romance

The Elven King’s Captive by Devon Vesper: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

February 22, 2021 by Denise

An omega elven king finds his alpha. Unfortunately, he’s human.

Casersis Ardal, the former Sun King, is a First Generation elf of over three million years. He meets his match in Dustin Juniper, a twenty-year-old human construction worker.

Dustin has been in charge of his whole life since he was sixteen. But when he meets Casersis, destiny strips all his control away. His body, his heart, his whole world change when he comes into contact with a magical amulet and starts changing species. And falling in love with an ageless elven king makes him question everything.

Casersis has been alone on earth for millennia. Having a burgeoning elf around brings feelings he isn’t comfortable with. But he can’t let Dustin go. If the humans find out Dustin isn’t human, Dustin would become a science experiment. The only option Casersis has is to keep Dustin captive. He must protect Dustin from himself as the young man fights Casersis—and fate—every step of the way.

If they want to be together, Casersis and Dustin must find a way to compromise. Once in a lifetime takes on new meaning when you live forever.

This 73,000-word non-shifter omegaverse novel is set in a world where mpreg (male pregnancy) is a fact of life, however this series does not end with a baby or pregnancy.

Title: The Elven King’s Captive

Series: Fated Elves, Book 1

Author: Devon Vesper

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

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My heart pounded as I raced to Dustin’s side. I could not be too late. I would not be too late.

Dustin…

Even with all of my magic pushing me forward, I felt like I was not moving fast enough. I was running out of time. I heard a snarl, the snap of ravenous jaws. The beauty of the forest around me held no allure as I maneuvered around trees, between trunks and through the thick underbrush. Twigs and branches ripped at my hair, at my clothes, scratched my face and hands, but I did not care. Nothing mattered except getting to Dustin in time.

Voices up ahead signaled that I was close. I slowed myself down, not wanting to startle Don, knowing he had his gun with him. If I startled him when he fired, he could hurt Dustin.

Or kill him.

The wind changed direction, and I could smell my beauty’s fear mixed with Don’s. The scent of polished metal mingled, making my stomach roll. I had to make it in time. I had to.

Erastus’s feral growl grew louder. As I rounded another tree, I saw them. Dustin had fallen face-first onto the ground, the side of his face covered in dirt, moldering leaves clinging to his cheek. Erastus stood over him, his front paws in the center of my beauty’s back.

And Don had his gun drawn.

I stopped as suddenly as I had moved, right beside Don. As his finger squeezed the trigger, I shoved his hand up so the bullet went into the air.

Deafening silence fell, and all I could hear were four sets of heartbeats on the breeze, and the gentle rustle of falling leaves.

With a breath, I released Don’s hand and stepped in front of him. “Put your weapon away.”

“Sir?”

I stared Erastus down, looking him directly in his golden eyes. “Put the gun away and head back for the house. Now.”

“But, sir—”

“Do as I say, Don.”

The man sighed and I felt him back up, heard the click as he re-engaged the safety, the slither of metal against leather as he holstered his weapon. With each sound, the tension in my shoulders and back eased.

As I felt his presence recede, I backed up a step, spoke low and with a tone colder than Dustin had ever heard from me, that I had hoped he would never hear from me. “Erastus. Get off of Dustin.”

The wolf snorted and narrowed his eyes at me as if to say, “Make me.”

I’m a mother, furbaby spoiler, and a girl who can’t get enough of pretty, pretty boys. As a kid, I traveled the world, too young to appreciate the gift I was given, but now those adventures spur on stories that my brain just can’t keep up with. Well, my brain tells me it keeps up just fine, but my fingers are the slow ones. I’ll let you decide. But the boys, man. The boys I remember make my heart sizzle looking back on them. Being a kid at nude beaches, I never cared, but looking back on those memories of Sicily, WHEW! There are some really great childhood images that I wish I could have been an adult to savor.Home is some place I call “rustic”. I’m used to large cities, stores everywhere, gas stations on every corner. Here in rural Pennsylvania, it’s rustic and beautiful. And quiet. Too quiet. With all this quiet, all there is to do is write stories, and let the hot men in my head out to play. We all benefit, yes? I like this development. The only thing I dislike about this rusticness is the fact I can’t find a coffee shop that sells a proper chai latte. They make it from powder. Ew. This makes for a disgruntled Dev. Ugh. I miss my chai.

Most of all, I am a down-to-earth southern girl at heart from spending 16 years in Florida. If you chat with me, you’ll hear endearments like darlin’, sweetheart, and hon/hun/hunnie. It’s who I am, and if we chat, you’re almost instantly family, so get used to it.

