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Cookies by Teodora Kostova: Blog Tour and Review

April 23, 2016 by Denise

I went to war, running away from myself. I came back in pieces to find out who I really was…

It took me nearly ten years, two tours in Afghanistan and losing a leg to come to terms with who I really am.

Two years after coming back from war, I can say that I’m finally content. I’m as fit as ever, my prosthetic leg allowing me the freedom to move and exercise as if nothing has changed. I own a small bakery in the centre of Cambridge, and I have a loyal circle of friends that I can always count on.

And yet…

Yet, there’s something missing. A part of me craves the intimacy, the deep connection to another human being. But another – bigger – part of me is terrified of letting anyone in.

My internal conflict didn’t stand a chance when I met Jay. He stormed through my defence walls like a hurricane, wrapping around me with gentle force until I had no choice but to surrender.

Surrendering has never felt so good.

Will Jay want to stay when he sees the real me? When he sees the nightmares and insecurities clawing at my soul? When he realises the burden I come with may be heavier than we both can carry?

My name is Amir Gopal and this is my story.

Amazon

denise review

My favorite thing about Teodora Kostova’s books is that they are about real people, living their lives, despite whatever hard things they have gone through, they have lives that they are trying to live, and hopefully love will come to these men in the process.

These two men, one imperfect physically and emotionally from his time at war, and one who really had an all around perfect start in his life, who wanted to love this perfect-for-him man.

Quite often books that have characters returned from war have PTSD, and it is a HUGE part of the story. And in some ways it was. Amir, “Cookie”, suffered from it, after losing a leg, and being taken down in a building. Yet, that wasn’t the primary focus here. Yes, he had bouts of it, and he did try to shield Jay from the worst of it, but he was working through it, taking it day by day, building a life, a business, and soon a relationship. The story was more about finding life and love AFTER traumatic events than the re-telling of the fresh from the war difficulties. A fresh baked version of a difficult story, no matter how it is told.

Seeing how Jay reacted to the world Amir lived in, his PTSD, his volunteering at the veterans home, was wonderful. He was able to incorporate his creativity, as well as his connections, and help where Amir couldn’t help any more. His love for Amir made him want to help those that needed help.

I loved seeing Amir focus on expanding his business, wanting to try new things, and not being stuck in a depression that he couldn’t come out of. Although I realize that is how many injured vets return home from war, it is not that way for all, and reading it from that perspective was fresh. Again, it allowed for these men to be living their lives, even if Amir was afraid to love.

Next time, the author needs to put some of these recipes in the book. Just saying. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy.

meet the author

Hi, my name is Teodora and I live in London with my husband and my son. I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, but it became my full time job a few years ago when I decided that everything else I’ve tried bores me to death and I have to do what I’ve always wanted to do, but never had the guts to fully embrace. I’ve been a journalist, an editor, a personal assistant and an interior designer among other things, but as soon as the novelty of the new, exciting job wears off, I always go back to writing. Being twitchy, impatient, loud and hasty are not qualities that help a writer, because I have to sit alone, preferably still, and write for most of the day, but I absolutely love it. It’s the only time that I’m truly at peace and the only thing I can do for more than ten minutes at a time – my son has a bigger attention span than me.
When I’m procrastinating, I like to go to the gym, cook Italian meals (and eat them), read, listen to rock music, watch indie movies and True Blood re-runs. Or, in the worst case scenario, get beaten at every Nintendo Wii game by a very inventive kid.

Don’t be shy and get in touch – I love connecting with my readers.
Blog: www.teodorakostova.blogspot.com
Twitter: @Teodora_Kostova https://twitter.com/Teodora_Kostova
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teodorakostovaauthor
E-mail: t.t.kostova@gmail.com
Instagram: teodorika1

Believing Blue by Nicole Colville : Release Day Blitz with Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

April 22, 2016 by Denise

Believing Blue

Manchester Ménage Collection, Book Three

Nicole Colville

M/M Romance

Cover Designer

Kellie Dennis from Book Cover by Design www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk/

Release Date: 04.21.16

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1U93yxf

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1MLnIM5

Believing Blue Full cover

Is there a fated path we follow, or is it simply a series of coincidental events?

Police officer Kellan Howard is rumoured to have spent too much time in sub-zero temperatures, leaving him with a block of ice for a heart and women lining up to help thaw it. Mountain climbing is his only love, leaving no time for a relationship, and although meaningless sex satisfies his physical need, it’s empty. When he attends a fatal traffic accident, he didn’t expect his entire life to change. Along with a final message, Kellan is offered something else from the dying man: the chance to fall in love. Kellan’s never considered being with a man, but when he meets Valentino, he’s instantly drawn to him.

Suffering from crippling agoraphobia, talented Italian artist Valentino has a solitary existence, only experiencing life outside the house through his partner Stuart. When their relationship comes to an abrupt end, Kellan helps ease his suffering. A deep bond binds the two men together, and the sexual tension can’t be denied, but Valentino questions if the distance between their very different lives is too much, and if they can bridge the gap by themselves.

Ballet dancer Blue has a vibrant personality which demands attention, but his humour and courageous attitude are a shield. Blue’s good at making others believe in themselves, but what he needs is someone to believe in him. He could be the bridge both men are looking for, but Blue’s never allowed anyone to get too close, and when Kellan and Valentino enter his life, he desperately tries to protect his heart and his secrets.

When all three meet, the chemistry is undeniable, but each have fears about moving forwards. Together, they learn love comes in many forms. It can’t be restrained or labelled, and it doesn’t always appear in the way you first imagined

blue promo

Valentino barked out a laugh. “Bel ragazzo, these are not sexual. They’re admiring. Trust me, if I touched you sexually, you’d know about it.” He began tracing those swirls on Blue’s leggings again, even more provocatively than the last time, or maybe Blue was just more aware of the touches. “I’m a devoted slave worshipping you. A poor acolyte tending to your altar.”

Blue rolled his eyes. “Look, if you were my boss, and I was some sexy over worked, under paid assistant, and you went around the office touching me up like that — No, wait, that’s actually a fantasy of mine. Lemme pick another. So, you’re a teacher, Italian classes obviously, and I’m your student—”

Valentino cupped his ass and squeezed. “That’s one of mine, pick another.”

Blue huffed, not instantly removing his hand, but letting him get in one more grope before slapping his hand away. “Look, what I’m saying is—”

“You enjoy it,” Valentino whispered against his neck and gave his ass another slap as he passed by.

“That’s not the point.” Blue followed him around, fluttering closely to him like an attention-seeking butterfly, or peacock as his outfit declared.

“It’s pretty obvious we’re attracted to each other,” Valentino stated matter-of-factly, like he’d just found out it was raining and decided to share the good news.

“Is it now?”

“Yes.” Valentino pointed to the podium where his uncomfortable chair waited for him. “Now sit, Bel ragazzo.”

Blue sat down with loud sigh. “Fine.”

After he’d got himself into the approved position, perched uncomfortably on the edge with his butt sticking out, his spine curved dangerously close to snapping and his right leg extended, he gave one last epic eye roll and tried to concentrate on being still. And quiet. And not bored. And…

“What does…” He paused, trying to get it right in his head before he cocked it up verbally. “Bel ragazzo mean?”

Valentino was fiddling with his arty stuff behind him. “It’s Italian.”

“I guessed that, numbnut. But what does it mean?”

“Pain in the arse.” Valentino chuckled.

“It does not.” Blue stuck his tongue out. “I’m Googling it later.”

“You do that. What does numbnut mean?”

“The meaning is kinda in the word itself. Numb nut. Get it?”

“I’ve never heard that before.”

“Well, I’m doing my part for the Slang Terminology European Vocabulary International Exchange, also known as STEVIE.”

Valentino was laughing as he walked to Blue, making a few tiny adjustments to his position, placing his arm further back on the chair, tilting his head back a little and extended his throat. “That must be a fun job. What’s STEVIE like to work for?”

“Oh, amazing. He doesn’t touch me up or anything.” He flashed Valentino a wink.

Welcome to the home of bittersweet M/M romances which will leave you craving more

Nicole Colville was born and currently lives in Leeds, England. She is a wife to her very understanding hubby and mother of two young girls who somehow manages to fit in being a full time author of m/m romance and erotica into her busy home life.

She loves writing complex characters in bittersweet romances which will leave you addicted and craving more from her men

Although best known for her popular series, Hidden and Knights to Remember, she also enjoys writing with friend, and fellow author, E.M Leya. Together they have published two books in their Sinful Temptation Collection with more planned.

Her new ménage collection based in the popular city of Manchester, England is her first solo full length novel outside of The Hidden Series and has three books planned for release in 2015 & 2016.

Facebook

www.facebook.com/The.Hidden.Series.Nicole.Colville

www.facebook.com/nicole.colville.the.hidden.series

Amazon

http://amzn.to/1TnIzUY

Twitter

twitter.com/NikkieColville

Goodreads

www.goodreads.com/author/show/7045302.Nicole_Colville

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Dare to Hope by TM Smith: Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

April 21, 2016 by Denise

Dare to Hope

an All Cocks Story book 4

Virtual book tour

Tristan is the second oldest of the Brennan brothers and the odd man out. Most of the Brennan men have careers in law enforcement, but as a psychiatrist, Tristan chooses to help people in a different way. Quiet and restrained, he is content to hover in the background of his more gregarious brothers. Then he meets two men, each broken and damaged from losses beyond their control.

Gabriel Simenson is mourning his lover’s death. The random act of violence that took Gio’s life has left everyone at All Cocks reeling. The only thing keeping Gabe from drowning in misery is the friendship he’s forged with Micah, the newest model at All Cocks. He continues to struggle, and at the urging of his All Cocks family Gabe agrees to counseling with Tristan under one condition: Micah t go with him.

Micah Solo can relate to unbearable loss, having lost his leg and so much more in Iraq. The past two years he has been alone, adrift and vulnerable — the memories of war haunting his dreams, spilling over into his daily life. At All Cocks, Micah has found the acceptance he craves and the family he lost, but still he yearns for happiness and peace within.

The friendship between the three is instant, the mutual attraction evident. They circle each other, wanting more, yet unsure if it is truly possible. Is life the mundane reality they’ve each come to accept for themselves or do they dare to hope?

The All Cocks Stories is a series set within the world of online gay porn.

*Warning* Micah’s PTSD is told in detail, including flashbacks to his time in Iraq.

Grab your copy now!

This story was so brilliant. I absolutely adored Tristan, Gabriel, and Micah. I thought TM Smith did a wonderful job creating this threesome. Unlike so many other MMM books that I have read she did a wonderful job balancing these three characters. She did a wonderful job of creating characters that drew you and made you feel what they felt. The story itself was very well done. Each characters story was told very well and the entire book flowed. This series keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait for more.

5 pieces of eye candy

“There you are.” Gabe bounded down the stairs, stopping and hugging Micah when he reached the step just above the one Micah stood on. “Tristan and I were waiting for you, thought you might like to go into the city with us for dinner.”

Micah’s first thought was to refuse, but the excited look in Gabe’s eyes made him rethink that. “All right, I guess, just let me go change first.”

It didn’t take him long to change and head back downstairs, finding Gabe and Tristan waiting on the porch for him. Just before he walked out the kitchen door, he heard Gabe talking quietly to Tristan. “I think getting out will do him some good; he rarely leaves the house and that can’t be good for his mood.”

Micah froze with his hand on the door knob. Of course his gut reaction was to deny every word Gabe had just uttered, to tell the man to fuck off and ask why the hell the two of them were talking about him. How dare they feel fucking sorry for him! Closing his eyes and taking a few deep, calming breaths, Micah shook off the need to rush to anger, telling that devil on his shoulder that Gabe and Tristan were his friends, only concerned about his well-being.

He jerked the door open a little harder than he probably should have, stepping out on the porch and letting the screen door slam shut behind him. The loud bang didn’t affect Micah the same when he was causing the noise as it did when he didn’t know the sound was coming. Gabe and Tristan both jumped to their feet. “Fuck a duck, Micah!” Gabe shouted. “You trying to give a guy a heart attack?”

Read the other books in the All Cocks Series…

Gay for Pay – Book 1

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | Amazon FR

Fame and Fortune – Book 2

How to Deal – Book 3

All Cocks Series Box Set

FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon AU

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia;
TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now
calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or
ticking away on her next novel.

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and
decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is
passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people,
Love is Love!

Website | Blog | Facebook Author | Facebook All Cocks

Twitter | Pinterest | Youtube

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Wyatt’s Recipes for Wooing Rock Stars by Nacht and Euclid: Release Day Review

April 20, 2016 by Denise

Wyatt Parker has a good life—he owns his own construction company, his own house, and he eats home-cooked meals every day. But cooking for one while watching the foodie network is more than lonely. When he learns about an upcoming reality show centered on becoming the personal chef for his favorite rock star, Wyatt leaps at the chance to audition.

