Category: Books

A Lila Review: Beat of Their Own Drum (Replay #3) by KM Neuhold

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

Jude
Every rock band needs their bad boy, right? That’s me. Hookers, drugs, DUIs— been there, done that. I’m in a Downward Spiral and proud of it (see what I did there?). When the band manager, Archer, hires Bennett to keep me from screwing up while the band is on hiatus, I may have finally met someone who won’t take my attitude lying down. With the three of us cooped up together for weeks on end, I have a feeling things might get interesting.Archer
Downward Spiral is my baby. Not only am I the band manager, I discovered them ten years ago when they were nothing but a bunch of high school kids playing in a hole in the wall bar on the weekends. But it’s obvious I haven’t done a great job because they’re falling apart. If the lead singer isn’t trying to kill himself, it’s the bass player telling me he can’t write any new songs. And no one gets under my skin more than Jude, who seems determined to snort and drink himself into an early grave. There’s only one man I can think of who might be able to get Jude back on the right track, Bennett Schmitt. Unfortunately, he’s also the man I let get away sixteen years ago and haven’t gotten over since.

Bennett
If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s taking control of a situation. In fact, control is kind of my thing. Which is probably why I’m the best in the business when it comes to getting out of control celebrities back on track. When my ex calls and tells me he’s desperate for my help, I can’t turn him down. Between the infuriatingly sexy drummer with no idea what kind of trouble he’s asking for, and my ex looking better than ever, there’s no way this isn’t about to get messy.

Beat of Their Own Drum is much more than I expected. I didn’t realize this book was part of a series until I requested it for review. Based on the blurb, it can be read as a standalone but I will recommend to read the books in order. They are parallel to each other and worth reading. Each guy in the band has a great story.

So far, this is the only MMM in the series, which I love. I do have some mixed feelings, though. Not about their relationship but about Jude’s treatment. At times it became inconsequential, reducing their relationship to sub & Dom instead of counselor and patient. That’s the main reason why this book is not a perfect five stars for me.

As for their love story, I really enjoyed how each men had a separate relationship with each other. Also, how they complemented their strengths as a triad. There’s love, fun, mischief, and heartache. All three men had trouble adjusting to their new reality but did their best for the other two.

I need to accept that Archer was my favorite. I love overachievers with a heart of gold. Plus, he needed a little saving of his own. Just add some Daddy kink and he becomes perfection.

This is definitely a great Rock n Roll, hurt comfort story. It’s sexy and heartbreaking. With lots of hot men and great friendships. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, from a new for me author.

The cover by Ink Design follows the series and goes well with the story and the characters.

Sale Link: Kindle Unlimited

Book Details:
ebook, 380 pages
ASIN: B07KC7G6WX
Published: November 12, 2018, by K.M. Neuhold
Edition Language: English

Series: Replay
Book #1: Face the Music
Book #2: Play It By Ear
Book #3: Beat of Their Own Drum

Jeff Adams On Vid, with Excerpt and Giveaway to Celebrate the Releases of ‘Audio Assault (Codename: Winger #3)’

Audio Assault (Codename: Winger #3) byJeff Adams
Harmony Ink Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Buy Links:

Harmony Ink Press |   Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo 

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Jeff Adams here today on tour for his latest novel Audio Assault.  Welcome, Jeff.

✒︎

The Audio Assault blog tour continues today on Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words. Thanks so much to Stella or Melanie for hosting me for this third installment in the Codename: Winger series.

In this video post I talk about some of the changes that are in store for Theo in this installment and I’ll also let you know about some other exciting things happening in the Winger series this week.

 https://youtu.be/qyhINoYQiFI

In the video, I read an excerpt from chapter four, which is also below in case you’d like to read for yourself. Don’t forget to use the Rafflecopter below to get your chance to win an ebook copy of Audio Assault or the grand prize signed paperback copy.

Excerpt

“So, I’ve got to go out of town again.”

