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Football Royalty by Eden Finley (Franklin U Series, Book 8): Blog Tour, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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If you never fooled around with someone of the same gender, did you even go to high school?

PEYTON

My whole life I’ve had the pressure of being Marcus Talon and Shane Miller’s football prodigy. I’ve been destined to follow in my NFL-playing fathers’ footsteps since the day I was born. I usually thrive under pressure, but as senior year looms, it all gets too much, and I need an outlet. The last place I thought I’d find my release is at Levi Vanderbilt’s graduation party. In his bed. With him.

It’s a one-time thing. An experimentation. And while it was fun, we agree that being with guys isn’t for either of us. I’m happy to accept that until he turns up in California.

I haven’t had to think about him for four years, but now I can’t get him out of my head.

LEVI

Coming to Franklin University for grad school to follow a boy I hooked up with once is the stupidest thing I could have done.

We said that high school didn’t mean anything, but the truth is, that night made me realize who I truly am, and since then, I’ve been trying to find that sense of freedom again.

I’m hoping it can be with him, but everything I’ve heard around campus points to Peyton not having the same life-changing revelation I did.

And if that’s the case, did I just move across the country for a straight guy?

Kill me now.

Title: Football Royalty
Authors: Eden Finley
Length: 70K
Series: Franklin U Series, Book 8
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Second chance, sports, football, first-time/bisexual awakening.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

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Franklin U (8 book series)

We move closer in the coffee cart line, my wet shirt from my spilled coffee sticking to my skin.

“So, what will you have to drink?” My tone is airy and light, but in a forced kind of way and not at all calm and collected like the night we hooked up.

It’s hard to believe the guy with so much game back then grew up to be a bumbling idiot.

Peyton looks hesitant, like he wants to fight having me buy him a coffee, and I can’t say that I blame him. If all of his socials have anything to say, it’s not like he bats for my team. He’s always posting photos of him and his teammates with girls, and I’ve tried to search for homoerotic subtext in the photos with any guy other than his brother, but even I know that’s grasping at straws.

And last night, when I caught sight of Peyton at Shenanigans, kissing the bartender, it all but confirmed my suspicion.

While I lied through my teeth about our hookup only being fun but not earth-shattering, it seems Peyton didn’t have the same revelation I did: I’m gay AF.

“I haven’t decided yet, but I need to make this quick. My place is just off campus, and I’d like to change before my next class starts in an hour.”

Disappointment that shouldn’t belong here punches me in the gut. “Sure.” I hope my tone can pass for nonchalant, but I doubt it.

“You’re welcome to come back with me.” He eyes me, and every inch his gaze touches burns like fire. “You could probably fit my clothes now you’re not so scrawny.”

Damn. As easy as that, the tension leaves my shoulders. “I wasn’t scrawny in high school either, you dick.”

“You were scrawny, but you’ve definitely … uh … filled out.” He eyes me again but is trying to be subtler this time.

The totally wrong thing to say here is he can fill me out anytime because that wouldn’t go down well. I’d go down well. On him. But no. Straight boy is straight.

If the universe loved me at all, he’d be bi, but that’s wishful thinking on my part.

We get to the front of the line, and I order another latte—or in this fucked-up Franklin U system, a “study juice”—and point to Peyton. “And whatever he wants.”

“I’ll get the same, but with two pumps of caramel.”

“Is that allowed on your team diet?” I ask while I tap my card to pay.

“Who are you, my brother?”

“Eww, fucking hope not.”

Peyton tenses.

Oh. Right. No mentioning the thing that was fun but not really but totally mind-blowing and the thing that changed the direction of my life. Not mentioning it. At all.

When I don’t elaborate, Peyton relaxes.

“Besides. I was at practice at 6:00 a.m. I need to survive the full day of classes somehow.”

“With a side of caffeine for your sugar?”

“Yep. It’s the only way I can make it drinkable.”

We’re given our order, and I let Peyton lead us.

