lgbtq

New Year Not You by Edie Montreux: New Release Review

December 5, 2021 by Denise

Last year, law student Brady Madison’s binge drinking left him naked, unconscious, and in trouble with the law. Now 350 days sober and with only two weeks to serve the last twelve hours of community service, Brady’s faced with another difficult choice: take an offer from the jerk who took the incriminating pics or spend the remaining hours in jail.

Tate Quinn’s snap judgment in Brady’s hotel room on New Year’s Eve ruined any chance he had of hooking up with Brady. Worse, his parents refuse to pay for another semester of grad school until he makes his mom’s New Year’s charity event a success.

Tate needs a volunteer to help him herd the cats, er, kids, at the New Year’s Eve afternoon party, and Brady has always been good with kids. Can they put aside their past anger and shame for six hours, or will these potential lovers turned enemies resolve to remain enemies in the new year?

New Year Not You is a 63k-word enemies to lovers M/M romance between a recovering alcoholic and a recovering man-child. This novel has an AA sponsor moonlighting as a DJ, a cold war between two moms, and two dudes who are not looking for true love (but find it anyway).

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This was a new to me author, but I liked the premise so I decided to jump in. Not bad. Definitely not great, but not bad.

Brady and Tate have been acquaintances since they were children in the same church. But because they went to different high schools- public versus private- they didn’t really travel in the same circles. But in college they are at the same party (we’ll get back to this) and Tate agrees to be Brady’s date to his parent’s New Year’s Eve party. Until a misunderstanding upends Brady’s life and he tells Tate to never speak to him again.

Nearly a year later they cross paths again. And the rest of the story is them finding their way back to each other through forgiveness. Forgiving each other and themselves. And while I found that story very sweet and I liked that it wasn’t instantaneous, there were just a lot of things that hampered it along the way for me.

There are a couple of smaller things that bugged me-overflowing shower? cracked marble? to bigger things- taking the Bar exam while still in law school. BEING in law school and studying for the Bar while doing community service hours. And OMG the New Year’s Rockin’ Afternoon party Tate throws at the library for 500 kids. FIVE HUNDRED KIDS? Come on. And Brady had been drinking and getting drunk at his party’s HUGE party since he was 15 and no one noticed or said anything?

I’m also a bit confused about the so called rivalry between Tate and Brady’s moms. It was really weird.

I definitely enjoyed Tate’s little sister and Brady’s sponsor. They definitely added to the story dynamic. I wanted more of the sponsor though. More of Brady struggling with sobriety.

So it was kind of cute, but some things were just too much for me to let go.

3 pieces of eye candy

Edie Montreux is demisexual and an ally for all aspects of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. She loves her husband, Queen, dogs, and video games. Edie works full-time to support her LGBTQ-fiction writing habit, but still finds time to walk the dogs and protect imaginary worlds from fantasy creatures.

You can find her online at https://ediemontreux.com. If you want to know more about Edie’s upcoming projects, join her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/t7b1x6.

Heart2Heart Volume 5 Cover Reveal

December 1, 2021 by Denise

Check out the stunning cover for the exciting upcoming
Heart2Heart Anthology: Volume 5

Coming January 2022

With Stories By AM Arthur, Daryl Banner, Tal Bauer, SE Harmon, Riley Hart, Kate Hawthorne, Lucy Lennox, EM Lindsey, Louisa Masters, Mia Monroe, Jodi Payne, Spencer Spears, K Webster, Neve Wilder, Alice Winters

Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered… what would happen if Heart2Heart, the dating and community app responsible for bringing together couples from all over the world, encouraged people to do something they’d never done before?

#NeverHaveIEver is trending on H2H, and fourteen authors who’ve never before appeared in a Heart2Heart anthology (and one who’s never left) have come together to show how funny, hot, and heartwarming it can be when H2H app users challenge themselves to do something outside of their comfort zones–from singing in public, to skinny dipping, to getting their first real kiss–while they manage to fall in love along the way.

As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!

And don’t forget: this volume of the anthology will only be available for 90 days, after which time it will never be offered again!

Pre-order Universal Link

All Proceeds Go To Charity

About the Heart2Heart Anthology Series:

Since 2018, and across four volumes, the Heart2Heart anthology has donated more than $100,000 USD to LGBTQ+ charities around the world. From large organizations such as Rainbow Railroad and the Trevor Project, to community programs like Kind Space and One-n-Ten, we’re honored to support their work.

