m/m romance

Level Up by Annabeth Albert: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

May 17, 2018 by Denise

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

However, Bailey ends up being not quite what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously released as part of the EXPOSED anthology, and loosely linked to the #Gaymers universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no on-screen violence or flashbacks.

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I’m so excited to be here today! I’m celebrating the re-release of my novella LEVEL UP which is loosely connected to my #gaymer universe and was originally in the EXPOSED anthology with some other great authors. Landon, our hero, is a genius physics professor and the book centers around his decision to pose nude for a charity calendar featuring rising stars in their professions. These sorts of charity calendars are all the rage lately what with Naked Rowers and other causes. I love these calendars of all genders and body types because there’s something so brave and real about posing nude. A talented photographer captures so much more than just skin.

Here’s a little glimpse of what Bailey sees as he photographs Landon for the first time.

“Pull the robe off your shoulder,” Bailey suggested. Baby steps. They’d get to pictures they could potentially use eventually.

One slim but muscled arm emerged as Landon freed one arm from the robe. He kept his lower half behind the sculpture, but more of his upper body was visible now. He was lean, but his arm and chest had the sort of muscular definition that suggested he was no stranger to exercise. His ropey neck and prominent collar bones were particularly hot, and Bailey tried to capture the way the light played with the contours.

The robe fell open more, and a hint of blond fuzz showed in the gap of the robe. He hadn’t waxed, for which Bailey was selfishly thankful, as a lot of the guys on these calendar projects always seemed to go for the totally smooth look.

“How about both arms now? Leave the robe around your waist.”

“Okay.” Landon slipped out of the other sleeve and leaned forward more, looking at Bailey instead of Savannah. Snap. Snap. That inquisitive, cautious stare was catnip to the camera, as it gave Landon a vulnerable air, would make the viewer feel like they got to see something secret.

“Kick out a leg, like you’re about to run away,” Bailey directed.

“That allowed?” Landon laughed. “It’s hard to kick with all this fabric, but I’ll try.”

“Let it drop. Then show us the one leg and your upper body, like you’re about to sprint, but stay playful about it.”

Landon took longer to comply this time, but then a bare leg emerged along with Landon’s upper body.

“Woohoo!” Savannah called. “Now stop looking like you’re running from an alien invasion and start looking like you’re on the hunt for fun.”

“Hey, alien invasions are fun,” Landon protested. “Point me to the nearest LAN party. That sounds way more my speed than anything risqué.”

“Smart guy,” Bailey said as he got a few more pictures. He had to remind himself not to let his voice get too light. Landon was not here for flirting, no matter how much they had in common. “Me too. And we don’t need you looking like you’re heading to an orgy. Just like you’re ready for a good time. Rachel, can you grab the robe so it’s not visible at the bottom of the frame?”

Landon looked down with a sagging face like Bailey was removing his security blanket.

“I’ll be right here,” Rachel promised, standing just out of the frame.

“You’re doing great,” Bailey encouraged. He was rapidly scrapping huge portions of his shot list in favor of things that might coax more smiles out of Landon. “Can you turn, make it look like you’re about to duck behind the piece instead of emerging from it?”

Landon sucked in a deep breath before following directions, turning so that Bailey had a great view of the curve of his ass and one thigh. He had a gorgeous tat above one shoulder blade that Bailey wished he could see more clearly of some sort of colorful bird.

“What’s the tattoo?” he asked because he was never very good at restraining his curiosity.

Landon’s blush was seriously adorable and Bailey managed several good shots as he waited for an answer. “It’s Fawkes the Phoenix from Harry Potter. Laugh and I’m done.”

“Never! I love it. Turn your shoulder more toward me.” He set up the shot before asking, “What’s your favorite book in the series?”

And with that, they were off to the races, discussing the books as Bailey got more of the pictures he was hoping for.

“And now, move about three feet to your left, back to me, and look over the rail.”

“Away from the sculpture?” Landon frowned.

“We’re almost done here. I want a few without the sculpture, just to have that option. You looking out over the atrium will be an epic shot.”

“It’s just ass,” Savannah called. Not helping. Bailey shot her a look.

“Okay.” Landon scooted into position, keeping his back to Bailey. And damn, he did have a nice ass, high and plump and muscular.

“Stretch your arms over head, like you’re owning the space. Think War Elf chieftain surveying his realm.”

Landon laughed and turned his head over one shoulder. Gorgeous. Bailey got that shot before Landon did as requested and stretched, totally a textbook study in back muscles, tat adding to the visual appeal of the shot. He was shorter than Bailey, maybe five foot ten or so, but stretched like that, he seemed much taller. Mythic almost.

Want to see more of their photoshoot? Be sure to check out LEVEL UP!!! Thanks so much!!

Aww…I kind of love an opposites attract love story. Especially when one of the men isn’t your typical romance hottie.

This is a short, maybe novella? I don’t know, but fewer than 200 pages for sure. It was part of an anthology that is now being released alone. And although it is part of the Gaymers series, there is little reference to the other books and is an easy stand alone read.

Landon is a science geek (by profession and hobby) and pretty unaware of how good looking he is. Bailey is a photographer and gamer, well aware of how not perfect he is. And they are totally adorable together.

There is a bit of angst- past trauma on the part of Landon, and although it is part of the story and what makes Landon the man he is today, it isn’t overwhelmingly angsty. There is quite a bit of humor, romance and hotness. So don’t be turned away by the bit of angst there is.

Definitely a fun, fairly quick read. If you’ve never read one of Annabeth Albert’s books, this would be a good start. She creates characters that just nestle into your heart.

4 pieces of eye candy

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

Author Links

Website: http://www.annabethalbert.com/

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477494.Annabeth_Albert

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

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv

Annabeth’s Angels: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/

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Charlie’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 2) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 16, 2018 by Denise

Eventually being diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder as a child, difficult didn’t even begin to describe the nightmare of Charlie’s life. Escaping the drug-induced limbo he existed in and running from his alcoholic mother and despotic grandfather, he finally finds some peace and a home on Rainbow Key.

Noah is also running, even if he doesn’t realize it, and the guilt he feels over his brother’s suicide chases him no matter where he goes. When he meets and falls for Charlie, he finally thinks he might have the chance to make a home and a future with the adorable man, except he doesn’t realize that the secret that Charlie is hiding is the one thing that he fears the most.

And not even a chance of mending their future can heal the scars of Charlie’s past.

Amazon

Sigh…. I think maybe I loved this one more than the first one….and hey there, hot cover!!!

In this one, we have Charlie, who we got to know in the first book of this series. He has trouble with touch, tactile sensitivity, and in a lot of cases, being touched even causes them physical pain. I couldn’t even imagine that, especially as a child, or having a child with such a …. I don’t want to say disability, but, it kind of is. My heart broke for Charlie, because living with this was brutal; with an alcoholic mother who didn’t know how to live with him and selfishly made it all about her, and a grandfather who tried to toughen him up by forcing it on him. I didn’t begrudge him for a second. He was a survivor, and I loved reading his story.

Noah gets left at the altar and was set to go on his honeymoon to the resort that we got to know and love last book. Unfortunately, Joshua was away with Daniel, so it left Charlie in charge of getting him set up and comfortable. It didn’t well in the beginning, but something about Charlie kept Noah wanting to be around him. Plus, being alone on your honeymoon….probably not a lot of fun.

However, it didn’t take Noah to realize that not going ahead with the wedding was a blessing in disguise. I was mad at the ex at first, but only for the way he done him on his wedding day; after that, I didn’t give him another thought.

While Noah was on the island, Charlie gets upsetting news and goes into this protective mode that wanted to help Charlie out. It was obvious that they felt for each other and it was kind of seamless, even though Noah had just gotten out of a very long-term relationship. It didn’t feel rushed to me, and maybe it should’ve, but they went through a lot together in such a short time that it didn’t feel forced or rushed at all. Bravo author, that’s hard to accomplish! Plus, Noah had his own demons he was battling, and I think helping Charlie kind of muted it, in a way….I understood it.

Unfortunately, Noah’s time away had come to an end, and he had to get back to his life. Charlie had made the impression though and an even bigger surprise, was so did Noah, to Charlie. He was so mindful of Charlie’s obstacles, and instead of getting frustrated by them or thinking there was something wrong with him, he just took it for what it was and worked around them. He didn’t judge Charlie or make him feel bad; he cared about him in a way that no one had before….so when he left, both men were left missing the other.

