Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

novella

Trex or Treat by Tara Lain: Release Day Review

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Josh Harris is all dad all the time. A busy college professor and devoted single father, Josh tries to be happy with only his son for company. But then Bradley “Trex” Trexler moves in across the street with his stepbrother, Bogo, and takes advantage of their empty home, making it into a haunted house for Halloween.

Josh’s son, Ernie, can’t wait to go, so Josh dresses up like a movie cowboy and saunters over. It’ll be the best Halloween of Ernie’s life, but there’s another sharpshooter roaming the dark corridors, and this one might have a special treat for Josh….

Title: Trex or Treat
Author: Tara Lain
Release Date: October 31, 2018
Category: Contemporary, Holiday
Pages: 34

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

This was a quick short story, but fun! I really enjoyed the fact that these two, although had not “officially” met, Trex knew of Josh and his books, and already wanted to connect with him. That took this short story from a sexy one night stand (although with kids connected, that usually keeps it from being just a hookup) to potential relationship material.

It was cute, and had just enough sweetness that it felt more romantic. And I really loved how Trex really thought the entire date evening through. I’d actually have loved a little more of their story.

3.75 pieces of eye candy

Embracing Fate by C.C. Dado: Release Day Review

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Sometimes you just have to embrace your fate.

Seth has a secret: he has a crush on the human next door. His brilliant plan to meet Jack, the man of his dreams who happens to be an animal trainer? Take wolf form and ask his best friend, Max, to take him next door for training. Seth is the only one surprised when things go horribly awry.

Still, can this shy wolf and a human meet their fate as mates?

Title: Embracing Fate
Series: A Series of Fate: Book 2
Author: C.C. Dado
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Category: Paranormal
Pages: 91

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Having not read the first book in this series, I wasn’t sure if I could pick this up and just read it, but thought I would give it a shot.

The first thing I will say, is I will be going back and reading book 1, because if I don’t get to see more of Max, my life will not be complete. 🙂 I absolutely loved Seth and Max “together”. I know that they weren’t the main couple, but what a great friendship these two have. I laughed so much during this novella! Max was so much fun, and with Seth, a sweetheart who seems to get himself in a little trouble, those two could create some trouble for themselves.

Seth broke my heart a bit, not knowing why he had such low self-esteem, other than having two different colored eyes. However, it was obvious that he had tons of love to give, not just to his best friend, and business partner, but also to Jack…and Jack’s dog! 🙂

Changing “Nancy’s name” was hilarious! As well as the pregnancy…poor Zeus! And if you want to know what all that is about, you really have to read this quick novella. I also can’t wait to go back and read book 1, and knowing there is a book 3, about Zeus, I’m super excited!

4 pieces of eye candy

Teacher’s Pet Anthology: Exclusive Guest Post by Lee Welch and Giveaway

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Congrats to the all the authors on their new anthology, Teacher’s Pet. This looks like quite the forbidden fruit. 😉 Make sure you read author Lee Welch‘s exclusive guest post on sexy consent! And there is a great giveaway at the bottom, so read on, and pick this one up!

 

Featuring Eight Stories of Lessons Outside the Classroom

 

A Spell for Master Vervain by Lee Welch

Finding the Words by Elizabeth Coldwell

The Silent Treatment by Elna Holst

One Small Step by Riza Curtis

Shedding Doubt by Danielle Wayland

Academic Temptations by Karmen Lee

The Sidhe’s Apprentice by Morwen Navarre

Press “Copy” to Begin by Maryn Blackburn

 

 

A Spell for Master Vervain by Lee Welch

Apprentice magicians aren’t supposed to fall for their masters, but after a year of longing, Kit is desperate for Master Vervain. Kit casts a forbidden spell to raise an incubus doppelganger of his master—oh, the things he’ll do with that incubus! But Kit’s invoking forces he can’t control and anything can happen when love and magic are mixed.

Finding the Words by Elizabeth Coldwell

On a simple night out, Brendan’s life changed forever. He gave up college lecturing for the world of private tutoring. He may be a virtual recluse, but at least he’s safe. When student Zack approaches him for help with understanding poetry, he’s reluctant to take him on, afraid any connection to his old life might stir up the memories.

Being around Zack awakens long-buried desires in Brendan. He wants to act on his impulse to get closer, but he needs to find the words to say how he really feels.

The Silent Treatment by Elna Holst

Reverend Jane Sinclair has been preaching nothing but fire and brimstone lately. After being dumped by her long-term partner, her mood has been going from bad to worse, and it deteriorates further when her vicar strong-arms her into going off on a yoga retreat. Once she arrives at Serenity Farms, however, the sultry and playfully dominant yoga instructor soon has her singing quite a different tune. A very, very quiet one.

One Small Step by Riza Curtis

Student mage Ilya regrets not paying more attention in class when he teleports two hundred miles instead of the hundred yards he was supposed to go. Concussed, exhausted, and completely underdressed for the bitter winter weather, Ilya is rescued by the handsome Søren.

Sparks fly between the two mages while Ilya recovers, but Ilya must return home. Unable to use his magic and not skilled enough to attempt teleporting back, even if he could, Søren insists on making the journey with him. But train rides and bandits reveal something more between them.

Shedding Doubt by Danielle Wayland

Twenty-six-year-old Grayson is on a mission to get the most out of his gym membership, but when he goes at it too hard on his first day and slips off the treadmill, embarrassment makes him want to quit. Heath, a gym rat, rushes to his aid and offers to help. Initially suspicious of his motives, Grayson reluctantly accepts his help.

The more time they spend together, the more their friendship grows. They both have internal battles keeping them apart, but a Halloween party might just be the place to have a heart-to-heart.

Academic Temptations by Karmen Lee

Twenty-three-year-old Savannah Archer has kept her sexuality buried for years out of fear of being ostracized by her disapproving community. After getting pregnant in high school and putting off college for five years to raise her son, she is finally attending college—away from the prying eyes.

In her first class of the semester, she meets Anetta Springs, who is not only her professor, but also her academic advisor, and the attraction is immediate. Savannah and Anetta both know that the potential consequences of a teacher-student relationship are life-changing, but a book club and a meddling sister may not give them a choice.

The Sidhe’s Apprentice by Morwen Navarre

For anyone serious about magic, studying with a Sidhe Master is essential. Alistair Brady is very serious, and when he’s chosen at a Calling—a search by the Sidhe for new students—he’s elated. However, his assigned Master, Cianán, doesn’t want a new student and makes it painfully obvious.

Despite Cianán’s disdain, Alistair is determined to learn magic. But Alistair has difficulty finding the place inside where magic lives, and even the simplest spells continue to elude him. He just needs to figure out what’s missing, while trying not to let his growing attraction to the cold and aloof Cianán show. It takes a backfiring spell to show both Alistair and Cianán exactly what’s missing to make Alistair’s magic come alive.

Press “Copy” to Begin by Maryn Blackburn

Dr. Marissa Muniz worked hard to earn her Ph.D., so she is rightfully outraged when she detects plagiarism in the work of wealthy grad student. When Muniz confronts Libby Highsmith, the young woman begs for a second chance.

Ms. Highsmith must propose a new master’s thesis and design a project to serve as punitive measures. Muniz accepts the thesis proposal but balks at the project—a replica of the paddle used in private schools and a contract promising secrecy.

 

Amazon

NineStar Press 

Barnes & Noble 

Kobo

 

TCO Exclusive – a post on sexy consent from Lee Welch

How do I write a sexy love story between a teacher and student that doesn’t come across a bit…icky?

That’s what I asked myself when I saw the call for stories for the new TEACHER’S PET 2 anthology. Because most of us wouldn’t want sexual advances from a teacher or a student. That’s not what the teaching relationship is about. We park that stuff at the door because we have boundaries.

In my story, A Spell for Master Vervain, I play with the very constraints that mean no decent teacher would ever make a move on a student—or vice versa. Those constraints are the meat of the story, as Kit pines for his master and falls deeper and deeper in love, knowing he can never, ever have him because he is the teacher.

(Of course, Kit gets him in the end, but I won’t pretend it’s an easy ride for either of them. Hint: there’s forbidden magic and eye-watering embarrassment.)

As I read this anthology myself, I was struck how all the authors have worked hard to ensure teachers and students never break the sacred bonds of the teacher/pupil relationship. All the students are well above the age of consent. All the teachers want the best for their pupils. So there’s no ick-factor in this book – just eight very different sweet and sexy stories of how students and teachers transform what they have into a new dynamic. Even if sometimes that means waiting until they’re nearly dying of lust and longing…

Thanks for having me and I hope you enjoy my story!

Lee

Lee Welch lives on a hill in the windiest city in the world – Wellington, New Zealand. She mainly writes stories about magicians falling in love; her most recent book was SALT MAGIC, SKIN MAGIC. She likes crumbling mansions, cavernous libraries and most things with tentacles. She studied ancient history at Auckland University and creative writing at Birkbeck, University of London.

Contact information

Email: leewelchwriter@gmail.com

Website + newsletter sign up: www.leewelchwriter.com

Twitter: @leewelchwriter

https://twitter.com/leewelchwriter

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

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Gateway To Love by Sarah Hadley: Excerpt and Release Day Review

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Ten days to finally make the leap from friends to lovers….

Craig and Mitchell have been friends for years, but each of them reached a point where that camaraderie became… more. Mitchell’s kept his feelings close to his chest. So has Craig, but now that they’ve graduated from UMKC, he knows it’s his last chance to show Mitchell they’re meant to be before their careers take them to opposite sides of the country.

He insists they can’t leave Missouri behind without one last adventure. Mitchell agrees to a road trip to visit all the touristy spots and say goodbye to their home state.

As they spend their days and nights together, buried feelings rise to the surface and hope blossoms. When their journey ends with a dance beneath the Branson stars, will they find love and a future together at the end of the road?

Length: 32,793 words

Cover Design: Brooke Albrecht

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Dreamspinner Press

THE SOUND of a horn jolted Mitch from a sound sleep, and he blinked his eyes for a moment, staring out the window at the busy highway.

“Sorry. Some idiot guy almost hit us. I had to lay on the horn,” Craig explained.

Mitch straightened himself in his seat and rubbed his eyes. “No worries. Sorry I fell asleep.”

Craig grinned at him. “You should be. I’ve had to listen to your snoring for almost two hours.”

“Hey, I don’t snore. You do, but I don’t,” Mitch said emphatically.

Craig snorted. “Whatever. I can hear you through the wall at night.”

“I don’t snore,” Mitch reiterated, and frowned when Craig chuckled. Then he started feeling bad about sleeping so long. “Want me to take a turn at the wheel?”

“Nah. Maybe when we stop for lunch? Although, we’ll probably be in Hannibal before then. We’ve only got about an hour and forty-five minutes left, give or take.”

Mitch nodded and checked his phone, but he couldn’t help watching his best friend out of the corner of his eye. Even after knowing him for four years, Mitch was still blown away by the reaction he felt whenever he looked at Craig. He’d certainly never forgotten the first day they met. It was imprinted on his brain forever.

That first day at Longview Community College had been brutal. He’d had to spend two hours in the admissions office because when he’d shown up for his first class, the professor didn’t have him listed. By the time his schedule was corrected, he’d missed two classes and was nearly late to his third.

He’d slid into an empty seat near the door just as the teacher turned around from the whiteboard. Someone next to him giggled and he glanced over to see the cutest boy he’d ever laid eyes on. Mitch had felt dumbstruck as his cheeks heated in reaction.

“Close call,” the kid had whispered with a nod toward the teacher. “I heard she doesn’t put up with latecomers.”

Mitch pulled himself together and smiled.

It wasn’t until class was over that they were able to talk.

“I’m Mitchell Moon,” he’d offered, as the guy rose from his desk. “Everyone calls me Mitch, though.”

Craig had beamed at him, his blue eyes sparkling a little as he leaned down until their faces were only inches apart. “Hi, Mitchell,” he said with a wink. “My name’s Craig Pruitt.”

And that was that—they became instant friends, bonding over video games, movies, and their love of Star Trek. It was the kind of friendship only found once in a lifetime. Mitch had come out to Craig within the first week of meeting him and his friend hadn’t even blinked.

There was only one problem with their friendship—Mitch had never been able to shake the attraction he felt for Craig. And over the years, as they earned their associate’s degrees from Longview and moved on to UMKC, their bond grew and his feelings for Craig only strengthened.

When Craig had confided in him that he thought he was bisexual their sophomore year, Mitch’s hopes had been raised, but by that time he was firmly planted in the friend zone. So he did what a best friend should—he supported Craig as he came to terms with things and accepted who he was. He’d admitted that he’d had a crush on a guy in high school, but it ran its course and he never acted on it. As far as Mitch knew, Craig had only dated two guys since then, nothing panning out toward a full-time relationship, though. But he’d had his share of casual hookups with men. Craig had gone a little wild when he’d first come out as bisexual, but had calmed down over the years. In fact, Mitch couldn’t remember him even going on a date during their senior year.

He’d seen the types of men Craig seemed to be attracted to, and they were nothing like Mitch, so he’d tucked his feelings away again and told himself not to go there anymore. It was an ongoing internal battle, but most of the time, he had a handle on it.

This last year of college, they’d found a cheap two-bedroom apartment near campus and moved in that summer. Sharing a small space with the man of his dreams had been hard. Especially when Craig often walked around their place wearing only a pair of boxers.

Mitch was honest enough to admit he’d fantasized about Craig too many times to count and would probably continue to do so long after he’d moved. Maybe that’s how it always was with a first love or major crush.

In his heart, he knew being apart would be good for them. Well, at least it would be for Mitch. Maybe he could finally go out with someone without constantly comparing him to Craig. But in the meantime, he continued to fight the attraction. The desire. The love. Because that’s what it had turned into. Love. Over the years, the longing, the emotional connection he felt with Craig, it had all turned to love. He wasn’t even sure when it had happened, but there was no denying Mitch was in love with his best friend.

And just when he was close to being free, there they were. One last hurrah before moving out of state. One last adventure with Craig.

What was he going to do without him? He turned to stare out the window, his eyes blind to the passing scenery. All he could see was a future without Craig, and it was shrouded in gray. Mitch was so tired of fighting his feelings. He chuckled to himself. He was the stereotypical guy in love with his best friend. He knew it was useless, but if Craig had asked him to go to California with him, Mitch would have dropped everything and followed him out west. He knew how pathetic that sounded, but when it came to Craig, Mitch didn’t care what others might think.

About an hour later, Craig pulled over to a gas station to fuel up and grab some snacks. Mitch used the disgusting bathroom, holding his breath as he did his business, quickly washed up, and made his way into the convenience store.

Craig was at the counter paying and held up a bag of items.

“I’m just going to get a drink,” Mitch told him as he walked past Craig. His friend grabbed his arm, wrapping his fingers around his wrist.

“I already got you your Dr Pepper,” he told Mitch with a smile. “And your Kit Kat.”

Mitch wanted to respond. Wanted to say thank you. But all he could do was revel in the sensation of Craig’s touch. Electricity prickled his skin, skittering through him.

“Mitchell?” Craig’s voice was low. He sounded worried.

“Sorry. Just… forgot what I was going to say,” he lied, knowing he sounded lame. He noticed Craig hadn’t let go of his wrist and raised his eyes to meet his friend’s gaze. Mitch was surprised at the intensity. The large black pupils. The flushed cheeks. “I-I’m… fine. Thanks for grabbing some things for me.”

Craig studied him, looking like he wanted to say something, but finally let Mitch go and they walked back out to the car and settled in.

“Less than an hour left,” Craig announced.

Mitch tried to tamp down his excitement, but it was difficult. He’d always wanted to visit Hannibal. He’d read all of Mark Twain’s stories, and knowing he was from Missouri had encouraged him when he’d dreamed about becoming a writer.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English had put him closer to that dream. Being hired to work on a grassroots website devoted to getting people registered to vote had been exciting and he was looking forward to starting next month. He was less excited about the magazine internship. West Virginia tourism was definitely not something he remotely cared about. He’d only taken it because his sister, Samantha, lived in West Virginia, where the magazine was headquartered, and she had helped him get the interview. Plus he could stay with her until he got a feel for the area. Samantha was also providing him with apartment information, so he would have several to check out when he moved.

The magazine hadn’t been in his original plans. He’d wanted to stay in Kansas City after graduation and work on his writing. His dream was to become a published author. Mitch lived to write, creating fantasy worlds and bringing characters to life. Over the years, he’d managed to put some money away, through his work at the coffee shop. Add what he’d been given as graduation gifts from his mother, his sister, and various relatives, and he was confident he could afford to give the writing thing a try for a while—as long as he had a roommate and a part-time job.

When Craig announced he’d taken a job in California, working for a nonprofit that helped homeless teens, Mitch’s plans took a nosedive. While he’d been proud of Craig, the idea of staying in Kansas City without him was depressing. If he was going to start a new chapter in his life and really get over Craig, staying where he’d be constantly reminded of their times together was out of the question. Writing would have to take a back seat to making a living. Mitch was trying to be an adult and make responsible choices—decisions that would help him move forward.

Maybe a new start in a new city would help him finally find a man that he could be in a real relationship with.

He just had to survive this trip without telling his best friend the truth he’d hidden for years.

Having just read a similar road trip story, I was definitely in the mood for another when I grabbed this book. Craig and Mitchell definitely had a lot of unresolved sexual tension going on. In the end, it was too much unresolved sexual tension for me, I think.

As I was reading the book, I almost felt like the UST was a third person in the relationship. It seemed whenever there might be a way around the longing looks, something popped up in their path, and put the UST right back in the forefront, not quite giving them a chance to flesh out what a relationship would look like for them. Their plans prior to this road trip had previously been to move to opposite ends of the country in a few weeks time, away from each other and begin their new lives.

I did enjoy their obvious devotion to the other, as well as all the fun things they found to do on their trip through Missouri, including their time at the Arch.

3 pieces of eye candy

Sarah Hadley Brook lives smack-dab in the middle of the Heartland and is the mother of two wonderful young men, as well as two cats. During the day, she works in the nonprofit world, but reserves evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. When not working or writing, she can be found reading, working on dollhouses, trying her hand at new recipes, or watching old movies and musicals. In her ideal world, Christmas would come at least twice a year, Rock Hudson and Doris Day would have costarred in more than three movies, and chocolate would be a daily necessity. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in “Happily Ever After” and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life.

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October 19 – Two Chicks Obsessed, Xtreme Delusions, October 20 – Bayou Book Junkie, October 22 – SSLY, Bookaholic & Kindle, October 23 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, October 24 – Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Love Unchained Book Review, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, MM Midnight Cafe, Mikku-chan, October 25 – Boy Meets Boy Reviews, October 26 – Making It Happen, October 27 – Mirrigold, October 29 – Drops Of Ink, Bayou Book Junkie, Wicked Faerie’s Tales & Reviews, Nerdy Dirty & Flirty, Book Review By Virginia Lee, October 30 – MM Good Book Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

Goodreads

Amazon

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Away from the sculpture?” Landon frowned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 pieces of eye candy

 

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

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

Author Links

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

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

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

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

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

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv

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

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Just Desserts by Mary Calmes: TBT Throwback Thursday Review

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A Tale of the Curious Cookbook

Boone Walton has tried hard to create some distance between himself and his past. He’s invested in his new life, his New Orleans art gallery, and his friendship with Scott Wren. Things finally seem to be settling down to normal, and Boone couldn’t be happier.

Chef Scott Wren wants much more than normal with Boone. He wants to raise things to the next level, but Boone is terrified—and not because of the ghost in Scott’s apartment or Scott’s relatives. No, Boone’s past is about to pay him a visit, and the only thing that can get between Boone, Scott, and a hinky recipe for chocolate mousse found in a curious cookbook is the river of pain Boone had to swim across to get to this side of The Big Easy. There’s a secret behind the ingredients, though—one that might reveal the trust and love that have been missing from Boone’s life.

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

 

Sigh…..

I have never, in all the books I’ve read by this author, find one that I didn’t adore. This one was no different. In this one, we have Scott and Boone, best friends for the last two years, they literally hadn’t gone a day without seeing to or speaking to each other since the day they’d met.

And they were so cute, they complimented each other so well…For as hard as Scott fought to become someone to Boone, Boone was the one that always took care of Scott.

It worked for him though, he wanted that role and took it seriously. They weren’t just friends, they were soul-mates…just ask the cookbook that came with the oven that Boone bought for Scott…
And a nice little friendly haunted apartment LOL

Unfortunately, stuck in the friend category, it was easy to see why Scott jumped from relationship to relationship, and my heart broke so badly for Boone, when e learned of his life before moving to Louisianna. It was a tough pill to swallow, but, I felt like after learning so much about his hardships, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. He’d had such a rough life and I was rooting for him and Scott, because they deserved each other. Boone deserved Scott, and to be happy, and I had no doubt that given the chance, that Scott would do anything to make him happy.

Another fantastic Mary Calmes read.

5 pieces of eye candy from me!