review

Don’t Twunk with My Heart by Renae Kaye: Release Day Review

August 26, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Kee Smith isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows who he used to be—the ignored gay son who chose a blue-collar job just because no one expected it, the submissive bottom who enjoyed large, masculine jocks who put him in his place, the sleek, fashionable twink who partied all night. But after his ex-boyfriend hit Kee and called him names, Kee retired from the social scene.

Back after a year’s hiatus, Kee still doesn’t know where he fits. His friends say he’s a twunk—a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk—but Kee is searching for somewhere to belong. Instead of going back to his usual type, Kee hooks up with twink Tate Stevens—a fashion-industry professional who works the image hard. It proves to be the best decision he’s ever made, and not just because he’s starting to regain his sexual confidence.

With Tate, Kee can open up about his fears and confusion without ridicule. Tate has his own fears about putting on weight and getting old. It will take work to make a relationship of opposites succeed, but they begin to realize the compromises will be worth it if they can be together.

Title: Don’t Twunk with My Heart
Series: Loving You: Book Tow
Author: Renae Kaye
Release Date: August 26, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

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ARe

Dreamspinner Press

paula review
If I could give this book more than 5 pieces of eye candy I would. I could not put this one down. I was so thoroughly caught up and entertained by this story. Kee and Tate were amazing. Kee is just getting out in the social world after a year long sabbatical due to something tramatic and winds up meeting Tate.. I adore Kee’s personality. Some of the things that came out of him mouth had me rolling with laughter. Tate was the perfect counterpart to him. Tate was fun and even crazier than Kee at points. I really liked that Renae Kaye included some serious and tender moments in this story as well. The story flowed well and the secondary characters really enhanced the whole thing.

5+ pieces of eye candy

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Three Little Words by Allison Cassatta: Release Day Review

August 26, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Is it better to keep some secrets locked away?

Matt thought his life was perfect, but he learns there’s no such thing when the man he planned to marry breaks his heart and leaves him holding the pieces. Needing to escape and lick his wounds, Matt heads to New England to spend time on his brother’s lobster boat. A one-night stand proves to him that empty sex does nothing to mend old hurt, and neither does running away.

So when Matt’s best friend, Luke, a firefighter, is seriously injured, Matt steps up, even if it means facing bigotry and ignorance. Luke has been hiding his feelings from Matt all their lives, and revealing them after so many years won’t make life easier for either of them. But nothing worth having ever comes easily….

Title: Three Little Words
Author: Allison Cassatta
Release Date: August 26, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

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Amazon

ARe

Dreamspinner Press

deanna review

I love a good friends to lover story so I grabbed this one up quick when I read the blurb, while it was good it wasn’t great.

Matt comes home from a three week stint out of town to find his partner of five years has left him, with a Dear John letter at that. Needing to come to terms with his new life his friend Luke,who Matt has secretly been in love with for years helps him pack his stuff and offers to keep his dog while he goes to Connecticut to work on his brother’s lobster boat.

Luke has loved Matt since almost the first moment he met him, over twenty years ago. He knows his family wouldn’t be accepting of a gay son, so he has buried himself so deep in the closet he isn’t sure he will ever come out. A moment of desperation has Luke kissing Matt before he runs off to Connecticut to lick his wounds. Matt leaves even more confused than ever.

Along his trip up the coast he meets a man names Aric and ends up having a one night stand. The next morning all he feels is guilt and shame, and all his unresolved feelings for both his ex and Luke. Matt knows heading out on his brother’s lobster boat is the only thing that will clear his head.

A week’s worth of back breaking, exhausting work leaves Matt with a clear head. He knows he needs to see where this thing with Luke will take him. In twenty years Luke has never hurt him or let him down, he needs to trust that Luke won’t hurt him now. As soon as he gets off the fishing boat he receives a call that Luke has been hurt while on the job as a firefighter. He’s currently in a coma in Tennessee.

Matt rushes to be at Luke’s side, but has to play it safe because he doesn’t want to out Luke to his family without his permission. This accident has made both Luke and Matt realize what they could have missed out on if Luke hadn’t been so lucky. The shit hits the fan when Luke tells his parents that he is in love with Matt.

Luke’s parents disown him, leaving Matt to help Luke with his rehab. The two opt for a fresh start and along with Matt’s mom, move to Connecticut to be closer to Matt’s brother. Matt and Luke will need to work together to get through Luke’s rehab and family drama and come out happier and closer that ever on the other side.

I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn’t happen. I loved Luke and Matt together, it seemed effortless and easy. Just like it should be.

There were a few secondary story lines that didn’t work with the story or just gave the story the wrong vibe. One was the mention of an older brother that passed away. It didn’t add anything to the story and I was pulled out of the story a few times wondering how that factored into everything else. The other was Aric. I don’t see the added value to Aric’s character. I am one of those that only likes the MC’s to have sex with each other, not with anyone else. I kept expecting Aric to pop back up, especially when they moved back to Connecticut.

I did like the closure Luke got with his family and that Matt’s family was so accepting. There was a great cast of supporting characters, Emma was my favorite.

While this story wasn’t what I expected it was an entertaining, quick read.

3 pieces of eye candy

Monthly Author Column-with a Giveaway: Avon Gale

August 26, 2016 by Denise

Hello there!
Last month, I talked about how awesome (and also weird!) it was to have one of my books turned into an audiobook. So I thought maybe it would be nifty if I did a giveaway for an audio copy! I love the narration, and Scott R. Smith really made the characters come to life. I was impressed by his audition because he nailed that earnestness that so defined Lane Courtnall as a character, but I have to tell you – his Jared is hot like burning. Seriously it made me want to write an entire book of just Jared saying things so that Scott would maybe read it. Gah.
You can enter the giveaway via this handy Rafflecopter! (I can’t ever not giggle when I say/type that word, “Rafflecopter” – is that just me??)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway runs until September 1st, and it will choose one random winner for an audio copy (via Audible) of the book.
In a few weeks, I’ll be back to talk about the newest Scoring Chances title, Empty Net, which releases on September 2nd. Yay! It’s a story about goalie Isaac Drake, who you may remember from Power Play as the angry, blue-haired Spitfires’ goalie. Isaac has a new reason to be cranky when his hockey nemesis, fellow goalie Laurent St. Savoy, is traded to the Spitfires. I’m super excited to share this one, because if you can’t tell, Isaac maaaaay be my favorite (shhh, don’t tell the others I said that!) and I definitely made him work for his HEA 😉

Keeping Karma by Tory Temple: Release Day Review

August 24, 2016 by Denise

synopsis Alex Myers is keeping deeper secrets than just his pet ferret, Karma, who is illegal in California. Both Alex and his twin sister, Tabitha, can “hear” the thoughts of animals. It’s an ability he puts to good use working at an emergency animal clinic while studying to become a veterinarian.

One night, local animal-control officer Dylan Travers comes into the clinic with an injured fawn, and it doesn’t take the two men long to act on their mutual attraction. But the closer they become, the harder it is for Alex to keep Karma and the rest of his menagerie from Dylan. And then there’s the matter of his ability…. Will Dylan even believe him if he tries to explain?

Add to that debilitating migraines from especially “loud” animals and a scheming coworker threatening the clinic, and Alex needs Dylan’s support more than ever. Alex just wants to keep his job, his pets, his lover, and his sanity. But he can’t do it alone.

First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2009.

Title: Keeping Karma
Author: Tory Temple
Release Date: August 24, 2016
Category: Paranormal: Other, Erotic Romance
Pages: 138

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ARe

Dreamspinner Press

deanna review

Alex works the nightshift at the emergency animal clinic while he puts himself through vet school. Alex has the ability to “hear” animals which sometimes leaves him with debilitating migraines.

Dylan is an animal control officer who meets Alex when he brings an injured fawn into the clinic. The two feel the attraction immediately and the two agree to meet for breakfast. Their relationship steadily progresses from there and Alex is waiting to see if it becomes something more before he spills his little secret.

The douche bag son of one of the animal shelter’s biggest donors strong arms Alex into helping him get a job at the clinic. The guy is a real tool, and it’s obvious that he doesn’t really like animals. Alex can’t figure out what his game is, but the tension has him wondering if he should find a new job.

On a random night off Alex decides to ride along with Dylan as he answers calls for Animal Control. The last call of the night is to pick up two abused and abandoned dogs. The cries for help from the dogs send Alex into the mother of all migraines.

Dylan is able to get Alex to his sister where she explains Alex’s “condition.” Dylan doesn’t take it well, telling Alex he believes that Alex believes he can hear the animals. Dylan’s brush off of Alex’s abilities puts a huge strain on their relationship. It’s like the elephant in the room no one talks about.

One night on his break Alex goes to eat his dinner with the animals in the shelter and stumbles upon a robbery in progress. Will Dylan be able to get to him in time?

This is a cute, quirky story but it felt unfinished to me.

From the blurb and the book title I got the impression that Alex was hiding Karma his ferret because Dylan was a straight laced, by the book kind of guy. I didn’t get that impression from Dylan. I loved Dylan, he was the perfect guy. Kind, caring and compassionate.

I felt like the storyline with the arrogant son of the clinic donor was rushed and didn’t seem to have a lot of motive or substance. It was quickly explained away with little to no detail. I’m a details girl, I like a lot of them.

Also, after Dylan rescued Alex there was no more mention of Alex’s abilities or whether Dylan had accepted it. There wasn’t any closure.

Alex’s little menagerie of animals were cute and I loved the connection he had with them. Overall, this was a cute enjoyable read.

3 pieces of eye candy

The Luckiest Master by Sean Michael: Release Day Review

August 22, 2016 by Denise

the luckiest master

synopsis

When Master Damien Richardson (Day to his friends) takes over the front desk manager job at the Iron Eagle Gym, he knows he’s going to need an assistant. But finding the right person for the job is harder than he thought it would be. When he meets Saw, he thinks he’s found the solution to all his problems, and maybe something more.

Sawyer Whitehead lost his master to a tragic car accident some years ago, and since then one opportunity after another has gone sour on him. Thoroughly convinced he’s cursed and a jinx to everything and everyone he touches, he refuses to officially become Day’s assistant because he knows that as soon as he does, something terrible will happen. He’s even more determined not to get involved with Day, despite his attraction, because it would kill him to be responsible for tragedy befalling the lovely man.

Day must convince Saw that he’s not cursed and that together, they can face any challenge that comes their way—in both their professional and personal partnerships.

Title: The Luckiest Master
Series: Iron Eagle Gym
Author: Sean Michael
Release Date: August 22, 2016
Category: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 210

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Amazon

ARe

Dreamspinner Press

paula review
Sean Michael delivers another wonderful book. Damien and Sawyer were awesome. I thought Damien’s determination when it came to Sawyer was perfect. Sawyer was so stubborn at times it frustrated me. The way Damien slowly but surely insinuated himself into Sawyers life was great to see. For every time Sawyer balked at Damien being in his life, Damien knew just how to handle it. Sawyer has had so much tragedy in his life, his views about himself are terrible. My heart went out to him and everything he had suffered. Hiding himself away to protect everyone else was so sad. Damien finally reaching him and making him understand that it wasn’t him was beautiful. With such a well written story and characters, this was a great addition to this series.

5 pieces of eye candy

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deanna review

This is a great read. It’s part of a series but you don’t have to have read the others, I didn’t.

Day has taken over running the day to day operations of the Iron Eagle Gym. He needs some help, it’s definitely a two person job. Saw offers to help him temporarily until he can find a permanent replacement.

Saw lost his master to a terrible car accident a few years ago and he feels that anything he touches turns to shit. People leave and job opportunities dry up. He has every intention of leaving when Day finds a replacement, the only problem is that Day doesn’t intend to replace him.

Day plans on biding his time until he can talk Saw into the job and into his bed permanently. Day feels like he is getting Saw to lower his barriers when an attempted robbery at the gym leaves Day with a broken arm and Saw running scared.

Now Day has to figure out a way to prove to Saw that he isn’t bad luck and that accidents happen without pushing him further away.

Loved this story. Saw was an amazingly strong character that I fell in love with immediately. He was so caring and thoughtful for someone who had been through so much. Don’t get me started on Day, I get the warm fuzzies over him. Day is such a strong master without being domineering or heavy handed. He is so in tune with Saw’s emotions that their relationship feels effortless, minus the anxiety Saw has.

This was a great story, with strong characters and a great plot line. I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Zac’s Mulligan by Ann Lister: Quick Review

August 20, 2016 by Denise

zac's mulligan synopsis

Zac Mulligan is a former Marine now providing personal security for the infamous rock band, Black Ice. Seeing all the guys around him in committed relationships reminds him of his childhood best friend . . . the only person Zac has never managed to get out of his head or his heart.

Ben Holland is an artist. Falling deeply in love with his best friend in his teens, Ben is left alone when Zac leaves him for the military. Ben heads off to college and lives his life “out and proud” as a gay man and creates a brand name for himself with his artwork. Throughout all the years that pass, Ben never forgets his childhood friend, Zac, or the feelings they once shared.

Zac realizes a decade is too long for Ben not to have a presence in his life and finds Ben living on Cape Cod where they spent their summers as kids. Meeting each other as adults stirs up a lot of memories for both of them.

Zac is looking for a mulligan, a “do over,” with his childhood best friend. The question is: Can Ben find a way to put aside his old hurts and fully open his heart to Zac for a second time? Or maybe the past is something better left buried on the beach where it all began.

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Amazon

morgan review

I was really excited to get my hands on the first book in Ann’s new series and she did not let me down. The story flowed and kept my interest from start to finish. The emotions were all over with his one and I caught myself pacing my living room at one point while reading. Be prepared to laugh, tear up, and bite your nails. The characters were strong and she gives enough back story on the two MC’s to help me understand their connection that much better. I loved the story line and Ann pulls off this new book beautifully.

Zac and Ben had a long way to go to get to their HEA. There were lots of hurdles they had to cross and trust had to be rebuilt. This story has a slow build with both men getting to know each other again and that makes it all the better. When they finally do get together it’s intense and heartwarming. They never lost their love for each other even after all those years.

I love when we get to revisit with Black Ice and Ivory Tower. They are one big, amazing, crazy family and it’s so fun getting to spend time with them. I enjoyed getting to know a few more of the security guys a little better too. We get a bit of a sneak peek at a new love interest for Fizzbo and I cannot wait for the next addition to this new series. I definitely recommend this one.

4.5 pieces of eye candy from me.

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