We drink our coffees in silence because after all these years, there are no words.

“So, you’ve been on campus this long and I haven’t seen you?” he asks.

Oh, look at that, my throat is dry, and I need more coffee. I sip slowly and try to think of a reasonable excuse for that.

“It’s a big school.”

“I saw you last night at Shenanigans, didn’t I?”

I play dumb. “Oh, were you there?”

“I was. And you were right across from where I was standing.” Yeah, he’s not letting me get away with that.

“Okay, fine. I saw you there with your girlfriend, and I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Peyton laughs. “Not my girlfriend.”

Hope blooms in my gut … And then he keeps speaking.

“I don’t have time for relationships.”

“Ah. Player on and off the field, huh?”

He scoffs. “Hardly. I’m too focused on my career to mess with anyone’s emotions.”

Except mine. Which he’s unwittingly doing. Gah, I want to ask him straight up if he’s into dudes, but then I have to remind myself that Peyton Miller is not the reason I’m in California.

He’s not.

And I’ll prove it by being honest with him. “I knew we’d run into each other eventually, and I did see you last night, but …” I bite my lip. “I kind of chickened out of talking to you.”

“Oh, so you went with spilling hot coffee on me instead. I have to say, a simple hello would have worked.”

“I wanted to make it memorable,” I quip.

“First-degree burns are memorable, I guess.” Good closing book for the series.

We met Peyton in book 1 or 2. The football god brother of Brady, bff to Felix. Peyton and his brother are the sons of Superbowl winners and out former NFL players. So while Brady gave up on football as it wasn’t his passion, Peyton LOVED it.

And of course, Levi, the other main character, knows nothing about football. This trope is getting a little tired. Anyway.

Levi and Peyton were in the same social circles growing up. Peyton being new football money, Levi was very old money. The differences are huge. They have a one off at a high school graduation party, both declare it not their thing and move on. But neither did.

 

So four years later, Levi transfers to FU and does his best to avoid Peyton, but that doesn’t work well.

Soon enough things change with Peyton and Levi. Secrets are told, secrets are kept, football championships are waiting to be won.

When it comes down to the wire, it’s the age old “what will I pick? my future with football or my future with him?”

So yea, a lot of plot devices that we’ve seen 100 times. But I really liked Peyton and Levi. They were good together, they were good on their own. Levi doesn’t completely crumble under pressure and Peyton thrives on it.

Peyton and Brady’s dads are HILARIOUS. But I also got that one of them was kind of never serious and it was obvious that sometimes they needed a serious dad.

I was kind of surprised that the final book was Peyton and not his brother. His out and proud brother. Peyton had always said he was straight. BUT Brady does have something going on and I kind of hope we get more of that in another book.

Nothing new here except the names and the setting. There’s nothing really wrong with the book but I was hoping for a little more and to go out with a bang.

3.5 pieces of eye candy


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Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn’t take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

She’s also an Australian girl and apologizes for her Australianisms that sometimes don’t make sense to anyone else.

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Something Undeniable (Split Rock Ranch Series, Book 1) by Rory Maxwell: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, and Giveaway

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Micah Avery has called Split Rock Ranch home for most of his life—it’s one of the few places he can be totally himself without worry or judgment. The ranch, the horses, and the people are Micah’s future, and he couldn’t be happier. The fact that it’s also home to the ranch manager he’s determined to marry one day is icing on the cake . . . all he needs is for Ryan to notice him.

Ryan Astor came to Split Rock Ranch at a time when he was desperate to start over. It was just supposed to be a stop on the road, but instead he found a home and a family—that family includes Micah, the sweet kid who’s been the ranch mascot since before he was tall enough to see over the stall doors. Ryan’s finally found his place, and he can’t imagine wanting anything to change.

Then little Micah Avery grows up. And Ryan’s suddenly confronted with a whole mess of feelings and desires he never expected. Now he needs to decide if he can give in to what they both want without jeopardizing everything they have.

