m/m romance

Crooked Tree Ranch by RJ Scott: Book Blitz, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 8, 2016 by Denise

Title: Crooked Tree Ranch
Series: Montana #1
Author: R.J. Scott
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: November 16, 2015

When a cowboy meets the guy from the city, he can’t know how much things will change.
On the spur of the moment, with his life collapsing around him, Jay Sullivan answers an ad for a business manager with an expertise in marketing, on a dude ranch in Montana. With his sister, Ashley, niece, Kirsten and nephew, Josh, in tow, he moves lock stock and barrel from New York to Montana to start a new life on Crooked Tree Ranch.

Foreman and part owner of the ranch, ex rodeo star Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Todd has been running the dude ranch, for five years ever since his mentor Marcus Allen became ill. His brothers convince him that he needs to get an expert in to help the business grow. He knows things have to change and but when the new guy turns up, with a troubled family in tow – he just isn’t prepared for how much.

“… This is a beautiful love story between two men, each with secrets they are afraid to reveal. …”

“This series is a winner because of it’s cowboy theme – who can resist a gorgeous cowboy!” – Because Two Men Are Better Than One

“I always enjoy cowboy stories and, as you would expect from RJ, this one is smoothly well-written and pulls you forward chapter by chapter.” – Goodreads Reviewer

“This story pushed every button that makes me fall in love with a book.” – Goodreads Reviewer

“ This wonderful story reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with RJ Scott’s storytelling.” – Goodreads Reviewer

At one point, when he was trying not to stare at the dancing, he spotted Liam across the room and they exchanged heated looks. Nate recalled the young guy bending over for him the last time he was here. Maybe he could get some more of that tonight. Maybe fucking Liam into the mattress would stop the irritating thought that he wanted to fuck Jay instead. Or that he wanted Jay to do the same thing to him.

Jeez.

Jay made it through three tracks of music, and when he made no sign of moving from his place alongside two men, Nate had to make a move. He sucked it up and joined the fray.

Nate was immediately swallowed into the crowd and instinctively began moving to the beat of the song as he walked closer. When he finally made it to Jay’s side, he patted him on the shoulder. Jay spun on his heel and Nate held out a hand to steady him.

“Cowboy!” Jay shouted over the music.

In a sinuous movement, Jay gripped one of Nate’s shoulders and shuffled closer so that very little separated them. The two men dancing with Jay drifted off to face other dancers, and suddenly it seemed like it was just Nate and Jay swaying to the music.

“You need to be careful!” Nate shouted close to his ear.

“Why?” Jay shouted back.

His breath smelled of beer and his body scent was a mix of the infuriating aftershave mingled with sweat and dust. Suddenly Jay became a four-course meal and Nate was very hungry.

“Keep your eyes open,” Nate warned.

As if to make that comment mean nothing, Jay deliberately closed his eyes and moved to the beat of the music. Somewhere along the line, Jay had lost his bottle of beer, or finished it, or whatever. He had both hands free, and he used them to steady himself by gripping hard to Nate’s shoulders. He had closed his eyes and was mouthing the words along with the song. Was he aware it was Nate holding him? He’d said “cowboy,” they’d spoken, but there were a lot of cowboys mixed in with the bikers and the other varied clientele.

“Open your eyes, Jay,” Nate shouted over the music.

Jay did as Nate had asked, and Nate was suddenly seeing brown eyes glazed with emotion. Then Jay smiled and closed his eyes again.

Instinctively Nate steadied Jay and that meant his hands rested on Jay’s hips. The feel of the man beneath his touch was intoxicating and Nate held hard. Jay fit into his arms perfectly: a little shorter, a little slimmer, just the right height, and his lips, damp with sweat or beer—Nate didn’t know—were what he zeroed in on. Jay swayed with the music. The move took them closer and fuck, Jay was hard. Nate gave in to the temptation and pressed them closer still until he was sure Jay could feel how hard he was as well.

All thoughts of impropriety or fears of rejection flew out the window. Nate was lost in the smile of pleasure that curved Jay’s damp lips. What would he taste like? Would Jay return the kiss? Would Jay push him away? How could he risk this? He eased his hold on Jay’s hips and slouched a little so that their groins aligned—suddenly they were frotting firmly and rhythmically to some Eminem mix. There was no way he could stop himself.

