new release

Rebuild My Heart by Ariel Tachna: Release Day Review

February 5, 2019 by Denise

A love built to last.

When Derek Jackson is hired to renovate the LGBT bookstore that’s also Owen Hensley’s home, opposites attract. Derek is a big burly blue-collar guy, about ten years older than slight, sweet, and bookish Owen. As they spend time together, it becomes clear that each handsome outside leads to a beautiful interior. Far from the shy twink he appears, Owen has a rock-solid foundation that helped him put himself through college and start his own business. Behind Derek’s strong façade waits a tender heart that’s been battered by a rough family past—something Owen understands.

After Owen’s runaway nephew lands on his doorstep, it throws a wrench in their plans. Derek can’t ask Owen to choose, but he doesn’t think he can take second place with his lover the way he always has with his family. Can they find a way to keep their romance standing?

Title: Rebuild My Heart
Series: Lexington Lovers: Book 4
Author: Ariel Tachna
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 230

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

So, I’m jumping into this series with book 4, but I’m hoping to go back and read everyone else’s story (especially Thane and Blake), but it didn’t put me off or confuse me in any way, not having read the others just yet. While I’d suggest reading it in order, I reckon it doesn’t have to be, you get to know Thane and Blake as friends of Derek….

Also… shout out to Mary Calmes in chapter four! (fan-girling!!)

Anyway…. So, as I mentioned, Derek helps run Thane’s construction business. Sent to do a bid on a job at a bookstore in town, he finds the proprietor attractive, but not necessarily his type. While I love the blue collar type of guys in my stories, and Derek the handyman was hot in my mental image, he was kind of douchey at first, to me….

Owen has one of those backgrounds that you hear about, but don’t really believe.
Like, his family are the snake handling, cult-like, extreme “church”…. If you can call it that. Luckily, he got away when he went to college, but it didn’t leave him without his own issues (and a somewhat hilariously cheesy vocabulary, “Great Cesar’s Ghost!”…. I mean, tell me you wouldn’t laugh if you heard that). He’s sweet though if not a little shy and I found myself siding with him throughout the book. He also had some ex-drama that seemed a little unnecessary given the other drama of the book, but, it made for a nice karmic kick in the pants.. literally lol, I always love seeing justice being served against douchebags. Which is why I had a hard time with the ending.

We see the two guys get to know one another and take it slow while Derek is doing the remodel of Owen’s shop. They spend as much time as they can together and get to see each other every day, even if only during a workday. While things are going great, Derek has some parental issues that kind of keep him held back. I will say, I did find him incredibly selfish towards the end.

While I can understand not wanting to come second to anyone in a relationship….
Family does not count. I will put any member of my family before anyone I’ve known around a month or even someone I’ve known a long time…and for Derek to pull that card and use it against Owen was just lame and it lost him a lot of points with me. I didn’t like that, or how it was so easily forgiven…. Don’t get me wrong, I understood where he was coming from, I truly did… but if you love someone, you don’t just give up when things get a little inconvenient. I dunno, that bugged me.

I’m still looking forward to reading the others in the series and I hope we get something with maybe Preston and Brent, or maybe someone else I haven’t read about yet… Looking forward to getting to know more about these guys in Lexington.

3 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Other Book by Roe Horvat: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

February 4, 2019 by Denise

It was supposed to be just sex… Famous last words.

Tyler doesn’t overthink pleasure and avoids complications. He knows it might be stupid to get involved with his closeted boss, but the temptation is too great. At first, the cold and beautiful Joel Sandstrom seems to loathe Tyler’s guts.

Except one late night at the office, his reasons become clear…and his control breaks.

Every time they touch, Joel’s stony face comes alive, harsh lines smooth out, and for a minute, he looks serene. Happy, even. Just sex – dirty, intense, spectacular sex.

During their covert encounters, Tyler discovers the power he has over the lonesome man, and it’s a heady feeling. What if he could set Joel free and give him peace of mind? When Tyler realizes how much Joel needs him, he doesn’t regret breaking his own rules.

Length: 42,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Roe Horvat

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

(warning: adult language, explicit scenes)

He kissed me. I loved the sensation of his tongue dancing with mine—the constant hunger and desire. Joel inched closer, letting me feel his hardness. Within seconds, we were moaning and clawing at each other, both of us rock hard, dry-humping in my friends’ kitchen. It was the wine, I bet.

I slid down on the floor, and before Joel could protest, I opened his chinos. I took him down my throat. He groaned and leaned back against the counter.

“So…ah! I can’t do…the dishes in their… Oh fuck! Their kitchen,” Joel hissed, and his fingers tugged at my hair. “But. A blow job is…okay?”

“Mm-hmm,” I hummed and licked his slit.

“Damn. Yeah.”

Joel gripped my head and started fucking my face, but his movements stuttered after the first few thrusts.

“Shit,” he blurted, agitated. He inched back, but with the counter behind him he had nowhere to go.

Worried about what had made Joel start, I turned my head and noticed Adam standing in the doorway.

I stood and covered Joel’s body with mine, hiding his partial nakedness from Adam’s amused, hungry eyes. I felt Joel tense in my arms when our chests touched.

“Sorry,” I said to Adam over my shoulder. “Got carried away.”

“I’m glad. You should continue,” Adam responded with a kind smile and came closer, putting an empty tray on the counter next to us—much closer than was necessary.

“Adam,” I said with a warning.

He chuckled. “I know! Sorry. I’m going. Don’t stop on my account.”

I turned to Joel, afraid of how he’d react, but upon meeting his gaze I paused.

Joel’s wild eyes were full of lust. Fear was there too, but the lust eclipsed it. His chest was heaving, and his hard, spit-slick cock was pressed against my abdomen. I felt the wetness seep through my thin T-shirt as he clung to me.

He parted his lips, but no sound came out. His blown pupils flicked between Adam’s retreating back and my face.

The situation clicked into place. Suddenly, I understood Joel’s earlier questions in a different way. Joel wanted me for himself. He also wanted to live—to explore, to let himself feel without the constant pressure and expectations. It didn’t get any safer than this. Here, with my friends, he could do anything, be anyone. I wanted to give him that. I wanted to let him experience what I used to feel, and it could only be more amazing because now there wasn’t only trust, friendship, and desire. There was love, too.

“Adam, wait,” I called.

“Yeah?” Adam asked from the doorway.

“Come back.”

I never looked away from Joel’s eyes. He understood the question in mine and nodded. I kissed him.

I gripped the back of his head and forced my tongue inside his mouth, not letting him breathe. I sensed Adam next to us, watching. I sucked on Joel’s lips and tore my mouth off. Joel chased it. I spoke before he could kiss me again.

“It’s your call. Everything. Whatever you say is the rule, understand?”

“Yeah,” Joel breathed.

I licked at his lips and dropped down to my knees again, Joel’s exposed cock in front of my face. Adam sucked in a breath next to us. I lifted my gaze to check Joel’s expression. He watched me as if Adam weren’t there. At the same time, there was a new energy to him—a new level of excitement.

I took his erection by the root and licked the head slowly.

“Damn,” Adam breathed.

I licked again. Joel moaned, his eyes pinned on my face.

I suckled on the head.

“C, baby, come here!” Adam called.

I half expected Joel to back off after that. But he just tangled his fingers in my hair and moaned again when I sucked harder, taking him in deeper.

I heard Christoffer’s steps in the hall, in the kitchen, and then came his voice from behind me. “Oh.”

“He’s exquisite,” Adam whispered.

“Fuck, yeah,” Christoffer confirmed.

Indeed, Joel was a sight to capture and keep safe for future generations. He bowed his spine, supporting himself on the edge of the counter, his hips pushed forward, rocking slowly into my face. I stroked his ass, tugged his chinos down and kneaded the bare muscle. Joel threw his head back and moaned loudly. He looked like he didn’t care about the audience, yet I could tell, he was trembling with the joy of being watched. And, holy shit, I hadn’t thought I could love him more.

Often with books that are erotica, there are lots of sex scenes, and little in the way of storyline. I’m glad to say The Other Book exceeded those expectations by a mile.

I really enjoyed this book, when I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I haven’t read this author before, so I came into this completely absence of knowledge or expectations.

This book had sex scenes, loads of them…and super sexy ones at that. Whew! HOT! HOT!! HOT!!! Joel learns quickly what he really likes with Tyler, and they spend lots of time exploring.

However, there was plenty of backstory with these two men that assisted in helping Tyler and Joel connect with each other, and grow and learn as individuals. They even connected (in many, many ways!!!) with Tyler’s friends Adam and Christoffer.

Definitely recommend, especially if you want lots of sexy times in your reading tonight. 😉

4 pieces of eye candy

Jan 30 – The Way She Reads, Boulevard des Passions, Diverse Reader, Gay Book Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed, Feb 1 – Sanaa’s Book Blog, Cupcakes And Bookshelves, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, What’s Amy Reading?, Kimmers Erotic Book Banter, Mikku-chan, Xtreme Delusions, Feb 4 – Book Corner Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Mainely Stories, Love Unchained Book Reviews, Feb 6 – Making It Happen, Feb 8 – Mirrigold, Valerie Ullmer, Lillian Francis, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Reads

Queer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the post-communist wasteland of former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, pale ale, and daiquiri, with equal passion. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.

More about the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roe.horvat.98
Twitter: @roehorvat
Website: roehorvat.com
Publisher: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/?n1=authors&id=107

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Gage (Trenton Security Book 3) by J.M. Dabney: Release Day Review

January 30, 2019 by Denise

The forbidden is the sweetest lure.

Trenton Security’s Public Relations go-to was Hayden Gage. He loved his job, and it kept him distracted from the demons haunting his nightmares. His past wasn’t up for discussion, and Hayden wouldn’t allow it to intrude on his future. Yet, that was easier said than done when his best friend came to him desperate for help, and it put him right on the path to his one weakness.

Young didn’t equal lost.

Derrick Thorpe lived in the shadow of his father’s mistakes. Although he was adopted by Linus Trenton, he wanted to prove that he wasn’t like his biological father. When he was asked to go undercover to help at Trenton Security, it put him in close quarters with Gage. Being Gage’s was only an act, but when lines blur, what happens when the operation ends?

Amazon

Another hit with the crazies of Trenton Securities team.

In this one, we have Gage, who you should remember from previous books, and Derrick, who was the former sheriff’s son, adopted by Linus and his brood. Remember him? Well, he’s a man now, and he’s got his sights set on Hayden Gage.

Gage however, like all the other guys that have been brought into the fold, has a troubled past. Much like Derricks, and I was surprised that that wasn’t touched on a little bit more. They’re backgrounds and “daddy issues” as Gage called them once, were very similar. Both of them equally as heartbreaking, living with abusive and sadistic father’s… .Gage tries to keep his distance from Derrick because his rage and anger from a life he left long ago was still at the forefront just begging to be unleashed.

While there is a trigger warning, there is also somewhat graphic details of self-harm. Normally, I’d cringe at this, but it was explained in the most perfectly accurate way, it made it relatable, if that makes sense? Like, instead of judging a person on why they do it…. Listen to actually WHY, someone might do it. If you didn’t understand before, Gage should give you a better understanding. I appreciated that.

So, Gage is set on keeping his distance, and Derrick is mourning the death of a dream that he’s had for far too long about belonging to Gage, but when Gage’s best friend and teammate calls because his daughter’s gone missing… they’re thrust together to try and find her.

Going undercover wasn’t ideal for Derrick, but he knows that if they have any chance of finding the missing girl, he has to do it….and any chance to spend with
Gage, he’s taking that too. However, during the mission, lines get blurred and it’s harder for Gage to deny what he feels for Derrick, and the things he might want from him. It also gives Derrick the option to show Gage that he’s not scared of him, or what he wants… and in fact, it might just be what Derrick wants to.

And fear not, we do get justice for the abused…. I kind of adored Kray and I feel like down the road, he’d have an amazing story to tell… I especially hope to get him a happily ever after. If anyone deserves one, it’s him. I’m also super excited for more of Raul and Pure… I have a feeling they’re just waiting on their third… because if they haven’t figured it out between the two of them yet, something has to be missing. I’m hoping not, because minages aren’t my favorite… but this author makes it work… so I’ll deal if it is…. But I sincerely hope he’s next!

Overall, as always, it’s another sweet and hopeful addition to an awesome, daddy-loving series. I’ll just be over here, impatiently waiting for more!

5 pieces of eye candy from me

See the Light by Kate McMurray: Release Day Review

January 29, 2019 by Denise

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon

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

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

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

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

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

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

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

January 28, 2019 by Denise

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

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

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

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

INSIDE OUT

A ROAD TO BLISSVILLE NOVEL

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 01.14.19

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 stars from me on this one!

What a fun, sweet, low angst love story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 pieces of eye candy

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

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Grounded by Teodora Kostova: New Release Blast

January 27, 2019 by Denise

A chance encounter.

A passionate night.

An intense connection.

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

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

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

Is love enough?

Book title: Grounded

Author: Teodora Kostova

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

Length: 85K

Release date: 17 January 2019

Cover photo: Varian Krylov at Strangeland Photography

Cover Design: Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

About the book:

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

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

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