Something Undeniable is a slow-burn, 37k-word novella with an age gap, mutual pining, and plenty of heat. It’s the first book in the Split Rock Ranch series, but can be read as a stand-alone story.

Title: Something Undeniable
Authors: Rory Maxwell
Length: 37K
Series: Split Rock Ranch Series, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, horse ranch romance.
Tropes: slow burn, age gap, mutual pining, found family, horse ranch.
Content: pre-story parental death.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

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Ryan was going to hell.

He gripped the table in front of him as the door closed and Micah’s footsteps retreated down the stairs. Little Micah Avery—who had practically been Ryan’s shadow since he was a gangly teenager—had grown up. How the fuck did he miss that?

He scrubbed a hand over his face, trying to banish the memory of drenched cotton clinging to defined muscle, of broad shoulders that tapered to a narrow waist, and the surprisingly large bulge in wet jeans. Micah had looked good. Beyond good. Before Ryan’s brain could register what was happening, his shocked disbelief had flipped to heat…and want.

He’d escaped the room as quickly as possible to grab a towel and calm himself the hell down. He’d returned in time to see Micah drag the shirt over his head, revealing tight pink nipples, the cut vee of his abs, and a dusting of chest hair leading to a perfectly lickable happy trail. Ryan’s mouth had dried up instantly. As soon as he’d realized he was staring he turned away, but it was too late. The image was seared into his brain.

Objectively, he’d always known the kid was good-looking and would probably grow up to be attractive. He had nice features and his father was a handsome guy. None of that had prepared Ryan for proof of said growing up to be stripping in his living room. The goofball teen who flailed, joked, and tripped over thin air had somehow become a young man with a perfect body, a wicked grin, and a generous mouth that Ryan was suddenly struggling not to picture in compromising situations.

Out of sheer self-preservation, Ryan had kept his back turned while Micah redressed and asked about using the washer. He hadn’t been able to make himself turn back. He’d probably looked and sounded like an asshole—especially with that dig about the guests being here soon—but he’d been too worried Micah would see his face and get the wrong idea. The last thing either of them needed was to complicate their friendship.

Micah Avery was one hundred percent off-limits, and Ryan had no intention of changing the status quo.

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Rory Maxwell discovered romance novels on her mom’s bookshelf when she was probably too young to be reading them—the reward for being a nosy kid with great reading comprehension. The magic of a dial-up internet connection led her to the wonderful world of MM fanfiction a few years later and she fell love with the genre. In 2019 she woke up with a plot bunny, opened a word doc, and started trying to figure out how this writing stuff worked.

Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with endearing characters, lots of feels, plenty of heat, and a dash of kink.

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Bad Deal: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 3) by Annabeth Albert: New Release Review

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I’m a bodyguard and far from ideal boyfriend material, but agreeing to this fake dating scheme might be the best bad deal I’ve ever made…
I’m a fixer. As a SEAL chief, I succeeded in impossible no-win situations. Now I’m retired and determined to improve the lives of my former military teammates through our Hollywood security firm. Plus, I get to guard intriguing people like Ambrose Sterling, creator of one of my favorite TV shows.

Of course, I want to keep Ambrose safe. When he’s attacked, I leap into action to save him and his scrappy little therapy dog.

But my good deed results in a coastal road trip with me pretending to be Ambrose’s boyfriend to keep him out of more danger.

I don’t do relationships, and I’ve never thought about dating a man before, but here I am, sizzling with every touch and dreaming about more stolen kisses.

Each night of white-hot passion brings us closer to an unbreakable bond. But I’m blue-collar, and Ambrose is Hollywood elite. I want a happy ending more than anything. Can I turn this fake boyfriend gig into the real thing, or am I just a guest star?

BAD DEAL is book three in the A-List Security series. It features a highly protective SEAL bodyguard, a suit-wearing silver fox, an adorably ugly dog, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

This is the second book this week that I have read where one of the main characters didn’t have any experience with men, but also didn’t doubt what he felt or that he could be “good enough” for the other main character. So refreshing!

