So, after a scene at the club that left one officer dead, another injured and Michael a witness… Josh had to put his feelings away for a bit and tolerate Michael. He was insanely attracted to him, but he knew it would only lead to heartbreak. That’s all guys like Michael were good for, right?

Somehow or another, their angry banter turns sexual, which was hot. I hate the friends with benny’s thing, but anyone who saw them together knew how they were lying to themselves because you could tell that even from the beginning, even though they didn’t want to, they developed feelings for each other. I adored how vulnerable Michael let himself be with Josh, and I loved seeing Josh take charge and give Michael what he didn’t know he needed. I loved the relationship with Josh and his sister and his relationship with his daughter. It may have been a secondary storyline, but, it was real and sweet and he was protective and smart when it came to her and her safety and the strained relationship with his parents… who are horrible, by the way. I actually thought they’d be a bigger problem than they were, but I was glad about that.

Of course, with any relationship that starts out casual with one or the other constantly reminding each other that it’s casual, it’s bound to get… messy. And it did. Again, I couldn’t stand how Michael used all these different things to push Josh away and I couldn’t stand how Josh just let him. I didn’t like that even though it was Michael that needed to do the groveling and the growing, that Josh was the one who went after him. To fight for them. Michael should’ve been the one to realize how stupid he was being and stop running for a change. I also didn’t understand the unlikely friendship with the ex and his new fiance, especially a touchy feely one at that.

I dunno, when I adored it, I really, truly adored it but Michael really need a slap or two upside his head to maybe knock some sense into him. The dialogue between them was a little….eeeek, but, only because I didn’t see Michael as the person he let himself sometimes be. It was hard for me to connect with him throughout. I wanted to, ooooh, how I wanted to… it just sadly never happened.

It definitely kept me interested though and I was glad for the happy ending, but my goodness, did it take a while to get there. I’d be really interested to see who’s next. I loved Michael’s makeup wearing charge nurse, Cam and Josh’s bestie, Mark… I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next one!

Even though my review miiiight seems ranty, it’s a solid 4 pieces of eye candy from me

 

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Bishop: A True Lover’s Story by A.E. Via: Quick Review

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At only thirty-two, Bishop Stockley has lived a hard-knock life. His gang was his family, the streets his home. Until the crew he’d always called his brothers betrayed him. After doing five years in a federal prison, Bishop is back at his dad’s trailer and working for his landscaping company, thrust into a legit world where he’s no longer the alpha—a world where a criminal record is the least of his disadvantages, because Bishop can’t read or write. Illiteracy had never been an obstacle for him on the streets, he didn’t need to know how to read Moby Dick to survive, he needed to know how to read people… and that was a hustle he’d learned hard and fast. Now, he had to change his life.

Bishop’s only support system was a young, inexperienced dad who’d insisted he call him Mike all their life—since they looked more like brothers than father and son. And his hot-tempered, childhood, best friend from ’juvie, Trent. Bishop already had the deck stacked against him, but he wasn’t afraid of hard work to change his situation, and he did want to change. Especially after he encountered Edison Scala, a kind-spirited office manager who didn’t hesitate to come to his defense… a man that saw past Bishop’s grass-stained coveralls. A man who wasn’t intimidated by his stern features and his silence.

Edison hadn’t grown up the way most of his peers had. He’d been raised by a single father who’d owned an old-fashioned barber shop where Edison was taught how to not only shave with a straight razor, and shine shoes, but also how to treat others, to not judge, to be a gentleman, to be respectful and speak without profanity. But, the biggest lesson he’d learned, was to always be himself. His lack of friends and a social life wasn’t his fault. No matter how much weight he gained, no matter how many times his staff called him a square, Edison did not need to change.

Bishop knew Edison was off-limits. He’d made personal vows to himself when he was released from prison, ones that he never intended to break. But, when Edison asked him about providing landscaping services at his home, there was no way he could refuse. He hadn’t expected Edison to feed him, praise him, encourage him, and look at him the way he did—as if Bishop was somebody. Mike and Trent warned him not to mix business with pleasure and he didn’t intend to.

No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a very, very HFN.
Warning:
This book is a M/M contemporary romance, a hardened man’s struggle to find real love. There are no police chases or doors being kicked in, in this one. But, don’t worry. Bishop is still intense enough to keep you on the edge.

Amazon

Yup, she did it again. AE Via is known for gritty, urban stories with alpha men and guns. This story strays from her norm but is no less than stellar.

