romance

His eliXXir (Men of New York Book 2) by L.J. Harris: New Release Review

January 18, 2023 by Denise

Trey Winters had always been a user. So arrogant and self-centered. Being co-owner of eliXXir, one of the highest profile clubs in Hell’s Kitchen meant he never failed to attract the hottest men around and toss them aside after one encounter. Trey had a life most would envy. One he reveled in, until a mystery man crossed his path one Valentine’s Day, complicating matters both in and outside the bedroom.

He didn’t want to want him.
Didn’t want to need him.
But fate, it would seem, had other ideas.

Noah Middleton craved to express himself the only way he knew how. Reach his full potential, chronic illness be damned. Accepting a place at a prestigious New York dance academy might have made his goal so close he could taste it, but after admitting to his best friend he’d been unable to stop thinking about the beautiful stranger he’d met on his last visit, said friend took it upon himself to play Cupid.

The man was irresistible.
A temptation like no other.
And for Noah, that was the scariest part of all.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This is a new to me author. But it was listed that it can be read as a stand alone and one of the main characters is a dancer. That’s catnip for me.

Sadly, the story was disjointed and lacking.

I’m not sure if Noah’s age was mentioned, but I assume mid 20’s based on the fact that he has a college degree. So getting a scholarship to a dance school was a bit on the odd side. And then, we rarely see him dancing. Except in a club for fun.

The time line jumps ahead often. Two weeks later, two months later. For two men who obviously want each other but are holding back, that is a lot of story we aren’t getting.

90% of the book they aren’t together. It just makes no sense. If I am reading a romance, I want some, yanno, romance.

On top of that all of the cliche things that make me want to bang my head on my desk. Calling himself whipped because he wants to make his not boyfriend happy? The nickname twinkle toes. Having sex to “get it out of their systems”. And one of my favorites, teeth so sharp that they bite through a lip causing it to bleed, but they just carry on like nothing.

There’s also a back story with one of the main characters, Trey, that comes to a really easy resolution. I was like, that’s it?

Ugh, sorry. But give this one a pass.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Rocky Start: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 4) by Annabeth Albert: Release Day Review

January 12, 2023 by Denise

. .

I think I’m falling for my bodyguard co-worker. Now I need protection… from myself.

As a former SEAL intelligence officer, I’m supposed to be smart. Unfortunately, those smarts don’t apply to love. I did a nice thing and took my heartbroken fellow bodyguard out for a Valentine’s dinner. Just us bros. But my plan worked a little too well, and a night that ended with a scorching kiss has turned into the most awkward morning at the office ever. Now we’re working together as bodyguards on a remote mountain movie shoot. And we’re roommates.

I’ve never been attracted to a guy before, but something about Avery calls to every protective instinct I have. We’re not dating, but every night alone together, I fall a little deeper. It’s also Avery’s first time with a guy too, and while we’re both enjoying all sorts of new things together, I worry my heart will be broken when we return to civilization.

No matter how badly this may end, I can’t seem to stop wanting Avery. All of him. I want to see who he’ll become if he ever manages to get out of his own way. I want to be his biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the guy he comes home to. But going from secret hookup to forever after is a big ask. Are we both brave enough to take the leap?

ROCKY START is book four in the A-List Security series. It features TWO highly protective SEAL bodyguards, a double awakening, an exploration of the sexy, lacy kind, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and celebrity clients. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

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Tough Luck: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 1)

Hard Job: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 2)

Bad Deal: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 3)

Well. Damn. **Fans self**

I’ve been a fan of Annabeth Albert for a long time and I am fairly certain I have read all of her books. This one is by far the sexiest. There were several- huh, wasn’t expecting that but yes!- moments. Which just kept me turning the pages.

Oh and the cover model? If that isn’t Malik, I don’t know who is.

This is a double awakening for this couple. Both had only ever been with women. Avery is that poor shlub that tries too hard, it seems, with women, only to be dumped again and again. Malik isn’t a serial dater and doesn’t do casual. Having come out of a long term relationship, he is fine on his own.

Avery has A LOT of internalized homophobia. Enough to beat himself up and make Malik mad. Before Malik is able to smooth his feathers. Good thing since they are on an assignment together in Colorado. And rooming together.

Like the previous books, both guys are vets. Avery lost an arm and Malik has some crippling PTSD. And while Avery sometimes feels sorry for himself, I think it’s really so that Malik will boost him up.

Watching Avery come into his own was kind of beautiful. And once he is fully accepting of himself- wow.

Like I said at the beginning, there were places this book went that I wasn’t expecting. BUT they were absolutely perfect. So well written. Not over the top at all. Very real and organic.

I savored this book, not wanting to rush through it. Avery and Malik deserved that attention.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Spring Strings by Lily Morton: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Audiobook Review and Giveaway

January 10, 2023 by Denise

. .

Malachi Booth is a supermodel. He’s used to moving about the world, sleeping with whoever takes his fancy and watching the money roll in. The last place he expects to find himself is on a run-down farm in Cornwall, but a bad bout of bronchitis means that he’s stuck there. The only compensation for this dismal state of affairs is that the farmer is very good looking, even if he’s the grumpiest person that Malachi has ever met.  

Cadan Landry’s farm has been in his family for hundreds of years but that doesn’t make it any easier to make ends meet. As a consequence, Cadan could be called grumpy. Most men would consider a supermodel collapsing at their feet while dressed in the skimpiest pair of briefs ever made to be a sign of good fortune. Cadan just resents the fact that the young man is taking up space in his cow field.  

These two men are from different worlds, but can they ever meet in the middle?   

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a novella about snarky models, misconceptions, and finding a home in the most unlikely of places. 

Spring Strings
By Lily Morton

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Audible

Goodreads

“There’s no need for a hospital. It isn’t pneumonia yet, and I’ve given him something to make him sleep. I’ll also give you a prescription for some very strong antibiotics. He needs plenty of sleep and taking care of. He’s very run down.” He huffs and pats his big belly. “Damn good job I wasn’t a model. I’d have collapsed if I was as thin as that lad in there.”

I try hard to repress the image of Doctor Samuels modelling the very tiny underpants that the model called Malachi was wearing. “And sure

ly he’ll get that care in a hospital,” I say with emphasis.

He shakes his head. “Cadan, I’m not sending him to hospital. He needs rest and then fresh air and feeding up.”

“Have you somehow got mixed up and forgotten that I run a farm and not Champneys health spa? I can’t have him here. I’ve got too much to do.”

A look of disappointment crosses his face, and I resist the impulse to shuffle from one leg to the other like I’m once again the child he used to see and give lollipops to. “Cadan, your mother would have a fit if she heard about your lack of hospitality. We look after our own in Cornwall.”

“But he isn’t our own,” I argue. “He’s somebody else’s own. I don’t know whose. Maybe Yves Saint Laurent.”

So, I did not read the ebook when it came out. I meant to, but just didn’t get to it. However, I’ve seen a lot of the newsletters that Lily Morton has sent out with Mal’s podcast, and loved his snark, so grabbing this audiobook, with the bonus of Joel Leslie’s amazing voice…that was an easy call.

I just loved Mal. He wasn’t the typical super model, instead being snarky and helping around the farm, with lambing, etc. He just made me laugh.

Cadan, meanwhile, was serious and hard-working, but still gave back the snark just as hard. He had a heavy burden with the finances of the farm, but was willing to work as hard as he needed to, to get ahead.

These two very different men found a lot of similarities together, and both had the same work ethic, work as hard as you can whenever you can.

Cadan’s mother was fantastically written, a flawed person who loved with her whole heart one time, then kept trying to find that magic. Yet, she immediately loved Mal, and knew he would be perfect for Cadan.

I enjoyed this one a lot, and would love to listen to it again, for any little things I might have missed.

4 pieces of eye candy.

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – Chocolate Baileys.

Just Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, and Giveaway

January 10, 2023 by Denise

. .
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesn’t kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.

Abe and Lio’s thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.

Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesn’t engage in situations he can’t control. They’ve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.

But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?

Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

“And you can’t disappear on me for another month, Abe. My heart won’t be able to take it again.”

Shame washed over me, but I managed to keep my gaze locked on his. “There is nothing I regret more than those thirty days without you. I wish I could go back in time and change things, but I can’t. It won’t happen again, Lio.”

His expression was indecipherable while he processed what I said. My mouth and throat felt dry as if I hadn’t been wearing a mask while sanding. I wanted to reach for my beer, but worried Lio might bolt if I let go of him. But I didn’t want to physically imprison Lio; I wanted him there of his own accord. I released my grip and took a drink.

“That’s mine,” he said, breaking the silence.

He couldn’t know that because he hadn’t taken his eyes off me. His lips trembled at the corner, and I could tell he was trying to lighten the oppressive mood in the room. “Don’t care.” I set the beer down and cupped his neck. “I love you in ways I’ve never loved anyone else. My failed relationships and questionable one-night stands have nothing to do with abandonment issues.”

“I think you might even believe that,” Lio said. “But you don’t think you’re good enough, and you push people away before they can leave you. I won’t say your swagger is all for show because you are confident in every aspect of your life. Except for relationships. But your cockiness hides a vulnerable heart I’d never hurt in a million years.”

I leaned in and pressed a quick kiss against Lio’s lips. “We’ll have to agree to disagree.” I lowered my hands and took two steps back.

“And just where are you going? We’re in the middle of an argument.”

He looked so outraged, and I couldn’t help but smile. “No, we’re not. I’ll just prove how wrong you are.”

“By leaving? You promised, Abe.”

“I’m going home to shower and jerk off,” I replied.

Lust obliterated Lio’s annoyance, giving me hope that we’d work through this. “Or we could shower and jerk each other off, then continue this conversation over dinner.”

Lio inhaled sharply, but I saw the determination in his eyes. He wasn’t going to budge on his stance, but I would bet money he’d be jerking off in his shower before I made it down his long-ass driveway.

Fucking Lio. He’d be the death of me.

Just Say When is a story that a lot of readers have been waiting for. I was really looking forward to seeing how Chief Mendoza won his man. However, this was one of those cases where the book just didn’t completely work for me, which considering how much I love the author’s Savannah universe, failed to live up to my expectations. In the author’s defense, I have missed the last couple of books in this series, which is why I was counting on the stand-alone portion.

Finish reading review here.

. .

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
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Just Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker: New Release Review

January 2, 2023 by Denise

. .
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesn’t kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.

But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?

Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Probably my biggest issue with this story was the feeling of starting the book in the middle, as if the story was already unfolding, and I missed the first several chapters. While we’ve seen these other characters, and their interactions, for a stand-alone, it felt as if they were already in a relationship, which in many ways they were. We learn more about their “issues”, and why Abe is hesitant, but then those issues just seems to disappear, and they finally fall into bed. (Side note, Abe’s issues are addressed further in the last chapter/epilogue.) I wanted more of the feelings, and the connection on the page, versus being told about all of the things that make them the people, and best friends they were into the couple they were becoming.

One of this author’s strengths though is the romantic suspense portion of her books. Although there wasn’t much of it until about the last 30% of the book, she does a good job of building up the suspense, and creating questions as to who the villain is, and their motive. I would have liked a bit different portion of the motive, but understand where it came from, and for me it was just a personal preference. It was well done, and the climax was great in its involvement of so many of the characters.

The side characters, Alyssa, Alex, Ross, and some quick appearances by Rigsby and Locke helped to round out the storyline as well. They all did a good job of creating a deeper storyline, and understanding more about the relationship between all of them. One pet peeve that I have to mention…I counted at least 6 characters whose names began with an A. I wish authors would not do that. Especially with minor characters, it becomes a little difficult to remember who had what name, unless you are reading in one sitting. It can also lead to editing errors (although in this case it did not). I know character names can be an issue, but keep it to 2 or so, if possible, in my opinion.

Anyway, I think if you have read every book in this universe, you are going to love this story, but if you missed a book or two, you might feel left on the outside. For me as a reader it was a misstep, but how much of that is due to missing some of the books, I can’t quite say.

3 pieces of eye candy

December Daddy by Leta Blake: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

December 27, 2022 by Denise

. .

Matthew Angel is stuck. He’s 41 and spent his life denying who he is and what he truly wants—until he stumbles upon a unique offering at a specialty charity auction:

A Christmas Daddy experience.

Erik Garner has given up on relationships. After his last boy left, he decided it’s better to skip the heartache and stick with casual, short-term contracts. His offer of an exclusive, one-night-only Christmas encounter is all he’s willing to give.

Matthew’s older than expected, but his shy smile and eager surrender charm Erik. What starts out as a business transaction quickly gives way to a wild, thrilling intensity neither expected.

One night isn’t enough.

Good thing there’s a blizzard on the way…

Title: My December Daddy
Author: Leta Blake

A Boy for All Seasons Novel

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Erik

That’s the cycle, because I’m good at my role, and despite how tawdry it sounds, my preference does run young. And young men don’t want to settle down with their first Daddy. They want to go out and explore the world, be free, make mistakes, and, hell, maybe even be the Daddy one day themselves.