Book 3 in the series (easily read as a stand alone) gives us Harley, owner of the security firm that is working a television shoot on site. One of his favorite tv shows. Written by the silver foxy Ambrose, Hollywood royalty.

I loved that it is Ambrose who has a crush on Harley first, instead of the other way around. It made Ambrose so much more real instead of untouchable Hollywood elite. His sister on the other hand…she bugged me. Anyway.

The overprotective sister enlists Harley as Ambrose’s plus one and to act as a bodyguard to her daughter’s wedding after he had a scare. Which leads us to the classic forced proximity/fake boyfriend. BUT, these guys actually like each other as humans. So many forced proximity/fake boyfriend tropes the guys hate each other for a myriad of reasons.

The self professed perma bachelor is actually quite good at the fake boyfriend stuff. So much that the faint line that was there is easily crossed. And he doesn’t fight it. Just kind of goes with the flow. He realizes that he isn’t straight, but pan. Or maybe not that he just realizes it, but he says it out loud. And is ready to act on it. With Ambrose.

A little more back story to why Ambrose had a panic disorder, or what brought it on would have been helpful. Because that is the main reason his sister is SO protective of him. It was bad enough that he has meds and a support dog. Perhaps she wouldn’t have bugged me so much if I knew more.

The chemistry between the two men is undeniable. They are completely open with each other and what they like sexually. No one stumbles or is afraid to speak up. That confidence that they had together spoke volumes.

This one is definitely my favorite of the series so far. Not that I didn’t like the others because I certainly did. But there’s something about these 2 guys that was just perfect.

4 pieces of eye candy

This is the third book in the A-List Security series, but does well as a stand alone. You do see the characters from the previous two books, but for short periods of time. This book spends quite a lot of time with Ambrose and Harley on a road trip.

Ambrose, a silver fox, grew up in Hollywood, because his father was famous, but he was more creative, as opposed to his sister who was more of the business side of their production company. (**Small spoiler here: I’ll be honest, I kept wondering if the sister was going to be a “villain” in the book – like perhaps she organized the protests or something – because she was not my favorite. She was beyond overprotective, almost a bit condescending for my tastes. But alas no villain, which was nice since I didn’t want Ambrose hurt.) Ambrose had a lot of anxiety, having an emotional support dog, which my visual of Hercules made him so adorable, yet we don’t really understand what that was about. I would have liked to know more about that. He did seem to become more confident as he felt safer with Harley, though. I also REALLY liked that Ambrose wasn’t a snob (his sister was). He was willing to help around the cabin, learn new things, not something one would expect from his pedigree.

Harley, meanwhile, only recently came to the realization that he was pan (prior to starting anything with Ambrose), and was surprisingly okay with it. Some nervousness telling his family, but overall, he understood that it was just another part of him, just as yet unexplored. We don’t often read about pan or demi characters, so it was nice to have that. As a fake boyfriend, he was great, even if he thought he would never make a good one, in real life or fake. He treated Ambrose so kindly, never made him feel less than when Ambrose had any sort of anxiety or nervousness, and treated Hercules like he was his own.

I loved that they explored sex and intimacy together, as Harley learned what they both liked. Harley didn’t have a SEAL ego that he had to know everything, he let Ambrose guide him to what would work for them both. And while they were hot together, they also were fine with just being together, hanging out, cuddling, etc. It also wasn’t all about f*cking, there were aspects of their sex life that you very rarely read about in books, which isn’t easy to do!

I really enjoyed this one, because these two were so romantic together. They definitely needed to learn to communicate better, but they cared about each other, and weren’t afraid to speak the words, when they could get the nerve to do it.