“Can I kiss you?” Nate said into Jay’s ear.

Jay smiled at him, but it wasn’t clear that he’d heard what Nate said. Hell, he should kiss Jay and stop all this delay in taking what he really wanted. Someone jostled him from behind and the movement threw him off his spiral of the pros and cons of denial. When the person who jostled them attempted to insinuate themselves between Nate and Jay, abruptly everything was clear.

“Fuck off,” Nate shouted clearly to the interloper, and in a quick move, he got his first taste of the sexy city boy. The press of his lips against Jay’s was intoxicating, and they kissed and swayed to the beat of the music. Their hard cocks pressed together and—finally—the kiss deepened. Jay let him in and Nate took every advantage. Fuck the fact Jay worked for the ranch, fuck that they had absolutely zero in common, forget that Jay had a degree and a life that would take him far away from Nate’s world sometime soon.

RJ Scott has been writing since age six when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She reads anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. From billionaires, bodyguards and cowboys to SEALs, throwaways and veterinarians, she writes passionate stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.

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The Fireman in Unit C by Kris Cook: Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 8, 2016 by Denise

Title: The Fireman in Unit C
Series: A Mockingbird Place Novel
Author: Kris Cook
Genre: M/M Romance Standalone
Published: February 15, 2016

A serial arsonist sets fire to the unit next to Jackson’s apartment—the unit the sexy fireman Eli lives in.

Things really heat up when Jackson offers Eli a place to stay until Unit C is livable again. Jackson, being OCD, requires everything in his life to be neat and orderly, but Eli’s life is chaotic and messy, especially because of the man’s ex, who keeps pushing his way back into the fireman’s life. Living with Eli turns out to be much more than he bargained for. As much as he would love to just throw caution to the wind, Jackson believes it is best to keep things between him an Eli on the friend level. Nothing more. But an unexpected kiss rocks his world and he must figure out the real reason he’s terrified of the feelings Eli is bringing out in him.

Will Jackson see that a future with Eli can help him let go of the guilt from his troubled past?

Jackson McAllen – Unit D

After spending several hours at the university’s library studying for my forensic psychology test next week, I drive away from the campus, anxious to get into my apartment and warm bed. Though I love the class, the amount of required reading has kept me very busy.

Thankfully, I don’t have any classes on Fridays this semester, so I can sleep in tomorrow. I’ll need the rest for Saturday’s tennis match. The new coach doesn’t believe in canceling no matter the weather. I really hope the forecast for the weekend is correct. We’re supposed to have clear skies and temperatures in the sixties. That will be a relief since this entire week has been so cold, especially today, which is the coldest.

The car is registering the outside temperature at ten degrees below freezing. It gives me a chill just looking at it.

I pull into my parking space at Mockingbird Place, my home sweet home. Bracing myself to face the cold, I open my car door and immediately smell smoke.

I look around and see where it’s coming from. Shit. It’s Eli’s apartment.

God, I hope he’s at the fire station working and not inside.

I call 9-1-1.

The dispatcher answers, “9-1-1. What’s your emergency?”

“I’m reporting a fire at Mockingbird Place.” I give her the address. “Unit C. I’m going to run to the door and make sure no one is inside.”

“Sir, for your safety you need to wait until the fire department gets there,” she says in a stern voice.

As I’m running, I tell her, “No way am I waiting.” At Eli’s door, I try to turn the knob. It’s locked. I pound as hard as I can. “Eli! Eli! Are you in there?”

My neighbors come out of their apartments. More smoke billows out the front window. I see that it’s broken. This could be arson. That realization multiplies my worry. Where the hell are you, Eli?

“I know I’m not supposed to hang up on you, ma’am, but I have to call my friend to make sure he’s okay.” Not waiting for her to respond, I click off of 9-1-1 and call Eli’s phone.

Sirens begin to wail in the distance.

Fuck. No answer.

Out of the corner of my eye I see something move. Hoping that it’s Eli, I turn and see the white stray cat that we’ve all adopted running down the sidewalk.

I knock even louder. “Eli!”

Suddenly, the door opens, releasing a massive amount of smoke. Eli rushes out with a towel around his waist and another covering his mouth.

“Eli, are you okay?”

Coughing, he puts his arms around me. “Yes, I am.”

