Category: Books

An Ashlez Review: Diamond in the Rough (Four Kings Security #4) by Charlie Cochet

Rating:  5 stars out of 5

For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this—one that will test his unwavering sense of control.

Leopold de Loughrey is a misunderstood genius whose anxiety and insecurities are sent into overdrive when he is forcefully recruited to work on a top-secret project. Terrified of what his role as invaluable asset means, Leo’s stress leads to disappearances, arguments, and blowups that threaten the project and Leo’s future. King’s arrival is a calm in the storm for Leo and his frenetic thoughts.

King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes happy ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong… if they can survive a deadly betrayal

First off, you definitely don’t need to read the others in the series it works completely as a stand alone if you haven’t read the others – yes there’s a few references to past things but really nothing major – I was super impressed normally series books need to be read in order or you’re a bit lost – definitely not the case with this.
King – I’ve never read a green beret story so that was new – marines, seals, etc. I’ve read – I’m not sure what the difference is .. they all seem to be pretty bad ass really – he was sweet and brooding and I loved it.
Leo – now here’s where the book got juicy – he is so quirky in a good way that you just needed more of his quirks – he’s funny and kind of a genius – adorable too – and sassy !  Leo was absolutely my fav person in this entire book.
The overall story was exciting, I’d say it was somewhat predictable but it wasn’t that obvious what was happening toward the end.  The way King and Leo interact and the way they progress in the book is so well done I just couldn’t wait until the end – the epilogue too, delicious.
Well written, exciting, thrilling, funny and a great read!
Cover – yummy? Fits with the description of King really well

Sales Links:   | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 271 pages
Published February 12th 2019
ASINB07NPZQGTZ
Series Four Kings Security #4

Release Blitz for How Not to Break (Lovestrong #3) by Susan Hawke (excerpt)

 

 

 

How Not to Break

A LOVESTRONG NOVEL

Susan Hawke

M/M Romance

Release Date: 03.09.19

getbook.at/HNTBreak

Blurb:

 

Take one former SEAL with a healthy dose of regret…

 

Nick St. Cloud is living with shame from the one time he let his lust override his sense of honor. He’s haunted by the memory of when he made love to his best friend’s eighteen-year-old son. The tragic accident that happened that same night has only compounded his guilt. A decade later, he’s doing his best to be there for Charlie’s son, but anything more than that just wouldn’t be right… would it?

 

Plus the younger guy who he’s tried to forget…

 

It’s been ten years. Ten long years. Does Shaw Michaelson feel bad about having seduced his dad’s best friend? Umm, maybe? Although he could’ve done things differently, Shaw can’t find it within himself to be sorry for the hottest night of his life with the one man he’s never been able to forget. The man he’s patterned every subsequent relationship after… yeah, Shaw totally has a type.

 

Equals a pair of men who deserve a second chance at a first time.

 

The two men are living in an uneasy peace within the same small town and circle of friends, being careful not to let the other get close enough to open old wounds. All their walls fall when a stalker begins terrorizing Shaw, sending him running to the one man he knows will keep him safe.

 

This is the fourth book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance full of all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.

 

Note: Possible trigger warning for the mention of an animal being harmed off-page and the psychological trauma of being stalked.

 

Excerpt

 

Rising from my chair, I got right up in his space and glared up at him. “I know it’s hard for you to wrap your brain around this, but I’m a man. A grown-ass man. I don’t need a keeper, a savior, a knight in shining armor, or a master. Get it through your skull, and pass the memo along to any and all interested parties.”

I was so angry at this point that I was shaking. And he wasn’t the only one I was pissed at. I turned and pointed at Rick. “And as for you… you can wipe that smug shit off your face, because that goes for you too. If you want to help me, then go find whoever’s behind all this crap. I’m leaving, Rick. If you follow me, I swear to God I will kick you in the nuts. Seth, give me a five-minute head start, okay? Make sure Rick doesn’t try to follow me, because I don’t want to get arrested for assaulting an officer.”

Seth was laughing his ass off as I stormed out of the bar. I hadn’t made it even half a step over the threshold before Nick came rushing up after me.

“Goddammit, Shaw. Walk off in a huff on your own time, not when you have a stalker. Seriously, you can’t be an idiot when you have someone stalking you. At least let me walk you to your car if you won’t let me do anything else for you.”

Instead of commenting, I merely pulled my key fob out of my pocket and clicked the button to unlock my car. Headlights flashed from where it was parked two spaces from the door. I waited for him to notice that before I spoke. “See? Not an idiot. I actually thought ahead and parked by the door. Go me!”

Nick groaned, rubbing a hand over the top of his head as if I frustrated him so much that he couldn’t even deal. Good. That made two of us because I couldn’t deal with him right now either. “I don’t think you’re an idiot. I think you’re vulnerable—there’s a difference. You’re a small guy, Shaw. You could be easily overpowered.”

I was almost to my driver’s door when Nick decided to prove his point. He pulled a slick move that had me bent backward over my hood and gaping into his face where it hovered just above mine. I was beyond pissed… and more than a little bit turned on.

The fucker had the nerve to wink. “See how easy it was to overpower you? Tell me, Shaw—do you have any idea how to turn the tables and get free of my hold? Sure, this is me right now, but if it was someone else? This is why you need protection.”

Without stopping to think it through, I acted on impulse. Grabbing his head, I pulled him forward as I leaned in to close the distance and kissed him hard. My cock came to full attention when the kiss got away from me. Frustration turned to passion somewhere along the way and I forgot what I was doing for a few. While our tongues danced against each other, Nick eased up on his hold to run a hand lightly along my side. Despite my racing heart and aching cock, the moment I felt the touch of his hand, I remembered my half-assed idea that had gotten me here.

Gotcha.

Breaking the kiss, I quickly ducked under his arm and whipped open my driver’s door, slipping into the car while he stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face. I started the car, then cracked the window just enough to slip my hand out to flip him off.

I followed the gesture with a little taunting. “Tell me, Nick. Was that distraction a good enough tool to get free? Piss off. I’m neither your charity case nor your ward to protect. I’m a man, Nick. A man who can take care of his own shit. Have a good evening!”

I glanced into the rearview mirror and grinned when I saw that he stood gaping after me as I drove off. I would call the points Shaw: one, Nick: zero—except for the fact that I was driving away with tingling lips and a throbbing cock. Talk about a plan backfiring.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As an avid reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I’d care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I’ve found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that’s what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

 

I’m a happily married mom with one snarky teenage boy, and three grown “kids of my heart.” I’m more widely known for my mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family I mentioned; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy. I look forward to sharing my stories with you, and to bringing more romance and laughter into this world that needs it so very badly.

 

Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/2Hdgwvl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanHawke/

 

Book Blitz for Chasing Eddie (Golden Gate Love Stories #3) by Frank W Butterfield (excerpt and giveaway)

 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited
 
Length: 45,000 words 
 
Golden Gate Love Stories
 
Book #1 – The One He Waited For – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #2 – Their Own Hidden Island – Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
Blurb



January 29, 2019


Eddie Smith is a chubby bear of a guy who lives in Daytona Beach and doesn’t work much anymore but isn’t retired.


Whit Hall has just retired as a tight end for an NFL expansion team and lives in San Antonio.


At 52, Eddie feels at home with himself and has learned how to roll with life. He’s happy enough where he is and doesn’t expect much to happen anytime soon.


At 35, Whit is ready for a life that put less of a strain on his body. He’s banked plenty of dough but doesn’t know what to do next.


. . .


About to sit down to his favorite take-out lasagna, Eddie gets a call from a friend who wants to hire him to help Whit figure out what’s next in his life.


Eddie is a kinda, sorta life coach and might be able to help but seriously doubts it.


Reluctantly, he climbs aboard his friend’s private jet and flies to San Antonio. Once he arrives, he ends up getting a whole lot more than he bargained for. Whit Hall is aggressive, he’s angry, and he’s under a lot of pressure.


It’s a good thing Eddie (sorta) knows what he’s doing!


. . .


Now that he’s retired, Whit is looking for the next thing.


He’s set, with plenty of bank. And he’s doing what he can to deal with his parents, who are all up in his business. A lot.


Then, one Wednesday morning, he opens his front door. Before he knows it, Whit is chasing Eddie Smith out of his house, down the street, and even further.


It’s a good thing Whit is (kinda) in shape for this new type of chase!


. . .


Neither man wants to go far…

But unexpected changes are chasing them both…


Wherever they end up going, and whatever ends up happening, this will be the beginning of something new and wonderful for them both.


. . .


This 45K word stand-alone contemporary male/male (MM) romance involves a chubby bear guy and a retired professional football player.


Included:


Some tension…
Hints of a coming-out story…
Medium-heat sexual descriptions…
Slightly nerdy details…
Some metaphysics…
And a HEA (that’s a happily-ever-after)…


Not included:


Much angst…
Graphic sexual descriptions…
A cliff-hanger…




This story is the beginning of a series of contemporary romantic adventures. It ends with the start of one of those, so there are some loose plot points but no cliff-hanger.


Topics: virgin, virgin hero, out for you, first time romance, mid-life transformation, innocent first timer, late bloomer


. . .


Golden Gate Love Stories are all about the lives and loves of men who fall in love with each other and find the one they were waiting for.


Set in the same universe as the Nick Williams Mystery Series and the Daytona Beach Book Series, these love stories focus on the men who come together, find true love, and really do live happily ever after.


Excerpt


He looked at me for a long moment. His violet eyes got more focused and I wondered what was going on in that head of his with its tufted hair on top and strange gray streaks.


I could feel my attraction for him suddenly come front and center. Like always happened, my knees got a little weak and my mouth got dry.


I held his gaze for as long as I could, wondering what was really going on. I knew what I wanted to happen. I wanted something… Like a kiss or more. I was pretty sure he’d been watching me as if he was attracted to me. His eyes always went to my belly, which was a tell-tale sign. Right then, however, his violet eyes were drilling into mine.


As always, I started doubting myself. Maybe I was mis-reading him entirely. Maybe he was just a friendly straight guy. As we looked at each other, all of those thoughts, and more, ran through my head.


Of course, I’d been hired by Bob to do a job and kissing Whit wasn’t in the job description. And it wasn’t ethical for me to kiss him. Not that I adhered to some sort of written code of ethics. I just didn’t think it was respectful of Whit as a client, even though he really wasn’t my client, but that was splitting hairs.


Nevertheless, I was tempted to put my left hand around his waist, but I was afraid how he would react. It was hard to be around a big scaredy-cat who might bite, and hard, at any moment.


So, with all that going through my mind, I stood perfectly still and examined the violet in his eyes, something that was remarkable to look at.


And then, suddenly, it was over.


He turned and looked at the river. After another few seconds, he leaned against one of the trees and crossed his arms. “Knowing this is here is enough to get me to stay.”


“Oh?” I asked, wishing I had some water to drink.


He cleared his throat. “Yeah. I talked to my business manager about putting the house up for sale. He thinks I could make a profit on it, considering that I owned it.”


I looked over at the river, not wanting to show him what I thought of that idea. But, somehow, he knew I had an opinion.


“What?”


“I guess I would never think of paying a premium on a house because a football player had lived there. Not one like that one. You’ve got a historical marker, after all.”


He didn’t say anything. I looked over at him. He was staring out at the river.


“I tried to get the city to let me remove that thing—”


“What!” I couldn’t help myself.


He looked at me, frowning. Shrugging, he said, “Well, I don’t give a shit about how old it is or who lived in it.”


“Well, then, why the hell did you buy it?”


He leaned forward, aggressively. “I didn’t buy it. My mother did.”


I leaned back. “Oh.”


He took a deep breath and then said, “Sorry. I promised Ossler I wouldn’t do that again.”


I knew what he meant, but I wanted to hear him say it. “Do what?”


“Get in your face.” He did look contrite which, on him, was really cute.


“Thanks, Whit.”


He looked down at me and smiled a little. “No sweat, Coach.”


I grinned and shook my head.


He laughed and then patted his belly. “OK. Now, I’m hungry.”


“Me too.”

 
Author Bio



Although Frank worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast. Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983. After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he now makes his home in a hurricane-proof motel, built in 1947, with superior water pressure. While he hasn’t met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

 

Book Blitz and Giveaway for In The Eye Of The Wind by Katherine Wyvern

 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link
 
Length: 100,000 word approx.
 
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
 
Blurb
 

Born in the northern wastes of Kaleva in the middle of a devastating war between light and darkness, Rikko’ has found his way south to the warm shores of the Circled Sea, the first elver to ever turn pirate.


Forbidden by the rules of the Andalouan court to pursue such an ungentlemanly career, Gael can only dream of ever becoming a doctor, and his medical studies remain unfinished until his aunt the Queen sends him on a covert mission to the pirate city of Beyas’kahl.


And here, after one night with Rikko’, all his loyalties are put to the test.


Queen Amata has reigned for three decades, and she always used her men cunningly. But even the best player can miscalculate, and her blunder places Gael first in slavery, then in a naval battle, and finally, worst of all, face to face with Rikko’s darkest and deadliest side.


From such darkness, is there any coming back? Is there any hope of love for Gael, or redemption for Rikko’?

 
About Katherine
 

I have entered that age when looking at beautiful male models in their prime makes me a cougar, ahem.


Almost all my heroines are short: that’s because I look at the world from hobbit level. Being so small I am three times more concentrated (read: obsessive) than anybody I know. I am exhaustingly creative in writing, arts, crafts… Sometimes my brain gets friction burns from hurtling at such speed from one universe to the next.


I love animals, plants, and occasionally even people.


Like the Highlander I come from a lot of different places. I was born in Italy but lived here and there and consider myself simply and deeply European. I love Europe passionately, its antiquity, its diversity, its quirkiness. All my books are set in Europe, or alternate versions of it.


I have been writing since I can remember.


Katherine’s Blog:
https://katherinewyvern.blogspot.fr/


Katherine’s Website:
http://meetingivory.wixsite.com/katherinewyvern


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/katherinewyvern


Facebook Author/artist Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/884796268383313/?ref=bookmarks


Twitter:
https://twitter.com/KatherineWyvern


Or follow her on Instagram @katherinewyvern


Giveaway

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

 

A MelanieM Review: Magic Wept (The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #2) by Andi Van

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The Mages’ Guild Trilogy: Book 2

Jorget wants desperately to hone his magical abilities, but it’s almost impossible in Archai Castle, where the mad king would kill him if he caught him using his forbidden talents. But a chance presents itself when Jorget’s mentor, the royal priest Denekk, sends him on a quest in search of a magical weapon. While it seems his opportunity to make a name for himself has finally arrived, Jorget has no idea what he’s really getting himself into.

 

In the Mages’ Guild of the Dragon’s Claw, Kelwin Tiovolk and his beloved, guild leader Tasis Kadara, are finally enjoying a peaceful life. Unfortunately, it can’t last—the king has designs on a weapon that can destroy the guild, and in order to protect his home, Kelwin will have to leave it.

 

Saving the guild seems impossible with so many determined to stop them, but if Kelwin and Jorget stand together, they might find the strength to defy the odds and preserve all they hold dear.

The middle book in the trilogy is often the hardest story for the author, and perhaps the reader.  It has to act as a bridge between the first story that launches the saga, where lies the power of introducing us to the characters and universe and then it has to carry us over to a third tale that will triumphantly bring all the many story threads together, answering our questions and, hopefully, giving our characters a HEA they all deserve. That’s quite a story load for any bridge to carry.    Plus it has its own narrative chores to carry out.  It must move a complicated plot forward, expand on existing characterizations, and, even do a little more revelations in the foundation/universe creations (here it’s in the mythology world building here that Van is creating).

Yes, that middle novel can make or break a trilogy.  So I’m so happy to tell you that I was just as enthralled with Magic Wept as I was with Magic Fell.  With everything this story had to accomplish, it did that and more as a compelling fantasy tale I couldn’t put down.  Van enlarged on the mythology started in the first story,  gave the reader many stunning twists here, introduced new characters and expanded on ones we barely met in the first novel, Magic Fell, by bringing them into the main group here.  I’m loving Emlynn the giant who never grew too tall,Jorget who’s mouth runs faster than his brilliant mind,  and many more.  Toddlers, butterflies, and dandelions, oh my!

Andi Van is able to balance the magical, the fantastical, with the ability to horrify in a split second.  And then go back again.

The characters that you find here, all of them, no matter the gender, or gender fluid, or gender identity, are all complicated, living beings.  That they might happen to be dragons, magical cats of a thousand years or a baby who can make butterflies dance about your heads, you take them all into your hearts and embrace them fully.  Which means you are fully invested about what happens every second of every page.

Which is a lot.

There is more world building, action and suspense, and, yes, its setting us up for the final story Magic Triumphed..

For those of you seeking heat in your fantasy, this is not the trilogy for you.  This is a true YA story with no heat at all.  Love, romance perhaps, but no sex.  It’s a wonderfully imagined, deeply satisfying fantasy adventure with great characters and world building.

I definitely recommend Magic Wept (The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #2) by Andi Van and Magic Fell.  Now onto the trilogy finale.

Cover Artist: AngstyG.  These are just gorgeous covers, and work not only for the trilogy but for the characters as well.

Sales links:  Harmony Ink | Amazon | 

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 180 pages
Published September 18th 2018 by Harmony Ink Press
ASIN B07DKX7TC6
Edition Language English
Series The Mages’ Guild Trilogy #2

A Vivacious Review: Controlled (Hot Flash) by J.M. Snyder

Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5

This is a short story but it is a very good short story. In fact, it is everything a short story should be.