Bishop is fresh out of prison and trying to make a new start. Living with and working for his father is an adjustment. They didn’t have a typical father/son relationship and because of that Bishop suffered.

Edison is like the perfect gentleman. He dressed and grooms impeccably, he rarely drinks, no drugs, no cursing…and no friends. His one friend was his father who died several years ago.

Bishop and Edison are the complete opposites and so perfect together. They were swoony. Bishop compliments Edison all of the time. How handsome he is, how he likes his suit, he cooking, his house. It’s so charming and not what you would expect from a guy who pretty much grew up on the streets and spent 5 years in prison.

Edison at first doesn’t understand what Bishop would see in him. A guy who has no friends, no social life and is a little squishy. But Bishop is attracted to the person, not the package. But he does find the package very appealing.

I found it so interesting that Bishop is pretty forthcoming with his criminal record and time in prison. What he is desperate to hide is his illiteracy.

One of Bishop’s co-workers tries to sabotage the relationship from the beginning. And even though Bishop doesn’t think he deserves Edison, he stands up for what he wants. Again, swoony.

Besides Bishop and Edison beginning a relationship, we also witness Bishop and his father Mike starting their relationship over.

There’s also some levity in the story with the banter between Bishop and his best friend Trent. They cracked me up. Bishop the big quiet guy and Trent the little spitfire. Their relationship is not one you always see represented well in books.

This is a very slow burn. I don’t think they even met each other for several chapters, let alone started seeing each other. But that just made it better.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

 

 

 

*** Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ***

Mr. Naughty List: A Gay Christmas Romance (Home for the Holidays Book 2) by Leta Blake: New Release Review

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A cute teacher gets a spanking this Christmas. How hot can it get being on his former student’s Naughty List?

Is Aaron allowed to want a hot holiday fling with his young former student? Even more forbidden, is he allowed to want this student to spank him?

It’s another Christmas, and Aaron is still in the closet as a gay man and a natural submissive. With one youthful indiscretion blacking his ethics record, he can’t afford to indulge his desires no matter how pent up and needy that leaves him.

Until his former student comes home for the holidays.

Dominant and charming, RJ knows what Aaron needs—intense, steamy encounters and a firm hand. As Christmas nears, RJ helps Aaron unlock his true self. But family and fallout await, and all good things must end.

Or can their hot holiday affair turn them into lasting lovers?

Mr. Naughty List is a steamy Christmas MM romance set in the Home for the Holidays series that began with Mr. Frosty Pants, but can be read as a standalone. Featuring light D/s, spanking, an older sub with a younger Dom, former student/teacher dynamics, and, of course, warm, sweet holiday feels complete with a strong happy ending.

Amazon

Most Christmas stories are on the shorter side. Not this one. You get a full length book.

It’s fun, sexy, dirty, a bit angsty and totally worth the read. I definitely liked the characters and the story itself more than the BDSM elements, well scenes, but that is just my opinion. I know Ms Blake has written several BDSM centered books, but this one didn’t totally jibe with me. Maybe lack of experience on both sides? Or not using proper instruments? A ruler- ok. But a braided belt not meant for spanking? Ehh..a little sketchy for me.

Back to the story though.

Aaron kowtows to his mother- also the principal of the school where he teaches. Because of her (and an indiscretion several years ago), he has to not only be on his best behavior, he also needs to stay in the closet. And he is ok with that. Until he isn’t.

RJ was a senior when Aaron was a first year teacher. The ink wasn’t even dry on his diploma when he took off to play guitar. In the 5 years since, he has a solid career touring as a back up guitarist for various bands. But his mother is remarried with twins and RJ comes home for Christmas.

RJ is out, proud and dominant. But, like I said, he hasn’t had that much real time practice. And he had a crush on Aaron during his senior year. He is willing to keep whatever it is with Aaron quiet to preserve his closet status because he is only home for Christmas.

I really liked the two guys with no long term expectations getting together. And slowly realizing independently that it is moving into more. Quickly. Poor Aaron needs love like no one’s business. And even though RJ doesn’t believe in love, he sure is willing to give it.

Watching them each trip over the labels they will use for each other, as well as what defines each label, is adorable. And even though their relationship was built on BDSM, RJ has no problem showing Aaron that it isn’t all he is after.

And then there is a sassy cat, a mom trying too hard, a mom not trying at all, a nosy best friend (I didn’t like her at all, sorry) and a step brother with a crush.

It’s a good story that didn’t feel overtly Christmasy because of the length, but still worth the read.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

 

*** Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ***