review

Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts by Charlie Cochet: Release Day Review

August 19, 2015 by Denise

Julian “Quinn” Quinetro, a gruff, tough Miami SWAT officer, has been injured on the job, and all he’s looking for is a little peace and quiet to recover—difficult to achieve with his large Cuban family. An adventure in picking up his prescriptions puts him in the path of his geeky, brownie-baking neighbor, Spencer Morgan. Spencer sweeps into Quinn’s life like a tropical storm of sunshine and rainbows. Not surprisingly, it’s chaos at first sight. Quinn’s in need of a little tender loving care, and Spencer decides he’s just the man for the job. Their very different lives might clash, but they might also find some common ground—and maybe more.

What can I say about this novella? First, I LOVE Charlie Cochet, and have made it my life’s goal to go back and read all of her stuff that isn’t THIRDS (and I can re-read THIRDS another few times just because). This novella had cute, sweet, sexy and hot, all mixed in. Along with that some crazy family and friends, and delicious baked goods, you really couldn’t go wrong with this one.

Quinn, injured on the job, found himself quickly cranky. Meanwhile Spencer has a crush on his neighbor and tries to help him out with all the little stuff. Spencer means well, but the chaos he brings with him could very well bring Quinn back to the ER. However, quickly he worms his way into his heart, first as baker and friend, then as lover.

I really enjoyed how free and fun Spenser was, bringing Quinn along for the ride. And when Spenser tests out his freedom and gets burned by Quinn’s friend, Quinn takes a stand to show his man how much he means to him, and that he wants him to stay with him.

These two opposites attract so easily. I remember an author telling me once that to tell a good story in a novella length can be more challenging than in a full length novel, and I believe that’s true. To make you connect with the characters, love their story, and want their HEA can’t be easy in less words, but Charlie has done a masterful job here. I loved Quinn for his heart and his bravery right from the start. Spenser, with his baking and his sweet sassy self was a hit right away with me, as well. Put them together and Charlie has built a strong fire.

I won’t lie, I wanted more. I always want more when I love the couple. I would love to see a second novella on them. That would be so much fun! (And I want that apron, just saying!)

4.5 pieces of eye candy for this one. Grab it today!

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Their Reason by Jessie G: Trevor Project Fundraiser, Blog Tour, Excerpt and Review

July 27, 2015 by Denise

Their Reason Book Tour Information

Author Name: Jessie G
Book Name: Their Reason
Series: Sizzling Miami, Book 4
Release Date: July 26, 2015
Pages or Words: 24,140 words
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, Gay Romance, Gay Marriage
Publisher: Jessie G Books, Inc
Cover Artist: Andrew Reyna, Dynamic Craft Studios (http://www.dynamiccraftstudios.com)
Exclusively Available at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011PM9CLE)

Instead of a rafflecopter, I have put together a fundraiser for The Trevor Project. All you need to do is donate (at least) $2.99 and then leave a comment on the fundraiser. I’ll take the names from the comments and put them in a virtual picker, then I’ll select 2 winners to each win all four of my paperbacks signed and 2 winners to win all 4 of my ebooks. Well over $100 in prizes for a $2.99 donation.

*Paperback prizes for US residents only. Two winners will be chosen to win all four books each.*

*Ebook prizes for International residents only. Two winners will be chosen to win all four books in .mobi format only as the books are Amazon exclusive.*

Fundraiser link: http://www.classy.org/theirreasonbyjessieg

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Jon Connor and Ian Jones!

When I think about my guys and who I think marriage would mean the most to, I always think about Red. Growing up in foster care and spending his first twenty-five years just trying to survive, the concept of family is a dream he never thought would become a reality. He found a family with Bull, the Connors and our favorite guys in the garage, but marriage would really make him a Connor. Not just the piece of paper, but the vows in front of all their loved ones, the promise of forever…it’s everything Red deserves.

In this sequel novella to For A Reason, we follow Bull and Red through the wonderful and crazy adventure of planning a wedding. From setting a date to saying those two magical words to their surprise Irish honeymoon, we get to see how love has transformed everyone’s favorite couple. And stick around for the outtakes, Red and Bull’s marriage has had quite the impact on all the guys!

Authors Note: 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

Series Note: This book is not a standalone. For A Reason is a must read so you have Bull and Red’s full back story. That said, the sequence of events in this book picks up about five months after Tricking Chase (Devils Pride MC, Book #1) and I do suggest reading them in order. After this book, the two series will move forward separately.

For a second, Bull forgot what he’d been trying to do. All he could think about was what he was going to do when they got back from the courthouse. “I’m anticipating a lot of things. Getting our marriage license today…”

“There’s a three day waiting period, remember?” Red teased.

“Marrying you in two weeks,” Bull continued, refusing to be derailed. “Having all our friends with us when we share our vows, our first kiss as husbands, our first dance as husbands…”

“I can’t dance.” The teasing smile slipped away and Red ducked his head. “I never have and there’s not enough time for me to learn and if my body doesn’t cooperate then I’ll look stupid. I’ll make you look stupid.”

“It’s cooperating just fine now, though, isn’t it?” Bull nudged his head up and pressed a kiss to his wrinkled brow. “Cause we’re dancing, Ian, right here in the bathroom.”

Red’s eyes widened in surprise. “We’re dancing?”

“Well, our bodies are swaying, our feet are moving…yeah, that’s dancing.” Watching the realization sink in and seeing Red’s smile bloom again was everything.

Red leaned in, silently begging for a kiss, before slapping him on the ass. “We have an appointment to get to, but maybe later we can try this again without clothes.”

How do I start this review off? I guess I should do that by telling you how much this book affected me. I found myself reading this on the way back from Rainbow Con, in the window seat of the airplane, next to two older women who didn’t know each other, but found a ton to chat about. Next to them was me, curled into the window, headphones on, crying as I was reading this lovely novella.

Why was I crying? I mean it wasn’t as if there was any doubt that this would be the happy ending that Bull and Red so desperately deserved. I was crying happy tears, as they worked through their plans, worked on getting themselves to a place that would remind them that THEY were the most important things to each other, and was able to see how the other couples (and non-couples) in the series were moving ahead in their relationships.

It was all happy tears, I promise! This wasn’t a long novella, but it was just right to get these two men, who love each other so much, to the place that they longed for so badly. Their connection was palpable, which is definitely one of Jessie G’s strength as a writer. She doesn’t just write situation, she writes connections, and those connections are felt throughout any story you read by this author. By adding in connections between the characters, even on levels not fully aware of by the reader, you can feel the layers underneath, and the importance to the couple (or triad) that the other person has created in their life.

This novella spoke to me as a reader, and someone who really loved Bull and Red’s story the first time I read it, but it also spoke to me as a lover of HEA’s. That is why most of us read romance novels, in any genre, for the HEA. Without it, quite often we feel unfulfilled and unsatisified with the story. That was not the case here, you knew the happy ending was there just waiting for you, along the way, the journey drew you along in that HEA. The bonus in this novella was that you were also drawn along in the other stories that Jessie G has either already written, or still has forthcoming as a story, and there you know there will be another HEA just waiting for you.

Did it give me everything I wanted? Of course not, it’s a novella, there is always more I want. That being said, I know the more is coming, and I am willing to sit back and wait for October 31st (see Family Tree below). 4.5 pieces of eye candy.

Writing has been the elusive, life-long goal that seemed to be getting further away as the years went by. It took 30+ years to achieve, but Jessie’s decided that timing is everything. The world wasn’t ready for m/m romance back then and, now that it is, the girl in the closet has finally found her writing home.

Jessie is a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics, and happily ever after. She’s a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout her books.

Contact Links:
Website: http://www.jessiegbooks.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/jessieg
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jessiegbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessieGBooks
Twitter (NSFW 18+): https://twitter.com/JessieGBooks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jessiegbooks
Tumblr (NSFW 18+): http://jessiegbooks.tumblr.com
Google +: google.com/+Jessiegbooksmm
Ello: https://ello.co/jessiegbooks
TSU: https://www.tsu.co/jessiegbooks

Blog Tour Stops
July 27, 2015
multitaskingmommas Book Reviews
Two chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

July 29, 2015
Molly Lolly

July 31, 2015
Amanda C Stone

August 3, 2015
Kathy MacReviews

August 5, 2015
Divine Magazine

August 7, 2015
Prism Book Alliance

August 10, 2015
Carly’s Book Reviews

August 12, 2015
BFD Book Blog

August 14, 2015
Sassy Girl Books

August 17, 2015
3 Chicks After Dark
Vampires, Werewolves, & Fairies, Oh My

August 19, 2015
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

August 21, 2015
MM Good Book Reviews

August 24, 2015
Emotion in Motion
Gay Media Reviews

August 26, 2015
Foxylutely Books
Love Bytes

August 28, 2015
Joyfully Jay
The Novel Approach

One Step Further by Felice Stevens: Blog Tour, Reviews, Excerpt and Giveaway

July 2, 2015 by Denise

Title: One Step Further

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: June 29, 2015

Alex Stern has it all; good looks, charm, a job he loves and everyone calls him a friend. He lives life to the fullest at a breakneck pace, in the city that never sleeps. But Alex is also a master pretender; not even his best friend sees the pain that Alex hides so well. Alex himself isn’t sure who he is or what he’s searching for, he only knows that he hasn’t found it yet.

As a veterinarian, Rafe Hazelton loves each animal that crosses his path; they don’t care if he stutters a bit or that prefers men. Their love is unconditional, but his life is still empty; they can only give him so much. New friendships convince him it’s time to break the wall of loneliness he’s hidden behind since childhood and discover what he’s been missing.

Alex and Rafe forge a friendship that turns physical, and they both swear that the relationship will last only as long as the fun does. But when old heartaches come to light and secrets hidden for years are revealed, Alex and Rafe discover if they accept what’s in their hearts and take it one step further, the greatest reward is waiting for them in the end.

Denise’s Review:

There are several things you can count on with a Felice Stevens novel. First, that there will be an HEA. No matter what, she will make sure that the men you have learned to love on her pages will learn to love each other, and find their way to their happy ending (and yes, I mean that in both senses of the word! 🙂 ) Second, there will be emotion, lots of it. Whether that is you, as the reader, dealing with the angst right along with the characters, or just reading how the characters react to the situations they find themselves in. Third, there will be animals. And I truly love this about Felice’s books. She adds in a mix of animals, because she believes, as I do, that animals enhance our lives, and bring us so much joy. And fourth, you will love these sexy, strong men. Although they may not see themselves as strong in the beginning these men, no matter how crippling their issues, find their strength, in each other, and in themselves. This book hits all of these notes, without question, and I was happy to be along for the ride.

Rafe, Lucky’s veterinarian from Memories of the Heart, is a shy, lonely man who has never been in love, and is very inexperienced. His life has been about his vet practice and keeping himself as invisible as possible, with a stutter that he has allowed to oversee much of his life and personality. Meanwhile Alex is vivacious, outgoing, always the life of the party, and quick to throw a joke, especially if it throws people off track from delving further into the depths of his private life. Even his best friend Micah has no idea the secret that he has held close to his heart for 15 years.

These two men begin their relationship as friends, moving to friends with benefits, and into lovers. Their relationship naturally evolves, as they support each other through some very difficult times. As Rafe deals with the passing of a mother that clearly has never felt love for him, Alex is there to help him find a way to deal with all the emotions that come with that. As Alex finds himself soon dealing with his own family situation, Rafe, as he has become more confident, is right by Alex’s side to support him through those challenges. One of the things that I appreciated about this book was their unwavering support. Even when these men thought they didn’t need or want the others support, they got it, and realized how much they really DID need it.

This is another Felice Stevens story with lots of heart, passion, and some angst thrown in the mix. As always, Felice brings you two men who need each other more than they each realize. It was sweet, sexy, and such a great example of true friends to lovers. These men needed a true friend just as much as they needed a special man in their life. It showed the men the impact of true friends, and allowed them to move forward in their outside relationships as well.

What a joy this book was to read, as all of her books are. Felice can pack a lot of emotion into one book, and has hit a winner with One Step Further. (And how about that gorgeous cover! Another Reese Dante winner!) 4.5 pieces of eye candy for me!

Morgan’s Review:

I’ll start by saying I adore Felice. She always writes such wonderful stories. This book comes after Memories of the Heart and deals with Rafe and Alex. These two are such complex characters. They both have issues they are struggling to overcome. Alex is so confident, outgoing and full of life, yet on the inside he’s a broken man with secrets no one knows. Rafe is shy, lonely and tends to stutter. He’s more comfortable around animals than people. These two very different men come to realize they are more alike than they thought, and maybe they could be happy if they open themselves up fully to each other.

I was so excited for the release of this book and I was not disappointed. Be ready for the different turns this read takes and make sure you have the tissues ready. Definitely 5 pieces of eye candy from me.

Through his years of practice and experience, Rafe had learned to help and comfort, to step in when his expertise was needed, and step away when there was no hope left at all. What Alex didn’t know was that Rafe always held out hope for life, and though he might give the appearance of a man ruled by quiet and calm, in truth he was tenacious as a bulldog and refused to accept defeat.So Rafe allowed Alex to sit in his moody silence until their beers came and they both took long, bracing swallows.“Can I speak now?”Alex shrugged. “Suit yourself.” That offhand comment led Rafe to believe Alex didn’t expect much from people or life in general. Perhaps he too had been disappointed by the people who should have always been there for him and weren’t.

“All my life I’ve been told I was different and that kids wouldn’t like me because of my stutter. When I realized I was gay, I knew my struggle only increased ten-fold. It made me retreat even more.”

Alex traced the lip of his beer bottle with his finger. “Yeah. I can understand that to an extent.”

“That’s my point. You can understand it to an extent, but not really. I’m not saying this in a spiteful way.” It was so important to Rafe to make Alex understand where he was coming from. “You’re a big, good-looking man with a great personality. Everywhere you go, you make friends so easily; people gravitate to you naturally. It’s a gift, if you think about it.”“I have many gifts,” said Alex with a wink and smiled for the first time since they sat down. Rafe wasn’t fooled.“You’re deflecting,” he stated, and like Rafe knew he would, Alex stopped smiling, his mouth thinning to a tight line. “Don’t get angry with me.”“I’m not. I’m only wondering when you decided to appoint yourself as my therapist.”

Rafe pinned Alex with a stare and a raised brow. “When someone sticks their tongue down my throat, it’s a signal to me that maybe we’ve gone beyond a handshake and a ‘Hi, how are you.’”Alex stared at him for a moment, then his eyes creased with amusement and he started to laugh. He didn’t stop, even when the waiter arrived with their food.Rafe folded his arms and glared. “I’m not finished. You make friends easily but it’s all on the surface, isn’t it? I bet people don’t ever really get to know the real you, do they?”Once again, Alex stopped laughing, only this time it seemed he’d had enough. “I don’t have to listen to this shit.” He looked around for the waiter. “I’ll get my food to go.”

“That’s what you always do, don’t you. Instead of talking about things, you make a joke or run away. It’s easier to run away.”

As Rafe spoke, Alex’s face grew dark with anger. Now that he’d started talking, Rafe couldn’t stop; the words spilled like water rushing from a dam.

“I know what it’s like. My reason is obvious. I spent almost my whole life hiding behind a wall of silence. But what reason do you have to play the class clown all the time? People would like you no matter what.”

For a moment Alex stared at him, then smiled a real smile, the first all night. It kindled a glow in his deep blue eyes.

“Do you realize something?” He leaned forward and Rafe swore he could feel the warmth radiating from Alex’s body across the table.

Caught up in the moment, Rafe couldn’t look away. The sounds of the pub faded in the background, including the music, which unfortunately had gone from ’80s retro to modern day rap. “Wha-what?” His mouth tasted dry even with the beer he’d drunk.

“You barely stuttered, not at all until now.”

Alex’s large warm palm slid over his own hand and gave it a squeeze. “That’s great isn’t it? You must be getting more comfortable with me.” A wide grin broke across his face. “Guess that tongue down the throat action worked for something.”

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.

But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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Strange Bedfellows by Cardeno C.: Release Day Review

June 26, 2015 by Denise

Can the billionaire son of a Democratic president build a family with the congressman son of a Republican senator? Forget politics, love makes strange bedfellows.

As the sole offspring of the Democratic United States president and his political operative wife, Trevor Moga was raised in an environment driven by the election cycle. During childhood, he fantasized about living in a made-for-television family, and as an adult, he rejected all things politics and built a highly successful career as far from his parents as possible.

Newly elected congressman Ford Hollingsworth is Republican royalty. The grandson of a revered governor and son of a respected senator, he was bred to value faith, family, and the goal of seeing a Hollingsworth in the White House.

When Trevor and Ford meet, sparks fly and a strong friendship is formed. But can the billionaire son of a Democratic president build a family with the congressman son of a Republican senator? Forget politics, love makes strange bedfellows.

Amazon Link

As I write this review, I am going to sound like I am fan-girling on CC…and I guess I probably am. I’m not sure I could have loved this story more. I was excited to do the cover reveal for this book, because well, look at it! It is such a fantastic cover that Jay did, one of my all-time favorites. So, getting to read this was a pleasure I was very much looking forward to. And it met my expectations in every way!

Trevor and Ford were opposite in so many ways. I told my blog partner, Morgan, before she started reading it that Trevor was a dirty, dirty man, but in the sexiest hottest way. He said things on purpose to make the shy, reserved, church-going Ford blush regularly. He was a self-ma Strnge-Bedfellows-cardenoC-JayAheer2015-1800x2700 de billionaire, and when he found something he wanted, he went all in, finding whatever means necessary to keep his connection with Ford alive. Meanwhile, Ford, the bow-tie wearing, middle-class up and coming politician, could find absolutely no reason to say no to Trevor.

The first three chapters, well, you will want to make sure you are not in public when you read them. Hotness that only CC can write is there from the words “Chapter One”. And there was lots of that hotness. However, there was so much sweetness, from both men. Ford in his shy, quiet manner. Trevor, who never felt like he was number one to anyone, making sure that Ford felt that he was important to him. Trevor accepting the fact that Ford felt politics was important to him, and willing to support him through his dreams.

I savored this book over several days, not quite wanting it to end, yet wanting to get to the HEA. The happily ever after came, not with a huge breakup or drama, but with every day realities for people in the positions of power and strength that these men held. I enjoyed that. They knew that their power was their strength in their love and support of each other. Rather than drawing against it, they used it strengthen themselves. That is how love should be.

This book gets 5 pieces of eye candy, because it is a definite re-read for this gal, as so many of CC’s books are. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I need more Trevor and Ford in my life. I didn’t want this story to end. This was such an interesting idea to write about. CC gave us lots of good back story that helped give even more life to the characters and the story was very well written in my opinion. These two have so many odds stacked against them from the very beginning. CC pulls this story off beautifully.

I have lived in the South my whole life and have grown up around people with the same views that were instilled in Ford from his birth. I felt his part of the story was very realistic. Growing up in that particular type of household, I can see it taking 37 years for him to come to terms with who he is and how he really feels. Trevor and Ford have such a deeply romantic relationship and the love scenes are scorching.

This was a definite page turner for me and I enjoyed this read. I really like Cardeno’s stories and I will recommend this one for sure. This deserves a few rereads.

5 pieces of eye candy from me.

Let us know what you think! One commentor on this blog post will win a copy of Strange Bedfellows by Cardeno C.

Cardeno C. – CC to friends – is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few “awwws” into a reader’s day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno’s stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.

Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.

Author Links

email: cardenoc@gmail.com

Website: www.cardenoc.com

Blog: (Shared Blog) http://caferisque.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @CardenoC

FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CardenoC/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+CardenocAuthor/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcd9agMh5c_HQEPP9_CEhSA

Helping Hand by Jay Northcote: Blog Tour, Giveaway and Review

June 26, 2015 by Denise

Wanking with a mate isn’t gay—as long as you keep your hands to yourself.

Jez Fielding and James MacKenzie—Big Mac to his mates—are in their second year at uni. After partying too hard last year, they make a pact to rein themselves in. While their housemates are out drinking every weekend, Jez and Mac stay in to save cash and focus on their studies.

When Jez suggests watching some porn together, he isn’t expecting Mac to agree to it. One thing leads to another, and soon their arrangement becomes hands-on rather than hands-off. But falling for your straight friend can only end badly, unless there’s a chance he might feel the same.

Author Name: Jay Northcote
Book Name: Helping Hand
Release Date: June 26, 2015
Pages or Words: Approximately 33,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Romance

Afterwards, Jez blamed the alcohol for loosening his tongue, because he didn’t think about it before he spoke. The words tumbled out before he could stop them.

“Man, I’m seriously horny now. Have you got any decent porn on that laptop?”

“Huh?” Mac snapped his head around to meet Jez’s gaze. Jez’s heart pounded erratically, but his dick was still standing to attention. “What… you mean, you want to wank in here? Now? Wouldn’t that be weird?” Mac sounded seriously freaked out.

Jez backtracked quickly, cheeks hot. “It doesn’t have to be weird. I’ve done it before with guys at school, and it’s never been a big deal. But don’t worry about it. I’ll go and watch my own stash instead. But I need something soon, ’cause I’m gonna explode after watching that sex scene.”

Jez was expecting an instant no from Mac. He wouldn’t have blamed him. A lot of guys wouldn’t be into what Jez was suggesting. Jez’s heart still thumped hard, but his arousal didn’t abate despite his anxiety. He was shocked by how much he wanted this.

Mac bit his lip and frowned. “Seriously. You’ve done that?”

Jez shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “Yeah. Like I said, it was no big deal. Just guys messing around.”

Mac stared a moment longer, then he stood, and Jez’s heart sank as he walked away. But Mac only went to fetch his laptop from the dining table. He sat back down and then opened it and tapped in his password.

“What sort of stuff do you wanna watch?” Mac’s voice was gruff and he focused on the screen rather than Jez.

Fuck. They were really going to do this, then.

Amazon

This novella, about 1500 locations, was sexy and fun. These young men start as Uni roommates, friends. As their relationship starts with just handjobs while watching porn, they are friends who quickly begin to move from handjobs, to give each other handjobs, to some BJ’s. As they move through figuring out what they are to each other, it is obvious they are enjoying it enough to not want to stop.

Jez and Mac are sweet and sexy together, and as always Jay writes some pretty hot scenes. These young men have to learn to navigate not only finding that they are attracted to a man, but how to communicate their needs and wants to each other, and enter into a relationship.

A fun read! Pick it up and enjoy! Four pieces of eye candy.

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.

She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content. One day, she decided to try and write a short story–just to see if she could–and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Goodreads Links:

Author: http://bit.ly/1Qwo6PE

Book: http://bit.ly/1SdRasE

Publisher: Jaybird Press

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

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Tour Dates & Stops: June 26, 2015

Parker Williams, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, My Fiction Nook, Prism Book Alliance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Inked Rainbow Reads, Havan Fellows, Cate Ashwood, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Charley Descoteaux, Chris McHart, Happily Ever Chapter, Boys on the Brink Reviews, Molly Lolly, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Nic Starr, Elin Gregory, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, MM Good Book Reviews, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Hearts on Fire, 3 Chicks After Dark, Carly’s Book Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Divine Magazine, Mikky’s World of Books, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Velvet Panic, The Hat Party, Andrew Q. Gordon

Cardeno C. Author Spotlight: Three Novella Reviews

June 22, 2015 by Denise

A Shot at Forgiveness by Cardeno C.

Sometimes to find love, you must first learn forgiveness.

A dozen years, two thousand miles, and a law degree after high school, Rafi Steiner continues to harbor resentment toward Isaac Jones, his childhood bully turned NBA star. When Isaac appears at Rafi’s favorite restaurant acting like a long-lost friend, Rafi bluntly dismisses him.

But Isaac is tenacious and he has his heart set on the grown-up version of the boy he always wanted and never forgot. The way Isaac sees it, he and Rafi are perfect for each other, if only he could sink the most important shot of his life: his one shot at forgiveness.

This started out feeling somewhat sad. Rafi, when he first sees Isaac after so many years, is filled with anger and hatred. Isaac had bullied him during their years in school together, relentlessly. Rafi saw no reason to reaquaint himself with the man who had tortured him for so many years.

Isaac, however, still had a relentless streak, but this time it was in his pursuit of Rafi. Showing up at his house, entering because he had seen Rafi enter the code, bringing food, and just finding ways to be sweet. And as they began to bond again, Isaac helped Rafi realize that maybe his memories were slightly skewed, and that there were many ways that Isaac had found to protect him.

Isaac was sweet and loving, and turned his life inside out to come back for Rafi. I truly enjoyed watching Isaac break down the walls that Rafi had put up all those years ago.

4 pieces of eye candy for me.

Places in Time by Cardeno C.

A relationship-challenged actor unexpectedly finds love in the arms of his childhood best friend.

“Sexiest Man Alive” and Golden Globe winning actor Ethan Baker lights up the screen but fizzles in his personal life. When his latest gi places in ntime rlfriend breaks up with him, Ethan turns to his one “forever” person—Jude Harrison. But as Ethan makes the familiar drive to his best friend’s house, an unexpected detour and a bewildering passenger take him through places in time he’d long forgotten. Suddenly Ethan sees Jude’s actions over the years from a different perspective, but it’s his own reaction that’s the biggest surprise.

Okay, I will admit, I have a super soft spot for stories that include time travel of some sort. And this hit all my buttons perfectly!

Ethan and Jude had been friends since they were teenagers, but had never ventured past that friend zone. Whenever something happened in Ethan’s life, Jude was the person he turned to. And as a lovely redheaded lady guides Ethan through visions of important events that happened during his life, Ethan learned how much Jude had truly sacrificed for him, and how much Jude truly loved him.

Ethan learned from this, and became aware of what Jude truly meant to him. By growing and seeing the sacrifices, he was able to bring himself to finally love Jude.

I rarely give novellas 5 pieces of eye candy. I am a full length novel kind of girl. That being said, for me a 5 piece of eye candy story is one that I will re-read again, and I imagine this will stay to the top of my TBR for quite a while as a re-read.

1-5 pieces eye candy

All of Me by Cardeno C.

To bond with his destined mate, an Alpha wolf must look past what he sees and trust what he feels.

Bonded by their parents before they were conceived, wolf shifters Abel and Kai adored each other since they were children. As teens, th all of me e two future Alphas took the next step in their bonding process and vowed to remain true to one another until Kai came of age. But when tragedy struck, Abel felt betrayed and ran from Kai instead of completing their mating.

Abel never stops yearning for the man who was supposed to lead by his side and after years without contact, Kai returns, broken and on death’s door. If Abel wants to fulfill their destiny and merge their packs, he’ll need to look past what he saw and trust his heart.

Lots of heart wrenching tears, anger and finally happiness for our Alphas. All of the characters were very likable, I just wish we could have seen more from Kai’s perspective. The story felt rushed and I feel it could have been even better if it was a bit longer, but it was a pretty intense little read. The romance was sweet and the story was very well written. I have always liked everything I have read from Cardeno C and All Of Me was a great little way to get though the afternoon.

4 pieces of Eye Candy from me.