I’m overwhelmed with relief that he is safe, but I’m feeling so much more that I can’t explain. There’s no time to sort out these thoughts right now.

Eli coughs a few more times and then his demeanor goes into fireman mode. “Jackson, we need to step away from the building. It’s too dangerous. Please help me get everyone back.” He doesn’t wait for me but begins lifting his hands and motioning everyone to the other side of the pool. Following his lead, I do the same, directing our neighbors away from the fire.

Once he’s satisfied that everyone is safely away from the blaze, I take off my coat and give it to him. Then he and I run around to the back of Mockingbird Place and meet a fire truck, an ambulance, and a police car, which are pulling into the parking lot next to our units.

The firemen jump out and get to work like a well-oiled machine, pulling out the hoses and other equipment.

Still coughing, Eli steps over to the man in charge, who is broad shouldered with salt and pepper hair.

“Grayson? What the hell are you doing here wrapped in a towel?” the man asks.

“It’s my place, Captain,” Eli chokes out. “I was in the shower when I heard glass breaking and smelled gasoline. I ran downstairs and saw my sofa and curtains go up in flames. I grabbed my fire extinguisher from under the kitchen sink and tried to put out the blaze but it was already out of control.”

“Damn arsonists. This is the fifth fire we’ve had to deal with in the past two weeks.”

I curl my hands into fists, angry about the attacks on gays that have occurred in the area. First it started out as bashing. Eleven LGBT people ended up in the hospital. After the police increased their presence down on Cedar Springs, that’s when small apartment complexes around the area, like ours, were set on fire. Although there has been no evidence connecting the bashings to the arsons, the entire community is on edge.

The captain motions to the EMTs to come over. “He’s one of ours. Inhaled some smoke. Take good care of him.” He turns to Eli. “We are getting this under control. You know the drill. Stay put.”

“Yes, sir.”

As the EMTs give Eli oxygen and provide him blankets, the captain and his team put out the blaze.

“I’m fine, fellas.” Eli seems far from fine to me, at least not emotionally, which is no surprise considering all he’s gone through.

Even so, he’s still the perfect example of male beauty. He’s six-foot-one, just like me. Muscles for days. Piercing blue eyes. Thick, dark hair. Just like the old cliché says—tall, dark, and handsome. He looks like a very strong, tough guy, but still, who would be fine after their home caught on fire? I hate that this has happened to him.

A little while later, the captain walks over to us. “Eli, the good news is we were able to keep the fire from spreading to your second floor. The bad news is everything in your living room is toast. And you know the kind of water damage you’re going to have to deal with.”

“Yes, sir.” He sighs. “And the smoke damage too. The adjoining unit has a couple who are expecting a baby. I’m going to need help finding them a place to stay. Lashaya can’t take a chance breathing in the residual smoke.”

“You may be jumping the gun,” I tell him. I know how terrific a guy Eli is—always concerned about everyone else more than himself. “There might not be any smoke in their place. If there is, we’ll all work on getting them settled until it’s safe for her to return to their apartment.”

He nods. “I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

“We did find the remains of what looks to be a Molotov cocktail in the middle of your apartment,” the captain says. “Before you can get inside the investigators will have to go over your place first.”

Eli closes his eyes. “Maybe they’ll find a clue to who did this.”

Of course he’s still struggling with what has happened. Who wouldn’t be?

“I’m sorry but you’re not going to be able to stay here.” The captain puts his arm around him. “You can stay at the station until this gets all sorted out. I know it might be hard to get much rest but at least you’ll have a clean bed and a shower.”

Everything inside me wants to help Eli. “Why don’t you stay with me? I have the extra bedroom now that Trace is living with Luke, Ava, and the baby. And you and I are about the same size. I have plenty of clothes you can wear.” I don’t want him to think I’m only offering as a gesture of charity, so I add, “And quite frankly, I could use the company. I’ve been a little lonely since Trace moved out.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. The first thing we need to do is get you out of the cold.”

He shakes his head. “I’d rather stay here until the fire is completely out.”

Knowing I would feel the same way if it were my place on fire, I nod. “Okay. But I’m going to get something for your bare feet. I’ll be right back.”

I run into my place and up the stairs. I pull out a pair of slippers from my closet.