Leave it to Josh to concoct a reason to get him back on the island some weeks later, though….and though I want to gush some more and give you a step-by-step encounter of every piece of it, starting with what I loved and then moving on to what I adored…. I won’t. though I think you should just stop right now and go read it.

I cannot wait to see what happens with Ben, and I really, really, really need for Matt to get everything his heart could ever want. Knowing a little bit more about his story made me want to wish him real so I could spend all day every day, just hugging him for how unfair he was treated and how much of his life he missed out on. I sincerely hope he gets some justice for that!!! And Joe… I hope Joe is a part of all that happy…. Even though I’m curious to read about the new guy, Ryder and his little sister.

Overall, fantastic addition to a really great series. I cannot wait for more!

5 well deserved pieces of eye candy from me.

Joshua’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 1) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 15, 2018 by Denise

Rainbow Key – an idyllic island retreat off the west coast of Florida. Think wedding destination, white sandy beaches, lurve… except at the moment Joshua is struggling to pay the electricity bill, they’ve no paying customers, and even if they did they can’t afford the repairs from the devastating hurricane that struck three years ago – and to top it off they have to take in Daniel, a grumpy businessman who has been ordered by his doctor to take some time off before he has a heart attack from too much stress.

Funnily enough, Daniel owns a very expensive hotel chain that has been trying to buy the island for the past two years. Not that Joshua knows that yet, and boy are sparks gonna fly when he thinks he’s been set up.

Of course, sparks of a different kind are also soon flying between them.
Then there’s Matt who just got let out of prison, Charlie who ran away from home, and Ben, a famous model until a devastating house fire destroyed his face.

Welcome to Rainbow Key – held together by love, family, and sticky tape.

Amazon

This author is new to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in; by page three, I couldn’t put it down! Although it was a little bit confusing for me, being thrown in with so many characters at once, I quickly fell in love with all of them….. granted, they’re secondary character’s, so they don’t get their own POV’s or anything, for a second I was like, okay, now…who’s who? After getting to know them though, I was pleased to know that most of them get their own story ! Yes, I paused to go look lol

So, in this one…. Daniel is a very busy, fast paced, very wealthy investor. He’s got hotels and resorts all over the place, and at the opening of his latest one, he suffers from a very serious panic attack that he confuses for a heart attack. It’s enough to scare him into agreeing to a little time away to recoup and let his body slow down and heal.

While there, he meets Joshua, the small little hotel’s manager, I guess he would be. Technically, it’s his hotel, though not for long if the man he inherited from’s family has any say in the matter….which, they do. Needing all the help he can get, he’s glad when Daniel comes and stays, with his time there paid in advance. Joshua knew that the hotel needed more than the few guests that he had, but he was determined to keep the place he’d deemed a safe haven for him and his friends. They’d all ran away from something, and all of them had the most heartbreaking stories, and we only got snibbits of each one. I truly cannot wait to uncover the terribleness that each one had endured to get there…. I want them all to get their pieces of happy, especially Charlie, Ben and Matt!

The days that Daniel stays, has Joshua hoping for things he thinks he can’t have. His self-worth is non-existent, and I hated the reason’s why. I hated the way he was treated, and I hated that he never got justice from any of the people who hurt and humiliated him. I hate when people get away with being terrible people. I need bone crushing vengeance or I Just feel unsettled LOL I may need to look into that. And Daniel, the more time he spends with Joshua, the more he wants everything that Joshua wants, and more!

The problem is, while in the beginning, Daniel could only see himself buying the hotel and thinking about what he could do with it. Because of that, he didn’t tell Joshua who he was, or what he really done for a living. Secrets are never easy, and I knew it wouldn’t end well…. Then, a poorly timed emergency with his sister just left everything seeming one way, when it was really something completely different.

