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release day review

The Humbug Holiday by Lane Hayes: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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.                                              .

Two grumpy bears and a holiday season neither will forget…

Joe

So this sexy silver fox rolls into my small New England town and buys a run-down old house in need of renovation. That’s where I come in. My job is to do some basic repairs, so he can write in peace. Yep, the hotshot is a bestselling author, but that’s not why I recognize Cameron Warren.

No worries, I won’t let a one-night stand make things awkward. I could use the work, but is he seriously asking me to help him buy a Christmas tree too?

No way.

Cameron

I’m a good-natured guy all year long, but I have to admit…I hate the holidays.

There. I said it.

This season, I’m hiding away on the opposite side of the country in a picturesque village. My family isn’t excited about my decision, and the only way to assure them I’m fine is to deck the darn halls. Or hire someone else to do it.

The handyman might not be the logical choice for an elf, but his grumpy act makes me smile. Which makes me think the holidays might not be so “bah-humbug” this year after all.

The Humbug Holiday is a bisexual, age-gap romance featuring two grumpy bears who find unexpected magic and learn to embrace everyone’s favorite time of year!

Title: The Humbug Holiday
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 35k
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday.
Tropes: Bears, Second Chance, Holiday Romance, Romantic Comedy.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Audible – Narrated by Michael Dean

Goodreads

A playful smile ghosted over Cameron’s full lips. “You’re stubborn, but loyal. You’re extremely private, but I can’t tell if that’s a protective mechanism or defensive. You’re a loner.”

All true.

“Anything else?”

“Well…I think you have a bit of a God complex,” he replied carefully.

I narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me?”

“You’re a control freak. In a perfect world, you’d like to control or manage others’ expectations. You hate that you care what others think, but you do. That probably has something to do with the fact that you come from a good place and you don’t like the idea of anything tainting it. Big cities have a way of desensitizing. Trust me. I know how that goes.”

I was too taken aback by the ultra-personal read to reply immediately. Surprise gave way to righteous indignation and anger.

I glowered as I moved toward him. “What the fuck? You don’t know me or anything about my life or—”

“Hey, relax.” Cameron held his hands up in surrender. “It’s an observation, not an insult.”

“Well…don’t observe me. It’s creepy,” I growled. “Especially coming from someone who writes murder mysteries.”

A slow-moving pirate’s smile took over his face. “Fair point, but as you said, it’s my job to watch and take note of my surroundings.”

I cocked my head, studying his chiseled features and proud carriage in those designer duds. Everything about Cameron Warren screamed “special,” and I had no doubt that was the case. But I was still smarting after his astute analysis. I couldn’t help wondering how much of his dapper bear façade was for show.

“Hmm. Maybe. Or maybe you snoop to dodge your own reality.” I shrugged. “Just a thought.”

He arched a brow but didn’t speak.

Was it my imagination or was the air suddenly buzzing? My gaze darted to the darkening skies out the window, but the sizzle of electricity was all us. I couldn’t read any signs.

Were we joking? I mean, we were throwing some personal shit out there. We were both guilty of being borderline rude…and too familiar. It should have felt unsafe to have someone poke at me for a reaction, but damn it…it turned me on.

He turned me on.

Okay, I have a very soft spot  for grumpy bears…my dad was one. Bah Humbug! all the way for him. But he had the softest heart buried in that grumpy face that he was so well known for. So, there was zero chance I was passing up not only a grumpy bear book, but two grumpy bears and a holiday story to boot. I was not disappointed.

I will admit, I’ve not read a lot of Lane Hayes’ books…I’ve seen the error of my ways, I promise! This book just hit me in so many good ways. These two did not love the holidays, and both with very good reasons. However, those around them did (all the older ladies who would not let them just be by themselves was so funny to me!) and so because they loved those people, they “suffered” through the holiday season, with all the gruff exterior they could muster. Until they met their match in grumpiness in the other.

Joe was hit hard in the past by a former lover/boss, as well as some nasty allegations against him, and came home to essentially lick his wounds. After being in that situation, I’m sure you would want to be somewhere where people love you, appreciate you, will leave you alone a bit, and that feels comfortable. A bit like curling up with a hot cocoa under the covers.  Cameron meanwhile, needed a change of pace, a slower one in order to breathe, away from his aunts, and everyone wanting a piece of him back in California. He had his own demons to battle with regards to the holidays that had been sitting in the background for decades.

These two somehow found a way to learn to like the holidays again, through the magic of being with each other. Or at least, they probably always liked it a little, but came to realize that they did, by finding each other. It was a gradual process, but fun to see the progression.

This book wasn’t super funny, although definitely had its moments. “I picked up a red bulb and gingerly attached the hook to the tree. Okay, that wasn’t so bad.” But it just felt so good to read. Seeing these two big old grumps learning they can be happy inside, and with each other, even if they feel the need to keep up their front to the outside world for their own sanity.  Until, of course, everyone just knew they truly loved the holidays. It did my heart more good than I would have ever imagined. It’s definitely on the read again list.

4 pieces of eye candy

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not-quite-empty nest.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
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Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/Lanehayesauthor
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes

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The Santa Problem by Barbara Elsborg: Release Day Review

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When Kendall is let down by the Santa and photographer he’s booked for his garden centre, he frantically tries to find replacements. But no one is available to step in at the last minute and he’s running out of time and options.

Then Alfie arrives, with his electric-blue hair, piercings, megawatt smile, and three cute reindeer. And, he just happens to be a photographer. Finally, Kendall sees a glimmer of hope. So what if he hates Christmas, kids, beards and missing Santas? Kendall can play Santa himself, if he just learns how to smile.

As Kendall thaws and gets into the role, Alfie has renewed hope that he’ll manage what he came all the way here to do. It all depends on Kendall believing him, and that suddenly becomes a mountain Kendall won’t even try to climb. But Alfie won’t give up. It’s not over yet. This is Christmas and there’s magic in the air!

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Christmas books? But it’s not even Halloween! I don’t care! Bring it on!

We start out with the quintessential Christmas grouch. He’s the manager of a garden center that does a big Christmas thing. Kendall is all about the bottom line. How much can the center make. He is fastidious and organized so when the Santa he booked nearly a year in advance cancels at the last minute, he isn’t quite sure what to do.

Then Alfie shows up. Claiming to be the photographer for Santa. And he brought reindeer. And sweet talks Kendall into being Santa. Which all of the employees can’t believe because he is super grouchy.

Obviously Alfie has ulterior motives, but they take a little bit to suss out. We don’t know right away where he came from or what he is doing. But he is trying to make Kendall happy. And the children who come to see Santa. And the employees of the garden center. All while taking care of his reindeer.

You can’t help but love Alfie. His happiness is infectious without being obnoxious. He genuinely loves Christmas and all that it entails. He doesn’t really understand why Kendall hates it and tries to be subtle about changing his mind.

Kendall can’t resist Alfie and the draw to him he feels. Even though Alfie has said numerous times that he will leave on Christmas Eve, they both finally succumb to the attraction.

Which isn’t part of the plan, but Alfie goes for it.

The story takes a delightful turn when we find out exactly what Alfie has been trying to achieve. Three meddling reindeer and an orphan add to the story and the magic.

It was almost like a switch was flipped with Kendall though. He thawed while playing Santa, but underneath he was still miserable. And then he wasn’t. He just had to believe.

This was different and lovely. I think I might have to reread it one night in a month or 2 when my tree is light and there are presents underneath.

4 pieces of eye candy

Like I Wished (Heather Bay Book 2) by Charlie Novak: Release Day Review

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Dreaming about my best friend’s brother is one thing, him actually falling for me is another.

Baking cupcakes for the science department bake-off shouldn’t strike fear into the heart of chemistry teacher Noah, but his previous record hasn’t exactly been glowing. In an attempt to stave off another year in last place, Noah turns to the one man who might be able to help him: his best friend’s older brother, Spencer.

Noah’s had a crush on the vibrant and sporty footballer turned baker for years, but the chances of anything happening between them are slim to none. Spencer is caring, funny, gorgeous… and totally straight.

Spencer has never thought about dating men before, but after watching Noah lick buttercream off a whisk he’s suddenly realising he’s not as straight as previously thought.

Revelations about his sexuality are one thing, but his footballing past being dragged into the present is another and Spencer isn’t sure which is more stressful. But he’s sure about one thing: he wants Noah in his life. Now all they have to do is figure out how to make their wishes come true.

Like I Wished is a hot and heart-warming best friend’s brother contemporary MM romance featuring adorable ghost cupcakes, a bisexual awakening over baking, gate-crashed first dates, gym-bro besties, and lots of hot chocolate.

It is book two in the Heather Bay series and while it can be read as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as part of the series.

Lately I feel like I’ve read a lot of books that have had conflict. A lot of unnecessary conflict. Thinking it made for a better story? More interesting characters? I don’t know. But I was thinking to myself “why can’t two guys just, yanno, date and fall in love without all of the dramz???”

Well the universe spoke and gave me this story.

Being a fan of Charlie Novak, I had already read (and thoroughly enjoyed) book 1. There was conflict in that, but it absolutely made sense. Just so you don’t think I am anti conflict. I actually love drama and angst. But it has to make sense. But this story is 2 men who already know each other. And like each other. And consider each other friends. Their only obstacle, if you can call it that, is that one of the guy’s is best friend’s with the other guy’s brother.

Noah had been crushing on his best friend’s brother for YEARS. He thought he was sly about it, but apparently not. Spencer had defaulted to straight, but he started noticing Noah ever since he brought him home one night to take care of him because he was a bit on the drunk side.

When Spencer starts figuring it out, he is fairly straight forward with Noah. No beating around the bush. No being super scared or nervous. Just kind of all in. He had the confidence to say he was new at this but wanted it and wanted to do it right.

And Noah, that little cinnamon roll, had zero issues with speaking up with what he wanted. Who knew Noah was such a dirty boy?

All of the guys from book 1 appear. We see Laurie and Theo in their natural habitat (their apartment) and I am soooooo intrigued with those two. I hope we get their story.

But I digress. Even though both guys were a little nervous telling their friends (especially the brother/best friend) it was fine. Not manufactured fights. Just the snark we expected from him.

So yes, a story where two guys start dating, develop feelings, freely admit those feelings and go on to have a seemingly healthy relationship with each other. YAY!

4 pieces of eye candy

Stronger Than Longing (Chesapeake Days Book 3) by Katherine McIntyre: Release Day Review

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.                                        .

Return to small-town Chesapeake and fall in love with the single-dad bad boy who keeps breaking hearts, and the adorable geek who can’t help but fall head over heels for his brother’s best friend.

For one night with the man of his dreams, Taran’s willing to break all his rules…..

Taran’s always been the reliable one. Safe. Which is why he keeps getting dumped by the assholes he dates. And after the latest round of “too boring,” he’s ready to drink his blues away. That’s until Silas King shows up – the gorgeous guy he’d swooned over through high school.

Silas wants one more night of distraction before his new reality sets in, and he sets his sights on Taran, his friend’s little brother who’s looking sexier than ever. It’s not like he can get in any more trouble than he’s already found himself in.

After Taran and Silas spend one unforgettable night together, feelings emerge, ones quickly stamped out when Silas confesses why he’s back in town. He’s returned to meet his three-month-old daughter.

With that chaos in his life, Silas can’t pursue anything further with Taran, and having longed for Silas his whole damn life, Taran isn’t sure he’ll survive the aftermath. Yet the more they try to avoid their connection, the more they keep colliding…until the passion between them detonates.

Amazon – All Regions

This was a new to me author. What drew me to wanting to read it was the whole small town thing. I grew up in a small town and the dynamics are interesting usually and make for an interesting backdrop.

There were parts I liked and parts I didn’t like. I really appreciated that one of the main characters, Taran, wasn’t white! He was, I think, Indian. Talk about an underrepresented demographic. He is a super sweet guy who wants to be in a relationship. So much so that he kind of settles for less than he deserves and then they invariably break up with him.

Silas is the typical bad boy. Running out of town as soon as he graduated high school. Coming back to visit once a year or so. He only does hookups, male or female, and has never had a relationship.

Which is why, when we find out he is back because his hook up last year got pregnant, I wanted to yell CONDOMS??? There was no talk about how or if birth control failed. Not cool.

So some suspended reality here. His best friend, Taran’s brother, hires him to be a sous chef at his restaurant. Is excited to have someone who worked in Philadelphia to jazz up the menu. Except we never see that. And he just jumps in and no one loses shifts?

I know these are little things, but they take me out of the story.

After hooking up, they decide to do the friends thing. We all know that never works. But instead of fighting a relationship, Silas seems to be the one ready to go all in.

The big conflict happens, the make up happens and then pretty much the end. I wanted more. It just wasn’t enough story for me.

It was fine but a bit forgettable. And there’s one plot device that bugs me that seems to be used often. I won’t say what it is, but it’s to the point that I am eye rolling.

Readable but forgettable.

3 pieces of eye candy

Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As an eternal geek and tomboy who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there, from different cultures and races to all varieties of men and women. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.

Couture Crush (Model Love) by Charlie Novak: Release Day Review

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Beau Barrett is about to become Alt. Bride’s first male cover model, but what about his own fairy-tale ending?

When Beau Barrett arrives to shoot for alternative bridal magazine, Alt. Bride, the last person he expects to see is Cash, his long-lost childhood best friend. The spark between them is instant, but with Beau’s calendar splitting at the seams, he’s not convinced a relationship is possible.

Cash never thought he’d see Beau again, but now the make-up artist is determined to hold on to him. Cash’s life might be overflowing with events, but his crush on Beau can’t be ignored, especially when things between them feel so right.

All they have to do is navigate their jam-packed schedules, their spread-out living arrangements, and the modelling offer of a lifetime. It won’t be easy, but if they can do it, Beau and Cash might just get the chance to find the love they’ve always dreamed about.

Couture Crush is part of the Model Love multi-author series and is a 47,500-word, low-angst contemporary MM novel featuring childhood best friends, couture wedding gowns, arcade date nights, and plenty of fluff and steam. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are so many models falling in love, why not read them all?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Adorable. Seriously. First thought about this book is that they are adorable.

A model, a makeup artist, childhood friends who lost touch. Brought back together when the model lands a huge cover shoot and the other is his makeup artist.

Beau and Cash just fall back together so immediately. That kind of relationship they had as kids really never went away. Now they are grown. And gay. And single. They are almost immediately inseparable.

There’s no awkward, no angst, no one was mad at anyone. They were just two young guys trying to make it in the world who fell in love with each other.

Cash, as a makeup artist, has interesting stories of what happens in bridal rooms with women. Beau, luckily, seems to have a pretty easy go of being a model. He is hardly a super model, but he doesn’t do too badly. They grow together in their careers as they grow as a couple.

Just cute, cute, cute.

4 pieces of eye candy

Bet You (Franklin U Series, Book 4) by Neve Wilder: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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.                                 .

Spencer

Whose brilliant idea was it to build university housing next to one of Franklin U’s most notorious party frats?

I’m a real student—the kind who actually came to college to learn, not some dumb frat bro who sees Franklin U as a four-year challenge to consume the most booze and throw out the best pick-up line.

Their all-hours lifestyle is driving me crazy. Not to mention, the jerks keep taking my assigned parking spot.

But the worst offender might be Cory Ingram. Sure, he has a smile that could melt a polar ice cap, but no way will I ever be one of his minions. I’m pretty sure I made that clear when I blew my top at him. So I have no idea why he’s suddenly everywhere around me, turning on the charm like I might actually fall for it.

Nope. Not gonna happen.

Cory

From the first day I set foot on Franklin U’s campus, everything has been golden. I have a ton of friends, endless parties to be the life of, and whoever I want in my bed on any given night. Sure, I’m a shameless party boy, but I’m not a jerk. Ask anyone. Seriously.

Even the crotchety old groundskeeper waves and smiles at me when I pass.

Then there’s Spencer Crow. I’ve never seen a guy’s face get so red over a parking spot. Even when I try to make it right, he proceeds to give me the tongue-lashing of a lifetime—which is about the moment I notice that, in addition to being irrationally irate, he’s also crazy hot.

My friends think I’ve finally met the one person I can’t seduce…

Bet you I can.

Title: Bet You
Authors: Neve Wilder
Length: 65K
Series: Franklin U Series, Book 4
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: opposites attract, hate to love, fratboy player/confident geek, rich/poor.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Damn, this dude is fired up. And while I hear the words coming out of his mouth, it’s the visuals that strike me. Dark brown hair swept back from his forehead in a way that catches the sunlight in threads of warm gold. His eyes are a crystalline blue and what I’d consider penetrating if they weren’t filled with so much fury that I’m convinced he’s trying to laser me to ash on the spot. And a mouth that, well, if it wasn’t currently spewing venom at me, would leave me curious about how it’d feel wrapped around my cock.

How have I not noticed this guy before?

Or have I?

Shit, have I slept with him?

Maybe that’s why he’s so pissed over a parking spot? Who the hell gets this butthurt over a parking spot without some background motivation? I mean, I’m always up-front with my hookups that I am in no way relationship material, but that doesn’t mean feelings don’t get hurt sometimes. Maybe this guy is a ghost from hookups past?

“Have I slept with you?” I blurt, interrupting him while he’s saying something again about a dumpster on Lee Street.

His jaw snaps shut, then opens again, bewilderment wrinkling his forehead. “What? Of course not,” he growls as if I’ve mortally offended him by the suggestion, which in turn kinda offends me.

Look, my body count is pretty high, but like I said, I’m always up-front with my partners, always get consent, and am dedicated to their pleasure as much as mine. I mean, Jesus, I once went down on a girl for two hours because she’d never had an orgasm from oral before, and it took us that long to figure out what combination of lips, tongue, and fingers was the winning ticket. But by god, we fucking found it. And then celebrated after with a two-hour nap before she blew me a kiss as she left. I never heard from her again, but I like to think she’s out and about these days tugging the roots of guys’ hair as they bring her to multiple orgasms.

God, he’s still going. I zero in on his mouth, the plump Cupid’s bow and the thinner lower lip—which gives him a stern look that’s really working for me. I shake my head, trying to focus on the words coming from those sexy lips.

“…not if you were the last man alive.”

Okay, so he’s gay. Or bi. I squint at him, still confused. “I’m sorry, but I need to ask again: Is this amount of aggression really warranted over a parking space?” When he purses his lips, I can’t help it—I have to fight back a grin. It’s just… he’s so fucking indignant. “Look, I’ve said I’m sorry about your space, and I’m moving the car now.”

“Which would only help me if I could time travel back to an hour ago to before you parked in the spot.”

“How about I drive you to your car?” I figure that’s a considerate offer and the best olive branch to offer that I can think of at the moment.

He blinks in surprise before his mouth pulls into another scowl. “No, thanks. I’ll walk.” He stalks past me and starts down the street.

If you’ve been reading the books as they release, you know that we had met Spencer previously. He was hoping to get into the life sciences house to live with other people with his major. His friend warns him of the frat next door. The one that is ALWAYS loud and often throws parties. He doesn’t listen.

The frat IS loud and keeps him up often. After school full time AND working at the local bar, he is over it. And finally snaps when someone parks in his assigned spot. AGAIN. When he snapped, I felt it in my soul. Been there.

Cory is the guilty party. He tries turning on his charm to no avail. He is known for his charm! But Spencer isn’t having it. So now it’s a challenge. And when the frat brothers find out, it’s also a bet.

Cory is RELENTLESS in his pursuit. But alone with that, he is actually super respectful. And Spencer is charmed, he is just trying not to be.

If you’ve read any Neve Wilder books before, you know she can write a pretty filthy (in a good way!) sex scene. Well. Let me tell you. There were scenes where these two guys weren’t even in the same house and my kindle almost caught fire.

There’s some good cat and mouse here without being creepy. Cory is funny and charming and Spencer is no match. They play off of each other really well. Cory’s charm to Spencer’s snark. But it is a slow burn until they get their hands on each other.

This was a fun read with a good plot and a nice story as well. Sexy, cute, funny AND romantic. Excellent addition to the FU world

4 pieces of eye candy

Enemies to lovers, is not a favorite trope of mine, but is always entertaining! In this one, we have Corey and Spencer… again, as we’re used to seeing in this series so far, they’re about as different as night and day, and it isn’t all sunshine and roses when they first meet… – or any time they meet, there at the beginning. Spencer is at Franklin U to get an education. He takes it seriously, or as seriously as he can living next door to a fraternity. A party-friendly fraternity, with bro’ey dudes that do nothing but keep him distracted and disrupt his life… they even steal his parking space…

Now, I wanna say that I was a little apprehensive to start this one because I hate the whole ‘bet’ thing, they always get caught and someone always gets their feelings hurt…it’s right around the same ball park as “rule number one: you can’t fall in love with me…” like, well, now we know it’s going to happen… but I’m glad I stuck with this one because I did enjoy the chemistry and the banter between these two. I didn’t think I was going to warm up to Corey, (and not because I have a weird taste or Corey’s since it’s my husband’s name) but I’m so glad that I stuck with it!

I’m really enjoying this series and though I’ve been called out recently for spoilers and telling the whole synopsis in my review, I’ll leave it here and say that if you enjoyed the rest of this series, you’ll love this one too!

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Neve Wilder reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. Down and dirty scorchers? Yes. And every flavor in between.

She believes David Bowie was the sexiest musician to ever live, and she’s always game to nerd out on anything from music to writing.

And finally, she believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.

Connect with Neve:
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