A true passion project, Heart2Heart wouldn’t be possible without the incredible efforts and generosity of our support teams:

Cover design by Kelley Fox at Sleepy Fox Studios
Beta reading, editing, and proofreading by the team at LesCourt Author Services and other incredible volunteers
Promotion by Gay Romance Reviews
The readers who never fail to bring their creativity when offering suggestions to inspire the authors.

And of course, the author’s time and efforts and the organisational overlord of the project; Leslie Copeland.

As with previous editions of the anthology, we’re honored to be donating our net profits to three deserving charities.

More information on the Charities chosen for Volume 5:

PFLAG Canada

🌈 Pflag Canada is a national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children.

The “coming-out” process can be a critical time for families. When the adjustment period is particularly long or painful, relationships can become permanently damaged, resulting in a lifetime of emotional scars. People cannot always rise above the challenge of accepting themselves or their family members, and the results can be devastating, even fatal.

https://pflagcanada.ca/

CHEW Project

🌈 The CHEW Project’s vision is to provide frontline support, opportunities for health and wellness, and to help find hope for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and emerging adults facing barriers related to:

Mental health
Oppression
Poverty
Homelessness
Substance use
Sexual health
Sexual exploitation/sex work
And others

https://chewprojectyeg.org/

Pride Centre of Edmonton

🌈 The Pride Centre of Edmonton provides a non-judgmental, welcoming space where people of all attractions, identities, and expressions can be themselves, find support, meet new people, and be part of a caring community. The Centre offers resources, education, volunteer opportunities, counselling, and sensitive and expert information and referrals for those seeking help. The Centre also organizes programs to help improve the social, mental, and physical health of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

http://pridecentreofedmonton.ca/

These are all great Charities and we need to take care of our youth and the next generation. Love is Love. Be safe and kind. No one should have to suffer for who they are or who they love!!

For more on the Authors:

AM Arthur
FB: https://www.facebook.com/A.M.Arthur.M.A

Daryl Banner
IG: @darylbanner – FB: https://www.facebook.com/darylbanner

Tal Bauer
IG: @talbauerwrites – FB: https://www.facebook.com/tal.bauer.7

SE Harmon
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sylvia.harmon.94

Riley Hart
IG: @rileyhartwrites – FB: https://www.facebook.com/riley.hart.1238

Kate Hawthorne
IG: @kate.hawthorne – FB: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatehawthorne

Lucy Lennox
IG: @lucylennoxmm – FB: https://www.facebook.com/lucy.lennox.37

EM Lindsey
IG: @emlindseyauthor – FB: https://www.facebook.com/elaine.lindsey.5602

Louisa Masters
IG: @authorlouisam – FB: https://www.facebook.com/louisa.masters.31

Mia Monroe
IG: @miapensromance – FB: https://www.facebook.com/mia.monroe.359126

Jodi Payne
IG: @jodipayne1800 – FB: https://www.facebook.com/payne.jodi

Spencer Spears
IG: @spencerspearswrites – FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011781943689

K Webster
IG: @authorkwebster – FB: https://www.facebook.com/authorkwebster

Neve Wilder
IG: @nevewilder – FB: https://www.facebook.com/nevewilderwrites

Alice Winters
IG: @alicewintersauthor – FB: https://www.facebook.com/alice.winters.31105

Claim Me, Love Me by Jaiyde Thomas: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

December 1, 2021 by Denise

The only way to fall in love is to take the first step.

For Caleb, that first step leads to fear, violence, and the death of the only boy he’s ever loved. He won’t—can’t—admit who he is to himself. How could he ever share his deepest secrets with someone else?

Josaiah has known he was gay since he was seven. He’s experienced in more ways than one—with sex, with other men, and as a Dominant. But love is something he can’t accept or give, and he’s walled himself off from any kind of affection.

Can Caleb confront his ghosts and learn to love himself and his new Dom? Will Josaiah remember how to love, and be loved in turn? As Caleb and Josaiah take the first few steps toward each other, their pasts threaten to overwhelm their future

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

**NSFW**

“I licked over the slit repeatedly, then took his dick deeper into my throat. His thrusts told me that he wanted me to lie there and take it, but regardless, I was going to get mine! I grabbed Liam’s head as he began sucking hard, shoving my erect cock down his throat. He hummed appreciatively as it slid deeper, and I could feel the vibrations course through to my balls. Oh fuck, I’m about to explode! Moans and pants filled the air as we all reached our climax, and as soon as Cordell whispered his oncoming explosion, I suctioned onto his dick as if my life depended on it. At the same time, my balls were being rubbed and my dick was being sucked so ferociously that when the orgasm knocked the breath out of me, I “almost didn’t notice that we were all cumming at once. The moans and howls of pleasure faded to background noise as I floated on my own cloud of bliss, unaware of everything and everyone else.

