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Forgotten (Heaven and Hell Club, Book 2) by Colette Davison: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Can he build a future, when he’s forgotten his past?

Jared has fought hard to achieve something close to ‘normal’. Needing to get away from his well-meaning but suffocating family, he follows a message he wrote on a scrap of paper to a new city, hoping to find a missing piece of his past.

When Kyrone, a cocky pole dancer at the Heaven and Hell Club, saunters into the tattoo parlour Jared works in, his life is turned upside down again. A passionate one night stand turns into something unexpected for both men. But life is never simple as they work out if they can have a future beyond what has been forgotten.

Forgotten is an MM romance with hurt/comfort, a small age gap, and two men who need to learn to be true to themselves. It is the second book in the Heaven and Hell Club series and, whilst it can be read as a standalone, works better if read after Broken.

Title: Forgotten (Heaven and Hell Club, Book 2)

Author: Colette Davison

Release Date: March 25, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Hurt/comfort, disabled MC, small age-gap, one night stand to lovers

Themes: Being true to yourself, trusting in others

Length: 75 000 words

Heat Rating: 3-4 flames

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“I tell you what,” Kyrone said. “I’ll jump into the shower and then nip to the corner shop to get us something more substantial and healthier for breakfast. You can take a shower while I’m gone. How does that sound?”

Jared glanced at the pile of their clothes on the floor. He didn’t much fancy putting on dirty, slept-in clothes straight after a shower.

“I need to put some laundry on,” Kyrone said. “So I’ll throw your clothes in too.”

“What am I meant to wear in the meantime?”

“Nothing?” Kyrone asked hopefully. “I don’t mind if you wander around my flat naked.”

Jared laughed and shook his head.

“I’ve got a top you can wear.” Kyrone pursed his lips. “I’m pretty sure my underwear and jeans will swamp you, though.”

“Probably,” Jared agreed.

Kyrone extricated himself from beneath Jared and moved to an oversized chest of drawers. He rummaged through the drawers for a couple of minutes, giving Jared an unobstructed view of the man’s lean back and taut arse. With a small cheer, Kyrone pulled out a huge round-neck jumper with wide stripes in two contrasting shades of grey. It looked too big for Kyrone, let alone Jared.

Kyrone threw it across to him. “That should cover you up.”

“It still feels like you’re trying to hold me hostage for the afternoon,” Jared said in a teasing tone. “I can’t exactly go home, wearing nothing but an oversized jumper.”

Kyrone knelt on the bed, leaning forward onto his hands, his face close to Jared’s. “Do you want to go home?” he asked in a soft, low tone that made Jared shiver.

“No.”

“Then I don’t see a problem, do you?”

Alright…so, I’m jumping into this at book two, without reading the first one and I feel, especially from the reviews I’ve gone back and read, that skipping the first one was a huge mistake. Unfortunately, I’m an emotional basketcase, so I didn’t think I could handle it. I’ve just gotten it though, and because I loved this story so much, I’m jumping into it.

Now, in saying how much I adored this heartbreaking story… I did not think I would feel that way. Kyrone is not my kind of guy. I don’t know if he played any part in book one, but he starts off just very conceited and full of himself and I was put off of him immediately. Meeting him when he was going to get a tattoo at Ink Envy, where Jared is apprenticing under his boss, Faye.

The guys are smitten with each other and at first, it’s meant to be a good time, though that only lasts about the first time. Kyrone does a complete 180 and gone is the good-time guy who loves attention and thinks only about himself… and when he notices Jared isn’t well, he drops everything to take care of him, even if it means the good times need to be put on hold. He’s endlessly patient and understanding and is really such a sweet support for Jared.

Jared, my heart kind of broke for. After a terrible accident, Jared wasn’t sure who he was anymore, but he was coping as best as he could with this new normal and trying to be as independent as his illness allowed him. Getting away from his overly hovering parents helped, as did getting a job and the work he spent on getting himself better, but it was still hard doing it by himself. Fortunately, he meets Kyrone, and even though he didn’t want to be a burden on him, he needed Kyrone and Kyrone was happy to be the one he leaned on when he needed someone to lean on.

There’s a part, probably a little insignificant to most who read it, but when Jared repeated this line “Then I won’t hold you to it if keeping that promise makes you miserable” … I could see every reason Kyrone fell in love with him.

I was really surprised by Jared’s parents too, they weren’t at all the way I pictured them. I’m anxious to get into Jag’s story because I knew from the moment he was reading the book, that he had some kind of tie to Jared, I just dind’t understand how heartbreaking it was. I cannot wait to jump into that emotional bag of terrorism. I have a feeling it’s going to ruin my weekend, but in the best way. I really hope there are more in this series, I’d love to see what happens with the rest of the guys at the club!!

And what a sweet ending! It was perfect!

4 pieces of eye candy

Let me get this out of the way. If the author did research on tattoo apprenticeships or tattoo parlors, it wasn’t well done. A reputable tattoo artist doesn’t just pluck someone out of a coffee shop because they like his art and give him a paying job. Apprentices PAY to work at a tattoo shop to get training. And tattoo shops don’t work bankers hours. They don’t open at 10 and close at 5 or 6. Ya it was convenient for the story, but details like that bug me.

On to the story. I was kind of expecting something nefarious about the accident that took Jared’s memory. But the details were really anti climatic. Kyrone really bugged me at the beginning, although he did end up growing on me the more he was with Jared and took care of him.

This is a tough review because I did like the story, but it was the details that took me out of it so much. There were also a few time line issues (day of the week, etc).

Jared and Kyrone are absolutely adorable together, there’s no denying that at all. Although they moved fast, the progression of their relationship was well written. I was shocked there wasn’t more with Jared’s family and there was nothing with previous friends. Friends before his accident. Details. The devil is in the details.

If you can look past the little things (that clearly I can’t) it’s a good story with likable characters. Jared’s injury is explained well and obviously researched. They are an adorable couple with great chemistry, banter and romance. The date that Kryone took Jared on was fabulous. There is a lot of good in the book and worth a read.

It’s book 2, but it is easily a stand alone.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

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Falling For My Roommate by Garrett Leigh: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Falling for his roommate gives ex footballer Micah the second chance he deserves, and what could be better than loving your best friend?

Micah

I’m a broke ex-football player with a bum leg and PTSD. Last summer, I had two choices: the streets, or find a cheap room to rent in the city. I chose the second option, which landed me with a brand-new problem, cos I hadn’t banked on my roommate becoming my best friend. Or that before long I’d find myself head over heels in love with him. Trouble is, even if Sam likes me back, I ain’t fit to be no one’s boyfriend. I don’t know how. All I do is wade through every precious moment and hope that he doesn’t regret the day he ever met me.

Sam

I’m a gay book nerd with no business falling in love with hunky athletes. Micah is the dictionary definition of beautiful, inside and out, he just doesn’t know it. And he definitely doesn’t know I’m ridiculously in love with him. The embarrassing kind of love.

He’s all I can think about.

But it’s not as simple as loving someone who doesn’t love me back. Micah is damaged goods—at least, that’s how he’d put it. The world has chewed him up and spat him out, and he thinks he deserved it. That he’s still the battered mess he was a year ago.

I want to shake him, and shout in his face that he’s not. To force the truth on him and make him believe in himself the way I do. But I can’t save Micah. One day, perhaps he’ll realise that he already saved himself.

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

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So good!

Except for the boring title, I really loved this book. Micah was a small character in a previous book (I really love that. Because then you don’t have to read the previous books, but if you did you get these pop in characters you can check on) when he was a professional football (soccer) player. Now permanently injured, his mental health precarious and most of his money gone, he shares an apartment with Sam and works as a personal trainer for senior citizens.

Sam is just a chill guy. He works as a bartender and goes to school very part time. And he loves books. Of course you’re going to love a guy who loves books! Honestly, I wish he talked about books and his love of books more. Teehee

Anyway, mutual crushes, longing looks, but best friends and roomies. They are just so cute together. They totally act like a couple without the benefits. They start dipping their toes into the idea of being a couple while visiting Sam’s parents.

Throughout the entire book you just want to hug Micah. OMG this guy. His entire life did a 180. He is struggling everyday. His inner dialogue really showed the turmoil of living with mental health issues and how quickly and easily things can change. Anyone who lives with anxiety or depression or ptsd will absolutely see bits of themselves in him.

Often when one character is struggling, the other tends to be overly happy and optimistic and you want to smack them. Not Sam though. Yes, he does lead a fairly charmed life with little struggle, he does everything he can to understand Micah, not just try to get him to cheer up. He isn’t that character who is practically a cheerleader with permasmile. He was super real.

This is a must read if you are a fan of Garrett Leigh. If the author is new to you, it is easy to jump right in with this one. You’ll probably go back to read as many of the others as you can.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with renowned LGBTQA+ photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

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Candy Hearts by Erin McLellan: Quick Review

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Mechanic Benji Holiday is so over Valentine’s Day and men who don’t get him. A weekend getaway with friends to escape the holiday hubbub is exactly what he needs. But William O’Dare—a stern and silent nightclub owner with “Be My Valentine” practically stamped on his forehead—throws a wrench into Benji’s plans.

William has spent years focused on his career, and it has cost him friendships and love. Inexperienced in the business of romance, he’s on the hunt for the perfect partner, and he’s armed with specific criteria to guide him. But William didn’t expect a hunky mechanic wrapped in satin and lace to show up on his doorstep.

Unable to resist their attraction, Benji and William agree to be secret fake valentines for the weekend, but secrets have a way of getting out. William gets struck by Cupid’s arrow, and as the weekend winds down, he doesn’t want fake or secret. He wants Benji to be his valentine for real and for keeps.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This is the best Valentine story I read this year and a first time read of Erin McLellan.

The story was creative and entertaining. The characters were interesting and relatable. There were bits of humor sprinkled in over the plot along with enough serious moments and self reflection to make it a well balanced read.

I love insta-love, but we all know that the honeymoon doesn’t last forever. Erin shows us that and it’s perfection. While William and Benji click in all the right ways at the cabin when they get back to the real world it’s a struggle to find balance. Their first date is awful because they were both trying two hard, and doesn’t that just give you all the feels.

In conclusion, this story was perfect! If you haven’t read it yet you totally should.

I’m going to run off and check out all of Erin’s backlist.

5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Rules to Follow (Davey’s Rules Book 1) by Susan Hawke: Quick Review

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Davey’s Rule #86: A good Daddy will never lie to his boy… even by omission.

Travis Miller has a pretty solid life in the small California beach town he calls home. He’s working his way up in the district attorney’s office, he owns a home with an ocean view, and he has close ties with his family. Life is good. If only he could find a sweet boy to call his own, life would be… perfect.

Adam Nichols’ life has never been easy. Growing up in foster care taught him to be strong, so finding himself in a violent relationship was a shock. Now that he’s finally free of it, he faces new problems. He’s jobless, homeless, and terrified of starting from scratch.

With a little help from an old friend, Adam discovers a whole new world. He goes from rock bottom to renting a room from a hot assistant DA and working at Daddy’s Lap, a kink club that opens his vanilla eyes to things he’d never imagined. His new roommate is a balm to Adam’s damaged soul. The tender way Travis cares for him is almost like the Daddy kink community he’s seen at the club. But Travis isn’t a Daddy… right? If he were, surely he’d have said so.

What happens when a lie by omission threatens to bring their budding relationship tumbling down around them? Will Travis ever be able to earn Adam’s trust again?

This is the first book in a new series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys,” and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book. Possible trigger for references to domestic violence.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Okay, so I’m new to the daddy trope, but I’m definitely intrigued.

In this one, we have Adam, who when we meet him, he’s waking up from an abusive situation and knows that he has to get out or the next time he may not get a chance. Having nowhere else to go, he text his college roommate and even though it’s been a couple of years, Davey accepts him with open arms.

Davey is hilarious in a completely over the top way that I would think would get a little obnoxious, but you can’t help but love him. He has the best heart and would do anything for those he cares about, including Adam, who helps get a job at the club he works at that caters to Daddies of all types. It’s new to Adam, but he’s intrigued by it as well. Wanting to get back on his feet, he’s also introduced to Travis, a member of the club and a respected Daddy.

The thing that confused me is, Adam doesn’t know that Travis is a Daddy or that he knows anything about it, but when he admits that he heard Davey talking about him with his boss, where did he think they were talking at that he just happened to be around? The secret of Travis not telling him that he’s a Daddy is a big part of the plotline towards the end, but….how did he not know? And why was he so mad about it? Yeah, he didn’t tell him, but he had to at least see where Travis was coming from. I liked that he admitted that he was being stubborn though and everything worked out okay in the end…. Still, I was confused.

Aside from that, when Travis offered to rent Adam a room, Adam was slowly but surely getting back on his feet. He was finishing school, had a job with his best friend and was now living independently, all while learning self-defense in case he ever found himself in a similar situation with the ex…who didn’t go away as easily as I’d hoped, but he does get a little bit of karmic justice, though not near as much as I’d hoped for that either.

Overall, it’s a very cute beginning and I can’t wait to see who’s next.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Rivalry by Beth Bolden: RB, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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The first time NFL quarterback Heath Harris meets Sam Crawford, it’s just them, a luxury yacht and a few days of fun in the sun. Sam turns out to be nothing like Heath expects. He’s kind and funny and irreverent—and also unbelievably, shockingly sexy. For three short, glorious, life-changing days, there are no rules.

The second time they meet, Sam has just been traded to Heath’s team, and instead of lovers, they’ve become rivals instead. Heath has spent the last five years working desperately to be the best quarterback the Riptide could ever need, but when injuries threaten to derail his career, Sam is right there, standing on the sideline. Ready to take over, and ready to ruin everything Heath has given his life for.

Rival. Enemy. Teammate. Friend. Lover.

As their orbits collide, sparks fly, and Heath struggles to find the right label and the right box to shove Sam into, hoping to keep him contained. But Sam—and Heath’s feelings—refuse to cooperate.

Sam might not be just one of those things, he might be all of them, and so much more.

Book Title: The Rivalry

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: AngstyG Design

Release Date: March 9, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM Romance. Sports romance.

Enemies to lovers. Gay awakening.

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 100 000 words

It is a standalone story.

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Heath had forced himself not to get (even more) self-conscious when he changed into his swim trunks. You work your ass off in the weight room, he told himself firmly, you look good. But it was hard to ever imagine he looked as good as Sam did. Sam looked . . . Heath forced himself not to think about it, because the last thing he needed was to get hard in his trunks right now.

Brooke was already lying out on the open deck, a skimpy bikini revealing all her best assets. “Drew and Mark already took the skiff out with Captain Tom,” she said when Heath and Sam approached.

“Yeah, we’re going for a swim,” Sam said.

“And share secret quarterback tips? You two have fun.” Brooke’s knowing expression was baffling, but maybe she thought it was weird they were hanging out because they played for different teams.

“Uh,” Heath said, and then latched on to the bin of sunscreen options next to her. “We should put some protection on . . .”

Both Brooke and Sam looked at him shocked. “Um,” he realized, “sun protection.”

“Right,” Sam said, grinning. “You first.” Instead of the easy spray option, Sam plucked a bottle of lotion from the selection. Heath went hot and then cold, realizing that Sam definitely intended to touch him all over, and he was somehow going to have to keep his erection under control.

Normally, that wouldn’t have even been an issue, but somehow his dick had discovered its purpose in life after meeting Sam. He was already half-hard now, and as soon as Sam touched him, all bets were going to be off.

The lotion was cold as Sam squirted it onto his back, and that helped initially, but then his hands, warm and broad and confident, were there, smoothing the cream all over his back and shoulders. He used soft, long strokes, like he was both trying to reassure Heath and turn him on, all at the same time—even though Heath knew that couldn’t possibly be true. When his fingers drifted lower, nearly hitting the waistband of his swim trunks, Heath nearly gasped. It was the most erotic application of sunscreen that Heath had ever experienced, and the only thing that kept him from totally busting out of his trunks was latching on to the thought of how smelly Bran’s locker was by the end of the season.

“My turn,” Sam said, and to Heath’s surprise, his own voice was rather gravelly. Like he’d actually enjoyed touching Heath.

Sam touching him had felt like a combination of heaven and hell. Heath never imagined that reciprocating would somehow feel even more dangerous, but from the moment his fingers lightly brushed Sam’s skin, it was nearly game over. He was so smooth and powerful and soft, all contradictions wrapped up in this sexy, gorgeous package, and it was nearly impossible to stop when the lotion had been evenly distributed.

“Aren’t you two just the cutest,” Brooke said, and Heath jerked his hands back like he’d been electrocuted.

“I mean, so helpful with each other, even though you’re supposed to be rivals,” Brooke added.

They weren’t really rivals—Sam wasn’t even the starting quarterback for the Piranhas, but Heath latched on to her distraction like a lifeline. “We’re not rivals,” Heath said. “It’s not like that.” Sam nodded vigorously, and grabbed the lotion from Heath’s hands, clearly also eager to change the subject. Heath didn’t know why, but he was intrigued.

“You about ready to go in?” he asked Heath.

“Yeah, let me just get my face,” Heath said. He knew he was still too pale, especially considering he lived in Southern California. Too much time still spent indoors. Frankie was always harassing him, accusing him of becoming a recluse. She wasn’t completely wrong.

“Good, because I’m definitely ready,” Sam said, obviously eager to get away from Brooke, her inquisitive gaze still pinned to the pair of them.

Sam took off in a cannonball leap, before Heath could warn him that they didn’t know how deep the water was. You’re always looking before leaping, he thought ruefully. It was definitely a less exciting existence than the one Sam clearly enjoyed. Instead of jumping off the boat, Heath sat on the back ledge, and swinging his legs around, dropped down gently into the water. It was surprisingly warm, and he kicked powerfully to bring himself over to where Sam had surfaced, pushing his wet hair back, like he was a fucking supermodel.

“Feels damn good,” Sam said, and Heath nodded, keeping his distance as they both treaded water.

It would feel even better if they were pressed up together, wet skin against wet skin, but Heath would take the water reflecting in the intense blue of Sam’s eyes every day of the week. He’d never felt a color so viscerally—burning deep in his stomach, magnifying his arousal until the only thing keeping him from flying apart was the cool water against his dick.

This story did not start out strong for me. At all. The first part on the yacht was nearly eye rolling. But once they got off the yacht, it got better. Way better.

Heath was borderline antagonistic to Sam at the beginning. For no reason. Supposedly he had no idea that he was gay (or bi or pan or just not straight) and Sam was back up for another team, so not his rival. And then to have a steamy hook up. It just didn’t ring true for me.

But then they got back to their real lives. And Sam ends up directly in Heath’s orbit. And then Heath’s attitude made way more sense. He was afraid of his feelings. Afraid of Sam’s feelings. Afraid for his job. Afraid for Sam’s job. Suddenly it all came together.

Heath’s growth in the book was great to read. There was a smallish plot point that wasn’t resolved, but other than that, I enjoyed watching Sam and Heath together- in public at work and in private at Heath’s house.

There were good supporting characters, but at the same time I am kind of surprised at how few of the other members of the team that they guys interacted with throughout the story. And we did also get a cameo from the main characters in The Rainbow Clause.

The ending was a bit too perfect for me, but still enjoyable.

4 pieces of eye candy

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published sixteen novels and six novellas.

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Throwing Hearts by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

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A fun and sexy romance where the kiln isn’t the only thing that’s scorching hot.

Leo Secombe loves his life, and he’s convinced himself he’s happy to be single. In his spare time, he keeps himself busy at a local LGBTQ centre that pairs a younger person with a community elder to help them feel included in today’s rainbow family. Leo and Clyde have been buddies for a few years now, and signing up for a pottery class seems like fun.

Merrick Bowman has been so focused on getting his pottery business up and running that he’s forgotten how to date. How to live, even. But when a young, bubbly Leo and an older, grumpy Clyde walk through his door, Merrick has no idea how much Leo is about to centre his world.

Throwing clay has been Merrick’s entire life, but Leo’s about to change all that. Maybe Merrick’s ready to throw caution to the wind. And maybe he’s ready to finally throw his heart on the line.

Throwing Hearts is 55,000-words.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This is exactly the book we need right now with the world being such a scary place. Just a sweet, romantic, funny, cute, zero angst love story. With a bonus side love story!

Leo and Merrick immediately connect and start flirting when Leo, who is part of a group called Bridge the Gap which partners seniors with a younger counterpart; oh, and they are all LGBT, go to Merrick’s pottery studio for classes.

Clyde is the senior that Leo is partnered with. Clyde is super grouchy, but it really seems like it’s all an act. Or a way of keeping people from getting too close. But Leo sees right through it. Their relationship is so heartwarming. Leo “teaching” Clyde about how dating is done in the 21st century, but Clyde also reminding Leo how hard he and other gay people had it at their age. It was a wonderful balance.

Merrick also convinces his uncle to join the class. He is also a senior, gay and loves pottery but he is very introverted and shy. And then Clyde starts to romance him. Ugh, my heart. It was so cute!

Merrick and Leo actually DATE each other. Like they don’t see each other for a few days, then they go out on an actual date. Sure, there is some sexy times after the dates, but they don’t go…all in, shall we say. They continue to flirt and date and cuddle and get to know each other. I loved it.

The supporting characters were awesome and fit in just perfectly to the story. And I think this is the first book I’ve read that REALLY incorporates social media into the story. You don’t need a phone number right away because we are all detectives through social media. We know how to find people. And we even make the cringe inducing social media faux pas. It just made it more real.

Can you tell I loved it? Yep. Swipe right.

5 pieces of eye candy