Connect with Devon:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDevonVesper/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/devonsdreamersden
https://www.instagram.com/devonvesper/
https://twitter.com/DevonVesper
https://www.pinterest.com/devonvesper
https://www.amazon.com/Devon-Vesper/e/B072KBRC51
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/devon-vesper

To celebrate the release of The Elven King’s Captive, Devon is giving away a $5 Amazon Gift Card & an e-copy of The Elven King’s Captive!

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Imagoes: An Imago Series Short Story by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

February 16, 2021 by Denise

When Jack receives a phone call from a colleague in the southeast of Tasmania with news of a newfound butterfly habitat, he and Lawson head off on another adventure. It’s not an easy trek to the location. The Franklin-Gordon National Park is famous for wild rivers, rainforests, and rocky cliff faces, and they’ll need to hike and abseil—in the dead of winter—to get to the site.

It’s no ordinary expedition because this is no ordinary butterfly, and Jack and Lawson aren’t an ordinary couple. Join Jack and Lawson on another quest in this short story of extraordinary butterflies and extraordinary love.

~ Imagoes is a 17,000-word short story.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

What a fun short!

We met Jack and Lawson in Imago. The studious Lawson met park ranger Jack when he goes searching for a butterfly that could be a brand new discovery.

There was Imagines, same couple, book 2. Now together and navigating life.

This short has Jack and Lawson leaving their son with Jack’s mom and sister while they investigate another butterfly sighting. This time, in a cave.

I love how Lawson, My Bow Tie, has no problem carrying a pack and hiking to where he needs to go to check out the butterfly sighting. He even faces a fear when they have to repel down to the cave. This could easily have been another situation where Lawson hurts himself and needs Jack to rescue him, but luckily that didn’t happen. (Similar happened in the two previous books)

Upon making the discovery, Lawson has a huge decision. Leave his family for months at a time to study these butterflies and look for others, or pass it on to another lepidopterist to continue the study.

Jack is ever supportive, letting Lawson make the decision that is best for him.

This was such a great short to give us another look into their lives. Many of us fell in love with Jack and Lawson and this short was a gift.

4.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Rick: Love at the Haven by Stella Shaw: New Release Review

February 15, 2021 by Denise

A gift of a man for one night. A promise of so much more.

When Rick Thatcher’s beloved aunt leaves him the run-down Haven Hotel, he’s amazed to find a group of young men running an escorting business out of it. Intrigued and impressed, he allows them to stay. But sacrifices have to be made to keep the hotel running. The hotel is always short of funds, and the guys… they’re sexy, they’re fun, they’re loyal friends. But they can also be a bunch of trouble. Rick has no time left for romance.

Until the night Eliot Walker arrives at the Haven, naïve but brave, looking to discover what it’s like to be an openly gay man at last. He wants to spend the night with a man, one who can excite and guide him. But an escort? He’s nervous of what he’ll find.

He finds Rick. Just the kind of man he’d choose to have his first experiences with, if it was possible. And from Rick’s point of view – on this one special night, and for this one special man he can’t take his eyes off – why shouldn’t it be?

If only this could be more than one night. But their potential happiness and the Haven’s security may already be under serious threat.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

When he chuckled, I took a chance and rested my hand on top of his on the bar. His answering smile was fleeting, his expression still thoughtful.

But me? The prickle of electricity up my own arm made my head spin.

I cleared my throat and continued. “We consider every request of equal merit, believe me. No one will judge you for whatever you do or don’t want to do.”

He frowned a little. “How can you manage that? I mean, you have no idea what I’ll say, what I want. How can anyone here prepare for that?”

I was intrigued, because he really seemed to care. “It’s what the guys are used to. They welcome it. They’re all single when they work here. They don’t always stay with us, they sometimes leave the hotel for other jobs, other lives. Sometimes, they return later. It’s always a mutual decision. But when they’re here, they’re available for male guests who are similarly single, and they have an unfettered and eager desire for what they do. For sex. They like to please.” His blush crept up from his neck, pinking the edges of his ears. I bet they would feel warm to the touch of my tongue. What was happening to me? “Will you give me your name?”

He didn’t hesitate. “Eliot Walker. Oh. Wait. I mean… Do people try to book in with false identities?”

I chuckled. “Sometimes. That’s not necessarily the clientele we want. We are totally confidential, but we must have genuine details. I can show you our Data Protection and Privacy policies if you like.”

This time his laugh bubbled out happily. “I’ve already checked out your website. All the right legalities, without going into actual detail. Very skilfully done. And I’ve checked your credit rating.”

I raised my eyebrows. “That’s flattering.”

“That I checked out the place to see if it’s legal?”

“That you checked us out as a genuine business. Albeit one with an industry code of ‘other ancillary services’.” The hotel’s website may have been light on detail, but Arne had made sure everything was in place web-wise, at least behind the scenes, and one of our regular escorts, Liam, had a brother who was a lawyer. Pleasure still had to be protected.