As I rush back to Eli, I see the fire is already under control. The captain is talking with two police officers, a male and female. I also spot Sarah and Martha, who we lovingly call S & M, giving the firemen coffee and hot chocolate.

I hand the slippers to Eli. “I hope these fit you.”

“My feet feel like icicles. Thanks, Jackson.” Putting them on, he smiles. “Perfect, buddy. Already feel better. But let me give your coat back. You must be freezing too.”

I was so concerned with getting him the slippers I didn’t think about grabbing a coat for myself. “I’m fine. Keep it, Eli.”

The captain leads the police officers to us. “This is Eli Grayson. Eli, they have a few questions they need to ask you.”

“I’m Detective Soliz,” the female officer says, and then motions to her partner. “And this is Detective Morrison.”

I recall what the outside temperature registered on my car earlier. Ten degrees below freezing. “Officers, I know you have to ask him questions but could we please go inside my place so he can warm up?” I point to my back door. “I live next door to him.”

Soliz nods. “Of course. Lead the way.”

Once we’re all settled into my apartment, I turn up the heat and put on a pot of coffee. I wish my friend Detective Derek Stone could take Eli’s statement. But Derek only works homicides.

“Mr. Grayson, I understand Captain Murphy told you about his suspicions that this could be arson,” Soliz says.

“Yes he did.”

“Do you have any idea who might have done this?”

“No. I don’t have any enemies that I know of.”

Morrison asks, “Have you had an argument with anyone recently?”

Eli shrugs. “I did have an argument with my friend Scott a couple of days ago, but that’s not unusual. We’ve been arguing with each other since I kicked him out, but I’m certain Scott’s not capable of this.”

Of course the bastard is capable of this and so much more. Why can’t Eli see the guy for who he truly is?

Soliz looks directly at Eli. “What were you arguing about, Mr. Grayson?”

“Same old thing. He wants me to forgive him and take him back.”

We all know the asshole cheated on him, even if Eli has never said so. I saw Scott making out with a guy at a club when he was still living with Eli. And despite Eli breaking it off with the bastard and kicking him out, the creep somehow is able to make Eli feel sorry for him.

I bring out a tray with coffee, cups, cream, and sugar. “Officers, would you like some coffee? It’s freezing out there.”

“I sure would,” Morrison says.

Soliz smiles. “Me, too. Thank you.”

“What about you, Eli?” I ask him.

“Please. I’m still cold.”

After taking a sip of coffee, Soliz turns back to Eli. “What’s your friend’s full name, Mr. Grayson?”

“Scott Foster.”

“Do you have his address and phone number?” she asks.

“I do. In my cell.” Eli frowns. “Oh shit. It was on the table next to my sofa. Um…Scott lives in a condo on Cedar Springs not far from Oak Lawn. I think they’re called Whispering Pines.”

“Whispering Pines?” I’m stunned. “Those are really nice.”

“Where does Mr. Foster work?” Soliz asks Eli.

“He just started working part time at the 7-Eleven on Lemmon a couple of weeks ago.”

I wonder how in the hell his ex can afford to live in an upscale condo. Is Eli subsidizing him?

Eli takes a sip of his coffee. “But like I said before, Scott isn’t capable of such a crime.”

“But he certainly is a big jerk,” I blurt out and immediately wish I could take it back. “Sorry, Eli. You know none of us here like Scott after all he did to you.”

“What is your name?” Soliz asks me.

Damn it. I should have kept my mouth shut. “Jackson McAllen.

“What can you tell us about Mr. Foster?”

“I don’t really know him. I only saw him a few times when he and Eli were still together.”

She leans forward. “And?”

“And I don’t care for him.”

“Can you elaborate?” Morrison asks in a I-mean-business-so-don’t-try-to-bullshit-me tone.

“I’ve seen him throw a drink in Eli’s face, scream at Eli at a club, and throw Eli’s clothes in the pool.” Rage rolls up inside me. Why can’t Eli see his ex is a useless piece of shit? “Scott Foster is a total asshole.”

Soliz glances at her partner and then turns back to me. “Are you and Mr. Grayson dating now?”

“No, we are not,” Eli jumps in. “Jackson and I are only friends.”

His words sting me. “Right. Just friends.”

“I don’t understand why you’re wasting time, officers,” Eli says. “Stop trying to pin this on Scott. I told you, he’s not capable of this.”

