Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Riley Hart

Beautiful Chaos by Riley Hart and Devon McCormack: New Release Review

by

SILAS

My home is my sanctuary. Or is it my prison? Some days it’s hard to tell.

I’ve confined myself behind these walls for protection. I have my reasons, but that doesn’t change the profound loneliness I’ve discovered in the process.

Then one day I find myself drifting toward the window to see him. Corey Marshall, my new neighbor. Quiet, reserved, and cute as can be. He infects my thoughts, becomes the image I fantasize about.

I want to taste his lips, smell his scent…feel what it’s like to be inside him.

And soon, watching becomes exchanging gifts and messages, which becomes so much more.

It’s wrong to want this as badly as I do, but I can’t help myself. I crave him so desperately. It’s hard to tell if what we’re doing is going to make me lose my mind or change my entire world, but it’s too late to turn back now…

COREY

I’ve never been quite right. Too high or too low. Pain is my constant companion…at the hands of my abusive ex, and often from myself. The sweet relief is only temporary, but in those moments, it’s like I can finally breathe.

Then I meet him. Silas Rizner calms the chaotic storms inside me. He makes me feel loved, treasured, even when I don’t deserve it. I cherish the moments we share–cooking, cuddling, and when Silas reads to me until I fall asleep. When he’s inside me, it’s the only time in my life I’ve ever felt complete.

Silas becomes the glue that holds me together, that bandages my scars. Inside the walls of his home, we’re almost safe, but our demons are always there, waiting to break free.

We’re a mess. We’re broken, chaotic, beautiful; we’re in love.

But not even love can slay our monsters. No, only we can do that.

Unless our monsters destroy us first.

TRIGGERS: Self-harm, depression, anxiety, mentions of past domestic violence.

*While the sexual situations depicted in Beautiful Chaos are imperative to the characters’ development throughout the course of the novel, readers are advised to peruse the “Dear Reader” letter at the beginning of the book to help them make an informed decision about whether this particular story will be to their tastes. This letter can be viewed in the downloadable sample or by using the “Look Inside” feature found on the title’s product page.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Two broken characters. YES! I am a glutton for angst, broken men, tears, the whole shebang. And this had it.

There are people out there who either won’t enjoy this subject matter or cannot read it. The authors put a very thought out “letter to the reader” at the beginning to let you know what you were in for.

I am going to veer from the norm though and say that this story could have been more. For me at least. I totally get why they weren’t more though. They were so sweet together. Just.So.Sweet. I guess that surprised me a lot. For two damaged men to just be so gentle and timid with each other.

Anyway. I loved how the story started with them leaving notes for each other in their windows. How fun is that? Like finding a note in your school locker. But then they moved on to chat. And text. And video chat. Until they finally met in person. I know how weird that is. But ultimately so cool. I have quite a few friends only online. So when I get to actually meet them- it is the weirdest and coolest thing.

Moving on. It was also sweet how, even though they went much further on video chat, they stayed with kissing for a while. It’s almost like starting all over. They pretty much knew what to do with a phone or computer between them. But in person, it’s all new.

This whole story could have bored me. COULD HAVE. But didn’t. I mean, really, almost the entire book takes place at Silas’ house. There are a few scenes at Corey’s job, but mostly it is just the two of them at one house. But it wasn’t boring. We got to know them as they got to know each other.

The story kept moving without getting bogged down or skipping ahead. Well, except at the end but that was kind of necessary. These guys broke my heart, made me cry even while cheering them on.

It’s an emotional read, but a really good one.

4 Pieces of Candy

Something About Us by Riley Hart: RDB, Excerpt and Release Day Review * 2

by

Falling in love was the easy part.

Lucky and Saint are head-over-heels for each other. It doesn’t matter that they met only a few months ago. It also doesn’t matter that this is Saint’s first real relationship and Lucky’s first with a man. They’re infatuated, happy, and excited to start their life together in LA.

It isn’t as easy as they thought.

Away from home for the first time and feeling like he has to compete with Saint’s experienced and cultured friends, Lucky is a fish out of water. Saint is still coming to grips with his recent loss while doing everything he can to keep Lucky happy. The only time things feel right is when they lock themselves away from the world—when they’re alone, everything is perfect.

But reality comes crashing back in to challenge them at every turn. Lucky and Saint need to learn how to stand together, as well as apart, if they’re to have any hope of making this last. They’re learning the hard way that “I love you” is when the real work begins.

SOMETHING ABOUT US

SAINT AND LUCKY BOOK 2

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 08.15.18

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Lucky Holloway had never seen so many cars in his life.

Okay, so maybe he was exaggerating a bit. It wasn’t as if back home he’d never driven into DC. Obviously, he had, but that was different. DC wasn’t something he did on a daily basis. Since he’d just moved to Los Angeles with his boyfriend, Saint, this—the mass amounts of traffic—would be his life. Every day. He figured he’d better get used to it.

Lucky watched the obscene number of cars, thinking about how many people were there. Again, he glanced at his boyfriend—his boyfriend. It was still an adjustment to realize he had a boyfriend and that moving to LA was a part of it. He would take hours in traffic if it meant having Saint, if it meant stepping outside of the world he’d always known and seeing what else was out there.

There was a loud honk, and Saint cursed and zipped between two vehicles, changing lanes into a spot where his car technically shouldn’t have fit.

“You gotta be a little aggressive to get your way.”He winked, and Lucky playfully rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, this is going to take some getting used to. It’s so amazing to me that there can be this many people right here on this freeway with us, when there are fifty other freeways with likely the same amount of people on them.”

“It’s wild when you think about it in those terms. For me, it’s life. I don’t really know any different.”Saint continued to push his way into spaces, making other cars slow down to let him in, until he exited the freeway. Lucky still couldn’t believe he was there, that he’d met Saint only a few months ago. That somehow, in the course of Saint going to Lucky’s hometown of Cottage Grove, Virginia, to reconnect with an estranged grandmother, Saint and he had fallen in love. And how so soon after Saint had become a part of his grandmother, Alice’s, life, and in turn Lucky’s life, Alice had passed away. He was angry on Saint’s behalf. It wasn’t fair that Saint had lost her so soon after finding her. It wasn’t something Saint mentioned, not outside of that moment they’d shared in Saint’s grandfather’s old office. Saint kept himself zipped tight, as though he hadn’t lost Alice and this was all about their adventure. Lucky decided to make a point of trying to get him to talk about it more.

What he really couldn’t believe was that he’d made the decision to uproot his whole life, leave behind everything he knew, and go with Saint. He’d never done something so uncharacteristic in his life—falling in love in such a short amount of time—and it was both thrilling and scary as fuck.

Sighhhh, Lucky and Saint….

We met them first in “Something About You” when Lucky reached out to Saint on behalf of his neighbor who his grandmother’s lifelong friend/roommate/love. They’re about as different as night and day, one being from small town Virginia and the other from LA. But, despite that, and the fact that Lucky wasn’t out to anyone in his small town… the feelings they had for each other was undeniable.

However, in this one…. Lucky things aren’t so easy just because they love each other. After leaving to LA with Saint, it’s a culture shock to say the least. A blue collar small town man who is newly out and trying to be comfortable with himself and his new relationship, moves to LA with his white collar boyfriend.. It was a lot on both of them. Saint because he wanted to do whatever he could to make Lucky love LA, and Lucky because he was trying to slide into Saint’s life and be comfortable there instead of making his own life there. Lucky needed to get a job and feel like he was contributing, but the cost of living in LA meant whatever job he got, would be chump change compared to Saint’s income, or the cost of his house, or even a light bill. For someone who prided himself on being independent, that would be a hit….

We also see Saint come to terms with losing the grandmother he’d only met a short time ago. Using Lucky coming to LA as a deterrent to talking about it or really even thinking about it, had Saint hiding his head in the sand and not even grieving properly over the woman he loved so much, and who was the only family he had left. I feel like they both needed to find themselves and figure out where to go next was important, before the relationship and living together, instead of for one another could be healthy. They did, and it worked, but it was a bumpy ride getting there.

I was also really concerned with Saint’s friend and co-worker Aaron. I didn’t think I was going to like him. I didn’t like the way he was with Lucky at first, though now I know came from a good place, I really thought he’d cause trouble between the two…. That wasn’t the case and I loved that. I’m really hoping for a good happily ever after for him.

Even with all the back and forth of Lucky hating LA, to the vast difference in lifestyles and friends and career’s, it still wasn’t all the angsty, which I loved (I’m not big on angst)….but I also wasn’t surprised when the guys decide that the both needed to make a change so that they could be what the other needed. I never gave up hope on them; the fact that they loved each other and wasn’t willing to let anything get in the way of that; was important. They were loyal to one another and the trust they had to have never wavered. It was a nice change of pace, and I was really happy with the way things ended for them. I’m sure there’ll be more for these two, and I’ll read every one of them and love it…. I’m hoping there are more anyway!!

Overall, I love this couple, I love their supportive families and best friends, and I loved the way they love each other. I’ll read every book they’re apart of.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Yes! Finally! A book that explores a relationship after the honeymoon period of book one. So many books I read that are a happily ever after, but COME ON! One or both main characters made some seriously big life changes. There will be turmoil. SHOW ME!

So, if you haven’t guessed, you absolutely need to read book 1.

Book 2 picks up after Saint and Lucky get to LA. Saint is so happy to be home and while Lucky is happy to be with Saint, he is a bit adrift in LA- a world that is basically the polar opposite of what he lived in his whole life. When they were in Lucky’s hometown, the only thing to really remind Lucky how wealthy Saint is was his Corvette. Which, really, isn’t that big of a deal. But being in LA, it smacks Lucky right in the face how much money Saint has.

And money means nothing to Saint, right? Of course not. Because he is used to money. He grew up with money. He makes tons of money now. He never has to worry about money. And being that he was always surrounded by it, means his friends have it as well.

So while they are home in their bubble without the outside world, Lucky and Saint are totally happy. But they are avoiding the real world because they know trouble awaits.

And I loved it! I love seeing a couple struggle. Because it happens. To everyone in every relationship.

So eventually Lucky makes a decision that could either make or break them as a couple. And while I really enjoyed the decision he made, I felt like that section could have been longer. More detailed. I wanted to see Lucky come into his own more. But I guess me wanting more of something is a good thing. Because if it was a crap story I certainly wouldn’t want more.

So don’t worry happy readers. Saint and Lucky still get their HEA. It was just a tiny bit too tidy for me.

4 pieces of eye candy

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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*** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. ***

Something About You by Riley Hart: EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT, Release Day Review, and Giveaway

by

Lucky Tyler Holloway has never felt particularly lucky. Frankly, he’s about as regular as can be. He works construction with his brothers, loves his small-town life, and shares a close bond with his family—especially his grandmother. Okay, so maybe he has a few secrets in his closet, like his bisexuality…and that other thing he doesn’t talk about… Maybe that’s why he’s always felt a little like an outsider.

Grayson St. Claire has it all: a dream job in LA, money, freedom. Saint has no attachments, which is just the way he likes it. Still, he’d be lying if he didn’t admit he missed his deceased parents who were the only family he had… Until he gets an e-mail from some guy named Tyler revealing the existence of a grandmother he’s never met, and prompting Saint to drop everything to drive across the country.

Saint and Tyler couldn’t be more different. Tyler hates the guy on sight, but there’s something about Tyler that gets under Saint’s skin. It’s not until they get to know one another that everything begins to change. But the Holloways and St. Claire’s have secrets, and their pasts are tied together in tragic ways they don’t know about. The odds are stacked against them and between their distance and their differences, Lucky and Saint have to admit that love alone might not be enough.

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 06.19.18

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wilson Models

Goodreads – Something About You

Amazon

 

Christ, Lucky had been incredible. He’d been so damn hungry for Saint, like he’d been on the ragged edge simply from giving head. He’d felt it in each lick, each suck, seen it as he’d lavished Saint’s cock. He hadn’t expected Lucky to go for it as he had, to nearly vibrate with need, but that had been exactly what had happened.

And the way he’d tasted, the untethered, wild abandon in each breath, each thrust of his hips as Saint had blown him had been amazing.

It was…more than he’d thought it would be, and Saint wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

Now they lay there, Lucky beside him, on his stomach. His sexy, round ass within reach. Would he try to stay the whole night? The thought made Saint’s skin feel too tight. Lucky’s bed was only upstairs. He didn’t need to stay. Saint wouldn’t, if the situation were reversed. Most of the people he slept with at home wouldn’t.

“I kind of wish I swallowed,” Lucky broke the silence, making a loud, unexpected laugh jump from Saint’s mouth.

“Well, that can be arranged for next time. I promise you, swallowing is something I’ll never complain about.” A smile still curved his lips. The man was full of surprises. He had a feeling Lucky was a little kinkier than he let on, or maybe than he knew.

He watched as Lucky shifted, scooted down the bed. Saint frowned as he maneuvered himself between Saint’s spread legs again. His expression wasn’t one of distaste, just…confusion. What was Lucky doing?

Saint opened his legs wider to give Lucky room.

“God, the sound you made when you came…the whole time, really, but especially when you came. I damn near had an orgasm myself. It was so raw, so primal. Made me feel…powerful, if that makes sense.”

Saint was surprised when Lucky reached out, ran his forefinger through the drying come on Saint’s hip, then lifted it to his tongue, touching just the tip and allowing himself to taste it.

Whoa, hey, hot cover!

So, I’m in love with Lucky and Saint. Let’s discuss, why.

Lucky is the epitome of the boy next door. Small town, Mayberry type town, where everyone knows you and has since birth. He’s the baby of his family, and even though his family is very protective of him, he’s the one who doesn’t know a stranger, and helps everyone when he can. Always. He’s his Grandma’s favorite, and how can he not be? He’s so polite and respectful and helpful. He’s just a sweet guy. All around handyman and helper of his brother’s construction company, he’s content in his little town. Content, but not really able to be himself. That is, until Lucky’s grandma confesses that her best friend/roommate/honest soul mate, if you believe in that sort of thing…. Has a grandson out there that she’s never met. And in their aging years, I thinks he knew that Lucky would do something about it…It’s what he does. He lives to make people happy. So, he looks the guy up and contacts him.

Lucky lost his mom and dad in a plan crash that his dad was piloting, leaving him with no other blood relative and alone in California. Or so he thought, he was mighty surprised when he gets the email from Lucky, telling him that he has a grandma who’d love to meet him. It takes him a month to gather the nerve, but when he eventually does, I don’t think either man was ready for the other one. Or maybe they were, they were just fighting in.

Lucky didn’t like the arrogant out of towner at first; in my opinion, he envied the life he had, he just didn’t realize it at the time. Saint was everything that Lucky didn’t allow himself to be and Saint didn’t care who knew it. It was hard on them, but agreeing to live together to fix up Saint’s grandma’s house, they realize their jabs at each other and banter, is really attraction. Saint offers up himself for Lucky’s experimentation and they both jump on it. It’s hot too, shew!

At first, Saint gets to know his grandma and he learns so much about his dad and his family that he didn’t know before. I loved their relationship, I loved Alice and way she supported the people she loved. She was outspoken and crude and just..amazing. I wanted to wish her real so I could know her. And she had more in common with the boys than they could ever realize. Between getting to know his only living family and helping Lucky fix up the house that was destined to be his one day… he also taught Lucky some things in owning who you are as a person and not to be ashamed of the things you like and the way you like them. I loved watching Lucky come into himself, and I loved watching Saint help him get there.

Unfortunately, the more time they spent together, the more the experimenting turned into feelings and pretty soon, the feelings turned into love…. How would it work though? Saint lives in California and Lucky is halfway across the country? And Saint has to go back, his whole life is there…So, what do we do?

It’s a humbling, sometimes heartbreaking story to read, but it was beautiful. I don’t say that often, and I know it’s cheesy, but I loved it. It’s about growing up and finding yourself and in finding yourself you find love. A great one.

I would most definitely recommend this one; there’s little angst, no cheating, no unnecessary junk. Just goodness and a very satisfying happy for now. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these two, but if not…I’m happy where they ended up…together.

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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His Truth by Riley Hart: Release Day Review and Excerpt

by

They were only kids when they met for the first time. Leo Mancini was the son of a judge. Roman Cipriani the son of a criminal. So different, yet as they shared stolen kisses and secret moments, they fell in love. One day they would run away together, have the future they deserved, because no one loved Leo like Roman did, or Roman like Leo did. But before they could make their dreams come true, their future was viciously stolen and their lives changed forever.

Roman has spent the last twelve years repressing the trauma in his past, trying to pretend it didn’t exist, until even he believed his own lies.

Leo won’t let himself forget what happened because he doesn’t ever want to be that person again. He won’t become the man his father wanted him to be or the guy who gets hurt when he lets someone in.

But in that split second when their eyes meet again, everything changes. Despite Leo’s anger and Roman’s denial, the connection they shared as teens is still there, too powerful to deny. Now, when their moments don’t have to be stolen, they cling to what they’ve always craved—each other.

Roman and Leo aren’t kids anymore, though—they can’t lock themselves away from the world and pretend nothing exists but each other. A trauma like Roman suffered doesn’t just go away, but now that Roman accepts his truth, can the two of them escape their demons before they destroy Roman and Leo a second time?

HIS TRUTH

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 03.29.18

Amazon

Goodreads

I have a pretty crappy memory. Which works sometimes because I can read a book twice and only get hints of “hmmm…did I read this already?”. But when I started reading this book I was only a few pages in and I knew that I HAD read this already. Several years ago, I was one of the beta readers who encouraged Riley Hart to publish this. She wasn’t ready, I get it. It was a bit heavier than her other books. But finally, it is going to be out in the world.

This story is heartbreaking. For Roman who was basically brainwashed into believing he wasn’t gay, and for Leo who refused to allow love after having his heart shattered as a teen.

Chance brought them back together. Facing Leo again means Roman has to face himself. Watching that happen is both heart warming and heart breaking. Both Leo and Roman blossomed together like they were each one half of a whole.

And while there wasn’t really romance, there was love. It was so obvious from the start how much these men still loved each other after 12 years. LETTING themselves love each other….**sigh**

Ms Hart always writes good sex scenes and this was no different. But she doesn’t rely on steamy scenes to fill pages. They actually add to the story.

Once again, I am glad that she is finally publishing this book.

4 pieces of eye candy

It was close to ten when Roman’s phone rang. His pulse kicked up, and when he saw Leo’s name on the screen, he fumbled ridiculously picking it up. It was Friday night, so he’d assumed Leo would be at work. He hadn’t expected to hear from him. “Hello?”

“Hey, Tough Guy. What are you doing?” Roman wasn’t sure why, but his pulse sped again at the old nickname. He listened but didn’t hear music or anything in the background. “You didn’t have to work tonight?” he asked.

“I’m on break. I borrowed the keys to someone’s car, so I’m sitting in it. Needed some quiet. How was work?”

“Work was work. I had too many meetings and a few unhappy clients.”

“Sounds like your day was about as good as mine.”

They were quiet for a few moments. Roman wasn’t sure what to say. There was something different about Leo right now, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. “What did you do today?” he finally asked.

“Nothing important.”

Leo’s words sounded like a lie. No, he knew they were a lie. He’d always been able to tell when Leo was having a bad day or wasn’t being truthful with him. “I don’t believe you.”

There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. “I never could lie to you. I went to see my parents. It was a shitty day. I don’t want to talk about it. Where are you?”

Curiosity almost made him refuse to answer Leo’s question, but somehow he knew now wasn’t the time to talk about it. That wasn’t what Leo needed. “Lying in my bed.” At ten on a Friday night. He really needed to get a life. What would Leo do after work tonight? Would he bring someone home with him? The thought made Roman’s gut churn, but it wasn’t as if he had any claim on Leo. They hadn’t discussed anything.

“Have you done what I told you to do?” Leo asked, confusing him.

“What was that?”

“Finger yourself. Get to know your body.”

Roman immediately tensed up and hated himself for it. There was nothing wrong with masturbating. He’d jerked off too many times to count. Most people did, but this was different.

“Do it for me now, Ro,” Leo said, obviously not needing Roman to answer him.

“What? No.”There was a voice in his head telling him it wasn’t a big deal. Phone sex. People did it all the time. He felt like a novice when it came to being sexual. He’d worked hard to please Amy or other women he’d been with, but he wasn’t the kind of man who had phone sex or anything like that.

“Yes. You can do it. I don’t have much time, though. Let’s see…If I can make you come before I get back to work, what do I get?”

Roman didn’t answer. The truth was, he couldn’t imagine putting a finger up his own ass while he was on the phone with Leo.

“The only way to move forward is to let go of the past.”Leo’s words burst through his thoughts. They were true, another truth Roman needed to accept.

“Are you wearing anything?” Leo asked.

“Just my underwear.”

“Take them off for me. You have such a beautiful body. I couldn’t stop looking at it the other night.”

It was clearly a distraction, but…fuck, Roman thought maybe he wanted this too. Wanted to let loose and just do the kinds of things people dating did. He didn’t want to think about things that hurt or things that were hard, and he knew Leo didn’t either.

Roman did his best to turn his brain off, took a deep breath, and pulled his underwear down his legs. He kicked out of them and then pushed the blanket down so he was completely bare in the middle of his bed. “Okay, they’re off,” Roman told him, realizing he really wanted to do this. “How should I lie?”

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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Ever After by Riley Hart and Christina Lee: Release Day Blitz, Excerpt and Review

by

As next in line for the Evergreen crown, Prince Merrick Davendall’s future involves ruling, marriage, and producing an heir of his own. But he’s long been tormented by desires that are far from princely. Especially when the beautiful Cassius is promoted to be his new valet, and Merrick is struck by a longing like never before—a longing to know him far beyond royal and servant.

After his father’s passing, Cassius Havendale’s sole duty is to provide for his family. A promotion to serve a pampered prince is something he endures only for their sake. Surely Prince Merrick has no understanding of true suffering of the common people, nor could he possibly understand what it’s like to desperately desire something he cannot have.

Except the prince is not at all what Cassius imagined. Kind, humorous, and caring to those in need, he also shares Cassius’ affinity for the arts. In fact, Merrick understands his deepest vulnerabilities in a most remarkable way.

As their affection deepens, the underlying tension between them becomes unbearable and they’re unable to ignore it any longer. But when the queen prepares a lavish ball with all the eligible ladies in the land in attendance, Merrick must fulfill his obligations to his country, and Cassius has the needs of his family to consider. They’ve long known their stolen moments would have to come to an end, but are they ready to give up one another and the idea of a happily-ever-after?

***PLEASE NOTE: EVER AFTER is a romantic fairy tale—minus the magic—that features one compassionate prince, one brooding valet, and plenty of angsty forbidden love. It’s loosely based on a certain treasured fairy tale in a wintery make-believe setting that wouldn’t be considered contemporary but also isn’t based on any specific time period and doesn’t play by any traditional rules.

EVER AFTER

A GAY FAIRYTALE

RILEY HART & CHRISTINA LEE 

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 02.28.18

COVER DESIGN: JAY AHEER/ Simply Defined Art

 

  

Amazon

Goodreads

“Now you are all set,” Cassius remarked, slipping the national Evergreen sash over Merrick’s neck and adjusting it over his shoulder.

Merrick was entertaining the Duke of Cairn this morning for brunch. The king would be joining them this afternoon for ice fishing on the property. Apparently, the royal family of Cairn were avid fishermen, and when the king mentioned it a few weeks back on his visit, Merrick’s father told them about Evergreen’s abundance of freshwater trout. Merrick did not exactly enjoy the sport, but Cairn was Evergreen’s closest ally, and it was important to entertain them properly while they discussed pressing matters, including Merrick’s royal visit to their lovely countryside in the coming months.

“At breakfast I overheard the cooks going on about how handsome the duke is,” Cassius mentioned casually as he smoothed down Merrick’s coat and then picked at some lint on the lapel.

The change in topic threw Merrick, and when he did not respond, Cassius glanced up curiously at him. Merrick smirked as he wrapped his hands around Cassius’s waist and pulled him closer. “You are jealous.”

“Of course not!” he declared as his neck turned beet red. “I was only relaying the gossip in the castle.”

“Hmmm, that’s very peculiar since you’ve never seemed to be affected by gossip before,” Merrick remarked, backing him against the wardrobe, the innocent look in Cassius’s eyes completely charming.

“What are you doing?” Cassius asked, his gaze flashing toward the closed chamber door.

“I don’t give a flying fig whether the duke is handsome or not. I have never paid him any mind.” Merrick kissed his cheek. “What I do know is that a stunning man is standing before me, driving me completely mad. And I long to take his prick into my mouth.”

Cassius gasped and swayed toward him. Merrick wondered if Cassius felt just as feverish after spending such a sweet and intense moment in the woods the other day. He only dreamed to know more of him before it was too late.

“It is all I thought about last evening after you left me in the parlor room with the conservation committee,” Merrick added with a groan as he gripped the waistband of Cassius’s trousers. “I want you in my bed every night. In my arms. But I know it is an empty wish.”

“We…shouldn’t,” Cassius replied in a gruff voice even as he sank against Merrick, his prick already hard as the steel jousting stick on display in the Great Hall. “You make it quite difficult to properly concentrate on my duties.”

Merrick drew back immediately, searching Cassius’s eyes. “I am sorry. I do not want you to feel any sort of regret.”

“Never.” Cassius grasped Merrick’s hand and placed it against the bulge beneath his zipper. “But now I shall go around all day with the front of my pants uncomfortably tight while you socialize with the handsome duke.”

Merrick hissed and then promptly dropped to his knees before the valet.

Ever After is a sweet love story about Prince Merrick of Evergreen and his valet Cassius. The two find themselves wildly attracted to each other but neither can act on it due to their separate responsibilities. Merrick’s to the crown in producing an heir and Cassius to his family as the sole provider for his mother and sisters. Acting on their attraction can never lead to anything more, so why risk their reputations and futures?

While the writing is straightforward, this book made me think a bit. In Evergreen, men who desire other men are not considered criminals, but they aren’t given the same rights, respect and freedoms that heterosexuals get. And if they did, Merrick still has a duty to the crown by marrying a woman and producing an heir. But how does Merrick live with himself if he were to marry a woman knowing he can never truly love her the way a wife deserves to be loved, and therefore denies her the chance to find real marital happiness. If Merrick decides to be with a  man, what happens to the line of succession? Cassius depends on his job, so there’s the weird master/servant power dynamic that can be just … icky. Is Cassius allowed to say “no”? What if they get together and then it sours? Cassius depends on his job to support his widowed mother and young sisters. So, there’s a lot of internal/external conflict going on here. These guys are dealing with a lot. I don’t generally search out m/m books that have these kind of conflicts, but when I find myself reading one, I do enjoy contemplating the implications and ramifications. I am also never bored seeing the various ways and the extent to which authors resolve these issues.

This book is told in third person, alternating between Merrick’s and Cassius’ POV. There were a few spots that the writing was confusing about who was doing what, and at one point the wrong name was used, but that didn’t bog me down or make me want to DNF. Cute read. I would try the authors again.

3 pieces of eye candy

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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Once upon a time, I lived in New York City and was a wardrobe stylist. I spent my days shopping for photo shoots, getting into cabs, eating amazing food, and drinking coffee at my favorite hangouts.

Now I live in the Midwest with my husband and son—my two favorite guys. I’ve been a clinical social worker and a special education teacher. But it wasn’t until I wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper that I realized I could turn the fairytales inside my head into the reality of writing fiction.

I write Adult, New Adult, and M/M Contemporary Romance. I’m addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. I believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

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Color Me In by Riley Hart: Exclusive Excerpt and Release Day Review

by

Caleb White has been a lot of places and made a lot of decisions he isn’t proud of. He’s ready to settle down and figure out who he really is. Where better to do that than Last Chance, the home he was ripped away from at sixteen? A fresh start is in order, but he has no idea how the hell to do that when he’s not even sure what he wants in the first place.

Ryan Daily is a pro at hiding his insecurities. He’s never fit in and has spent most of his life knowing there’s something missing. Just when he thought he’d found it, his whole world fell apart and he lost everything.

Then comes a sleepless night in a twenty-four-hour café, where Caleb and Ryan forge a connection full of laughs, junk food, and whispered secrets. In the middle of a budding friendship, they see the blossoming of desire neither of them expected. Ryan has kept his heart protected after having it shattered, and Caleb—no stranger to attraction—finds what he has with Ryan is on a whole new level from anything he’s experienced before. In a world of black and white, they bring each other color.

But life is never simple. When the past comes knocking, Ryan and Caleb will have to reach through the darkness to find the light they see in each other or risk slipping into the shadows for good.

COLOR ME IN

LAST CHANCE, BOOK 2

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 30, 2018

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

COVER IMAGE: Stone Creek City

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ByOVfZ

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 “It’s weird…getting touched by you this way…by someone this way. I feel it in my bones. Like this sweet, relentless sensation I’ve been denied so long.”

Jesus, he really fucking wanted to kiss Ryan. His lips tingled with the need, but Caleb knew it wasn’t the time or place.

When Ryan’s eyes opened, he saw a moment of panic there. “I’m not trying to get heavy. I know what this is, and frankly, that’s all I can handle. We’re friends. For whatever reason, we’ve connected with each other and I’m attracted to you. I know it ends there, and truthfully, I don’t know how far it’ll even go sexually.”

Was that a warning, or was Ryan just being honest? Caleb didn’t know, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it either way. It wasn’t as if he was looking for anything serious either, but Ryan’s need to put it out there did make discomfort slide down his spine. If those were the rules, he guessed he should know about them.

Caleb dropped his hand and nodded. “bGotcha. Sounds like we’re on the same page. I appreciate your honesty.” He could keep this at just making Ryan feel good. Fuck, he wanted to keep touching him until he lost his fucking head, and when they were done, they’d be done.

“We should probably go inside.”

“You think? I’m not sure…”

Ryan rolled his eyes. “So damn funny.”

“Glad you think so.”

When they got out of the car, they were both smiling. *

 

Ahhhh…yet another Riley Hart book I loved. This is book 2 in the series, but seeing as how I missed book 1 (who??) you definitely don’t have to read book 1 to enjoy book 2.

Caleb returns to Last Chance- the town he grew up in until he was 16. That was when his parents forced them to move without notice or word to his best friend Shane. Shane, the boy he had been friends with forever and who he started experimenting with. And then they got caught.

After a quick reconnection with Shane, Caleb is out of sorts. He still feels like things are unresolved with Shane, he has no job- and doesn’t need one- and he is living in a big house by himself. He finds himself at the town’s all night diner where he runs into Ryan. They quickly bond over cars and late night snacks. And even though Caleb is out, he thinks Ryan is straight. So instead of a flirtatious romance, Caleb shoots for friendship.

Their friendship is, at times, awkward. But they forge ahead, both needing the connection. Caleb never crosses the line though. Lots of fantasies and longing looks- but hands off. Until they start talking one night and it comes out (haha!) that Ryan just doesn’t feel sexual attraction to anyone. Caleb gives him a name, a label, of demisexual. And it is like a light bulb went off.

Their friendship turns a corner. It grows into experimentation, flirting and a bit of romance. But they are both holding back secrets that need to be told.

I really love that more colors of the rainbow are being represented in books. Acknowledging that there are more than gay/straight/bi people out there. And this was beautifully done. Seeing Ryan blossom into the man he was meant to be, accepting affection and enjoying sex. He is still scared of what the world will think, but that isn’t surprising. Identifying as straight his whole life and now being with a man can rock the boat.

Caleb and Ryan have their ups and downs. And even though some of their misunderstandings are silly- they always end up talking to each other and working things out. Being that they started out as friends, they have that solid base to work from.

Ms Hart does an excellent job of explaining demisexual. Not only to us, but to Ryan. It was really well done, sensitive and loving. Of course I am going to recommend this book!

4 pieces of eye candy

 

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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