m/m romance

See the Light by Kate McMurray: Release Day Review

January 29, 2019 by Denise

Kate McMurray brings friends-to-lovers to the Great White Way

Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.

Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.

Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.

When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.

But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.

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I love Broadway. Especially Broadway musicals. I am a certified theater geek and drama nerd. No shame. And I absolutely loved that musical theater, Broadway and all of the behind the scenes was so prominent in this love story.

This is a friends to lovers-my favorite. Max and Jeremy grew up together as best friends. Roomed together in college and shared an apartment after college. Until Max and his unrequited love could take it no longer. But they remained best friends because Max didn’t really tell Jeremy how he felt. And being that they remained best friends, Max offers his couch when Jeremy and his live in boyfriend break up.

The first kiss scene was a bit contrived and cheesy, but it was still swoony and sweet. Seeing Jeremy realize what was right in front of him was awesome. And Max got everything he was wanting- and sabotaged it!

There was mention of Max not knowing how to be truly happy because he had battled depression in the past. And he does look into seeing a therapist again. But that was about it. I would have liked to see that go further. It’s an aspect of depression that I think doesn’t get explored enough.

So it is Jeremy that fights for the happily ever after. And I loved it.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Living on the Inside by Londra Laine: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

January 29, 2019 by Denise

Micah Grayson lives in his baby mama’s guesthouse. It’s unconventional and awkward, but he’s happy for a chance to reconnect with his teenage son. He doesn’t have time for other distractions—no matter how sexy, independent, and compassionate that distraction might be. Besides, he’s not good enough for more than a fling—no one would ever take him home to meet their parents.

Adrien Darling has book smarts, but no street savvy—at least that’s what his family says. And after a heart-breaking betrayal by the man meant to love and protect him, Adrien believes them. But then a gorgeous guy with a defeated look in his eyes walks into Adrien’s coffee shop and makes him want to take a chance.

After years of living on the outside as two misfits looking in, both men are afraid to reach for more. But in each other’s arms, Micah and Adrien find out what it’s like to live on the inside. As their tender bond grows and blossoms, old insecurities bubble to the surface. Will their commitment crumble under the pressure? Or will the two find the strength to fight for each other.

***Please be aware that this book contains a flashback of and several references to domestic abuse that may be triggering to some readers.***

Title: Living on the Inside

Author: Londra Laine

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: About 55,000 words

Genre: Romance, Single dad, gay romance, interracial, ex-con, domestic abuse, work romance

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“Is that what we are?” Micah asked quietly. “Friends?”

“Yeah,” Adrien answered. “I hope so.”

Then he was surrounded by Micah’s body. Adrien hesitated for a moment before returning the other man’s embrace, locking his arms around Micah’s torso. A few seconds into the hug all the reasons why he needed to pull away from Micah—now—raced through his mind. But he couldn’t make himself do it.

Adrien had been fighting his attraction, but the man had slipped past Adrien’s defenses. Micah’s earnest joy at making progress with his son. His trust in Adrien as he shared his insecurities. His nonjudgmental attitude. Their growing friendship. All those things made him feel strong and needed. Adrien wanted more of that feeling. He leaned into Micah.

Micah sighed as he squeezed Adrien tighter, and Adrien’s body sagged against him, the fight against his attraction to Micah leaving his body. He tucked his head into the crook of Micah’s shoulder, and gave in to defeat, breathing in the salty sweet scent of Micah’s skin, running his palms up the man’s back.

The scent and feel of Micah was heady, and Adrien’s head swam as he let his eyelids flutter shut, let his lips graze the exposed skin between Micah’s neck and shoulder. Micah tensed against him and his breath hitched, making Adrien wonder if he’d gone too far. But then Micah’s palm slid up Adrien’s neck, cupping his nape, grazing a thumb along his hairline.

Micah moved his other hand lower, resting it right above Adrien’s ass, his fingers lightly grazing the swell below Adrien’s hips.

“Adrien,” Micah grated out. Adrien pulled back, slowly opening his eyes. Micah licked his lips, his eyes skimming Adrien’s mouth, and then he leaned forward.

Adrien met him halfway, their lips connecting in a kiss. The light brush became a firm press then flared, hot and wet, as Adrien ran the tip of his tongue against the seam of Micah’s lips. Micah submitted to Adrien’s silent request, parting his lips to give Adrien access to his tongue and mouth.

Then a loud honk made them jerk apart as a car sped past them, headlights bright and blinding. Their chests heaved, and Adrien took in Micah’s disheveled hair and damp lips and wondered if he looked nearly as enticing to Micah.

Adrien’s gaze skittered away, and he grimaced, embarrassment replacing the intense need he’d felt moments ago. What was he doing? He knew better than this. He’d been down this road before. He couldn’t get involved with an employee again.

Then a terrible thought occurred to him. What if Micah felt like he had to hook up with Adrien? Had Adrien pressured him in some way? Shit. Negative thoughts tumbled through his mind, making him dizzy. He had to nip this in the bud.

“Micah, about what just happened—”

“Our kiss?” Micah moved closer to him.

Adrien’s eyes wandered, unable to meet Micah’s. “Yeah, the kiss. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to—I’m sorry.” He shook his head and Micah stopped the motion by gripping Adrien’s chin between his forefinger and thumb. He lifted Adrien’s face to his.

“I’m not sorry.” Micah’s voice was quiet in the night.

Second chances all around!

When we first meet Micah, he’s out on a scorching hot day, trying to find a job. Any job will do, he just needs something to help his best-friend and child’s mother raise his son. He hasn’t been an active parent in the kids’ life, because a part from being in prison for several years, he just thought the little family was better off without him. When his “baby mama” as she’s referred to several times in the story, talks him into moving in with her to save on money and be there for their son, he’s down to get any legal job that will hire him.

And before I go on, because he does find a job in a little café, owned by Adrien… we’ll get there in a sec. I absolutely adored the relationship between Micah and his best-friend/kid’s mom, Rhina (I think that’s how you spell her name)…. I love that as a single mother, who knows that Micah made a mistake that sent him to prison… she puts the needs of her son before anything and so selflessly tries as best as she can to help Micah have a relationship with his son. She pushes for them to. I loved that the ex wasn’t petty, and when she finds out that he’s interested in men, she isn’t jealous or upset. She’s so accepting and really a champion for Micah, the literal only champion for Micah because his family is awful and his son is understandable distant, if not a little bratty (again understandably) …. Until he meets Adrien of course.

So, as I said, Adrien owns the coffee shop that Micah applies to and hires him on the spot. He reads the application so he knows about his conviction. Fortunately, he’s got a little experience with a family member who had once broken the law and found a hard time finding work. Just because you make a mistake, doesn’t make you a bad person. Micah was honest about it and didn’t make excuses, so, he hired him. Cute, eh?

So is the attraction that these two feel for each other. It’s slow-going, they’re friendly and then co-workers, and then friends before anything else. With Adrien training Micah and showing him the ropes, they spend a lot of time together, getting to know one another and in turn, trying to deny their feelings for each other. It’s not easy. Adrien seems to have a thing for the broken and misguided types of men, who often times cause him trouble. Like his ex-fiance he lost a year prior. Reggie, you will not like, he isn’t a guy you like. I don’t want to give him away, but I wasn’t upset about his fate in the story.

While Adrien is smitten with the guy with such sad eyes, Micah is taken with the gorgeous business owner who treats him like a person instead of a problem. I hated the way both of their families treated them, though I could understand why Adrien’s just wanted to make sure he was happy. Micah’s are just terrible and I’m glad they don’t get any page time.

It’s a rocky road though, when it seems like all the problems are stacked against them. There’s little angst, and what little there is, is short lived. I’m not sure I all the way forgive Adriens’ brother Gabe, but I could see where he was coming from too, even if his execution was ridiculously out of line and I’d have been hard pressed to forgive him!

All’s well that ends well though, and I wouldn’t mind reading more about these two! They were super cute together.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Londra has loved reading since she figured out how to do it. She writes to give her guys the happy ending she wishes everyone––no matter their race, religion, gender, or orientation––could experience in real life.

Londra makes money as a communications manager. She is a former journalist, a runner and a mezzo soprano.

In 2010, she moved from her native California to New York City where she lived in Harlem for nearly eight years. In early 2018 she relocated to Seattle with her spouse.

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Londra.laine@gmail.com

https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/10439/

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The Case of the Voracious Vintner by Tara Lain: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

January 29, 2019 by Denise

Where Bo Marchand comes from, gay men are just confirmed bachelors who never found the right girl. But now Bo’s a successful winemaker on the central coast of California, supporting his whole damned Georgia family, and all he really wants is the beautiful, slightly mysterious Jeremy Aames.

Jeremy’s vineyard is under threat from Ernest Ottersen, the voracious winemaker who seems to know all Jeremy’s blending secrets and manages to grab all his customers. Bo tries to help Jeremy and even provides a phony alibi for Jeremy when Ottersen turns up dead in Jeremy’s tasting room. But it’s clear Jeremy isn’t who he claims, and Bo must decide if it’s worth tossing over his established life for a man who doesn’t seem to trust anyone. When Jeremy gets kidnapped, some of the conservative winemakers turn out to be kinky sex fiends, and the list of murderers keeps dwindling down to Jeremy. Bo has to choose between hopping on his white horse or climbing back in his peach-pie-lined closet.

Title: The Case of the Voracious Vintner
Series: Middlemark Mysteries: Book 2
Author: Tara Lain
Release Date: January 29, 2019
Category: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 279

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10 Wine Facts from Tara Lain’s The Case of the Voracious Vintner

Hi. I’m Tara Lain and I’m so happy to be celebrating the release of my new mystery novel The Case of the Voracious Vintner. As its name implies, the book’s heroes are wine makers and I thought it could be fun to share some inside wine growing facts that I include in this new romantic suspense.

The book is set on the central coast of California in the lesser known California wine country in and around Paso Robles. This is a favorite area of mine and if you’re visiting California, I highly recommend this area as a stop. Like it’s more famous cousin Napa Valley, the central coast wineries are dotted along one winding road, so touring and tasting are easy.
The central coast makes all kinds of wines, but is most famous for red zinfandel. If you’ve never tried it, I suggest giving it a taste. Not as heavy as a cabernet, zinfandel is a smooth, robust wine with great flavor that could turn you into a lover of reds.
Many wineries, like those of my heroes, make most of their money not from finished wines, but from selling grapes and bulk wine to larger wine makers.
I also love the more famous wine country in Napa Valley, so I set a few scenes on a trip there. This is a fantastic area for a visit, packed with great food, beautiful scenery and, above all, amazing wine.
The winery, Hilltop, owned by my hero Jeremy Aames in the book is based on an actual winery on the central coast where they not only have delicious wines, but also the best sandwiches ever.
If you’ve read any of my books, it’s not hard to guess that my favorite alcoholic beverage is champagne, so I had to include a trip to a champagne maker in Napa.
America’s premier maker of sparkling wine (aka champagne) is Schramsberg, located in Napa Valley. They actually have miles of caves where they keep wine as I describe in the book and they riddle (turn) their bottles by hand.
Dry farming as is done by my hero Bo Marchand is an actual way of making wine, which uses almost entirely natural rainfall for irrigation and when you’re talking California, that’s not much rain. There are special techniques that encourage the growth of the vines and it also influences the taste of the wine.
The handsome waiter, RJ, who I describe in the book is also based on an actual person – a movie star gorgeous wine tasting waiter who I encountered at a winery on the central coast.
The references to the Dionysian mysteries in the book are based on Greek and Roman mystery groups that used wine and other intoxicants in their worship. Of course, poor Dionysus gets blamed for a lot, as is true in this story. LOL.

I hope you enjoy The Case of the Voracious Vintner!

Heart beating hard, Bo climbed out of the little silver-blue car and walked into the cottage-style building he knew to be a far more upscale establishment than its hippy-dippy furnishings made it appear. Jeremy was sitting on an old church pew against the entry wall when Bo walked in. Other would-be diners cast subtle glances at him—he was just that handsome—but his mane was pulled back into a strict tail at his neck, or they would have been staring openly. The smile he flashed as he stood went straight to Bo’s balls—and his cheeks with a flush of heat. Bo managed to get a word past his frozen lips. “Hello.”

“Hi.”

Their eyes met and couldn’t seem to let go. Fine with him, but they weren’t even close to alone. Bo swallowed hard and glanced around at the other customers, then back at Jeremy. “So, are they ready for us?”

“Probably. They said they were getting the table ready when I came in.”

Bo walked over to the hostess and used the dimples. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Bo Marchand. You’re preparing a table for me and my, uh, associate, Mr. Aames. Would y’all happen to be ready for us?” Flashing all the expensive dental work seemed to do the trick.

“Oh yes, sir, Mr. Marchand. We have a lovely table for you, private as you requested.” She fluttered her lashes.

He leaned in. “A very important business meeting. You understand.”

“Oh yes, sir.” She looked behind her. “Violet, please take Mr. Marchand to his table.” She grinned and said softly, “Or anywhere else he wants to go.”

Bo chuckled and waved a hand to Jeremy to follow as Violet led them to a booth toward the back of the restaurant. They slid in on either side of the table.

Violet smiled. “Do you know what you’d like to drink?”

Jeremy asked, “May we see the wine list, please?”

“Of course.” She stepped to a nearby serving table and grabbed a menu. “Here you go.” She glanced down. “Can I ask how tall you are?”

Bo grinned. “Just a tiny tad over six feet four, ma’am.”

She giggled. “I’ll be back in just a moment.”

Jeremy chuckled. “You do package the charm there, darlin’.”

Bo’s cheeks heated.

Jeremy leaned across the table and angled the wine list so Bo could see. He said, “They have a few of my blends and most of your vintages.”

Violet reappeared.

Bo said, “I’ll have a glass of the Marchand zin.”

“Excellent choice, sir.” A grin tugged at her lips. She probably remembered his name. She glanced at Jeremy. “You, sir?”

“I’ll have the same.”

“No Hill Top?” Bo asked.

“Nah, I like the good stuff.”

Violet walked away as Bo laughed. But then they were alone. Choose something to talk about. “Uh, so have you thought any more about how we can work together?”

A waiter walked up with two balloon glasses of red and placed them on the table. “Enjoy.”

Jeremy nodded. “Oh, we will.” As the waiter returned to the kitchen, Jeremy held up his glass. “To us.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Uh, to our partnership.” His nostrils flared. “I mean, to defeating Ottersen.”

Bo’s pulse fluttered in his throat. “To all of those.”

They drank and Jeremy closed his eyes, revealing long, thick lashes several tones darker than his dirty-blond hair. “Oh man, you do give good zin, my friend.”

“I’m so glad you like it.”

“I do. So much.”

The words were simple, but they made Bo shiver, and he sloshed a mouthful of wine between his lips, spattering some on the white tablecloth.

Tara Lain believes in happy ever afters – and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn’t believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her best-selling stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes — the beautiful boys of romance — and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara’s characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara’s creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers. She also loves to hear from you.

Author Links:

Website: http://taralain.com/

Blog: http://www.taralain.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/taralain

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/taralain

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-lain

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2Wt40LJ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4541791.Tara_Lain

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Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/255111391312743/

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Inside Out (Road to Blissville #6) by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review * 2 and Giveaway

January 28, 2019 by Denise

Romeo Bradly and Julius Shepherd moved to Blissville for the same reason: a fresh start. Romeo was looking for a school district where he could make a real impact in the lives of students and faculty, and Julius was eager to teach one of his passions to the best and brightest at a school with a nationally ranked science program. But the sleepy little town offered them much more than they’d bargained for—quirky people, unlikely friendships, and an all-consuming attraction that turns them inside out.

When unexpected circumstances threaten to cancel the school play, Romeo’s theater background and Julius’s musical expertise make them the perfect pair to save the day. Working together so closely makes it harder for the men to ignore their growing feelings. After all, the heart knows what it wants and doesn’t care about age gaps, race, or a professional conflict of interest. Romeo and Julius will learn that they have far more in common than they realize, and their differences will make them stronger if they give love a chance.

Their commitment to each other and the play will be tested when outside forces target them as a couple and exert pressure to cancel the production. Romeo and Julius vow to prove their love can thwart any challenge and will burn strong well beyond the curtain call.

Inside Out is a whimsical, May/December romance featuring a man learning to love again and a man falling in love for the first time. It is the sixth book in the Road to Blissville series and can be read as a standalone book or part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.

INSIDE OUT

A ROAD TO BLISSVILLE NOVEL

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 01.14.19

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

It was nearly impossible to keep from checking the clock after receiving the text from Rome that he was on his way back to Blissville. I tried watching the football games on TV, but I couldn’t tell you the score or even who was playing. I also kept my ears tuned for the sound of his car pulling up outside.

The apartment I rented was above a garage and could only be accessed by walking through it, which might make many feel like they were trespassing. Wren did keep a classic car in the garage below and a ton of tools, so I was always cautious to keep the door locked. When I finally heard Rome’s car pull into the driveway and stop beside my car, I jogged down the steps and opened the outside door.

“Hey,” I said when he and Dolly reached me.

“Hey yourself,” he said warmly. I could see how badly he wanted to kiss me, so I stepped closer and met him halfway. I didn’t want there to be any hesitation between us unless we were in a place where PDA wouldn’t be appreciated.

“I wasn’t sure if I should kiss you in open view of Dare and Wren’s house,” he said, staring at my lips. “They might not be watching.” I moved until my lips were just a breath away. If he wanted me, he would need to come and get me. “Then again, they could have the binoculars out.”

So, I’ve read several books in this series, but not in order. Though I do remember a couple of the guys from previous reads, it didn’t take anything away from the story, having not read them all or in order. In saying that… this one was incredibly sweet.

Julius and Romeo got hired on the same day. Romeo as the superintendent at the high school, and Julius, a hot science teacher… Hello, hot guys that are good with kids… hot dads and the like, are kind of my kryptonite. So, while these two try to keep their distance from one another, since Romeo is sort of Julius’ boss, in a way…. Neither of them could deny their attraction.

Romeo was a bit more forward than Julius, having already had a great love in his life and knowing what he wants now that he’d found someone he believes taking a chance on… it’s all just so sweet. Too sweet at times and maybe a bit cheesy, especially in dialogue, but, I think it just goes with the flow of the story. It’s supposed to be romantic and lovely, and it was.

I really enjoyed them together as a couple, and I adored their supportive families. There wasn’t anyone (well, one person for only a second) that nay-sayed their relationship, or was anything other than supportive. They had accepting parents and siblings and extended families and I loved that. I loved that the school board was behind them…

Of course, while working on a play that was written by a few students, there were a few bigoted people who try to cause trouble… but there are always going to be people who try to make everyone as miserable as them, and I’m happy with the way it was handled in such a realistic way. I don’t know why I’m continually surprised by the love overshadowing the hate, but I love it every time. I hope that when my gay teenage son goes into high school next year, in my tiny little homophobic town, that there are educators like Julius and Romeo who fight to teach acceptance and allow kids to be themselves.

Overall, it was a very sweet story and I really hope Officer Joey will have a story… he intrigued me!

4 stars from me on this one!

What a fun, sweet, low angst love story.

The Road to Blissville is a continuation of the Curl Up and Dye series and can be read as a complete stand alone. There’s mention of the salon “Curl Up and Dye”, but I don’t think any of the characters make an appearance.

And I know it might be cheesey, but I love the name play of Romeo and Julius. I think it’s cute af.

Anyway. both men are new to Blissville. One taking on the position of school superintendent and the other as a teacher. Because of that work connection, Julius thinks he should stay far away. But Romeo is not to be swayed.

As resistant as Julius was at first, he caved kind of easily. I would have liked to see Romeo romance him more. But ultimately, that was but a blip in this romantic story.

And it was a super fun story to read with way more than just their romance. There is a plot line involving the high school kids, the play they want to stage and a few town bigots. Julius’ family plays a minor role, both his mother (I love the conversations they have!) and his brother. Romeo’s family is also featured- with his hilarious Aunt Astrid. None of those offshoots from the main story seemed forced or like filler. They enhanced the story and gave us more insight into the men that they are.

I really loved Romeo and Julius together. And they were definitely the kind of teacher and school admin I wish I had.

4 pieces of eye candy

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees. I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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Grounded by Teodora Kostova: New Release Blast

January 27, 2019 by Denise

A chance encounter.

A passionate night.

An intense connection.

When medical student Shane Sanford and RAF pilot Greg Becker meet the air between them sizzles with mutual attraction. There’s nothing holding them back as they give in to their desire. But once their paths lead them into a different direction, neither of them can forget the intense connection they’d shared.

When fate brings them together again a year later, they have a choice to make: try and make a long-distance relationship work or let this be a one-night stand again.

With war, tragedy and fear standing in their way, can Shane and Greg overcome the challenges life keeps throwing their way? Is their bond strong enough to survive?

Is love enough?

Book title: Grounded

Author: Teodora Kostova

Series: sequel to Cookies but can be read as a stand-alone

Length: 85K

Release date: 17 January 2019

Cover photo: Varian Krylov at Strangeland Photography

Cover Design: Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

About the book:

Grounded is a sequel to Cookies, but it’s Shane and Greg’s story and can be read on its own. I’ve had this book in the works for what seems like ages now. It was a difficult book to write, not only because of the subject matter but also because it doesn’t follow the typical romance novel arc. I had a lot of decisions to make while writing this book, but in the end I just left the characters tell their story as they wanted. I feel that’s the most organic way to do it, especially because I’m a linear writer and have to follow the story as it happens.

What I can say for sure is that Shane and Greg are one of the most intense couples I’ve ever written. Their bond is so strong that as I was writing I felt nothing could hurt them or break them apart. As it often happens, I turned out to be wrong.

But don’t worry, HEA/HFN are guaranteed in all my books, so they eventually get there, but at what cost?

Website: www.teodorakostova.com

Amazon author page: www.amazon.com/author/teodorakostova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Teodora_Kostova

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teodorakostovaauthor

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245720345600711/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/teodorika1

Newsletter: https://goo.gl/gwytxF

In Safe Hands by Victoria Sue: Exclusive Cover Reveal, TWO Exclusive Excerpts and Giveaway

January 25, 2019 by Denise

Victoria Sue is stopping by today to give TCO readers an exclusive peek at the beautiful cover of In Safe Hands, coming March 19th. She’s brought along some fantastic excerpts (one that sucks you in right away!!!!) and a giveaway for commenters. The cover is so gorgeous, so detailed. It is just beautiful, so check everything out, comment for the giveaway, and then look at the cover again and again. 🙂 Thanks Sue for stopping by!

Former helicopter pilot Maverick Delgardo’s injuries ended his Air Force career, leaving him bitter and one drink away from becoming an alcoholic. When his sister asks for his help on a private protection case to babysit a disgraced pop star, Mav reluctantly agrees.

Deacon Daniels, onetime lead singer and idol to his teenage fans, saw his career and reputation ruined when a reporter’s exposé led to a devastating scandal. Without money or a job, a heartbroken Deacon has lost custody of his baby niece. And just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse, a stalker’s threatening messages escalate to murder.

Mav only agreed to one meeting, but his protective instincts kick in, along with an attraction to Deacon. When the body count increases, however, Mav is unsure he is up to the task of protecting Deacon from a killer. But it is too late for Mav to step away, now that he’s lost his heart, and he must find the strength to reassure Deacon and his niece that they are in safe hands no matter the cost.

Dreamspinner Press

Victoria Sue wanted fans to not only see the gorgeous cover by the amazing Jay Aheer, but also brought you TWO Exclusive excerpts. So, take a look at the cover maybe one or two more times 😉 and then check out the excerpts! 🙂

The man looked down and pasted on his best nervous expression just before he got into the stupid bitch’s car. She smiled eagerly, but then she would, because she thought he was doing her a huge fucking favor.

She didn’t know she was going to die.

“You’re sure my name isn’t going to be leaked?” he said, pretending to be worried. “I need a promise of complete confidentiality.”

Sara Jeffries put her hand on his arm in what he was sure she thought was a comforting gesture. “Absolutely. No names. I can promise you complete confidentiality.” She tittered like she’d just said the funniest thing in the history of forever. He wondered if she’d still be giggling like they were sharing some big fucking secret when he was pouring lighter fuel all over her naked body. He licked his lips, and she patted his arm again. The bitch thought it was a nervous gesture, but really he was imagining all the things he could do to have some fun first. This one he was going to take his time with.

“Nice car,” he complimented. He would have preferred to meet in his, but that would have been awkward when they went home together.

She smiled again and opened an iPad.

“No,” he said. “Nothing electronic. You promised you would show me your notes first when we are done.” He couldn’t take the risk of her saving something externally. He was content at the moment to let her think he was paranoid. He brought a pad and pen out of his pocket. “You can use this.”

“Very traditionalist,” she snickered but took them and stowed the iPad away in her purse. “Now,” she said. “You were going to give me some information about Deacon Daniels.”

“Why are you so interested in him?” She’d been like a dog with a bone.

Her eyes gleamed. “Because he’s my ticket out of here. I have an interview next week in New York.”

He leaned forward as if he was sharing a confidence and clasped the syringe in his pocket, sliding the cap off the needle. “Did you know he’s got a new boyfriend?”

She stilled. “My readers won’t care he’s gay. He’s not exactly kept it a secret.” She sighed as if she was disappointed, and he smiled to himself.

“Did you know his old agent is dead?”

Her head whipped up. “Jones? No. Accident? Suspicious?” She started trying to take notes, but the pen wouldn’t work as he knew it wouldn’t. She tutted and bent forward, reaching in her purse for another. It had been exactly the move he had been hoping for, and before she even had a chance to think about screaming, his hand was covering her mouth, and he plunged the needle into her neck. He held her effortlessly while she struggled.

“Quit fighting,” he crooned, even as he felt her struggles getting weaker, “because I’m going to give you an exclusive.” Her eyes widened, not because she wanted the story, but because she knew what was coming.

“There’s going to be another murder,” he whispered in her ear as she gave one last pathetic jerk, and he watched as her eyes closed. He gave her another second to give the ketamine a chance to work properly, and then he let her go. He stuffed everything into her bag, got out of the car, and walked around to the driver’s side. He’d insisted because of his job he couldn’t be seen, and she had understood, so no one was around here to see him lift her out of the seat and stuff her in the trunk. Then he would take her home. He’d already checked she had a garage he could just drive into when they got back to hers.

The man smiled to himself again. That had really been way too easy.

“You think I hurt her?”

Maverick blinked. “What? No.”

“Then what the hell do you mean?” Deacon burst out.

“I screwed up last night,” Maverick admitted. He had. Anyone could have come in, and Deacon would have had no protection whatsoever. “If you’d have had problems last night, I couldn’t have done jack shit.”

He could see Deacon’s face soften, but the last thing he wanted was Deacon feeling sorry for him. Things could have gone badly wrong last night while he was having his own pity party all because he wanted so desperately to follow Deacon upstairs and join him in bed. He’d had the drink to dampen the urge. He’d had the second because he’d had the first. He couldn’t remember how many he drank, but the first one had been one too many.

“And it’s not only that.” He tapped his leg in case Deacon still didn’t get it. “I’ll be completely honest, when Shirley offered Jamie this job, she intimated a couple of days babysitting while you calmed down.” Deacon stiffened, and Maverick held up a conciliatory hand. “She was obviously wrong and misjudged you and the threat itself.” He swallowed. “Deacon, there is the real possibility that there is a killer picking off people you know. What if he or she comes for you?”

“Maverick, I have no money.”

“I’ll pay.”

“You try and I’ll leave here and check into a motel,” Deacon threatened.

“You’ve just said you’ve got no money,” Maverick pointed out dryly.

“The papers would pay for it.”

“What?” Maverick exclaimed.

“I have three that have offered to advance me the cash for my ‘exclusive’ story.” Deacon finger quoted. “I could be out of here in thirty minutes.”

“Absolutely not,” Maverick thundered, wondering how this was going so wrong.

“Says who?” Deacon challenged.

“Me, for starters.” It was ridiculous. “You can’t go wandering about on your own.” It wasn’t safe, and the thought of Deacon getting hurt made him feel distinctly ill.

“If I can’t have you, I don’t want anyone,” Deacon said firmly. “So make up your mind because I will have to go get my things together.”

“I’m no good for you,” Maverick tried again.

“Can you shoot?”

Maverick scowled. Of course he could, but he knew what Deacon was trying to say. “Okay, I’m your protection, but you have to promise me something.” Deacon arched an eyebrow but waited. “You stay here, and I will look after you. If this escalates, I may bring in further help from my contacts who I was going to ask originally when Jamie wanted to start this type of business.”

Mav looked at the stubborn set of Deacon’s jaw, the pale face, and the very light dusting of freckles across his nose that were so like Molly’s. The blue eyes were wide open and flashing fury, and Deacon was standing, hands on his hips, and preparing to do battle.

And how Maverick stayed still and didn’t gather him in his arms and kiss him senseless was completely beyond him.

Victoria Sue fell in love with love stories as a child when she would hide away with her mom’s library books and dream of the dashing hero coming to rescue her from math homework. She never mastered math but never stopped loving her heroes and decided to give them the happy ever afters they fight so hard for.
She loves reading and writing about gorgeous boys loving each other the best—and creating a family for them to adore. Thrilled to hear from her readers, she can be found most days lurking on Facebook where she doesn’t need factor 1000 sun-cream to hide her freckles.

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