The male officer’s eyebrows rise. “Have you heard the saying from Hamlet ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks’?”

Is Morrison referring to Eli’s ex being the arsonist or that Eli and I should be together? God, I wish Eli and I could be more than friends. I like him. I like him a lot. But he and I wouldn’t work. His life is too complicated and messy for me. Blame it on my OCD. I must have things simple and orderly.

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Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris’s total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was “My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn’t it about time? I’ve been out since I was twenty-five.” A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer’s favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris’ influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.

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Patience by Grace R. Duncan: Release Day Review

March 7, 2016 by Denise

Jamie Ryan was almost ready to accept he’d never find his destined mate. They’re uncommon to begin with, and same-sex versions are downright rare. Since his gay best friend found a destined mate, Jamie figured he was out of luck. Until end-of-semester stress forces him to go through the full-moon shift early. Stuck in wolf form, he runs into none other than his destined mate. Who’s human.

Chad Sutton has always had good instincts. They served him well as a detective and continued on when he went private. Those instincts tell him there’s something about the dog that comes up to him while running away from animal control that isn’t quite right. He works to put the pieces together, but is unsuccessful until his dog turns into a human before his eyes.

Jamie has no idea what the mate bite of a shifter will do to a human. He’s terrified to try—and possibly kill his mate. They hunt for answers while working together on one of Chad’s cases. It’s easy to see they belong together, but Jamie fears the gods gave him someone he can’t keep.

Title: Patience
Series: Forbes Mates: Book Two
Author: Grace R. Duncan
Release Date: March 7, 2016
Category: Paranormal, Werewolves/Shifters
Pages: 230

I didn’t know this was a shifters book. I didn’t realize it was the second in a series. I just… okay, so I got excited when I saw a Grace R. Duncan book and begged to review it. This is a huge problem, you see, because shifters aren’t a go to subgenre for me and I’m a bit anal about reading books in order. When I opened Patience and realized both of these things, I was immediately worried, but determined to follow through on my commitment.

Since it was bedtime, it took about an hour for me to start doing the “one more chapter” thing. You see, the premise of this book is absolute genius! Jamie and Chad’s initial meeting had me laughing my butt off. I felt Jamie’s worry that Chad wasn’t going to save his balls (quite literally). I loved watching Chad try to figure out what exactly it was that made Jamie not just a dog. Jamie struggling with having to do dog-like things. And the moment when Chad walked in at the perfect moment and that’s when Jamie’s wolf side decided to retreat… AWESOME!

I started sending quotes to one of the other bloggers here, because I needed someone to laugh with me. She’s not a shifters person, either, but it didn’t take long before she made a comment about how she’s going to have to read the book. Yes, it’s one of those shifters books.

By midnight, I began to hate Grace R. Duncan. I had things to do early in the morning, promises made that had to be kept, but I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to see if Jamie and Chad would find the answers they were searching for. It turned into a moral imperative, because I worried I’d wind up dreaming about their journey to Europe if I tried to put the book down.

There may have been times when I thought Chad accepted Jamie being a wolf shifter a little too easily, but as I learned more about him and his upbringing, it all made sense. It fit. This book was beautifully written and I could see the connection strengthening between them. It made sense to me that their love was so strong so quickly.

Patience by Grace R. Duncan is definitely a book I’ll be recommending to just about everyone. Well, except my close family, because there are some seriously hot moments and that’d just be weird. Jamie and Chad made me laugh and laugh and laugh. This was a fairly low-angst story, but what was there only solidified what the bond between them. And OMG, I can’t wait for the next story. I’m fully expecting a lot of cat and dog jokes.

I don’t do this often, but I’m going to go out on a limb and make Patience one of my first 5 star reads of the year!

Amazon

Cover Reveal: Big Love by Rick R. Reed Includes Excerpt and Giveaway

March 6, 2016 by Denise

We are so excited at TCO to have Rick R. Reed’s Cover Reveal today! So, check out the excerpt, and gorgeous cover, by the amazing cover artist Reese Dante.

Thanks for stopping by today for my cover reveal for my April 4 release from Dreamspinner Press! Cover artist Reese Dante did an awesome job putting a gorgeous face on my story, don’t you think? I couldn’t be happier, because BIG LOVE is one of the books I’m most proud of. It combines coming out, high school angst, bullying, and, most importantly, being true to yourself in one tear- and laughter-inducing package. I hope you’ll read it and take it to your heart. Officially, it releases on April 4, but you can pre-order your copy now from Dreamspinner at the links in this post.