That’s what I know, but despite my runaway mouth, I’m not going to tell Matthew this.

Even if we hit it off—and we have—and even if our one night together from the auction is fantastic, and even if we end up arranging another few nights just for the hell of it, there’s no way we’ll fall into the kind of Daddy/boy relationship I crave.

He lives in Nashville.

He’s middle-aged.

He has a life of his own, and there’s no reason to think he’d want to leave it.

I need a boy to live with me—for me to care for, feed and clothe and scold and fuck.

No, Matthew is one night. For a charity auction. Maybe we’ll add a few hookups afterward if it’s hot enough for us both. But then it will be over. He’ll move on and hopefully come out of this experience with some good memories, enhanced self-respect, and a readiness to start looking for healthy relationships with men local to him.

“I hope it works out for you,” Matthew says, but he sounds as doubtful as I feel. Which isn’t great. I need him to believe I can handle him, and I need him to forget all about my scabbed over inner wounds. I never should have shown them to him.

“Let’s not focus on that.”

“Right. We should talk about the details of our night, shouldn’t we?”

The light from the windows glistens on the white strands in his hair, and gleams against the dark. His eyes glow a greener hazel, and I find I’m happy he requires extra time and care. I don’t want to rush the day away. I’m enjoying drawing out this time with Matthew. If we nail down the details, and wrap things up, I’ll have nothing to do but head back to my shared, rented house to be confronted by the loneliness I’ve felt ever since Brandon left. Matthew is so much more interesting than that.

Glancing at my phone to check the time, I say, “The afternoon is still young. I’d enjoy spending more time with you, if you feel the same.”

Matthew’s eyes light with pleasure. He lowers his lashes, but his lips lift at the edges, almost as if he’s trying not to show how happy he is I’m not ready to send him packing quite yet. “I have some time.” He glances at his phone’s lock screen and seems to ponder a moment before meeting my gaze. “In fact, I can stay for dinner if you’d like. My treat.”

“No,” I say sternly.

He winces, and I realize I haven’t been clear enough.

Note to self: Matthew needs absolute clarity.

“I’ll pay. You’re the boy in this December Daddy Experience. Don’t forget that.”

“Oh. I suppose I did win you, and you didn’t come cheap.”

I laugh. “No, I didn’t. But when you’re with Daddy, he always pays. Understand?”

“Yes.” I can see in his eyes he wants to say ‘yes, Daddy’, but holds it back.

Wow! According to my Kindle stats I’ve read over 100 books this year (I can’t even believe that!), and one of the last ones of the year, is also one of the top 3 I’ve read this year. I honestly wasn’t quite sure what was ahead in this book, other than knowing what a stellar author Leta Blake is, but otherwise, sometimes daddy kink can be not well done. However, this book…blew all that away.

One of the things I loved most about this book was some of the real emotions that played out. Matthew struggled with the fact that he loved his parents, and missed them, yet knew that they did not know him or love him as they should have. He wasn’t able to be out, and he never felt worthy of anyone’s love. He punished himself with his previous encounters. He even allowed himself to grieve, settle their estate before he let himself begin to come out of the closet. These feelings all made sense for how he grew up, and for the process of grieving, and learning about himself. Yet, when he saw that auction, and he stepped in, he was scared, but willing to take a chance on something completely out of his comfort zone. He was continuing to grow and change, even at the “older” age of 41.

Meanwhile, Erik was such a sweetheart, but definitely had some daddy issues. He took care of Matthew from beginning to end. He kept telling himself it was all about the one night that Matthew purchased. Yet they could not allow themselves to let go. He treated Matthew with respect, but also with so much care, even before he found out how innocent Matthew truly was. As he taught Matthew what it would be like for his next Daddy, it really was about creating the emotions that they both craved in each other. Also, Erik loved and cared for his mother too, which shows great character.

The book is split into four sections, which made a lot of sense for how the story played out. I loved that Matthew, when their time was up, respected himself enough to return home, and allow Erik to figure out exactly what they could be. It still made me bawl…but still, it was about real world emotions and situations, which just made it that much more heartfelt.

This is definitely a book to sit back and just enjoy to story, the affection that slowly grows between these two…and also read it again next December. 🙂

This was an easy 5 pieces of eye candy

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

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