Warm hands caressed my sweat-covered body, and I felt myself being cleaned. Then, I was lifted, and I smelled soap. I opened my eyes and smiled. These guys are taking care of me. I waited patiently as my face was washed and my dick, balls, asshole, and chest were wiped clean. Finally, someone handed me a cup of water, and I sipped it slowly, not liking the bland taste.

Jaiyde Thomas is a lover of words and languages. Though her heart is in Alabama, she was born and raised in Ohio. Her first experience with gay romance was when she offered to beta read her friend’s novel. Since then, she’s been hooked on the genre. Her inspirations are Gianni Holmes, K. C. Wells, and Parker Williams, and their books are the reason why Jaiyde started writing.
She loves a good story with complex characters, steamy sex scenes, and happily ever afters. Claim Me, Love Me is her first novel.
Please consider leaving a review, and to follow the author, visit these links:
https://jaiydethomasbooks.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/jaiyde.thomas2142
https://twitter.com/jaiyde_thomas
https://www.instagram.com/jaiyde_thomas

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Metal Heart (Metal & Magic, Book 1) by Michelle Frost: Cover Reveal, Exclusive Book Excerpt and Giveaway

November 30, 2021 by Denise

When stray human Matthew wanders into Black Dog shifter pack territory, he’s injured and vulnerable. The last thing Matthew expects is for the pack’s alpha to be the home he’s always been looking for.

Bram can’t believe his nose when the trespasser his enforcers drop at his feet turns out to be something entirely different. Nursing Matthew back to health becomes Bram’s priority, but the pack isn’t thrilled to have a human in their midst.

When the pack gives them an ultimatum—either Matthew joins the pack in truth or leaves—the only question is, if he decides not to stay, will Bram be able to let him go?

Metal Heart is the first novel in the Metal and Magic series, a dystopian urban fantasy romance filled with magic, adventure, and the perils of being human in a supernatural world.

Metal Heart (Metal & Magic, Book 1)

By Michelle Frost

Amazon Pre-Order

GoodReads

“Hey,” he said, gently gripping my chin and bringing my eyes back to his. “Nothing has to be decided today. You still need to rest and heal. Or if…”—he pulled in a deep breath—“if you know that this is in no way what you want, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go and do what I can to help you make a fresh start. Do you have family waiting for you? Would you rather be on the West Coast where it’s warmer? Whatever you want, Matthew. If I can give it to you, it’s yours.”

I furrowed my eyebrows and gave a tiny shake of my head. “There’s no family waiting for me. They’d been gone a long time before I was taken. What did you mean commit to mate? You said as soon as you smelled me you knew I was your mate, is that not always the case?” I wanted to understand what this felt like for him. He made it sound like only shifters could feel or smell when they’d met their mates, but I’d been feeling something—a yearning—for him almost from the moment we’d met as well.

“Mates aren’t like some fairytale where there’s only one person in the world who’s perfect for you. It’s just like with humans. Why is one human infinitely more attractive to someone than another? Shifters have heightened senses, especially smell. It’s pheromones.” He winked. “And maybe a little magic, but when we’ve met someone who could be our mate, the animal in us knows. When I was a child my mother told me I could be attracted and compatible with many people in my life, but when I found a person who could truly be my mate, my bear would let me know. I’d never truly believed her until you. Committing to making you my mate means that all others, even compatible ones, from here on out will fade into the background. Much like a human vowing to forsake all others when they marry. Only in a more literal sense. No one will appeal to me the way you do. Shifters tend to mate for life.”

Despite the cruelty I’d endured. Despite being tossed aside by the people who were supposed to love me. Despite my own good common sense, I believed him. Which scared me more than anything. My fingers played in the short hairs on the back of his head. “What happens if I decide to stay the two weeks, and then say no to the mating?”

He nodded a little like he understood my hesitation, but his eyes didn’t quite hide their flash of disappointment before his steely resolve returned. “I’ll make good on my promises, Matthew, no matter what you decide. If we’re standing under the full moon and you change your mind, I’ll take you wherever you want to go and help you get settled.”

