review

The Lightning Struck Heart by TJ Klune, Narration Michael Lesley: Audio Book Review with Giveaway

December 4, 2017 by Denise

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City Of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King’s Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam’s fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle—Knight Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can’t control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan’s boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks.

Amazon

Audible

Dreamspinner Press

I’ll start this review with, I was so dang wrong!!!! I didn’t read this book two years ago, because, well, I don’t know…cause I don’t read “fantasy” books. I don’t read “wizard” books…whatever the reason. I was wrong, just so wrong. And honestly likely would not have still, except for about five minutes that happened in October. At GRL, Michael Lesley read for about five minutes from A Destiny of Dragons, and I was hooked like a crackhead. It was instantaneous. I laughed so hard, that I knew I was going to need that book. Well, if I was going to need book 2, then of course I was going to have to listen to book 1. So, I was wrong, so very wrong. I have been corrected. Okay, moving on.

I really don’t even know where to begin with this book. The story, while not something I would normally read, hooked me from the very beginning, where Sam and Gary are trapped in the cave, and the epic banter and confusion (for the monologue-ing villain at least) begin, and carry you through to their inevitable escape. This book is so brilliantly written, and the characters so unique, that I can’t think of another book I’ve read to even compare it too. It was so damn funny, I am sure my co-workers think I am insane from all the laughing coming from my area. Don’t care! Every character that was introduced was so well rounded, so different, and brought so much depth to the book, I was hooked. It was my crack for several days at work. (And to give you an idea, it normally takes me at least a couple of weeks to listen to an eight hour audio book at work, this took me three days, and it was 19 hours!!!!)

Sam may be my favorite character of any book, ever, of all time, even better than that knight in that book I read as a teenager, that…anyway. Read this damn book!!!! And Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, he is the best friend you want to have with you whenever you are having a hard day, or an easy day, or just love hornless gay unicorns. Gary was A-Mazing. (But don’t tell him, he’ll get a swelled head…oh!)

And as much as I loved the book, the story, the characters, etc. I f***ing (and I rarely use f-bombs in my reviews) LOVED the narration. Michael Lesley was nothing short of brilliant (will he be getting a swelled head too???) with this book. I am in awe of what he did. There were a few times, when I wasn’t listening, but thinking about it, where I wondered how he could have done such an amazing job with the sounds, the different voices, and the cohesion of it all. And then I didn’t want to know, I just wanted to turn the book back on and listen some more. If I had had a voice in my head for these characters from reading the book, I could not have even come close to what I heard. He took a world that was so brilliantly created by TJ Klune and gave it life, color, and a heartbeat.

Since I started this blog, almost four years ago, there has only been one book that I have given 10 out of 5 stars to. Because books that are that amazing do not come along very often. This is the second book. I think I easily would have given the book itself five out of five, if I had read it, but the narration took the book to an entirely different level for me. I will now hear those characters in those voices in my head when I do go back and read the book (which I will be doing).

Of course, I will be listening to this again…however, I just started A Destiny of Dragons this morning (the blind date scene…so funny, I was glad I was home when I was listening, because snort laughing with headphones on is usually frowned upon), and I’ll need to get through that before I go back. Then I need to decide if I will wait for audio on The Consumption of Magic (book 3), or jump right into it. That’ll be a tough decision!!! I do hear there is a book 4 coming next year. So yeah!!!

The awesomeness of the team of TJ Klune and Michael Lesley on this book, and the audio narration of it gets 10 pieces of eye candy (out of a possible 5), along with all my admiration and fan-girling. I will spread the word to anyone who will listen.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more ear crack to get back to, Sam is just about to head to his latest capture. 🙂

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Circle of Darkness by Aimee Nicole Walker & Nicholas Bella: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

December 1, 2017 by Denise

There isn’t a monster D’Angelo Kumar can’t destroy or a crisis he can’t manage until he meets Angel Bai. The insane attraction he feels toward the sexy waiter is unwelcome because D’Angelo doesn’t have room in his life for relationships. A solitary path is the only option for a man like him, but fighting his growing feelings for Angel may be the first battle he can’t win.

Angel’s abilities extend beyond memorizing the menu at D’Angelo’s favorite Italian restaurant, but he knows better than to trust anyone with his secret. When a vision reveals that D’Angelo’s life is in danger, he will risk everything to save him. The only thing scarier than monsters and demons to Angel is never knowing D’Angelo’s touch.

To say the demon hunter is reluctant to form a partnership with the psychic is putting it mildly, but D’Angelo needs every advantage he can get when the world’s very existence is threatened. As darkness looms nearer, D’Angelo and Angel’s unexplainable connection grows stronger. For a chance at happiness, the two men will need to call upon unlikely allies for an epic showdown between good and evil.

Sexy, witty, and action-packed, Circle of Darkness is the first book in the Genesis Circle paranormal romance series by Nicholas Bella and Aimee Nicole Walker. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.

CIRCLE OF DARKNESS

NICHOLAS BELLA & AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M PARANORMAL ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 11-15-17

COVER DESIGN: JAY AHEER/Simply Defined Art

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

I was walking towards my Jeep when I heard someone practically screaming my name. I turned to see the cute little waiter from Martinelli’s rushing up behind me. What in the hell did he want?

He stopped short in front of me, huffing and puffing. “Oh… Oh thank god… I caught you,” he panted. I was pretty curious as to what he wanted, it wasn’t like I owed the restaurant he worked at a tab. Although, I found myself eating at Martinelli’s quite often since he’d started working there. The food was damn good, but I did have to admit, I went on the days Ansell worked. Damn, he was cute as hell. But as much as I loved to gawk at him, he was holding me up from the serious shit.

“Umm, want to tell me what this is all about?” I asked. “I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

“That’s just it… I…” He paused and looked off to the side like he was hesitant to tell me something.

“Look, Ansell—”

“It’s Angel,” he snapped.

For the first time, I saw the fire blaze behind his beautiful brown eyes, which were a lovely feature from his Chinese-American heritage. He had many features that appealed to me that were flattering on him as well. But his eyes… those blew me away. And, well, his lips, too. I’d love to see them where they rightfully belonged—all over my body. I swore, the fantasies I’d had starring him left me with morning wood on several occasions and on the others… sticky sheets.

“I like Ansell more,” I said, purposely ignoring his attempt to correct me. “Look, I’m really in a hurry, so if this can wait…” I let my voice trail off so he would get the hint.

“You’re in danger,” he blurted out.

I cocked an eyebrow. “In danger from what? What the hell are you talking about, and how did you find me anyway?”

“What do you mean, ‘how’? You eat at Martinelli’s more than I do. Besides, you always pay with your company account,” Ansell said, pointing to the sign above our antique shop.

Well, okay, that made sense. “Fine. Now, about this so-called danger…”

“Look, you have to listen to me. I know what I’m about to tell you may sound far-fetched, but it’s all true.” He was looking up at me with eyes that were pleading for me to take him seriously, so I did.

“Tell me.”

Angel is a sweet guy who waits tables at a restaurant and D’Angelo is a semi-regular patron of the dark, sexy and mysterious variety. Most guys look right through Angel, but he feels a connection with D’Angelo that he can’t shake or stop thinking about. The two are thrown together after Angel has a vision of D’Angelo in danger, and he tracks D’Angelo down to warn him. D’Angelo is a demon hunter who works with his best friends who are also gifted in battling the supernatural and saving Earth as we know it from destruction. D’Angelo hardly has time to listen to Angel as he’s just begun a new case tracking down an ancient relic that, in the wrong hands, will unleash a demon that will enslave and destroy the human race. The two try to fend off their crazy mutual attraction as they partner up to find and destroy the relic before the bad guys can activate it.

The plot is pretty fast paced, with a bit of angst between the MCs. Initially they don’t get along, but they start to like each other and become true partners. The angst is external here, that is, these two acknowledge their like for each other rather quickly, it’s all the stuff going on around them that keeps them apart for a while. I liked the MCs: Angel is sweet and inexperienced, D’Angelo is a bit rough on the outside, a good guy on the inside.

The authors are new to me and I enjoyed their world building, with a few characters I wouldn’t mind seeing again. The writing is good but for those who don’t like first person (I’ve seen a lot of comments lately from people who *hate* first person for some reason) be warned that it is first person for both characters — each chapter focuses on one of the two MCs. This doesn’t bother me; I like some insight into the heroes so I know that even though they’re playing it cool, they’re a bundle of nerves inside.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy

who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

About me? Hmmm, I’m just a person with a wild imagination and a love for words who was sitting around the house one day and said, “Why hasn’t anyone written a book like this before?”. As with every storyteller, I wanted to share mine with the world. I like my erotica dark, gritty, sexy… and even a little raunchy. I’m not afraid to go there and I hope you aren’t afraid to go there with me. When I’m not writing, I love watching movies and TV shows, clubbing, biking, and hanging out with family and friends. I love life.

I’d love to hear from you, feel free to send me a shout out!

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Hearts and Hazelnuts by Kris T. Bethke: Exclusive Guest Post, Release Day Review with Giveaway

November 30, 2017 by Denise

Mechanic Jordan Hart is down on his luck, so he gladly accepts a temporary job servicing tractors at a hazelnut farm in Newberg, Oregon. He doesn’t expect to be attracted to his boss, Beckett Shaw. Still working on embracing his bisexuality, he’s reluctant to start anything, but Beckett’s gentle coaxing convinces Jordan to take a risk.

Beckett has vowed not to get involved with anyone until he can restore the Shaw Farms name as a leader in hazelnuts. But there’s no denying his interest in the shy mechanic who shows up at his door. Just as they begin to find a balance, outside forces threaten to tear them apart. Job opportunities force Jordan out of the Portland area he loves so much. But when danger comes too close to Beckett, Jordan must decide if he can follow his heart to the Willamette Valley… and straight back to Beckett.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Title: Hearts and Hazelnuts
Author: Kris T. Bethke
Release Date: November 29, 2017
Category: Contemporary, States of Love
Pages: 103

Amazon US

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Amazon CA

Dreamspinner Press

Kobo Books

Hi there! I’m Kris T. Bethke, and first let me say a great big thank you to the gang here for allowing me some time.

Being a part of the States of Love collection is an honor for me, and it was something I wanted since the sub call went out. I loved the idea, and I’m so excited to be a part of it.

That said, this was a challenging book to write. Looking back on it now, it was a great experience, and I learned a lot about myself as a writer. At the time, though, it was sort of frustrating. And the first hurdle I had to overcome was which character would tell the story.

If you’ve read any of my backlist, you might have noticed that I’ve always written in first person, past tense. I write that way because it’s my favorite tense to read. There’s an immediacy to being in one of the character’s heads that really works for me. And up until this book, I found it the easiest way to tell my stories.

But Beck and Jordan had other ideas.

For a long time, I flip flopped back and forth between which guy would get the narrator role. Both had merit. Both Beckett and Jordan have a high stake in the story, and either one of them would have been a good driving force. But I was struggling with finding that perfect balance, and the right scenes to show. No matter which MC I used, it felt like something was missing.

I briefly flirted with the idea of alternating first, but that’s a whole other set of challenges, and even though I gave it a try, it still wasn’t right. So I took a deep breath, threw caution to the wind, and started writing third person.

It’s not like I never used alternating third before, but I hadn’t used it in a full length story. I had a deadline I couldn’t go back on, and I was getting anxious, so I knew I had to try something. And lo and behold, it actually worked. Where before I was having issues, now the story flowed.

There’s something special about getting both MCs’ POVs. It gives the reader a more complete picture, for sure. But it also gives the story a different feel. I didn’t know, when I started out, that this was what Beck and Jordan needed. But when I was finished, I knew I had the right story on the page.

(And it was good practice for the next three books I wrote, which had to be in alternating third, but that’s a different story altogether.)

In the end, I have a book I’m proud of. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. Hearts and Hazelnuts is available now from Dreamspinner Press.

Excerpt:

“We sell at a booth at the Newberg fair. Would you be interested in helping me out there?”

Okay, that wasn’t exactly what he planned to say. In fact he’d been ready to calculate the hours Jordan had worked and cut him a check. But when it came down to it, Beckett just couldn’t say the words. He wanted to see more of Jordan.

“Umm. I guess?”

Jordan looked totally confused. With good reason, Beck supposed. It was an odd request, and Beck couldn’t explain the reason behind it. He wasn’t going to start anything with Jordan. His focus had to be on the farm and nothing else. It just seemed too soon to say goodbye, so he thought fast.

“I need Cory to stay here and supervise the tail end of the harvest. And it’s easier to work the booth if I have someone helping me out.” It was all technically true, if not entirely accurate. Beck could work the booth by himself if he had to.

“Okay. I can help.” Jordan still looked at him oddly.

“I’ll pay you your regular rate.”

Jordan shook his head before Beck even finished talking. “No. That’s too much. Whatever you pay the guys.”

Beckett’s heart melted a little because Jordan was clearly an honest man. Which Beck already knew that, but he was glad to see it confirmed. “Okay. If that’s what you want. You’re helping me out, and I appreciate it.”

“I don’t mind. I’m happy to help.” Jordan’s gaze dropped to his hands. Beckett’s did too, and he watched as Jordan rubbed his palms over his jeans. He had good hands, strong and veined, and Beckett would have liked to know what they felt like on his skin.

“Thanks,” Beckett said softly. He really had to get himself under control. After Saturday he’d have to put Jordan out of his mind. It was the best thing for everybody.

“What time do you want me here?”

Beck squinted as he thought. “Fair opens at eight. We have to be there by seven thirty to set up. So, umm, be here by seven?” Though it was only a few miles up the road, it would take a bit of time to get everything in the truck.

Jordan nodded and stood. Then he took a deliberate step to the side so he was farther from Beckett. Barely keeping in a sigh, Beck stood too and leaned back against his desk to give Jordan even more space. He knew he was being weird, but he couldn’t seem to help it.

“Okay. See you then.” Jordan barely waited for confirmation before he left. Beck stared after him.

Dammit.

Lookit that cute cover….. Why wouldn’t you stop and read a book with such a cute cover? I’ll be honest, it was the biggest reason I wanted to read it… Its okay, you can call me a judger.. it paid off in this instance!
In this incredibly sweet, albeit short story, we have Beckett and Jordan.

Jordan was out of work, something about his old boss embezzling from the company he worked for as a mechanic, or something like that. Unfortunately, as we all know, jobs are hard to come by and the cost of living is expensive, so Jordan moves in with his brother while trying to find a different job and get back on his feet. That’s where he meets Beckett.

Beckett needs help with one of his tractors, it’s harvesting time and he needs a mechanic and calls Jordan’s brother, who refers Jordan for the job.

These two have chemistry right away but it’s a little slow going at first. Jordan is hesitant, he needs the job and once he gets a regular job, this temporary arrangement at Becketts farm will be forgotten. Its not that easy though, as these guys go from a nice, working friendship to a sexual relationship and even though Jordan wants to be hesitant, it’s not that easy with easy going and charming Beckett. I loved these two together, they were sweet.

Unfortunately, Beckett also had some trouble with a neighboring farm that wanted his land. I dunno why the dude didn’t approach Beckett’s dad when he had the farm, youd think with the way the man was money hungry and wanted to retire, he’d been the first one to sell. I mean, I’m glad he didn’t, but the guy was just random, foul mouthed and tried to be scary, but he came off as dumb and not so threatening, even though he tried really hard to be. It just wasn’t’ convincing. Which is probably why Beckett didn’’t hold anything he said with a grain of salt. He was more a nuisance than anything.

Which is why when Jordan accepted a job hours away and their relationship took a hit, Beckett didn’t call Jordan when the old man made good on his not so idle threats. Jordan comes running, and again… more sweetness. I just loved all of this story and wish it was longer!

I also wouldn’t mind reading more about Cory, especially now that he’s away from the cheating boyfriend. I bet that’d be a good story!

Final thought? I loved it!

5 pieces of eye candy from me.

Kris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head, and naps on the weekend are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with a way too fluffy cat and the voices in her head. She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal. Kris believes that love is love, no matter the gender of people involved, and that all love deserves to be celebrated.

Find her on her site https://kristbethke.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Kris-T-Bethke/100014524539852 or on Twitter https://twitter.com/kristbethke

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Dyeing to be Loved by Aimee Nicole Walker: Audio Book Tour and Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

November 29, 2017 by Denise

Gabriel Wyatt is a big city Detective living in a small Ohio town. He expects a peaceful existence once he moves from Miami, Florida, but that’s the last thing he finds. Instead, Gabe discovers murder, mayhem, and one smart-mouthed stylist he can’t get out of his head.

Josh “Jazz” Roman is a small-town business owner with big dreams and an attitude to match. He finds himself in the middle of a case that brings the dreamy detective to the front door of his Curl Up and Dye Salon. Josh learns that the biggest threat to him isn’t a killer; it’s a man who wants something from him that he vowed to never give again – his heart.

Both men deny that there’s something between them, even though they’re drawn together like magnets. Can Gabe convince Josh to let down his guard or will Josh let past hurts destroy his chance at a happy future?

DYEING TO BE LOVED

CURL UP AND DYE MYSTERIES SERIES, BOOK 1

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

RELEASE DATE: 11.08.16

AUDIO RELEASE: 11.07.17

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wander Aguiar

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Listening Length: 8 hours and 49 minutes

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

My ringing phone woke me up. I was disoriented because it had grown dark while I napped on the couch with Diva and I momentarily forgot what day it was. I looked at the caller ID and was shocked to see who was calling me. I debated on letting it go to voicemail for about two seconds before I answered it.

“Hello?”

“How are you doing?” Gabe’s deep voice warmed parts of me that no amount of purring from a cat could affect.

“I’m doing okay,” I replied. Was I?

“You feel like having company?” I heard the slight hesitation in his voice, as if he wasn’t sure how well his question would be received.

I knew what happened almost every single time that we were alone together. Was that what I wanted right then? “Yes,” I said answering both of our questions.

“Good,” he said, his voice deepening because he also knew what would happen. “Come down and let me in.”

“You’re here now?” I stood up and ran my free hand through my hair in an attempt to smooth it into place.

“Yes. Come down here and let me in. I’m freezing my nuts off,” he groused.

“Give me a few minutes,” I said and then hung up. I flipped on a few lights on my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I rushed through my routine so that I didn’t keep him waiting long. It was freezing outside and I didn’t want his balls to freeze. I was pretty fond of them, even if I was unsure of the man they were attached to.

“It’s about time,” he said when I opened the door to him. “What the hell took so long?”

I grabbed him by the coat and pulled him into me, pressing my lips against his. Gabe parted his cold lips and I slid my tongue inside to explore his warm mouth in a languid kiss. For once, I didn’t want to rush him into bed. I wanted to take my time and get to know his body better. Hell, I hadn’t even wrapped my lips around his big cock yet; a mistake I planned to rectify immediately.

“Minty fresh,” Gabe said, when our kiss ended. “You’re forgiven for making me wait.”

“Come upstairs with me and I’ll show you other things I can do with my minty fresh mouth.” I laughed when Gabe growled playfully. I needed to be careful or else I’d start liking the detective and the things he made me feel.

So, I kind of did this whole series out of order (which is actually really strange for me, I try to always read a series in order), I actually didn’t read any of this series, until Someone to Call My Own (Road to Blissville, #2), came out. It wasn’t intentional, it was on my TBR, but I just hadn’t gotten to it. But then I read the synopsis for STCMO, and saw the word psychic, and immediately had to read it. As I was reading it, there were a lot of references to Josh and Gabe, as well as some appearances, and since the book was running somewhat concurrently, I knew I was going to need to read it. But I still hadn’t gotten to it.

Then I found out that Joel Leslie was going to narrate it, and I was done. Yep, had to wait for that. And I am so glad I did. He did a great job with this book! He gave each character a little more personality with this voice, and inflections. I loved hearing him switch from Josh to Gabe, to even Savage, the dirty mouthed bird. 🙂 He brought all the characters to life for me (and I have to say that he really hit me HARD with the prequel, with his voice inflections of the amazing sounding woman who brought Josh and Gabe together), and I couldn’t have asked for a better narration for this book.

The author has created some great characters in Josh and Gabe. Well, Gabe was kind of an idiot and a tool, but he came around. Josh was someone who you wanted to be friends with, someone you knew would have your back no matter what. He is hilarious, and snarky, and I wanted to head to his house for Sunday dinner. Aimee created characters, you WANT to read five books on, and then wonder whether there will be more from these two men.

The mystery was well done (although I’ll admit the prequel threw me for a loop, as I wasn’t expecting it), and I know there will be more ahead in this vein. I’m definitely looking forward to it. Now, I have to decide…do I wait for Joel’s next installment, Something to Dye For, or do I dive right in, and then listen to the audio book later? Hmmmm…

Either way, I highly recommend this book, and the audio narration.

Both get 4.5 pieces of eye candy

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

Dyeing to be Loved, Book 1

Something to Dye For, Book 2

Dyed and Gone to Heaven, Book 3

I Do, or Dye Trying, Book 4

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On Davis Row by N.R. Walker: Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway, Release Day Review

November 27, 2017 by Denise

What could an ex-con and a parole officer possibly have in common?

Nearing the end of a suspended jail sentence should unlock a brighter future for CJ Davis, only the chip on his shoulder is as hard to shift as his bad reputation. Born into a family of career criminals who live down Davis Road, an address the cops have dubbed Davis Row, his name alone is like a rap sheet that makes optimism impossible.

Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance.

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they’re not that different at all.

Amazon

“So? Are we doing this?”

CJ chewed the inside of his lip like he was trying not to smile. “Yeah.”

I pushed away from the fridge, where he’d had me pinned earlier, and stepped in front of him. I leaned in as if I was going to kiss him but whispered in his ear instead. “You just made me very happy.”

I went to pull back but he had a hold of my shirt. He still had his head down but he pulled me against him and wrapped both arms around me. It wasn’t a hug that was leading to something more physical. It was one of those soul-soothing hugs that I didn’t reckon he got too often. So I slid my hands over his back, letting him feel my touch as much as I could, and he sighed into me. “You made me pretty happy too.”

I smiled into his neck and neither one of us were in any hurry to move. “I never thought I’d like the smell of cigarettes, but on you, it mixes with something else. I dunno what it is, but I like it.”

He chuckled, his breath warm on my neck. He still didn’t want to let go of me. “I really like how you smell. I’ve always had a thing for guys who smell nice and it was the first thing I noticed about you.”

“Is that so?”

“Mmm.” His arms tightened around me. “This is nice. Hugs are good.”

I chuckled. “Hugs with you are particularly good.”

He rested his forehead on my shoulder. “Are you gonna hound me to quit smoking?”

“Nope.”

“Good.”

“As your unofficial boyfriend, I accept all your dirty, stinking, cancer-causing habits.”

He snorted. “Gee, thanks.” He pulled back now, and with his hands on my hips, he met my eyes. “I wish I could stay, but I should probably get home.”

I sighed. “Yeah.” I cupped his face, and begging be damned, I pressed my lips to his.

Noah Huxley is a brand new parole officer and ready to make a difference. Having had tragedy with his own family where he failed like his sister was failed, he wanted to help people like she wasn’t about to be helped.

Then, we meet CJ Davis, born to the well known Davis family on Davis row, everyone knew them to be the trouble makers they are. Their dad being the absolute worse, but his brothers not any better.

When Noah met CJ, he was hostile and defensive. He was on parole, a 2 year suspended sentence on a crime that he got caught red handed doing. They just didn’t know the reason for what he done the thing that he done… I know there is no justifiable reason to break the law, but when your desperate and someone in your family is in need…. Someone, the only someone in life that cares about you or that you care about… it would be hard not to do what you could to help them…. And that’s exactly what Cj was doing the night he caught caught…. Sadly, because he was a Davis, nobody gave him the benefit of the doubt and painted him with the same brush they did all the Davis’s.

Not Noah, though…. Noah saw what everyone else refused to see. Everyone accept the two people who knew Cj and knew the kind of person he was- his boss and the guy who raised him, pops. They know hes a good guy who just got dealt a bad hand.

When Noah helping Cj turns into attraction that turns into something else…. They both know its against the rules, at least for the next couple weeks until Cj is off parole. Its tough, but Noah does what he can to help Cj in the meantime… helping him get his life together and do things to better his situation that nobody cared to help him with before.

I loved that about Noah. He was patient and understanding. He was honest and so sincere in the way he wanted to help, not just Cj, but everyone he could. I did get a little ticked at him for forgetting the person he knew Cj to be and my heart broke for Cj once again that things just kept going wrong for him… He was forgiving though and Im glad it didn’t cause more problems than it could’ve. I can imagine how badly that would’ve hurt. Especially because Cj had enough going on with his dad out of jail… he was a terrible, terrible person and I felt for him so much.

Overall, I knew it would be a great read because I’m a fan of the author, but the whole story just sucked me in and gripped me in a way that once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it back down! I love when that happens!!!

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

Contact N.R. Walker

Email: nrwalker@nrwalker.net

I have some special items from NR Walker-signed too!-that I will give to two lucky winners. Just comment on this blog post and you will be entered!

Romance Redefined by SJD Peterson: Release Day Review with Giveaway

November 27, 2017 by Denise

Opposites attract, but are some differences too drastic for a romance to survive?

On the surface, Benson Howard Winthrop III and Hugh Bayard have a lot in common: they’re young, handsome, and blessed to be one of the wealthiest couples in the country. Surely they have everything anyone could want. But Ben is no longer satisfied with their long-running relationship. Hugh’s need to control every situation is suffocating him, and Ben needs to know if he can make it on his own merits by following his passion.

But Ben’s mother isn’t about to let her son live in a rundown apartment as a struggling actor. She’s determined to get him back to his rightful place at the top of the social ladder—and back with Hugh.

Rekindling their romance will require more than doing what’s expected. Ben and Hugh need to understand and embrace each other’s differences. They’ll have to support each other even when one makes a decision the other doesn’t agree with. For their passionate love to grow, they will need to redefine the meaning of romance… only then can they find true happiness.

Amazon US

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Dreamspinner Press

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I really liked the premise of this book. Ex husbands finding their way back to each other. And it started out well enough. Ben trying to make his way in NYC and pursue a career as an actor. After living under his mother’s thumb and then marrying young, he is spreading his wings. But he can’t stop thinking about his ex.

I actually really understood where Ben was coming from. Why he moved on, why he wouldn’t settle for less that what he wanted and deserved. But in the year he has been single, he hasn’t even tried to date. And when the seemingly perfect guy comes along, he just continually compares his to his ex.

Hugh, the ex, wants Ben back. He has enlisted the help of Ben’s mother. But he never tries to find out exactly why it didn’t work between them. Just that he wants to get back together. And the two of them always fall back on the amazing sex they have. Sex alone cannot make a marriage, but it seems to be the one thing that Ben can’t let go of. How good they are together.

There were good supporting characters in the book. Ben’s best friend in NYC- although she sort of had her own storyline that was unnecessary, and “the uncles” who were hilarious.

Ben’s maybe new love interest Jason was a bit much. He started out well, pursuing Ben with dogged determination, but it went too far. Not stalker far, but come on dude, give it up already too far.

The resolution was neat and tidy, but left me wanting. I actually enjoyed the epilogue a lot more than the entire book.

3 Pieces of Candy

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