“So.” Eliot worried his lower lip. “What happens next?”

“You’ll be recommended a room, one that hopefully has the right kind of vibe for you. You can go on through, whenever you’re ready.”

He nodded and took a deep breath as if bracing himself for whatever happened next. “Well, I’ve made my choice. I’m ready now.”

“Okay.” I peered over his head, trying to see where Arne was sitting, so he could check the diary…

“Hello?”

Eliot’s eager tone recaptured my attention. Did he have another question?

But he just slid off the stool and smiled that smile again, the one that made my heart race and my cock start to thicken. “After you,” he said, gesturing airily towards the hallway.

This is book 2 in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I did add book 1 to my to be read pile, although I don’t know if I will actually read it.

The story was…nice. A recently out of the closet man is gifted a night with an escort. Except the escort he chooses isn’t really the owner of the hotel where the escorts rent rooms. The chemistry between the men is kind of tepid. I feel like I didn’t get to know either man really well.

That lack of chemistry made the conflict that Rick faced a bit far fetched. Would what happened to Rick happen in real life? All of the time! Will the solution to that happen? Eh, I seriously doubt it.

I needed more story. More about Rick, more about Eliot, more of them together. There just wasn’t enough.

3 Pieces of Eye Candy

Stella Shaw is the penname for an author of MM romance. Her new Rent Boy Romance series: Love at the Haven launched in January 2021.

Author links*

Website www.stellashawauthor.com

Newsletter http://bit.ly/stellashawNews

Facebook www.facebook.com/stellashawauthor
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/stellasstars

Amazon www.amazon.com/author/stellashaw

Goodreads www.goodreads.com/stellashaw

Bookbub www.bookbub.com/authors/stella-shaw

Instagram www.instagram.com/stellashawauthor

Upside Down by N.R. Walker: Audiobook Review

February 4, 2021 by Denise

Jordan O’Neill isn’t a fan of labels, considering he has a few. Gay, geek, librarian, socially awkward, a nervous rambler, an introvert, an outsider. The last thing he needs is one more. But when he realises adding the label asexual might explain a lot, it turns his world upside down.

Hennessy Lang moved to Surry Hills after splitting with his boyfriend. His being asexual had seen the end of a lot of his romances, but he’s determined to stay true to himself. Leaving his North Shore support group behind, he starts his own in Surry Hills, where he meets first-time-attendee Jordan.

A little bewildered and scared, but completely adorable, Hennessy is struck by this guy who’s trying to find where he belongs. Maybe Hennessy can convince Jordan that his world hasn’t been turned upside down at all, but maybe it’s now—for the first time in his life—the right way up.

Audible

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Read Erin’s review of the ebook here.
As for the audio…

I am very picky with my narrators. Shocking, right? I know. Glen Lloyd was new to me. I was a bit wary because I am used to Joel Leslie narrating the “not serious” stories NR Walker writes. But let me tell you something. Glen Lloyd NAILED IT.

He absolutely brought the characters to life. He used slightly different voices for Jordan and Hennessy, but nothing over the top or obviously fake. If that makes sense. Jordan was a bit more nasal and Hennessy spoke slower. Jordan also says “motherfucker” a lot in the book. It is a thing. Like a reflex, he can’t NOT say it. And I was waiting for the first one. And the tone was absolutely perfect. He says it almost conversationally, but to himself. So funny.

I really loved this book so when I got my mitts on the audio, it was make or break time. But this absolutely made it. I will definitely listen to this again.

4.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Gangster (Magic & Steam Book 2) by C.S. Poe: New Release Review

February 3, 2021 by Denise

1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, magic caster for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has recovered from injuries obtained while in Shallow Grave, Arizona. Now back in New York City, Gillian makes an arrest on New Year’s Eve that leads to information on a gangster, known only as Tick Tock, who’s perfected utilizing elemental magic ammunition. This report complicates Gillian’s holiday plans, specifically those with infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly, who promised they’d ring in 1882 together.

The two men stand on the cusp of a romance that needs to be explored intimately and privately. But when Gillian’s residence is broken into by a magical mechanical man who tries to murder him on behalf of Tick Tock, he and Gunner must immediately investigate the city’s ruthless street gangs before the illegal magic becomes a threat that cannot be contained.

This might be their most wild adventure yet, but criminal undergrounds can’t compare to the dangers of the heart. Gillian must balance his career in law enforcement with his love for a vigilante, or lose both entirely.