It was low-angst, which I liked… I feel like I’m not emotionally able to handle angsty reads, but this one was sweet and hopeful, and by the end, I was so happy for all of them, especially what Daniel gave them all…. I loved him so much for that. I loved it for their whole broken and slowly mending, amazing family. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of them, and hopefully it’s not the last I’ll see of this couple either.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Tomb of the God King by Julia Talbot: Exclusive Excerpt and Release Day Review

May 15, 2018 by Denise

Englishman Christian Hewler travels to 1920s Egypt as the man Friday to an eccentric American millionaire, hoping to make history and establish his name in archaeology. What he doesn’t count on is meeting brash hired gun Eric Lawless, an American cowboy working for a rival team, or the paranormal mystery that draws them in and has them facing down crazy archaeologists, dark entities, and even ancient gods.

From dark tombs to the burning-hot desert of the Egyptian landscape, Christian has to prove his mettle. During this dangerous game of cat and mouse, the reluctant partnership between Christian and Eric blossoms into more—maybe even a love that can last beyond the deception and terror hidden deep in the tombs of the Valley of the Kings.

First Edition published by Torquere Press, October 2006.

Title: Tomb of the God King
Author: Julia Talbot
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Category: Historical (TBC)
Pages: 142

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Hey y’all!

I’m Julia Talbot, and I’m here to talk about Egyptology and Tomb of the God King, which is a book I wrote a while back and that Dreamspinner is being kind enough to re-release for me.

I have an exclusive excerpt for y’all today, and it’s worth noting that this is my only long piece in first person.

Hope you love it!

***

“You are indelicate,” I said. “Some of these children might be the mayor’s.”

“Then he should see to it that they have something else to do.” Lawless rolled his shoulders. “’Sides, I’m not the one who leaves a man right after the loving.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake!” I threw my hands up, whirling toward the stall that held pots, knowing they would need them for milk and water. “I knew it. I knew you could never be civilized about this. I cannot fathom why I even thought you could.”

His hand clamped on my shoulder like a vise. “Tell me, Christian. Tell me what scared you off.”

Fully intending to give him a glorious speech, I turned and opened my mouth, only to have it fall even farther open when I saw the figure behind Lawless.

Dressed in tattered beggar’s robes, the thing had the gaunt, swarthy face of an Egyptian, complete with fly-ringed eyes and yellowing teeth. But the hand the man held out was not human; it was a great claw, scaly like a slithering snake, and as I backed away, it extended toward us until I thought it must surely snatch Lawless and rend him limb from limb.

It did not.

Lawless yelped as the scaly appendage touched him and was suddenly at my side, facing the beggar with his six-gun drawn.

“What the hell is that thing, Chrissy?”

“I haven’t a clue.” Really, I was so addled I could hardly even register the insulting nickname.

The thing shambled toward us, and I could see Lawless about to squeeze the trigger when something dropped on the ground before us and the beggar’s hands turned into those of a thin man, nothing but dirty nails to fear from them at all.

My eyes felt on fire, and I blinked just enough to make sure I did not have sweat in them, distorting the image.

The beggar turned away, leaving us in a stunned tableau until finally Lawless broke the silence by clearing his throat. “Was I imagining things, buddy?”

“If you were, I had the same hallucination. How very… odd.”

***

Thanks for reading, y’all!

XXOO

Julia Talbot

This was really a fun read! It takes places in 1920s Egypt — I mean, how often do you get to read an m/m (or any??) romances set there? Tomb robbing (or is it archaeology?), murder plots, greed, Egypt, mummies curses. Fun! Also? There is like a ton of sexy times in this book (which is never, ever a complaint from me.)

Christian is an English archaeologist hired by a wealthy American; Eric is the hired gun for a rival excavation. The two fall into bed almost right away, but honestly Eric seems a little clingy to me at first. Christian is likewise wary, but as the dig progresses, the two continue to find themselves thrown together. They encounter creepy messengers, dig accidents, and a possible curse and grow closer in the process.