Teacher Dane Bernard is a gentle giant, loved by all at Summitville High School. He has a beautiful wife, two kids, and an easy rapport with staff and students alike. But Dane has a secret, one he expects to keep hidden for the rest of his life—he’s gay.

But when he loses his wife, Dane finally confronts his attraction to men. And a new teacher, Seth Wolcott, immediately catches his eye. Seth himself is starting over, licking his wounds from a breakup. The last thing Seth wants is another relationship–but when he spies Dane on his first day at Summitville High, his attraction is immediate and electric.

As the two man enter into a dance of discovery and new love, they’re called upon to come to the aid of bullied gay student Truman Reid. Truman is out and proud, which not everyone at his small town high school approves of. As the two men work with Truman to not listen to the bullies and to love himself without reservation, they all learn life-changing lessons about coming out, coming to terms, acceptance, heartbreak, and falling in love.

Seth gathered up his messenger bag from the passenger seat to go inside and stopped when a man passing his car caught his eye. Seth’s breath froze in his mouth. If he’d been asked, even seconds ago, if any man could “catch his eye” in his current state of loss and betrayal, Seth would have said “Get out of here!” and meant it.

But the libido and the roving eye of a relatively young man were not as unforgiving as the heart. Eye and libido still had their needs despite a smashed heart, Seth thought, staring at the stranger in the navy blue coat as he passed by Seth’s Leaf. Seth took in the broad shoulders, the proud bearing, and the shaved head that said, in no uncertain terms, that a real man was passing by.

Seth was surprised at the pulse of longing and electricity that coursed though him at just a glimpse of this stranger, who must also be on the faculty, because Seth would have judged him at least a few years older than himself.

And he was gorgeous! First, it was just his sheer size, his magnitude that caused Seth’s pulse to quicken. Seth liked ’em big, he always had, and this guy was a giant. He must have been around six feet six inches and was, as they said in the ads, HWP, or height and weight proportionate. What? Two hundred? Two twenty? No matter. Seth’s fickle lust could only imagine what all that height and weight would feel like spread out on top of him. A man blanket. The mind reeled.

Shame on you, Seth Wolcott! his conscious mind admonished in the voice of Dana Carvey’s Church Lady. In that same superego-inspired voice, Seth asked, “What’s gotten into you? Satan?” And he answered, ignoring the reference to Satan, “I don’t know, but I know what I’d like to get into me.”

Seth shook his head and permitted his sad-sack self an indulgent grin. He pulled his messenger bag on his lap to both get himself going and to hide the burgeoning erection in his jeans. Just as he was about to open the door, the giant turned his head to look at a colleague coming up the front walk, and it was his face that really sealed the deal. That face, so angular, so manly, so kind, caused Cupid to release his arrow from its bow. “It’s hopeless!” Seth wailed. “I haven’t even gotten out of the car yet on my very first day, and already my heart has been stolen.” His erection, growing ever harder, reminded him that, in all actuality, another organ was the object of thievery.

But the guy was beautiful, the kind of man Seth’s fantasies would conjure up and file under the word perfection. Seth admonished himself in a whispering voice, hoping no one saw his lips moving, “He’s probably the wrestling—or no, the football—coach and is as straight as they come. Let’s not sentence ourselves to unrequited pining on our first day! Get out of the fuckin’ car and be a professional, not one of those adolescent boys you are about to teach—ones whose hormones are in overdrive.”

The wind, despite the snow dribbling down to a few spotty flakes, was bitter when Seth opened his door. He watched as his giant went inside the school and wondered if he’d have the chance to meet him today. Seth hurried up the walk. He had an appointment with the principal, Doug Calhoun, first thing, and he didn’t want to be late.

Just as he neared the door, the giant turned, as if he felt Seth’s rapt gaze upon him. Or maybe he had—what was the word?—a presentiment that Seth was about to do something righteously embarrassing and hysterical.

