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Love Me Tenor (Perfect Harmony Book 2) by Annabeth Albert: New (Re-)Release Review

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Their fake relationship may trick the viewers—and also themselves…

Trevor Daniels is out of chances. The recent college graduate doesn’t know what to do with his life, and going back home to his family is no longer an option. The one thing he can do though is sing. A chance to be on a reality show designed to find the next superstar boy band group may be exactly what he needs to turn his life around.

But the show wants him to fake a relationship. With another guy. A really, really hot guy who is none too happy to be paired with Trevor. And now they have to room together too?

Jalen Smith doesn’t want to be stuck with the uptight tenor, but he might have no choice. He too wants a shot at stardom, and if he has to fake attraction, then so be it. Except as the show goes on, less and less faking is needed, and more and more lust is springing up off camera.

But Trevor’s hiding a dangerous secret, one that could ruin more than their chances at winning the show. Can the truth give them the opportunity of a lifetime?

Love Me Tenor was previously published. This version has received a light editing update, but otherwise it’s the same fan-favorite story. Contains two reluctant allies faking a relationship, fake boyfriend hijinks, bunkbed escapades, first time feel, plenty of steam, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

The second book in a series of 3 that were rereleased by the author.

Another singing competition, this time trying to create a boy band. We met Trevor in the last book as the best friend of Lucas. Since then, Trevor has come out of the closet and been disowned by his family. With no where- literally- to go, he reluctantly agrees to be part of a group competing to be the next big boy band.

Like the previous, perhaps a little dated in the concept of singing competitions and boy bands. But it was still kind of fun. Fake boyfriends, real boyfriends who are eerily alike, religious zealot parents all while being recorded almost 24/7.

We definitely get to see another side of Trevor, mostly because he assume Jalen is straight. I did like that those stereotypes were challenged. Just because Jalen looks like this, doesn’t mean he is straight. Jalen did cause a bit of unnecessary angst by not just coming clean, but that’s a bit understandable too.

The story was definitely more in the house and their everyday life rather than the competition, but we still follow that as well. Although there are only 3 groups competing and, again, a bit stereotyped. But with the addition of social media and how important it is for competitions like this, it was fun.

Cute read, especially if you are a fan of singing competitions.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

 An Echo in the Sorrow (Soulbound 6) by Hailey Turner: Cover Reveal and Excerpt

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Forgiveness is a hollow prayer you only hear in your dreams.

 Patrick Collins has spent years handling cases as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency, even as his secret standing in the preternatural world has changed. He should have confessed to his role as co-leader of the New York City god pack when he and Jonothon de Vere took up the mantle months ago, but he didn’t. Now that split loyalty will cost him at a time when he can least afford it.

 Outmaneuvered, framed for murder, and targeted by the Dominion Sect, Patrick has to face a past full of lies to regain his freedom. Revealing the truth means he’ll need to give up the life that has defined him. Everything he’s fought to build with his pack is at stake, and losing them isn’t a price Patrick is willing to pay, but some choices aren’t his to make.

 Jono knows they can’t cede any more territory if they want to win the god pack civil war spilling into the streets of New York City. But the souls of werecreatures are free for the taking when demons come to town and angels sing a warning no one can ignore. When Jono’s worst fear comes to life, and he loses the one person he can’t live without, the only option left is to fight.

 Facing down the demons of their past and the ones in their present, Patrick and Jono will learn the hard way that some sins never wash away clean.

 An Echo in the Sorrow is a 118k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot. It is a direct sequel to On the Wings of War. Reading the first book in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.

Title: An Echo in the Sorrow

Series: Soulbound 6

Publisher: Self-published

Release Date (Print & Ebook/Audio): March 1, 2021

Length (Print & Ebook/Audio):  117,943 words

Subgenre: LGBTQ Urban Fantasy

Warnings: None

Cover artist: AngstyG LLC

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

 

Jono bit lightly at his bottom lip, the faint sting making Patrick’s cock twitch with interest. “Not going anywhere. Won’t let you go either.”

Patrick couldn’t bring himself to voice the fear that he might, and so kissed Jono again, because that was better than thinking about everything in his life he couldn’t control. Jono let Patrick set the pace of the kiss—quick and hard, needy in a way Patrick only ever was with him.

Jono responded with just as much want, but the touch of his hands was careful and soothing against Patrick’s body. One slid down his thigh and curled around the back of his knees to hike his leg over Jono’s hip, pulling them flush together. Their cocks slid against each other, and the dry friction drew a groan from Patrick.

“Gonna make a mess of you,” Jono promised.

Patrick hummed agreement, in no way capable of arguing against that. Jono had fucked him every single day since he’d been released from prison. Patrick couldn’t smell the scent of Jono on his own skin, but he didn’t care. It was a mark that he was pack, and he’d never say no to that or to Jono.

They both had a day packed with meetings, but in the soft morning light of their bedroom, their responsibilities faded away in favor of slow kisses, shared breath, and the warm slide of Jono’s slick fingers jacking them both off together. It was easy and warm and gentle, Jono in no hurry even when Patrick pressed biting kisses against his collarbone.

Hailey Turner is a big city girl who spoils her cats rotten and has a demanding day job that she loves, but not as much as she loves writing. She’s been writing since she was a young child and enjoys reading almost as much as creating a new story.

Connect with Hailey Turner: 

Newsletter:  You can keep up with Hailey’s future projects by joining her newsletter, where you can instantly download several free short stories:  http://bit.ly/HaileyTurnerNews

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

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/haileyturnerwrites/

Facebook Profile:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014824811406

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/hailey-turner

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

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/haileyturnerwriter/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16473068.Hailey_Turner

Website:  www.haileyturner.com

Charisma Check by Charlie Novak: RB, Excerpt and Giveaway

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Hatred is complicated, clothing is simple—Edward doesn’t need a man, and he certainly doesn’t need cosplayer and tattoo artist, Izzy Montes, AKA The Masked Gentleman, Edward’s ultimate nemesis.

Edward and Izzy have been antagonising each other for over three years. Their rivalry is fierce, and Edward is determined to keep Izzy at arm’s length. Which would be all well and good… if they weren’t engaging in a secret, heated hook-ups.

Forced to appear together at a film premier in LA, Edward is determined to get in and out with minimal damage to his reputation… and his heart. But Izzy Montes proves to be a complication Edward couldn’t have predicted. Biting, funny, and charming in equal measure, he’s the one man Edward needs to loathe.

He’s also the one man Edward can’t get out of his mind.

Not that Izzy plans on letting him.

Charisma Check is a 80,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring comic conventions, snark, many costume changes, and only one bed. It is book two in the Roll for Love series and should be read as part of the series.

Charisma Check by Charlie Novak

Roll for Love, Book Two

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Izzy

“What the fuck are you watching?” Edward asked. He’d removed his boots and shirt, leaving him in just a pair of dark, tight-fitting jeans. Desire pulsed through me at the sight of him. His chest was lean and pale, almost vampiric, with sharp hipbones that disappeared into his waistband. It was funny; Edward wasn’t really my type, but maybe it was the fact I was horny and there was just something about hate sex that made it better than anything else. That probably said something about me, but I wasn’t interested in working out what it was.

“Porn.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” He rolled his eyes and tossed his hair over his shoulder. It shimmered under the lights in an almost mesmerising way. He reached for the button of his jeans, pushing them over his thighs along with whatever underwear he’d been wearing. “What sort of porn?”

“Gay.” My lips twitched. It was so fun winding him up. Edward grimaced like he was suddenly regretting all his life choices, and my smile widened. This was the most fun I’d had in weeks. “It’s a DP with a dildo and a creampie.”

“Hmm.” He hummed and sauntered over to the bed, his cock already hard. “Do you like playing with toys? Or did you think putting something like a DP on would make me want to run away?” He climbed onto the bed and crawled up it, settling on top of my thighs and looking down at me with a dark smile on his lips. “If you thought that, darling, then you’re going to be disappointed.” He lowered his mouth to the side of my head, nipping my ear and sending a shiver running through me. His voice dropped to a low whisper. “Very disappointed.”

Charlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.

She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters — because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that loves comes in all shapes and sizes.

Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…

Connect with Charlie:

Website: https://charlienovak.com/
Newsletter https://charlienovak.com/newsletter-sign-up/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/charlienovakauthor/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/charlie-novak
Twitter https://twitter.com/charlienwrites
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charlienwrites/
Facebook Group, Charlie’s Angels https://www.facebook.com/groups/charlienovaksangels/

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Treble Maker (Perfect Harmony Book 1) by Annabeth Albert: Re-Release Review

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He’s all about that bass…

Cody Rivers wants to be a music star. And this a cappella singing competition could be his best, last chance to make it happen. However, his punk style and rocker attitude don’t exactly fit in with the world of clean-cut, wholesome a cappella groups or reality music TV shows. Even worse, a bumbling bass singer from a rival group might be his undoing.

Lucas Norwood isn’t cut out to be a star. He’s content being in the background of his college a cappella group, trying not to trip over his feet while attempting to fit in with his more conservative friend group. He’s also determined not to let Cody’s barbs—or his smoking hot good looks—get to him.

When the show forces them to work together, their chemistry is undeniable, both on and off the stage. But giving into their attraction may have real consequences, especially with elimination looming. Will making their dreams come true mean losing each other?

Treble Maker was previously published. This version has received a light editing update, but otherwise it’s the same fan-favorite story. Contains two rival musicians who couldn’t be more opposite, first time feel, plenty of steam, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Treble Maker was Annabeth Albert’s first published book. It has been rereleased with very small changes. I might have read it already, but because of my fabulous memory and the amount of books I read, I don’t remember it. That isn’t a bad thing.

As such, I am going to review this as if it was her first book. Because I liked it, but I didn’t love it. And I found some parts problematic, which I probably wouldn’t have even noticed the first time around. The more you know and all that.

The scene is a reality show a cappella competition. Pitch Perfect on tv. Cody just wants to make it as a singer. If he has to gather together an a cappella group to do it, so be it. He isn’t great at sharing the spotlight though.

Lucas is the opposite. Quiet guy, part of a collegiate group. Said college is very conservative and religious and his father is a professor there who has a small amount of fame from books he has written. Lucas is gay. Even out. But he has chosen abstinence, as they are taught that being gay isn’t a sin. It’s that “gay lifestyle” that is.

This is my problematic part. Cody really pushes Lucas. Pushes him into something he said he didn’t want. Or wanted, but wouldn’t act on. BUT being that when this was first published, the idea of explicit consent wasn’t really at the forefront.

So the story is split between the competition and rehearsing for it, and Cody pushing Lucas’ boundaries.

It was a fun story overall and once Lucas was all in with the sexy times- whew! It was hot. Lucas had a little kink that Cody had no problem working with and playing to which lead to some incredibly steamy scenes.

I also enjoyed Lucas taking a stand for himself with his parents toward the end of the book. I always root for someone standing up for themselves.

If you want to know how Annabeth Albert started off, or if you just enjoy a fun story, give it a go.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Right Move: A Gay Cowboy Romance (Clean Slate Ranch Book 6) by A.M. Arthur: New Release Review

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Opposites attract in this sexy, slow-burn romance, the next installment in A.M. Arthur’s fan-favorite Clean Slate Ranch series.

Levi Peletier is settled—for now. With his life on the rodeo circuit reined in, he’s content doing trick riding demos for tourists at Clean Slate Ranch and spending his off-hours with three finicky felines. It’s a life he’s grateful for, one that keeps his heart safe.

George Thompson couldn’t be less like the ruggedly sexy Levi. A onetime figure skating star, he’s hung up his skates to live in introverted anonymity in San Francisco. An effort to shake up his regular routine finds him at Thanksgiving dinner, dude ranch style, and he immediately falls in love with the gorgeous view—the wide-open spaces and big blue sky aren’t bad, either.

The country cowboy and the stay-put city boy strike up an unlikely friendship that blossoms into something more. But getting attached is a bad idea. Because the open road is calling to Levi, and it’s a call George can’t imagine answering. When the past catches up to them, this odd couple will have to decide if a future together is worth fighting for.

Amazon

Carina Press

The Clean Slate Ranch series is branching out. This time we get to know more about the twins in the upstairs apartment that we met in the previous book. And Levi, the trick rider we also met previously. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

George and Orry are twins who are very quiet and keep to themselves. But, by association, get involved with the Clean Slate Ranch “family”. A big Thanksgiving dinner and an injured cat bring George and Levi together. Even though George is a complete introvert and is bordering on agoraphobia and Levi is outgoing and loves the outdoors.

Levi slowly romances George without even meaning to, I don’t think. But the calls and lunches are definitely romantic. Levi is hesitant because of the age difference and because George is so shy. But with Levi, he slowly comes out of his shell.

I really like how Levi was portrayed. He has done a lot of soul searching the past 4 years after a tragedy and you can tell by the way he speaks how mindful he is. “I hear you and I respect that”. Very new age-y, hippyish, but it totally works for him.

Even though we got to know George, I don’t feel like his story was fully told.

Ugh, sometimes when you are “friends” with an author, reviews can be difficult. There is nothing wrong with this book at all. It is written well, there is a good romance, hot sex, care and respect given to past traumas and current virginities. There are even cute cats. And even though I liked the book and will recommend it- especially for followers of the author and/or series, it might be time to put the Clean Slate Ranch out to pasture.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Captain’s Snowbound Christmas by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead: New Release Review

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A Captivating Captains story

Will Reuben be unwrapping a captain this Christmas?

Reuben’s a makeup artist who’s much in demand in the business, from making the beautiful even more gorgeous, to creating an alluring love-scene glow. All of his Christmas wishes come true at once when he’s hired to work on the set of his favorite TV show. And not only that, but on the swoony Christopher Manners.

Bunny is lusted after by millions as the brooding hero of television’s Captain Firth adventures. His manly swash and handsome buckle have earned him a legion of fans and when he strides onto the screen and commands, “draw your sword, sir”, it’s time to get down to business.

When Reuben and Bunny’s first date turns into a disaster, it looks as though the show’s over before it’s begun, but a blizzard, a mysterious bearded man in a red coat and a hot winter night combine to give them a second chance.

Amazon

Pride Publishing

Holiday romances are my favorite. And there were so many to choose from this year! I only was able to read a few of them, but this one was a must read, because I love when these authors co-write. It is seamless to me, and that isn’t always the case with books that are co-authored.

I have to start with poor Rueben. We’ve all been in the situation he was in (well maybe not that exact situation), when you open your mouth, and the wrong thing comes out…despite all your best intentions. That was bound to happen…poor Rueben…and it did. It almost waylaid the budding romance with Bunny (which by the way, this was just a bit of an odd nickname for the MC, it threw me a big). However, thanks to a little bit of car trouble, and a little bit of the old Christmas magic, they were able to find their way to each other.

This novella was all kinds of gooey, and fluffy, and happy, and that’s exactly what we need during the holidays, and really all the time right now. I will probably re-read this in July, when it’s sweltering outside, and I can fall into the joy of a little Christmas love.

4 pieces of eye candy