This was an easy fun read with laughs, some suspense, lots of sexy times (did I mention that already?). It’s told from the POV of Christian, and I kind of like him even though he can be sort of uptight at times. There were also a few spots where the relationship between the two heroes was spoken of so openly, I couldn’t imagine that would happen in real life? It didn’t take away from the book for me, though.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

www.juliatalbot.com

https://www.facebook.com/juliatalbotauthor

Better Together BL Maxwell: Release Day Review Blitz and Giveaway

May 15, 2018 by Denise

Since being thrown out of his home by his parents, Caden has been struggling to survive on the streets. He lives in constant fear, stresses over his next meal, and dreads trying to find a safe place to sleep at night. One night he finds an unlocked car and settles in to sleep, but he’s soon interrupted when someone steals the car. With little choice but to ride along, Caden soon learns that first impressions aren’t always correct.

Seventeen-year-old Damario has been raising his little brother and sister by himself since his parents were deported. He never imagined how hard it was going to be paying the bills and making sure there was always food on the table. Or how hard it would be to hold his family together when they all depended on him to do it. He finds himself stealing cars to make ends meet, but he never expected to find someone sleeping in the back of one of them. And he really didn’t expect this stowaway to change his life.

When Damario brings Caden home, it was only supposed to be for a shower and a hot meal, but he can hardly kick him out onto the streets again. There is no way he could have seen that by saving Caden that night, he was also saving himself. When Damario’s world starts to fall apart, they both realize that the answer to all of their problems is helping each other, and although the world tries to drive them apart, they really are better together.

Amazon

I have to first point out that I am such a sucker for single dads, or brother’s that step up and take care of their siblings. Hot guys with kids are just an overall must read, for me. In this one, we start off with Caden, who has the world worst parents. Upon finding a m/m romance novel in his room, they give him 10 minutes to pack a couple things and then his dad drives him far away from home and just drops him off in an abandoned parking lot. Literally, like a dog they wanna dump, they just load him up and haul him off. What I do not understand, is why nothing was done about this when he didn’t show up at school or whatever. The cops came and they told him he was a runaway, but the sister, she should’ve said something. Why did she not tell anyone the real story??? Why didn’t Caden?? His parents should’ve been punished for what they done, not only once, but they done it TWICE!

Damario, or Rio, has he’s called…. Is just shy of seventeen when his parents get deported over something ridiculous. I hope our government isn’t that terrible that a simple address change can get you deported, but anyway….It didn’t seem believable that three minor children would just be left to their own devices when the parents got deported, the youngest being six. I mean, they had a neighbor that helped out a bunch, sure, but they were all still minors… how did nobody catch on to that?

Anyway, while out doing some shady business to make a little extra cash, Rio finds Caden sleeping in the back of a car he’s trying to steal, and sees how skinny and unkempt he is. He takes him along with him and decides he’s going to help him. I thought this was admirable because the kid and his two siblings didn’t have much, but Rio wanted to help Caden. It was cute, if not a bit unrealistic. I can say with absolute certainty that in no way would I have trusted my little siblings alone with a homeless stranger I met an hour ago… no matter how harmless he seemed. I didn’t like that, it again seemed unrealistic.

I did like how each boy felt like the other saved them in a way… it felt like young love, and I found myself rooting for them both. I was glad that eventually, everything started working out. I had thought that they’d have a lot more trouble from the guy boosting cars when Rio just wanted to quit. Typically, when you start doing shady work for shady people, they don’t’ just let you leave whenever you want to. So, I was glad that wasn’t the case, but again, it just felt unrealistic to me. I feel like I’ve used that word a lot in this review, but if I had to describe it all in one word, that’s what it would be.

It was a cute story, a bit mushy in some places but overall, it was cute. I was happy with the way it ended and though Rio’s family didn’t ever make it back into the states, I was glad that they were able to visit them often and everyone seemed to be happy and healthy and together.

3 pieces of eye candy from me!

BL Maxwell grew up in a small town listening to her grandfather spin tales about his childhood. Later she became an avid reader and after a certain vampire series she became obsessed with fanfiction. She soon discovered Slash fanfiction and later discovered the MM genre and was hooked.

Many years later, she decided to take the plunge and write down some of the stories that seem to run through her head late at night when she’s trying to sleep.

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King Consort by J.R. Gray: Release Day Review and Excerpt

May 15, 2018 by Denise

Avoiding sleeping with women was my specialty, an art form even. As the future King of England I couldn’t be caught sleeping with men. My whole life played out in front of the paparazzi, and they didn’t miss a thing.