“Would it hurt you very badly?” I whispered before I’d thought it through.

His green gaze never left mine. His jaw ticked. “I would recover.”

My heart clenched. The part of my brain still trapped in the cramped, dank cell at the lab was ready to tell him I was leaving whether he agreed to help me or not. Of course, the other parts of me were ready for him to bite me over breakfast. So, a compromise. It would be stupid to turn down two weeks of shelter and food. I could heal. I could rest. Bram was adamant I’d be protected, and gods help me, I believed him. “I’ll stay two weeks and give you my decision the night before the full moon. Fair?”

His green eyes shone with tentative hope. “Fair.”Stories have always been Michelle Frost‘s escape. Even as a kid, she can remember writing stories featuring her favorite cartoon characters. Now, her characters are a little more grown up, as are the stories she likes to tell. A self-proclaimed coffee addict and a bit of an introvert, she can most likely be found with her nose in a book.

Connect with Michelle:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EiJHpS
Website/Newsletter: https://www.michellefrostwrites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellefrostwrites/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrostfiles/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/michelle-frost
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17778116.Michelle_Frost
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No Take Backs (Zone Defense Book 1) by Becca Seymour: New Release Book Blitz with Giveaway

November 29, 2021 by Denise

Some things you can’t take back.

If you say those words, get caught glancing at his bulge, or share a heated kiss, it’s game over. The “no take backs” rule strikes, and there’s no way you can backtrack.

That’s the way it’s always been with me and Nate Griffin, my old best friend who thought he could change the rules.

It doesn’t matter that time and distance have pulled us apart. I’ve finally figured myself out and yanked my head out of my backside. Now, if only I can drag myself out of the closet and be the man I want to be for Nate…

But I’m a pro basketball player who has no desire to be a poster boy. Not only that, Nate and I don’t even live in the same country.

Nate, big-hearted guy he is, takes it all in his stride, and I can’t help but wonder if just maybe he’s too good for me. But hell if I can resist him.

It all boils down to: Do I want to take anything back when it comes to Nate Griffin?

Author: Becca Seymour

Book: No Take Backs

Release Date: November 10th, 2021

Series: Zone Defense Book 1

Genre: M/M Romance

Cover Designer: Booksmith Design

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Becca Seymour is the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series, having sold more than seventy thousand copies of book one in the series so far. Known for “steamy and endearing” and “emotionally profound love stories” (InD’tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, Becca’s life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

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Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas Series Book 2) by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

November 29, 2021 by Denise

In need of work and a change of scenery, Aussie ex-pat Jayden Turner agrees to a short-term chef position at a Bed and Breakfast over the Christmas holidays. After all, how hard could it be in a small town in the mountains of Montana? What he finds is a grand old house in a beautiful town, and his new boss is gorgeous, gay, and single.

After his divorce, Carter “Cass” Campion bought his great-aunt’s rundown country manor in his home town, and he’s determined to get it ready for the busy holiday period. Recently out as gay, he’s been focused solely on his business and hasn’t had time for a man. Not that many gay men come through Hartbridge . . .

As his new clients arrive, and being away from his two kids, celebrating Christmas is the last thing on Cass’s mind. But his new chef has other ideas. And if there’s one thing on his Christmas Wish List this year, Jayden can make it come true.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I loved last year’s Tic-Tac-Mistletoe and was very happy to hear that there would be a second Christmas book in the same adorable town.

Jayden is supposed to work at a B&B in Hartbridge for a week. That is the first week, which includes Christmas, that Cass will have his B&B open. Simple dimple, right? HA!

Jayden is immediately enamored with the town. It’s pretty much a Hallmark movie come to life. And the story of Jayden and Cass is a Hallmark movie in book form.

Jayden is out, proud and confident. Cass is newly out, divorced and pretty scared. They are perfect for each other.

Jayden and Hamish (from book 1) immediately connect as they are both Australian ex-pats. Jayden even makes Hamish realize he was being silly in holding a grudge against Cass.

Jayden and Cass just work together as a couple. They balance each other out so well. And I think that this may be the first time I have ever read in a book when one main character has children and the other main character wonders what kind of father he is. It was just a nice touch, I thought.

This story is a perfect Christmas treat. So sweet, schmoopy and Christmasy

4.5 pieces of eye candy

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at: