Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

review

Christmas at Queens Crescent by Kristian Parker: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Jeremy Brookes is having a mid-twenties crisis. After losing his mother, he’ taken up his father’s offer to move from Canada to London to start a new life. The problem is, he has no idea how to do it. His billionaire father as some ideas… Once Jeremy is installed in the exclusive neighbourhood of Queens Crescent, he will have to sort his life out pretty damned quick if he’s to avoid a lifetime at the pharma company where his father is CEO and his stepmother rules HR.

Jeremy isn’t cut out for that life or that of a spoiled rich kid, worrying where his next designer label is coming from. Then he happens upon Stuart Monroe, the handsome Scottish florist with a shop around the corner. As the only socialist in Kensington, Stuart’s lowly background makes it a challenge to be surrounded by such wealth. Instantly drawn to this rebel in their midst, Jeremy decides to do the sensible thing: go undercover as Stuart’s new shop assistant to get to know the enigmatic stranger better.

What could possibly go wrong?

Title: Christmas at Queens Crescent
Authors: Kristian Parker
Length: 42K
Series: Queens Crescent, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Christmas, Opposites attract.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Jeremy exhaled. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Stuart leant against the counter, grinning. “So are you. You’re going to be running the place if I’m don’t watch ma back.”

Jeremy’s neck burned. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t overstep the mark. I saw you letting go of an opportunity just because she pissed you off. Nose cut, spite face came to mind.”

Shaking his head, Stuart straightened up. “And a bit of psychoanalysis on the side? Is there no end to this man’s talents? Well, how about you show me how talented you are at emptying a van? It’s parked out the back.” He handed Jeremy the keys.

“You’ll be thanking me,” Jeremy said with a grin. “I like expensive champagne.”

“Duly noted.” Always an advocate of quitting while he was ahead, Jeremy wandered into the storeroom, painfully aware that Stuart would be watching him.

When he got to the van, he allowed a smile to creep over his face. It was going to be interesting working here.

This book is all about starting over after a huge loss, and finding something completely new, and hopefully amazing. Jeremy lost his mother to cancer recently, and moves to London to start over…with his life and with his father, and hopeful for a love interest in there also. I loved the idea after such a challenging time with a dying parent that you adored (having been there less than a year ago), he gave himself permission to just see where his new life would lead him, and be open to it.

Stuart, the florist around the corner, had been bullied as a child by rich kids in his private school, that he’d had a scholarship at. He was understandably wary of anyone with more money to spare than sense. However, even with all that, he moved his business to this neighborhood. I struggled with that idea. If it was as triggering as it seemed to be, why would he put himself in that space, no matter how good the space was? And he seemed to at least like some of his clients, but never said anything but negative things. His back and forth with Jeremy, also was a bit exhausting. He was a good hardworking, lovely Scottish man, who just wanted his business to do well.

Meanwhile, Jeremy went about it completely the wrong way, lying to get into the job, to get to know Stuart. It showed a lack of maturity on his part, although in his defense, he went to college, and then right into caring for his dying mother, so he hadn’t learned how to deal with people in the outside world as much. However, he also didn’t learn any sort of humility. At one point he says “I’m not going to apologize anymore” and I just thought it was too soon to make that type of statement.

However, I really liked their interactions, and that they had fun together no matter what they did. Jeremy showed that even though he hadn’t gone to many of the places he tried, he was willing. He just didn’t know how to hide that he had money.

The side characters were great. His stepmother turned out to be so kind and gentle with him (as a child with a stepmother that I adore, I am always happy when I read about good stepmothers). His father, while a bit overbearing, also wanted only the best for his son. And the neighbor, Mrs. Wimpole…I kind of want to be her when I grow up.

All in all, a nice holiday story, with a great visual backdrop.

3 pieces of eye candy

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Connect with Peter:
Website & Newsletter – www.kristianparker.com
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @kparkerwriter
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His Last Christmas in London by Con Riley: New Release Review

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Falling for his final client won’t make leaving London easy…

Ian ~ A talented, young photographer desperate to stay in London.

Guy ~ An older, fierce food critic, determined to keep him in his city.

Ian shouldn’t be attracted to a scathing food critic like Guy Parsons, not after the last time he fell for someone older, arrogant, and gorgeous. He knows better than to let dramatic good looks sway him since his last heartbreak. Besides, he’s accepted a new job at the far end of the country and won’t be staying in London.

Having one month left doesn’t seem enough now Ian’s fallen in love with the city. Working as Guy’s photographer for December might help him afford to stay for longer, even if he hates Guy’s brand of restaurant reviewing. When Guy turns out to be worlds away from the last man Ian fell for, shared meals soon result in shared secrets and feelings.

More than attraction sparks between them as Christmas approaches. Intimate moments lead to intense passion, but is being well matched in the bedroom enough to stop the clock counting down to Ian leaving London, and Guy, for good?

♥ Steamy, snarky, and sweet, His Last Christmas in London is an utterly British, low-angst, age-gap, workplace gay romance set in London and Cornwall. ♥

Celebrate the holidays with a lovely long novella full of heartfelt hurt/comfort and second chances from Con Riley, author of the much adored Charles: Learning to Love.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

I was looking forward to His Last Christmas in London quite a bit. I just love reading holiday romances, especially based in the UK, so this one was right up my alley. This one had a fairly large age gap, and found family was a big part of the story as well.

Ian, quite the rough ride he had been on. He had a complete tool for a boss, who not only slept with his employee and made him feel like crap, but stole his work as well. He was down to very little money, considering selling a graduation gift from his mother, and decided to move back to Cornwall with his mother to do some work he wasn’t really looking forward to. His old boss tricks him into the assignment that brings him into Guy’s orbit.

We don’t learn a lot about Guy until later in the story, but what an interesting story with his deceased husband. And now the tables were turning and Guy would become the champion and support for Ian, just as Guy’s husband had been for him. It also turned out that Guy was a champion of far more than just the man in his life, and in so many ways.

It did make me laugh how Ian and Guy were basically dating without Ian really knowing it. There were a lot of references to Guy’s “bad side” (of his face) and his bad nose, which I just thought were a bit out of place. However, Ian’s flatmates were so supportive of him, as well as each other, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs to read their story. (After you’ve read this story, head over to the author’s website to read a bonus scene with all 4 men, discussing what can sometimes be a difficult subject.)

Ian was such a stickler for him commitments, but by keeping them, he showed what kind of man he was, and that just made Guy fall that much harder.

An enjoyable holiday story set in London during the holidays. Nothing sounds better to me.

4 pieces of eye candy

The Secret Plan (The Game book 10) by Cara Dee: New Release Review

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The Game Series Book 10 Their Boy sequel BDSM Humor DD/lb Christmas Party
Forget about Mommy kissing Santa Claus. It’s Daddy you’ve got to watch out for in this scorching holiday romance where we check in with Colt, Kit, and Lucas—and all their kinky friends.

Forty-five years on this planet. A prestigious career as a fighter pilot. A wonderful relationship with Lucas—nine years and counting. Decades of experience as a sadistic Daddy Dom in a community he’d helped start. And those corn-fed Texas genes too. Damn right, Colt Carter reckoned he was entitled to be assertive. Not a whole lot could rattle his cage.

Except Kit Damien, the young brat who’d turned Colt’s and Lucas’s lives upside down in the best ways the past six or so months. The two Daddy Doms had finally found their Little forever. But when Kit confessed to having certain fantasies, Colt had to admit, in some ways, he was still a beginner.

Good thing Santa was on his way. Santa knew exactly what to say. He was also a stellar partner in crime when the brats of Mclean House were up to no good and making secret plans for their holiday party.

Ho, ho, ho. Are there any naughty boys in the house?

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The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.

It’s almost Christmas and the Doms and subs are ready to party and to play.

This book mostly focuses on the triad of Colt, Lucas and Kit. Colt and Lucas have been a couple for a while, but Kit completed their lives fairly recently (at least in McLean House time) and while there hasn’t been strife, it’s Kit who wants Colt and Lucas to focus on themselves as a couple. Because they are the foundation of the life they are building.

Against the backdrop of preparing for Christmas and a party at their house, we get the three men bringing up new boundaries and safe play partners. They way they do it is so respectful of each other AND of their relationship. No one gets feelings hurt or is afraid to say anything. And ultimately, what makes Lucas and Colt happy will make Kit happy.

A few of our favorite club members make an appearance, while the absence of others is explained. And then…**fans self**. Remember the orgy in Senseless? They turned that up to an 11. Seriously one of the hottest things I have ever read.

This is a short book, a bridge to the next. Which is hopefully coming out soon.

4 pieces of eye candy

Vow Maker (Mixed Messages book 4) by Lily Morton: New Release Review

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Dylan Mitchell wants to get married.

However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit.

Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour. He’s confounded an army of wedding professionals, and now Dylan, the man who knows and loves him better than anyone, has joined the ranks of the confused. Can anything please his fiancé and get them to the altar?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes the sequel to Rule Breaker. A romantic comedy novella full of family chaos, meddling friends, sexy bathroom encounters, and love. Always love.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Engaged for SEVEN YEARS? That’s bonkers. But I digress.

Dylan and Gabe were my first story by Lily Morton. And probably many people. We just fell in love with the cranky, perfectionist boss and sassy, sarcastic assistant. It was hard not to. Two more books with other couples followed and we’ve circled back around to the originals.

Now I am going to admit that sometimes I feel like follow up books like this are thin. No real substance, just wanting to be a people pleaser that sells. But this one didn’t feel that way for me at all. I was thrilled to pick up seven years later and watch them try to plan their wedding. As soon as they could find a wedding planner.

The wedding planner they do ultimately hire had a very easy chance of taking over the story with pratfalls, etc. But nope. He mostly stayed in the background, gently guiding both men toward their goal.

Of course we get a little Ivo, Henry, Jude and Asa. And Dylan’s boisterous family.

In the end, they get their perfect wedding and we get the perfect end to a great story line.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Up To Snow Good: An MM Christmas Romance by Charlie Novak: New Release Review

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This Christmas, Trouble Tastes Like Chocolate

Maximillian Arthur Felstead is up to no good.

Having taken it upon himself to plan an anniversary surprise for his brother and his fiancé during their annual December ski trip, Max realises nothing happens quickly this close to Christmas. Deciding chocolate is the answer, Max accidentally incurs the wrath of chocolatier, Luca, who’s having a pre-Christmas nightmare of his own.

Luca is short staffed and short on patience, and he isn’t enamoured with Max’s clueless demands, even if he is utterly gorgeous. So when Max reaches out to apologise, Luca can’t help but be drawn in by his charm and Max’s offer of help, especially when their chemistry is hot enough to melt the ice on Mont Blanc.

With their time together running out, can a little Christmas magic help Max and Luca find what they’ve been searching for?

Up to Snow Good is a 49,000-word, low-angst MM contemporary Christmas romance featuring snow-topped mountains, Christmas market cuteness, delicious chocolate, and plenty of sweet, steamy moments.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Soooooooo many people love Hallmark Christmas movies. And hey- you do you. Whatever brings you joy. But I’ve come to realize that I love Hallmark Christmas movies in the form of books, with two male leads. Schmoopy? Yes, please. Kind of unrealistic? I don’t care. Fall in love and completely uproot your life after a few days? BRING IT ON

The setting is the French Alps. That is swoony enough. Plus Christmas time, a Christmas market, snow, and a chocolatier. What more could you want?

After a rocky meeting, Max and Luca find each other again that same night at the Christmas market. Of course they did. Which leads then to almost a week of them being together. A lot. Partly because Max jumps in to help at the chocolatier, partly because they can’t keep their hands off of each other.

I love that Max grew up and still lives in privilege but does his best to check himself. Including asking family and friends if he was being a jerk or not. It’s that sincerity that makes you love him even more.

Oh, something else I love. When one of the main characters has some kind of connection to a character from a previous book. Not enough that they will show up, but the mention always makes me smile and remember their story.

Grab a hot chocolate, curl up with some truffles and enjoy some Christmas magic.

4 pieces of eye candy

Forgive Me Father: Rebel Kings MC: Embry & Mateo by Garrett Leigh: New Release Review and Giveaway

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Embry

“…you don’t understand.”

Mateo lowered himself to sit, still vibrating with the need to fix me, the way he always did. “Then tell me. Explain it like I’m the simplest idiot you’ve ever met.”

I can’t. I’d never told anyone. Not the judge, the jury, or the legal aid barrister who’d written me off before she’d ever met me. But as I drowned in Mateo’s affection, in a love I’d done nothing to deserve, the words came tumbling out.

Bad words.

Dark words.

Darker than sin.

Darker, even, than Mateo’s battered soul and the secrets I didn’t know about yet.

I thought those words would shatter me.

Shatter us.

But when the devil came for us, it wasn’t mine.

It was Mateo’s, and the man I’d trusted with my fragile heart was a stranger more broken than his scars could ever show.

Forgive Me Father is a continuation of the best-selling Rebel Kings MC series. Content warning for violence and sexual trauma.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Rebel Kings MC Series – 4 Book Series

Book #1 – Devil’s Dance

Book #2 – Saint’s Song

I was intrigued with Embry and Mateo and their dance around each other from the moment we met them in Devil’s Dance. (Must read the first two books. Not only because of the continuing story, but they are really good) Finally we get the story of the club “chaplain” and one of the club’s main enforcers. Worth the wait!

Everyone in the MC is still kind of reeling from what happened in book 2. Reeling and recovering. A lot happened and the healing will take quite a long time. But I think that also brings them together more, knowing what they could have lost so easily.

Embry and Mateo. Man, I love these two. Even with them dancing around each other for so long, it is still a slow burn once they admit their feelings. Or at least admit that they want each other. They are so different in their roles in the MC, but similar in the way they keep secrets.

They gather strength from each other without even realizing it I think. Not as MC “brothers” but as men. Even something as simple as Embry wearing one of Mateo’s shirts seems to boost both of them. They have an intimacy that is hard to miss. It just makes what they have so much more real.

I pretty much guessed both of their secrets, but not to the extent of what really happened. The outing of Mateo’s was a bit shocking. Things that were said kind of reminded me of some scenes in Sons of Anarchy (US tv show about an MC).

There’s a lot going on in the story as well. Most of it is revealed once Mateo’s secret is revealed. But it keeps a lot of the main MC guys in the story without taking the focus off of Embry and Mateo.

They get that hard fought happily ever after, but not without the support of their MC.

You should definitely check trigger warnings before reading. This book (like the others) is violent.

4 pieces of eye candy

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

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

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

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

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

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