Tully Randolph is the drummer for the band Unusual Potatoes. With a chef for a mom, love of good food runs in the family. When he’s asked to host a cooking competition, he’s all in—especially after he meets Wyatt, who is just the kind of big, hairy guy who gets Tully’s juices flowing. With a heart as big as he is, Wyatt wows Tully with his skills in the kitchen… and in the bedroom.

But if their relationship is found out, Wyatt could be drummed out of the competition—and out of Tully’s life. All the ingredients for a happy future are in front of them, and they just need to figure out how to bring everything together.

Title: Wyatt’s Recipes for Wooing Rock Stars
Authors: Clancy Nacht and Thursday Euclid
Release Date: April 20, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: TBC (Novella)

Amazon

ARe

Dreamspinner Press

I was super excited to read this novella. I loved the idea of two people meeting via a reality TV show, and actually falling in love and finding their HEA. Wyatt’s Recipes was that book, with Wyatt being a big, shy bear and Tully a sweet drummer from his favorite rock band. Tully fell for Wyatt right away, while Wyatt went onto the show with his heart open, crushing on Tully for years.

I loved the reality TV piece, enjoying reading how the competitions brought out the good in Wyatt, and the not so good in others. I was excited to see how the book would bring it all together into a satisfying ending.

However, although I did enjoy their relationship, and Wyatt and Tully’s HEA, the backstory of the book left me a bit confused, and unsatisfied. The resolution on the reality show was abrupt, and felt somewhat forced off the rails. It felt like the book was rolling along, and (small spoilers here) then suddenly the reality show was done and lawsuits happened. Then you didn’t know what really happened to the “bad guys”, other than they basically got what they wanted. There was no resolution after a (again small spoiler) d*ck pic was sent, and the host was the one who gave the number out. These things felt so out of character with what I expected from the book that it was jarring, and took what I felt could have been a 4.5 star down to the 3.5.

I loved the relationship between these men who really had so very much in common it was destined that they should be together, and that kept me going to the end. I would actually hope for a follow up to this book with more of those two sweet men, along with what actually happened behind the scenes. There were just too many unanswered questions, unresolved issues otherwise.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Old Town New by BA Tortuga : Release Day Review

April 20, 2016 by Denise

Danny Avers is a teacher in small town Colorado. Back in the day, before high-speed Internet, social media, smartphones, or streaming anything, Danny’s just trying to live down his wild teenage years and carry on the only way he knows how: one day at a time. The last person he expects to see back in town is Harlan Quinn, his old best friend and former consummate bad boy. And when he finds out Quinn is the new sheriff and his new neighbor, it’s even more of a shock.

Quinn knows there’s more to his old hometown than meets the eye. There’s more to Danny than old memories and quiet living too. But as in the past, stirring things up is Quinn’s specialty, and he sets out to do that, in more ways than one, pushing Danny to admit there’s more to life and that their old town just might manage to be new again. That’s if old town thinking doesn’t get them both killed.

Title: Old Town New
Author: BA Tortuga
Release Date: April 20, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: TBC (Novella)

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

ARe

BA Tortuga is new find for me, I’ve only read one other book of hers. I absolutely love that this book takes place in a small town before smart phones and wifi were the norm, sometimes a great story is lost in the technology.

Harlan Quinn comes back to town after 10 years away as the new Sheriff. Danny Avers his old friend and high school boyfriend lives right across the street from the Sheriff’s new rental house. The two pick up their friendship as soon as they see each other, both having reasons for staying in the closet in a small town.

Danny is just living each day the same as the last, work as a history teacher at the high school by day and recluse by night. A tragic accident 10 years ago left Danny with a broken body that will never be completely mended and 5 dead friends. Small town thinking has everyone playing the blame game and Danny is just trying to survive and not drown beneath the guilt and accusations.

Danny and Quinn decide together that they need to stop paying for past sins so they can pave a future together as long as Quinn’s current case doesn’t get them killed first.

I loved it! As much drama and guilt as Danny and Quinn were experiencing their romantic relationship seemed effortless. It was beautiful to watch it unfold. As all the crap from Quinn’s job rained down on them they came together as a united front, never tearing each other down.

I loved the touch of mystery that Quinn’s job added to the story without taking it over. But most of all I loved how strong Danny was, his body may be broken but his spirit never would be.