I’m looking forward to the next book (there’s a little preview in the back of Bad Deal), which has Avery, which we meet briefly in this book. Should be another fun one. (Speaking of Bad Deal…I never did figure out where the title came from. lol)

4 pieces of eye candy

About Last Night by Aimee Nicole Walker: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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The bicurious cop and his sharp-dressed man…

Detective Christopher “Topher” Carnegie is unlucky in love. He either tries too hard, doesn’t try hard enough, or hasn’t found the right person yet. But recently, he’s started seeing Julian Fine, his sister’s best friend, in a new light. If there’s one thing a fabulous tailor knows, it’s how to take a person’s measure. Julian recognizes a straight man when he sees one, but that doesn’t stop him from falling head over heels for the unattainable man.

Just a few short days and one shared bed…

When a white lie backs Julian into a corner, Topher steps in to save the day. He’s worked plenty of undercover assignments before, but pretending to be Julian’s boyfriend during a family wedding might be his most dangerous mission yet. Julian challenges everything Christopher knows about himself, and soon, reaching for each other feels as natural as breathing. But can their newfound feelings survive the real-world challenges they face? There’s only one way to find out.

About Last Night is a low-angst standalone romance within the author’s Savannah universe.

This book contains mature content and is intended for adults.

Title: About Last Night
Authors: Aimee Nicole Walker
Length: 65K
Series: Standalone in Walker’s Savannah Universe
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: sister’s best friend, forced proximity, bi-awakening, and fake boyfriend.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

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I bolted upright. “Are you hurt?”

“Nah,” he said, waving me off. “I just had an incident with the ground tonight, and my shoulder is stiff.”

I scooted back deeper on the couch, spread my legs, and patted my thighs. “Let me see if I can ease some tension for you.”

Christopher gave me a tentative smile and shook his head slightly. “I’m okay.”

“Take him up on his offer if you’re hurting, Toph,” Harper said as she returned her attention to the drama on the TV. “He has magic hands.”

“Words I never want to hear my sister say again,” Christopher said.

I lifted my hands and studied them as if seeing them for the first time. “They look pretty average to me,” I said.

Harper snorted. “Magic. Capital M.”

I waggled my brows at Christopher, then patted my thighs once more. He smiled and shook his head, even as he eased off the couch and scooted over to sit between my feet. Christ, his shoulders were broad. I had to spread a little wider to make room for him.

I looked at my ordinary hands once more. Please don’t fail me now. I gently placed them on Christopher’s shoulders and noted the tension tightening his body. Was it from being so close to me, or was he in more pain than he was letting on? I carefully pushed my fingers into the meaty part of his shoulder. “Tell me where you need me most,” I said, moving my thumbs around to probe the areas.

“Warmer,” he said when I moved lower. “Maybe both hands on my left shoulder since that’s where I hurt most.”

I move my right hand over and used both thumbs to dig into each new knot I discovered.

“Oh!” Christopher said, his entire body stiffening.

I stilled. “Oh or ow?”

“Maybe both,” he said. “I want to pull away and lean into your touch at the same time.”

Harper snorted. “I’m getting grossed out.”

“Yeah,” Christopher said, “and I didn’t like hearing your headboard banging against my wall when you had a visitor on Saturday night.”

Harper’s face flushed red, and she narrowed her eyes. “You were supposed to be on a date.”

Trying to head off a fight, I adjusted my pressure and said, “How’s this?”

Christopher let out the sluttiest moan I’d ever heard. “Holy fuck, that feels good. God, give me more.” I pushed a little deeper into the knot and worked it until the muscle relaxed. “Magic hands, indeed. Not just a capital M. All caps and bold print.”

I leaned closer to his ear. “But not underlined?”

Christopher’s head fell back onto the couch cushion between my legs, and he stared up into my eyes. “Double underline,” he said huskily, then closed his eyes. “Please don’t stop.”

“Seriously, should I go to my room?” Harper asked.

“Yes,” Christopher replied while I said, “No.”

This story was so fun for many reasons. Topher is a detective working with Sawyer Key at the Savannah PD. So it’s a character we know but who is finally getting his story. Because of that, we get SOME Locke and Key interaction, but not a lot. This is not their story.

Another reason is the seamless way Julian’s story, starting with when he moves to Savannah, is told and then there is a 3 year time jump. In a short time we get to know him, his new bff Harper, where they live and most of Harper’s family. Including her brother Topher. Julian flirts with Topher starting at their first meeting. And never stopping. Even though Topher is straight. And his best friend’s brother. But that is just who Julian is. Out, loud, proud and doesn’t hold back. Even though he does curtail his flirting while Christopher is in relationships. Plural. Because they never last.

Instead of various mysteries and cold cases, this book gives us a story about just the two men. I mean, mostly. There’s a wedding and an ex boyfriend and lots of family members. But the main story is Julian and Topher falling in love with each other. Julian realizing that his dream man is really that dreamy as a boyfriend. And Topher realizing that he’s not nearly as straight as he thought.

There was never that “don’t use me as an experiment” thing or “you should try out other guys”. I hate that plot device. No one was out to prove anything because how they felt for each other was obvious. And of course it was obvious to EVERYONE ELSE besides them for a long time.

Savannah to Atlanta and back and Julian does a full circle with Topher right there with him.

It was swoony and sexy and funny and I loved it.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

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Haydn (BAR 28, Book 5) by JJ Harper: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, and Giveaway

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Haydn
I’ll never find a boyfriend. Who would want me? I’m too shy, too geeky, too ugly. And I carry a truckload of baggage.

A few hookups, some quick groping in the dark, is all I’ve had, but I want more.

A man who takes over the reins every now and then. A man who tells me what to do and takes care of me.

Jonas is the man I’ve dreamt about. Quiet and funny, kind to patrons and staff alike. When his voice turns to steel, all I want to do is drop to my knees before him.

Too bad he’s my boss. No way would he be interested in me. And even if he is, can I trust him with my past?

Jonas
I’ve given up on finding my man. My brothers found their happily ever after, and I’m happy for them. But it’s not in the cards for me. Believe me. I’ve tried. I’ve had boyfriends, but as soon as my instinct to control kicks in, they broke up with me.

One look at Haydn and I know he’s the one for me. A ray of sunshine, bubbling with energy, and so eager to please.

He has secrets he’s not willing to share. I’m a patient man, though. I’ve waited thirty-six years for the perfect man. I can wait until he trusts me and opens up to me.

Haydn is an MM romance featuring hurt/comfort, low angst, instant attraction, a bubbly geeky boy, and a man who likes to be in control. It’s book 5 in the BAR 28 series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. This book is based in the UK and is written in British English.

Title: Haydn
Authors: JJ Harper
Length: 72K
Series: BAR 28, Book 5 (other books also available for review)
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: hurt/comfort workplace romance, low angst, instant attraction, nerd/boss.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Check out Bar 28 on Goodreads

“Will you come inside for a moment?” There I’d said it. Now I had to find the strength to tell him and show him what had happened to me. Kieran was away for the night, which gave me the peace and quiet I needed.

Jonas looked surprised but nodded. “If you’re sure, then yes, I’d love to.”

I unbuckled my seat belt and opened my door. His car door clicked shut. Then footsteps thudded on the pavement. I could do this. If I wanted any chance of a relationship with this gorgeous man, I needed to swallow my fear of how he would react.

“I’ll leave if it gets too much for you.” He spoke quietly and touched my elbow, just a brush, but it bolstered me.

I felt stronger, braver. He understood me. I wanted him here with me, in my own space.

Inside, I went straight to the staircase. I had my own living quarters. Kieran and I got on brilliantly, but we didn’t live in each other’s pockets.

Without hesitation, I opened the door to the living room and let him walk in first. Would he love it as much as I did? It was a converted bedroom and had just enough space for the large sofa I’d found on eBay. The purple velvet was very regal and utterly ridiculous. I’d found the oak coffee table and faux Tiffany lamps in charity shops. They shouldn’t go together, but they fit. Over the years, I had made this place my own little haven by adding throw pillows, kitsch picture frames, and colourful glass bottles. I loved browsing at markets and car boot sales for the best bargains. Hence my bookcase full of books. My pride and joy was the collection of cellophane-wrapped comic books given to me when I was eleven. Some of them were first editions and worth a lot of money. Would he think keeping them was childish?

Jonas had moved around, taking it all in. He felt so right here. His hand found mine, and he entwined his fingers with mine. “This is a gorgeous room. Very you.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

“Good, it is one. This room is intriguing, welcoming, and fun. Just like you.” He squeezed my hand.

“Would you like a drink? I’ve got tea, coffee, water, diet Coke, or beer.” Now he was here, flutters stirred in my belly again. I needed to start the conversation, but it was difficult.

“I’m good for now, thanks.”

“Okay, so why don’t we sit down, and I’ll get to the point.” I waited until he sat in the corner of the sofa, then perched on the other end, balancing on the edge.

“Haydn, we don’t have to talk. You don’t need to explain yourself to me. I like you, and my feelings for you won’t stop with a story from your past. It can stay there for as long as you like. Forever if needs be.”

“That’s why I want to tell you because I like you too. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but if we have any chance at taking it further, you need to know. You don’t know everything about me, and what I’m about to share with you could change how you feel about me or if there could be an us. I promise I won’t be offended if you only want to be friends with me.”.                                    .

You will normally find her in the living room—typing away—with her wayward puppy, Siddiqi. As a hopeless romantic, JJ dives into her stories, always falling in love with her men, making sure they get the happy-ever-after they deserve, even if they do have to work hard for it.
JJ lives in a small, very quiet, village in Lincolnshire, UK, with her husband and dog, and spends all day dreaming up stories full of really hot men

Connect with JJ:

Website: https://www.jjharper-author.com
Author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorJJHarper
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The Rivals of Casper Road (Garnet Road Book 4) by Roan Parrish: New Release Review

by

He’s in it to win it

Until he falls under his neighbor’s spell.

Bram Larkspur’s rugged, sexy looks belie his fear of all things horrifying. But as Casper Road’s newest resident, he’s excited to join the annual Halloween decorating contest. The competition is keen, especially from six-time champion, architect Zachary Glass. But when enigmatic Zachary sparks a prank war, it’s game on—until one sizzling kiss turns these rivals into allies. Now only one thing scares Bram: how quickly he’s losing his heart to Zachary.

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Amazon 

Harlequin

Garnet Run

Book 1: Better Than People
Book 2: Best Laid Plans
Book 3: The Lights on Knockbridge Lane
Book 4: The Rivals of Casper Road

Is it because they are Harlequin romances? Which, for the record, makes me SO happy that probably the biggest romance publisher is starting to release gay romances. And if you had never read Roan Parrish BEFORE Harlequin put out these four books, you don’t know that they are way more sweet and cute than her norm.

As such, I need to erase from my brain all other RP books and focus on only this one.

This was like a Hallmark Christmas movie mashed up with the Great Christmas Light Fight (yes, that is a real tv show) and set it during Halloween. It has all the ingredients. New guy in town. Slightly odd neighbor who works from home but takes his Halloween decorations VERY seriously. Quirky neighbors. Small town. Check, check and double check. And because this is book 4, we revisit characters and couples from the previous 3 books.

Both Bram and Zachary have sad backstories. Bram’s involves an ex boyfriend and an ex best friend while Zachary’s is about family. And while both of those back stories shape who they men are today and are referenced, the story doesn’t dwell. I will say I was hoping Zachary was going to get some closure.

It’s hard to say why Bram was drawn to the prickly Zachary, but it works. Bram definitely softens Zachary’s edges a bit without trying to change him. Zachary will never change Bram’s mind about horror movies though!

This was a sweet romance with a Halloween backdrop. Fairly predictable but still a nice read.

3.5 pieces of eye candy