review

Riven by Roan Parrish: Release Day Review

May 29, 2018 by Denise

Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he doesn’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.

Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.

Amazon

I am a fairly unabashed fan of Roan Parrish. From her first book (that I honestly couldn’t believe was her first book) through and including Riven. She writes stories and characters that I just care about. That I want to know more about. I get immersed in their stories and don’t want to let go.

The dynamics between Theo- lead singer of Riven- and the rest of the band is like nothing I have read before. There’s the tension of Theo getting the most press being the lead singer, but there’s also the tension of him being the outsider. Riven was a band of three who needed a lead singer and song writer. He got hired. I think that this book really showed that even if you are in a rock band and famous, it is a job. And you don’t always get along with your coworkers for one reason or another.

Caleb knows what fame feels like. And the fall from it because of drugs. In recovery again, he basically hides out at his farm, venturing into the city once a month or so to play music in a dive bar without recognition. Until Theo sees him and feels his music deeply.

Oh I loved Theo. He is so broken, so lost, so innocent. He isn’t the angry guy who hates fame and is a total jerk about it. He hates fame but deals with it because it is part of the job. And because he needs music.

And Theo helps Caleb find his music again.

Their relationship started out as sex. And then grew into a really beautiful love. The way they supported each other without becoming a crutch was so sweet. No one was a whiny brat. No one did the whole “you can’t get past my walls!” thing. There was a bit of the you deserve better than me, but they worked through it.

Gah, I’m rambling.

I really loved this book.

4.5 Pieces of Candy

Shades by Jaime Reese: Release Day Review

May 24, 2018 by Denise

Life made him dangerous. Love made him lethal.

Killian Marks is a third-generation hitman. After hunting monsters for over twenty years, he lives under no illusions of happily ever afters and fairy tales. Until he meets a man who threatens to disarm him, by giving him hope for a future and showing him there’s more to life than just death.

For Nick, living in shadows is second nature. He’s all too familiar with the dark side of humanity and knows how delicate life can be. Each new day is a gift, even though it means doing it alone. But he’ll risk his survival for the one man who awakens something deep within and leaves him yearning for more.

Nick wants to solve the mystery behind the dark, brooding man, while Killian craves the life and light emanating from Nick. They soon discover they have more in common than either could have anticipated. With both their lives and hearts at stake, they must confront the ghost from Nick’s past intent on tying up a loose end. Only then will they truly find peace, and discover the shades of life in between.

Title: Shades

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance; Romance Suspense

Release: May 23, 2018

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Jaime Reese’s series, The Men of Halfway House, is in my top 10 probably. I loved how these broken men were trying to get their lives back together, finding love, etc. So I jumped on this book (which is a stand alone, no affiliated with TMOHH at all), because these guys sounded so broken. I am a glutton for angst. Bring it on!

And…..it was ok. I never understood the whole assassin thing. I mean, I get it. They are a real thing. Probably not as prevalent as books would make them seem (they are running a close second with billionaires), but ok. What I don’t really get is that when the object of their affection finds out that they are an assassin- they seem fine with it! Oh, it’s ok because you only kill bad guys, no women or children. Uh, ok.

Anyway. I really liked Nick. The non-assassin half of this couple. He was just a guy, trying to get by in life without the mob finding him. But he wasn’t whiny, wasn’t really with the dramatic “oh woe is me, I can never have love”. He just kind of did his thing. Well, and fell for an assassin. No big whoop.

Letting the assassin thing go for a minute. There is another part of the story line that was a bit out there for me for many reasons. I won’t say what it is. But here are my issues. 1. money 2. no way can it be a secret 3. the sheer logistics of it. Just, no.

Yes, I am being vague. Sorry, not sorry. I am not one for spoilers.

Killian and Nick were hot together. That goes without saying. I loved the slow burn. I really loved that Nick said no for a long time. Killian’s romantic overtures were swoon worthy. Killian’s partner Dex is absolutely hilarious. He did remind me of a *different* Dex, but I’ll let that go.

It was a fun story to read. Not really the angst I was suspecting and it was wrapped up in the end pretty neatly, but still. It was ok, I liked it.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

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The California Dashwoods by Lisa Henry: New Release Review

May 23, 2018 by Denise

Make a new future. Choose your true family. Know your own heart.

When Elliott Dashwood’s father dies, leaving his family virtually penniless, it’s up to Elliott to do what he’s always done: be the responsible one. Now isn’t the right time for any added complications. So what the hell is he doing hooking up with Ned Ferrars? It’s just a fling, right?

Elliott tries to put it behind him when the family makes a fresh start in California, and if he secretly hopes to hear from Ned again, nobody else needs to know. While his mom is slowly coming to terms with her grief, teenage Greta is more vulnerable than she’s letting on, and Marianne—romantic, reckless Marianne—seems determined to throw herself headfirst into a risky love affair. And when Elliott discovers the secret Ned’s been keeping, he realizes that Marianne isn’t the only one pinning her hopes on a fantasy.

All the Dashwoods can tell you that feelings are messy and heartbreak hurts. But Elliott has to figure out if he can stop being the sensible one for once, and if he’s willing to risk his heart on his own romance.
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

Title: The California Dashwoods
Author: Lisa Henry
Publisher: self published
Release Date: May 1
Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 62 000
Genre: Romance

Amazon

Another Jane Austen retelling. This one reimagines Sense & Sensibility into modern day California.

Elliot, Marianne and Greta have recently lost their father and are preparing to move out of the only house they’ve known to make room for their half brother and his nasty wife. The only good thing to come out of all of it is meeting Ned, Elliot’s half brother’s brother-in-law. The two have instant chemistry and after exchanging hand jobs, they’re discovered by pretty much everyone in the house and the impending move becomes immediate. The siblings and their mother head to California with little money but a fierce sense of family. Elliot will do whatever he needs to provide for his younger sisters, while trying to come to terms with his father’s death and figuring out what to do with his life.

I’m not going to lie. I didn’t read S&S, but I have seen the 1996 Alan Rickman version many times and I’m pretty much an expert on that, so. This is a pretty faithful rendering of the original. This means that not only do we have polar opposite siblings, a crash and burn romance, and a heartless extended family, but our main “heroes” have virtually zero page time together after their initial meeting. These two don’t even know each other, which may have worked in Austen’s day, but I think disqualifies this as a modern “romance”. The writing was fine, and I liked how closely it followed the original while changing the setting completely, but I like romance in my romance novels, amirite? The dynamic between Elliot and Ned therefore isn’t the fault of Lisa Henry, and this is still a nice read. Just don’t expect a modern twist on how they obtain their HEA.

3 pieces of eye candy

Astray by Elvira Bell: New Release Review

May 22, 2018 by Denise

Nick Andrews has grown up in poverty in a tiny village. All his life he’s been told that he’s useless. After getting one scolding too many he decides to go far away, off to sea. But his experience as a farmhand has done little to prepare him for the hardships of a sailor’s life.

When his ship is attacked by pirates, Nick’s life is miraculously spared by the notorious pirate captain, Christopher Hart—a man in charge of a crew feared for their brutality. Nick is forced to join the pirates, and he dreads finding out for what reason the captain has saved him.

But Hart is nothing like his reputation suggests, and Nick soon finds himself entangled in a relationship that could endanger both their lives. Unless Nick can help Hart on his quest to find a long lost treasure, their forbidden love may tear his new life apart.

Warning: This book ends with a cliffhanger, and it does not have a happy ending. The series as a whole will have a HEA ending.

Content note: This book contains dark themes and depictions of torture, murder, and rape.

Amazon

**TCO Note: Reviewer received the ARC of Astray, and provided review, prior to the warning being added to the synopsis of a cliffhanger. No change has been made to her review.

I’m gonna spoil you right outta the gate a bit on this one. You’ll thank me. This is a cliffhanger book. I don’t mean simply book 1 of a series, or a semi-HEA but there’s still conflict that continues in the next book. I’m talking our heroes are separated, possibly forever, and the hero we do know the whereabouts of is kind of dazed and confused and offers us no comfort as to what he plans to do, what he’s thinking, how he feels.

Anyway, other than that. Well, I love pirate/treasure/adventure stories. The language and writing reminded me of Treasure Island in that it’s slow paced with many things happening that may or may not drive the story forward. The action is told to us sort of from a distance, where we see the things they do, and sometimes what they think, yet I don’t feel much connection to them. This isn’t necessarily a criticism. Like I said, I like adventure stories and that part worked for me, but then again, this is a romance. It’s a younger/older thing where the captain of the pirate ship is smitten with the green cabin boy he’s kidnapped from the ship he and his crew just plundered. The two soon become a pair and even enter into matelotage, a formalized union between two men where each becomes the other’s beneficiary should one of them die. I love that kind of detail. I was also not disappointed with the waterfall sex scene, something I come to expect — nay, demand — in my m/m pirate romances.

Anyway, unexpected full blown cliffhangers do give me angries, especially when Goodreads doesn’t even list a book 2 in the series future. I might have steered clear of this had I known, but honestly, it was an interesting look into pirating adventures and while I’m curious how it will be wrapped up (revenge! That I do love!) I won’t be crushed if it never happens.

2.5 pieces of eye candy, which reflects the unpleasant-surprise “ending.”

Ben’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 3) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 17, 2018 by Denise

Benedict Keeler was one of America’s most popular models. Hot body, hot career, and super-hot boyfriend, until a devastating house fire destroyed his face and his dreams. After being told all his life that a pretty face is the measure of his worth, he can’t face another rejection and runs from his lover, eventually hiding out on Rainbow Key.

Zachary Jones, a highly sought after photographer—even if he would rather shoot the homeless in Manhattan than a fashion spread—is now facing the real possibility that a genetic disease will render him blind and his days behind a camera may be over.

Two devastated men, one haunted by his past and one convinced he has no future. Will they both hide from the world, or will they give love, and each other, a second chance?

Amazon

Ben, Ben, Ben….I was most excited for his story….what a big ol’ bag of emotional messes I was with this book!

This one was a little different than the other two, Ben has been on the island for a while, making a home there to hide out after a horrific housefire left him horrible scarred and no longer able to model. Coming from a broken and slummy home with an alcoholic mother who treated him terribly, I could understand his need at a young age to have money and a reputation, so that he never had to endure the things he had to while living with his mom. Unfortunately, his relationship with Zach suffered for it.

Zach was a photographer who didn’t do designer shoots normally, was doing a favor for a friend and that’s where he met Ben. He was captivated by him from the beginning…. Of course, after getting cliff notes from their early relationship, before Ben left him…. We get to see a side of Ben that I didn’t like very much. He was selfish… so extremely selfish, and I hated the way he treated Zach… not bad, really, he just took him for granted and didn’t make him a priority when he should’ve. Zach was on the back burner and it wasn’t until he lost him that he realized how badly he’d messed up.

What he didn’t realize though, was that Zach had never given up looking for him; he never stopped loving him, so when he goes to Rainbow Keys to relax and take it easy after an eye surgery and becoming almost completely blinded… he was so shocked to run into Ben. I knew that Ben couldn’t stay hidden and I was glad for it. I was glad the author didn’t make us watch him hide and wait for when they’d run into each other. Once he saw Zach, he couldn’t stay away, and it was like no time had passed between them at all.

They needed to work on trusting each other and had a lot to talk about, but, they were determined this time around. I think being away from each other really cemented their need to be together. The only thing I kept waiting for, was Zach’s brother Seth to cause problems. He was more than a little overbearing and meddlesome and I didn’t like him at all. He rubbed me the wrong way and I never got over it…..even if he did make up for it at the end.

Another thing I can’t stand in this series, is why do the bad guys get away with being bad guys? Did the reporter ever get in trouble? Did May-bell’s daughter ever get her teeth knocked in? Like, what happened with them? I hate that they caused so much trouble and had no repercussions. I HATE when that happens… It leaves me feeling like something was unfinished, because I needed them to get their karmic justice. Bad people should pay for what they do, and neither one of those two did….. just blah.

What I loved though, was Beth and Chris, and the ending with Beth, Josh and Daniel. I was so hoping for that, and it was so much sweeter when we got it. I love Matt, and I sincerely hope he’s next book, and I hope I don’t have to wait long to get it. I have a feeling that he’s going to be my favorite! I’m looking forward to the new guy and his sister with Downs…. And what about Joe? What happened to him? I was hoping he was for Matt.

This is just such a great series and all three books had me hooked from the first few pages. I’m really looking forward to more! What a sweet ending so far though..

4 pieces of eye candy from me <3

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

May 17, 2018 by Denise

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.

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