I had a carefully crafted womanizing persona to maintain. My life came with rules, all of which I broke when I couldn’t resist a one night stand with the enemy: A beautiful paparazzo with a heart of gold. He may be the only person who doesn’t want me for my title, and he can never be anything more than my secret.

But secrets have a way of coming out and not only will they scare him away, but they’ll lose me the crown.

Amazon

“Don’t move,” he said in a whisper.

“What are we doing?”

“I want these for me. I’ll sign whatever you want so you know I’ll keep them to myself, but I get a different you. One only I see, and I want it on film.”

It was the most romantic thing someone had ever said to me.

“I want to be able to look at them and remember this. You.”

“I want a copy.”

“Sure.” He brushed his fingers over the small of my back, sending a spark up my spine. “Now stand still.”

I indulged him and stayed in place. He unzipped the bag and slid out his DSLR. He changed something and then held it up to his face and clicked the shutter. Taking a look at the screen, he moved ever so slightly to the left and held it to his face again.

“Look at the fire.”

I did as I was told. He came close and moved my arm with the drink a fraction and placed my other arm over the back of the sofa.

Click. Click. Click.

He set the camera aside and took a seat on the edge of the chair next to me.

“Done with my repayment so soon?”

There was a light in his eyes. “Not a chance.” He looked me over, his eye stopping on the top two buttons of my shirt which remained undone. “But you’ll want that photo. To release for something. You look too alluring and regal to not have it. It was more for you than for me.”

I was shocked. “Let me see.”

He picked up the camera again and leaned closer to me to show me the screen. I looked like something out of a novel. Mysterious and alluring. I liked it. And I didn’t like many photos of myself.

“You’re quite talented.”

He sat back, keeping the camera in his lap. “How much liberty are you giving me?”

I mirrored him and looked him over, taking my time with my answer. “Why are you asking?”

Lust crossed through his gaze. “Take off the shirt.”

I obliged him, slowly working my fingers down the buttons. I slid it off and set it aside. He looked me over, hungry. My cock stirred at the look. I’d never felt so desired by another person. He slid forward on the seat and brought the camera back to his face. I stayed as I was until he told me to move.

“Sit on the edge of the table,” he said breathless.

I was glad this was getting to him as much as it was me. It was entirely foreign to give someone such a thing over me. To allow someone to take these photos. It was daring and exhilarating. I’d have to be careful or I’d get addicted to the acting out like some bored teenager.

I sat on the edge of the table closest to the fire, and he moved back to take a few shots. I looked up when he hadn’t said anything in a few moments to find him just watching me. The fire illuminated his scar, and I wanted to kiss the length of it, from his brow to his lips. I licked my lip and my chest rose as I inhaled fully, trying to calm myself. He snapped another photo.

“What do you see?” I asked, unable to stand wondering a moment longer. I wanted to know how he saw me.

“I see hunger,” he said as he came closer. “The way you look at me.” The camera hung at his side as he stalked closer.

This was sort of a mixed bag for me. I liked the premise but wondered how it would go: American paparazzo meets closeted English prince, sexy times, soul searching. Oh dear, the prince is going to be in the dark the whole time as to what the American’s job entails but was pleasantly surprised that everything is out on the table between them right away. I read through the first quarter of the book before bed, which was a good sign. Then life got in the way and when I went back to it, I was a bit slower. It’s a first person alternating POV and I think I got confused about whose POV I was reading at times, but truly I think this was user error — I was pretty tired all week. At times I was confused by the conversations between the two, but again, I think it’s me not the book. I’m sort of shallow and don’t always follow the heavily worded feels portion. Like, wait what are you trying to say to each other? What did he mean by that? What drove me truly batty though were a number of typos, word omissions and incorrect homophone usage (steal vs. steel; whole vs. hole etc.)

Overall this wasn’t a bad story. I always like seeing how the heroes find their HEA, especially with elevated stakes such as the future King of England, who’s constantly in the spotlight and expected to provide the throne with an heir. I liked Louis and Xavier and how they grew to trust and support each other. There was only a little bit of angst (the angstier the better, I say) and maybe the ending seemed a little rushed, but it was a fun read.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it’s half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it’s been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn’t writing…well, that’s not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.