And perhaps because Seth worried about making an ass out of himself in front of this man he found gorgeous, he did precisely that. The universe, once again laser-focused on Seth, caused his right foot to come down on a patch of ice cunningly hidden in a shadow cast by Summitville High. His foot went dramatically forward, extending so much it called to Seth’s mind an old Monty Python sketch, “The Ministry of Silly Walks.” Right leg extended beyond what was natural, Seth crumpled to one knee, a silly grin barely masking his pain. He tried to grab his messenger bag to keep it off the wet ground and succeeded in somehow flipping his body down so that he did a cheek plant on the asphalt. His glasses skittered across yet another unseen patch of ice.

He lay on the ground gasping, wishing that blizzard-like snow would return and mercifully bury him. Wasn’t there some way he could just make himself melt into the ground, a la the Wicked Witch of the West?

Alas, real life did not offer him any such flights of fancy. Seth felt a strong pair of hands on his shoulders, gently pulling him up. He didn’t have to look to know whose they were. And as much as he wanted to meet this man he’d just rhapsodized over in the car, he was now recalling the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for.” He didn’t care. He wished again—wished that he’d look up and someone else would come to his aid. Perhaps a nice middle-aged algebra teacher, the water polo team coach, perhaps? Or maybe a student who wanted to brownnose the new teacher.

Of course, the universe could have none of that. It was none other than the object of Seth’s lust tugging him kindly upright again. Seth looked into his eyes—blue as that patch of sky he’d seen emerge earlier—and tried to smile, but it was damned hard to do when his face was burning so fiercely Seth was surprised it didn’t melt the snow for miles around.

And now…the cover reveal

Dreamspinner Press eBook

Dreamspinner Press Paperback

Rick R. Reed is all about exploring the romantic entanglements of gay men in contemporary, realistic settings. While his stories often contain elements of suspense, mystery and the paranormal, his focus ultimately returns to the power of love.

He is the author of dozens of published novels, novellas, and short stories. He is a three-time EPIC eBook Award winner (for Caregiver, Orientation and The Blue Moon Cafe). He is also a Rainbow Award Winner for both Caregiver and Raining Men. Lambda Literary Review has called him, “a writer that doesn’t disappoint.”

Rick lives in Seattle with his husband and a very spoiled Boston terrier. He is forever “at work on another novel.”

AUTHOR LINKS

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To celebrate, I am giving away one ebook copy of another love story, TRICKS, that Reese Dante did the cover for to one lucky winner (just leave a comment and a way to get in touch with you if you win below). TRICKS is a nerd meets stripper love story with a little danger and lots of heart!

Broken by Nicola Haken: Review and Giveaway

March 6, 2016 by Denise

When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan.

Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.

James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him.

Just a little fun – that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding.

Broken.

Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James?

(M/M romance. Not suitable for readers under 18 years of age due to language and sexual content. ***Please note*** This book contains scenes of self harm, mental illness and suicidal ideation which may be uncomfortable for some readers.)

Amazon

I have read a few of Nicola Haken’s books, so I am familiar with her writing, but that in no way prepared me for Broken.

James Holden, CEO of Holden House is a difficult and demanding, but most of all he is broken. After a bathroom hook-up in a bar with Theodore Davenport he can’t seem to get him out of his mind. James can’t afford the distraction, work at his publishing house is busier that ever and personally he can’t let himself get involved with someone who will just leave when they find out how broken he is. When he discovers Theodore is new employee to Holden House he keeps finding reasons spend time with him telling himself it’s not serious, just a bit of fun.

Theodore wants his success at Holden House to be of his own merit, not because he is sleeping with the boss. Add to that, he doesn’t usually have sex while not in a relationship. When all James has to offer is sex Theodore needs to make him see that they could be so much more. Once James comes clean about himself Theodore needs to decide if he can be strong enough for the both of them.

In the aftermath of James’ downward spiral Theodore realizes just how strong a love like theirs really is and just how far he will go to make James see it.

Where do I even begin, this book is amazing. I am in awe, Nicola made me feel every emotion Theodore and James felt. When James was at his lowest, I sobbed. When Theodore was trying to be strong for them both I felt his resolve. I cheered when they were happy and cried more happy tears that I care to admit to.

This is not a fluffy, cute romance. This a realistic, this could happen to you story and I loved every second of it. This story gives hope to people struggling with mental illness and the people that love them.

I read this book a few days and I can’t get it out of my head. This quote keeps running through my head.