Great read. I will be adding this to my re-read list.

5 pieces of eye candy

Selfie by Amy Lane : Blog tour, Review and Giveaway

April 19, 2016 by Denise

One year ago, actor Connor Montgomery lost the love of his life to a drunk driver. But what’s worse for Connor is what he still has: a lifetime of secrets born of hiding his relationship from the glare of Hollywood. Unable to let go of the world he and Vinnie shared, Connor films a drunken YouTube confession on the anniversary of Vinnie’s death.

Thankfully, the video was silent—a familiar state for Connor—so his secret is still safe. He needs a fresh start, and a new role on the hit TV show Wolf’s Landing might be just that.

The move to Bluewater Bay may also mean a second chance in the form of his studio-assigned assistant. Noah Dakers sees through Connor’s facades more quickly than Connor could imagine. Noah’s quiet strength and sarcastic companionship offers Connor a chance at love that Hollywood’s closet has never allowed. But to accept it, Connor must let Vinnie go and learn to live again.

**For the Selfie blog tour, Amy Lane has written a few monologues from Vinnie’s video blog, set prior to the crash that takes his life. These monologues, performed by Nick J. Russo of Dark Night Sound, correspond to scenes or memories referenced by Connor in Selfie, giving you a unique look at this off-screen character.

Please visit http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/selfie and select the extras tab for all six monologues, which will be updated there as they are published.

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

I never know what to expect from an Amy Lane book. Sometimes I walk away with just a general feeling of happiness and joy, other times, I’ve used an entire box of tissues, and still want to curl up in a ball on the couch. Selfie was somewhere in between. Connor and Noah put the pieces of my heart back together again, after my heart felt so sad from Connor’s grief over losing Vinnie.

Noah, clearly one of the most patient and loving man ever, was willing to wait for Connor to finish grieving, and even was willing to take a backseat to Vinnie’s ghost. What kind of man could be so selfless, and put himself out there for that kind of potential heartache? Yet, he did, and he was supportive of Connor, no matter what happened.

It seemed that Connor’s biggest issue was not necessarily his grief of Vinnie, but not being able to express his grief to anyone but his agent. Not Vinnie’s family, not the world that saw the movie star, even initially not to Noah. That allowed his grieving process to not even begin until the anniversary of Vinnie’s death, when he began to blow it all out of the water.

And let’s not forget Vinnie’s “ghost”, who we find out was not the saint that he originally is seen as. Vinnie was a fairly selfish man, who loved a man who was willing to give up everything to have a chance at their happiness. His ghost was a bit selfish as well. But in the end, he goes away quietly, after a difficult goodbye with Connor.

My heart broke for Connor having to go through all this, and for Noah who had to watch from the sidelines, and could only be supportive. But thank goodness it’s an Amy Lane novel, so there is an HEA!!!

There were a couple loose ends I would have loved to see tied up a little more neatly, but in real life, those likely would not have been tied up anyway, so sometimes you have to let things go.

Definitely recommend. And I would like to re-read this, from the point of view of knowing Vinnie and his ways. I wonder if my read will be a different feeling…

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Amy Lane exists happily with her noisy family in a crumbling suburban crapmansion, and equally happily with the surprisingly demanding voices who live in her head.

She loves cats, movies, yarn, pretty colors, pretty men, shiny things, and Twu Wuv, and despises house cleaning, low fat granola bars, and vainglorious prickweenies.

She can be found at her computer, dodging housework, or simultaneously reading, watching television, and knitting, because she likes to freak people out by proving it can be done.

Connect with Amy:

Website: com
Blog: blogspot.com
Twitter: @amymaclane
Facebook group: Amy Lane Anonymous
Goodreads: com/amymaclane

About Nick J. Russo

Nick J. Russo has been a professional performer for over a decade, but has been voicing audio books for the past few years. He has voiced several titles throughout the romance, sci-fi, supernatural, and thriller genres, and has recently started his very own sound studio; Dark Night Sound. On top of voice acting, Russo manages Dark Night Sound with his fiance and works with a staff of four up and coming narrators. In his free time, Russo is a drummer in a pop/rock cover band, loves to travel, and dreams of one day being able to voice a role in an animated comedy series.

To celebrate the release of Selfie, one lucky person will receive e-copies of Amy’s entire backlist with Riptide, and an Amy Lane t-shirt. Leave a comment to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 23, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!