Title: The Gangster

Series: Magic & Steam

Book #: 2

Genre: Steampunk, historical, gay romance

Length: 63,000 words (novel)

Publisher: Emporium Press

Release Date: January 12, 2021

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I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to C.S. Poe‘s books. I never really have been much of a mystery/suspense/thriller kind of reader. I love reading my HEA/HFN’s. However, I make exceptions when it comes to this author’s books. This book, leaves us wanting more, not really an HFN quite yet, although I know she will get us there.

However, what it does have, and what all her books have is so much imagery! This book (and the prelude book 1) take us into an alternate reality of 1881, one of steam punk and personal devices that act similar to cell phones. Where Grand Central Station is still a beautiful building, but only a few years old, and you won’t be going down a few levels to get the subway, but up to catch your ride on an airship. Where a clock is not just a clock, but a killer will always be caught.

We continue to see the connection between Gillian and Gunner the Deadly, and it expands and contracts, ebbs and flows, as Gunner learns more about Gillian, and is willing to be patient until all his secrets are revealed. There’s definitely a bumpy road ahead for these two as we learn more about Gillian’s past.

I’m not going to lie, there is definitely a bit of gruesome details here, and I did have to skim a bit in those parts, because EEK!. That being said, as usual this is another well written book by Poe. She manages to bring a lot of emotion into the two MC’s, even as they are running around trying to catch a killer on what was supposed to be a lovely New Year’s Eve for the two. I love that her imagination knows no bounds as to what to create in an alternate steam punk reality.

I really am looking forward to what is next for these two as they try to connect more, and likely are chased around NYC a bit more. Also, side note…who knew Vaseline has been around for so long? 😉

C.S. Poe is a Lambda Literary and two-time EPIC award finalist, and a FAPA award-winning author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction.

She resides in New York City, but has also called Key West and Ibaraki, Japan, home in the past. She has an affinity for all things cute and colorful and a major weakness for toys. C.S. is an avid fan of coffee, reading, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.

C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.

Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.

C.S. Poe Media:

Charisma Check (Roll for Love Book 2) by Charlie Novak: New Release Review

February 3, 2021 by Denise

Hatred is complicated, clothing is simple—Edward doesn’t need a man, and he certainly doesn’t need cosplayer and tattoo artist, Izzy Montes, AKA The Masked Gentleman, Edward’s ultimate nemesis.

Edward and Izzy have been antagonising each other for over three years. Their rivalry is fierce, and Edward is determined to keep Izzy at arm’s length. Which would be all well and good… if they weren’t engaging in a secret, heated hook-ups.

Forced to appear together at a film premier in LA, Edward is determined to get in and out with minimal damage to his reputation… and his heart. But Izzy Montes proves to be a complication Edward couldn’t have predicted. Biting, funny, and charming in equal measure, he’s the one man Edward needs to loathe.

He’s also the one man Edward can’t get out of his mind.

Not that Izzy plans on letting him.

Charisma Check is a 80,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring comic conventions, snark, many costume changes, and only one bed. It is book two in the Roll for Love series and should be read as part of the series.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

SO FUN!

Ok, Charlie Novak is a new-er to me author. I had read one of hers fairly recently and then when this because available I read book 1 first (must read!) and then immediately went to this book.

We met Edward in book one as the best friend of Jay. A professional cosplayer who has the natural ethereal look that makes him so successful. You can tell what a nice guy Edward is, but at one comic con, another cosplayer rubbed him the wrong way and declared themselves mortal enemies. Except they keep finding themselves naked in bathrooms together…

Izzy started cosplaying with his little brother. He was a total amateur when he met Edward the first time, but with practice makes perfect and he just continues to get better. One of the biggest differences is that Izzy has a full time job and cosplaying is just a hobby for him.

So enemies who meet periodically at various comic cons, who end up having quick and dirty hate sex and avoid each other like the plague. Until they are both hired to cosplay a movie premiere. In Los Angeles.

A comedy of errors- or karma- have them sitting together on an 11 hour transatlantic flight AND sharing a hotel room. And being that they are cosplaying a COUPLE, they are posing together and kissing for cameras. All while hating each other. Honestly, it was hilarious.

Because much of their story exists only at comic cons, the time frame spans a few years. Until Izzy’s full time job lands him in the same town Edward lives in. And then Edward’s best friend Jay gets involved. And there are invitations to game nights at the book store. And then not necessarily hate sex, but more friends with benefits sex. But they’re not really friends, right?? HA!

This is one of my favorite enemies to lovers I have read. Mostly because they seemed to pretend to hate each other right from the beginning. But everyone- from Edward’s PA to their friends and people that they meet at the movie premiere- all see right through it.

Hate sex, not hate sex, sex with kinky toys, and pretty panties. This book was hot, funny, sweet and yummy.

4.5 pieces of eye candy