“When you’re living with mental illness, there is no happily ever after, like the kind we write about every day. Instead, we look forward to future days spent basking in the most dazzling light, followed by ones drowning in the deepest depths of darkness. There is only one constant, one guarantee, no matter which day we face. Love. A love so powerful it will carry us through. We will survive. Together.”

For me, this may be the greatest love story I have read. It’s gritty and raw and real.

**Comment on this post, and you could win a copy of Broken, from TCO.

Pawsitively in Love by M.J. O’Shea Release Day Review and Guest Post

March 4, 2016 by Denise

What Austin Lloyd lacks in academics, he makes up for in his love of the animals who frequent his pet salon. He’s not lucky in romance, though, and his family would like him to settle down with a good man. Austin—and his golden retriever, Maggie—couldn’t agree more.

Evan Partridge isn’t good at letting people in. His messy family life and the past that’s shaped him aren’t worth bringing up. But his pug, Dexter, sure likes the pet salon owner.

Austin and Evan get off to a rough start, but being friends soon turns into something more. Unfortunately, Evan’s secretive behavior nearly does the relationship in, and the budding love affair almost crashes and burns when Evan’s troubled sister shows up on his doorstep.

Not speaking to each other is killing them both, but Evan doesn’t know how to keep Austin and help his sister at the same time. He just knows he has to try. Winning back Austin’s trust back, however, is going to take a whole lot of work.

Title: Pawsitively in Love
Author: M.J. O’Shea
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

I was definitely excited to read this book by M.J. O’Shea, when I saw it up on DSP. Put two men falling in love and animals in the same book, and I am SO THERE! And there was a lot to love in this book, for sure.

The characters were well drawn, both with their own issues to deal with, making it a challenge to find their way to each other, and stay connected. It was about 65% into the book when they finally agreed to date and kissed, so definitely a slow burn. If you like a book that is a slow burn, this is definitely for you! The men, and the dogs both connected well, and were able to move past insecurities to get to their dating stage.

Before Evan’s sister found her way to his house. She presented as a very unlikable character, which in many ways is a shame, because Evan obviously loved her, and wanted her in his life. Your hope would be that Evan and Austin could find their HEA together, and have his sister come right along with them. Unfortunately, there was no way that was happening, and I could see her being an issue for these two men in the future as well, which could make for a great follow up story. Maybe a Christmas one about forgiveness and acceptance? Not that I am hinting at all. 🙂

I would definitely like to see how these men are able to keep their relationship on course through rocky times, as I felt that they had a solid beginning, once Evan was able to get out of his own way. And a great love story that sat in the background of this book? Maggie and Dexter. 🙂

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Guest Post:

Favorite quotes about reading

Before anything, writers are readers. Most of us grew up reading book after book (I know I did!!) and it’s still a huge part of our every day lives. I’ve collected a few favorite quotes about reading over the years and here they are!

“A book is a dream you hold in your hands.” – Neil Gaiman

First of all, I love that this comes from Neil Gaiman, the master of creating dreamworlds and universes on the other side of the wall. But I love that idea, that people can get lost in the book and create their own dreams.

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them” – Lemony Snicket

I mostly just think this is funnyJ But I can’t tell you how many times you’d open my handbag and find a book (or two) inside.

“Knowing you have something good to read before bed is among the most pleasurable of sensations.” – Vladimir Nabokov

Who has spent the whole day thinking about getting home to finish their book before bed? I would go with pretty much everyone J I think we can all relate to this.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. “ C.S. Lewis

And this right here? This is me J One extra huge earl grey and a long book and I’m a happy, happy girl!

Thanks for having me stop by!! You can read a bit about my new book below, or click on the link which will take you to an excerpt. I’ve also put all my social media links. I’m always available for a chat.

xoxo

MJ O’Shea

Pawsitively In Love at Dreamspinner Press

M.J. O’Shea has never met a music festival, paintbrush, or flower crown she can stay away from. She loves rainstorms and a perfect cup of tea, beach days, music, bright colors, and more than anything a cozy evening with a really great book.

She is from the Pacific Northwest. While she still lives there and loves it, M.j. has the heart of a wanderer. So she puts all her dreams of far off places and extraordinary people in her books.

Except for every once in a while when she does what all travelers have to do on occasion… come home.

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