When I came across the book, I was swamped but something about the blurb was so intriguing, that I knew I would make time for it and I am so thankful that I did. It is a short read but it is so good. It is amazing.

The concept of the story really intrigues me. The story focuses on a relationship between a couple who don’t get named throughout the story which just mystifies the intrigue. The story basically revolves around the idea of control in a relationship, is the person in control really in control or does he merely feel that way because his partner wants him to feel that way.

This story opens a whole lot of avenues and I don’t think they are very healthy ones but it makes for an amazing read. The story feels very manipulative and I really wonder about the future of this couple but the way the guy manipulates his partner is amazing in a little creepy way. I really don’t know how to feel.

In a way, I feel that people in relationships do manipulate each other to some degree to get what they want and the fact that you know the other person so well makes it easier to get what you want by pushing the right buttons. In this story, our narrator basically wants his partner’s attention and he plans everything to make sure he gets what he wants but the lengths he goes to will blow your mind.

It is a hot story with a mildly disturbing theme but it is so well written you will find yourself sucked into the story.

This is a genuinely amazing story that will blow your socks off. If that blurb intrigues you read the story it is totally worth it.

Cover Art by Written Ink Designs. Even though the cover consists of a stock photo it fits this story to the tee.

Sales Links: JMS Books LLC |  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 12 pages
Published February 6th 2019 by JMS Books LLC
ASINB07N49JFZ6

In the Spotlight Tour and Giveaway: A Chip and a Chair (Seven of Spades #5) by Cordelia Kingsbridge

A Chip and a Chair (Seven of Spades #5)  by Cordelia Kingsbridge

Riptide Publishing

Cover Art: Garrett Leigh

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

 

Thanks for checking out the blog tour for A Chip and a Chair, the conclusion to the Seven of Spades series!

Just as the Seven of Spades investigation is closing in, an act of terror devastates Las Vegas. In order to save the city they love, Levi and Dominic may need the help of the very killer they’ve been hunting…


About A Chip and a Chair

It’s time to lay all the cards on the table.

Detective Levi Abrams and PI Dominic Russo are reunited and more committed to each other than ever, but they can’t truly move forward with their lives until the serial killer who’s been tormenting them is behind bars. When a secret burial site is discovered in the desert with the remains of the Seven of Spades’s earliest victims, that goal finally seems within reach.

But just as the net is tightening, the neo-Nazi militia Utopia launches their master plan with a devastating act of terror that changes the landscape of Las Vegas forever. As Levi and Dominic scramble to prevent the city’s destruction, they’re opposed by treacherous forces that propel them toward catastrophe. In the end, Levi’s fate may rest in the hands of the very killer he’s been hunting.

The race to save Sin City is on, and these players are going for broke. No matter how hopeless things seem, as long as they’re together and they’ve got a chip to play and a chair to sit in, they’re still in the game.

Now available from Riptide Publishing.

About the Seven of Spades Series

Las Vegas has never seen a serial killer like the Seven of Spades.

The self-styled vigilante is on a mission to cut down the wicked and treacherous, and Sin City has no shortage of targets for their bloody wrath. What happens in Vegas . . . ends with the Seven of Spades’s calling card on a grisly corpse.

Standing against the killer are Levi Abrams, a dedicated homicide detective locked in a constant struggle to restrain his own dark side, and bounty hunter Dominic Russo, a charming rogue with a heavy secret weighing on his shoulders.

The hunt for the Seven of Spades sends Levi and Dominic on a collision course, igniting a passionate relationship forged in conflict and sealed with blood. Together they’re stronger than the sum of their parts, but a wily, elusive serial killer isn’t the only threat that will strain their bond to the breaking point.

Ante up, because the Seven of Spades is all in. Are you?

Check out the Seven of Spades series!


About Cordelia Kingsbridge

Cordelia Kingsbridge has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, but quickly discovered that direct practice in the field was not for her. Having written novels as a hobby throughout graduate school, she decided to turn her focus to writing as a full-time career. Now she explores her fascination with human behavior, motivation, and psychopathology through fiction. Her weaknesses include opposites-attract pairings and snarky banter.

Away from her desk, Cordelia is a fitness fanatic, and can be found strength training, cycling, and practicing Krav Maga. She lives in South Florida but spends most of her time indoors with the air conditioning on full blast!

Connect with Cordelia:


Giveaway

To celebrate the release of A Chip and a Chair one lucky person will win a $10 Riptide Publishing gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on March 16, 2019. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!