“You just got back.”

At least he didn’t sound pissed, which might’ve been better than the disappointment.

“I know. Not work this time, though. Family thing. We’re going to see some college friend of Dad’s.”

“How’d you get roped into that? You’re here all the time when they travel.”

“I know.” I released his hand, rolled over to my side and propped my head up on my fist. “They pulled the parent card on me.”

“Damn.” He sounded as surprised as I’d felt earlier. “I didn’t think they ever did that to you.”

“They usually don’t. This means a lot to them, though.”

“Do you at least get to go someplace cool?”

“New York. I’ve never been, so that’s something. You might know who we’re seeing. Some music guy—Glenwood.”

“Are you for real?” Eddie bounded from the bed and went to his desk where he opened his laptop. “That dude’s only done some of the best music, like, ever—going back to when he was our age, like, twenty-five years ago.”

I hadn’t expected he’d shift to excited, or that we’d be back on my lack of music knowledge.

“Didn’t I get grief just a few hours ago for listening to old music?”

He looked at me with a mix of shock and disbelief. “There’s old and then there’s classic. Just listen.”

He played a few different songs—some of which I recognized from Dad’s collection. Instrumentally they were great, and his voice was pretty good too. I stood behind him to see the song list, so I could grab them from Dad.

It wasn’t that I was antimusic. I was just picky. It needed to have some complexity in the rhythm or the vocalist needed to be outstanding. Of course, a perfect blend of instruments and vocals was a ticket to my heart.

“Okay, those were really good,” I admitted.

“He’s an amazing songwriter and producer. And even though he’s got the huge company, he’s still creative, working with a lot of his artists. It would be nice if his daughter got all of his talent, but she’s mostly just a cookie-cutter teen pop singer. I mean she’s great to listen to, but you wouldn’t like it.”

Eddie brought up YouTube and typed in Sofia Glenwood. He played the first video that came up. She was beautiful, black hair pulled back tight and a body I was sure many straight boys fantasied about. He was right. I didn’t like it. It was bland without much creativity. Sofia’s voice was good, but she just wanted you to know why she’d be the best girlfriend.

Eddie caught my frown. “Exactly. How is she even in the same family? She’s famously turned down her father’s offer to collaborate. Her stuff sells, though, likely because her voice is good, and she had the family name to work with.”

“How do you know all this stuff?”

Eddie shrugged. “I watch TMZ.”

I reached around Eddie and did a search to see more about the family. They were gorgeous, and it was surprising that only Sofia was usually in front of a camera. Oliver Glenwood reminded me of Ben Affleck with the chiseled jaw and the perpetual five o’clock shadow. Marcella might as well have been an older Selena Gomez. Sofia was the perfect blending of her parents. Apparently Marcella didn’t do too much with the company, instead using her law degree to run the family’s foundation, which worked with a number of charities that benefited children, education and equal rights.

“You’re gonna have a week with the beautiful people. I think I’m kinda jealous.”

“I’m sure.” Sarcasm spilled out. “I can’t imagine I’ll hang around while Mom and Dad catch up with their friends. Besides, I’ve got work and school stuff to do. I wish you’d be there to explore the city with me. That’d be much better.”

“Totally.” Eddie spun around in his chair and grabbed my hips before he looked up at me. “Just watch out for Sofia. She’s got a rep, and you’re a hot guy.” He didn’t sound like he was kidding either.

“And I’m gay with a boyfriend, so it’d be a waste of her time.” I buried my face down in his Afro until I could plant a kiss on his scalp.

He looked up at me. “When will you be back so we can get our summer going again?”

“It shouldn’t be more than a week.” I stole a look at the clock on the computer screen and saw it was nearly eleven. “I should go. We’re headed out early, and I have to pack.”

Blurb:

Theo Reese is just like any other seventeen-year-old—with one small exception.

This summer all he wants is to spend time with his boyfriend, Eddie, and work on his MIT research project. His parents have other plans.

An old friend needs the help of Theo’s family. Oliver Glenwood is an ’80s music star who runs his own label. His wife and his daughter, Sofia, now a chart topper herself, are the targets of kidnappers. Oliver hopes they can eliminate whoever is behind the threat.

When Theo uncovers an even more insidious plot, the covert agency the Reeses work for, Tactical Operational Support, swoops into action.

Song files have been modified to steal personal data from devices and emit a tone that drives listeners into a homicidal rage. Theo and his parents race against the clock to stop this mysterious enemy from releasing the music on an unsuspecting populace and causing worldwide chaos.

Just when Theo thinks the mission couldn’t be more complicated, Eddie shows up in New York looking to hang out with his boyfriend.

No one ever said being a teenage secret agent would be easy.

About the Author

Jeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a gay romance writer in 2009 when his first short stories were published. Since then he’s continued to create, often with a hockey player at the center of the story.

Jeff lives in northern California with his husband of more than twenty years, Will. Some of his favorite things include the musicals Rent and [title of show],the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey teams, and the reality TV competition So You Think You Can Dance. He also loves to read, but there isn’t enough space to list out his favorite books.

Jeff is the co-host of the Big Gay Fiction Podcast, a weekly show devoted to gay romance as well as pop culture. New episodes come out every Monday at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.

You can learn more about Jeff at JeffAdamsWrites.com.

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Love a LIttle Rock n Roll with your Romance? Check out Beat of Their Own Drum (Replay #3) by KM Neuhold (excerpt and giveaway)

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BEAT OF THEIR OWN DRUM

REPLAY SERIES, BOOK 3

K.M. NEUHOLD

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 11.08.18

Beat of their own drum cover

BLURB

Jude

Every rock band needs their bad boy. Hookers, drugs, DUIs— been there, done that. I’m in a Downward Spiral and proud of it (see what I did there?). When the band manager, Archer, hires Bennett to keep me from screwing up while the band is on hiatus, I may have finally met someone who won’t take my attitude lying down. With the three of us cooped up together for weeks on end, I have a feeling things might get interesting.

Archer

Downward Spiral is my baby. Not only am I the band manager, I discovered them ten years ago when they were nothing but a bunch of high school kids playing in a hole in the wall bar on the weekends. But it’s obvious I haven’t done a great job because they’re falling apart. If the lead singer isn’t trying to kill himself, it’s the bass player telling me he can’t write any new songs. And no one gets under my skin more than Jude, who seems determined to snort and drink himself into an early grave. There’s only one man I can think of who might be able to get Jude back on the right track, Bennett Schmitt. Unfortunately, he’s also the man I let get away sixteen years ago and haven’t gotten over since.

Bennett

If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s take control of a situation. In fact, control is kind of my thing. Which is probably why I’m the best in the business when it comes to getting out of control celebrities back on track. When my ex calls and tells me he’s desperate for my help, I can’t turn him down. Between the infuriatingly sexy drummer with no idea what kind of trouble he’s asking for, and my ex looking better than ever, there’s no way this isn’t about to get messy.

* This is an MMM romance with D/s play and mild daddy kink (NO age play)

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EXCERPT

I’m at my desk, doing my daily news check to make sure there haven’t been any new stories picked up in the past few days, when a sharp knock comes at my door. I tense in my chair, memories filling my mind of Bennett in my office, in my bedroom, following me with his eyes, tempting me to give in to something that can only end in heartbreak.

“Archer?”Jude’s voice is quiet, almost unsure, and like nothing I’ve ever heard from him before.

“Come in,”I call back, my heart beating faster as the door pushes open to reveal the young drummer looking slightly flush after his morning run with Bennett. He hesitates in the doorway for several seconds and I take the time to take him in. I know we’ve only been here nine days, but I can already see a difference in Jude—he seems more settled, less volatile, maybe even happier? I suspect that has more to do with whatever he and Bennett were up to last night than the cabin itself.

My stomach twists at the memory of last night, Bennett and I having a wonderful chat, just like we used to when we were in college. Then Jude came by to say he was going to bed and Bennett excused himself to follow a few minutes later. It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together, which is a good thing because I’m obviously not a genius, getting jealous over my ex and my client.

“What can I do for you?”I ask gently. It’s not Jude’s fault my feelings are all mixed up and I refuse to take it out on him.

“I don’t…um…”He looks a little lost like he’s not even sure what he’s doing in my office, let alone what brought him here.

“Why don’t you come in and have a seat,”I suggest, waving to the small couch in the corner of the room. He gives a jerky nod, stepping all the way inside and closing the door behind himself before making his way to my couch. “Things good with Bennett?”I check, worry rising up in my chest that maybe he’s here because something happened that made him uncomfortable.

“Hm? Oh…um…yeah.”

Not the most reassuring answer I’ve ever gotten.

“Look, I know it’s not my business and the last thing I want is to pry for details but are you happy with the arrangement you have with Bennett? Are you comfortable with the things he wants you to do?”

KM Neuhold Logo 2

I’m an author of m/m and new adult romance. I have a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well.

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Release Week Blitz for Christmas Lane (Lighthouse Bay #1) by Amy Aislin (excerpt and giveaway)

Christmas Lane by Amy Aislin

Series: Lighthouse Bay #1

Publisher: self-published

Release Date (Print & Ebook): November 29, 2018

Length (Print & Ebook): approx. 65,000 words

Genre: m/m contemporary romance

Tropes: May/December, small town

Cover design: Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art

All buy links or pre-order links:

Amazon: http://geni.us/XmasLane

iBooks: http://geni.us/XmasLaneApple

B&N: http://bit.ly/XmasLaneBN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/XmasLaneKobo

Synopsis:

It’s recent college graduate Zach Greenfeld’s favorite time of the year and he’s just received a temporary gig planning Lighthouse Bay’s Christmas parade. Not only does it speak to his penchant for organization, it also puts him face to face on a daily basis with his unrequited crush—Holland Stone. But his new job starts off in disaster when the most important float—Santa’s sleigh—gets damaged. 

Holland needs to win the Lighthouse Bay Christmas parade float competition in order to grow his new dollhouse-making business. The prize is an article in a major city newspaper, and nothing beats free advertising. Except, eager to help the adorable parade organizer, he volunteers to help fix Santa’s sleigh, leaving no time to work on his own float, and putting his prize at risk.

Damaged floats, snowstorms, and a last-minute parade emergency force Zach and Holland closer than ever. All they need is a little bit of Christmas magic to help them realize they belong together. 

Release Blitz Excerpt :

“Where’d this come from?”

Zach sipped his tea. “I dunno.”

The lines around Holland’s eyes were more pronounced when he squinted. “You don’t know, huh?”

Shaking his head, Zach hid a smile behind his mug.

“Hmm.” Holland brought it up to his ear and shook the package gently. “Then I guess whoever left it won’t mind if I open it.”

“I’m sure they won’t.”

Grinning, Holland tore into the snowman wrapping paper. He kept sneaking peeks at Zach, smile on his face, eyes full of life and laughter. With the color in his cheeks and the way he barely paused for breath before lifting the lid on the box and pulling out the small tube nestled inside, he looked like the grown-up version of a three-year-old on Christmas morning.

“Wood glue?” Holland said, holding up the tube.

“Maybe someone thought it might come in handy. Since you build dollhouses and all.”

Holland hummed. “Thoughtful, yet functional.” He sat next to Zach again and squeezed Zach’s thigh. “Thank you. You don’t have to keep buying me gifts.”

“I know.” Zach threaded their fingers together. “But I like the look on your face when you unwrap them.”

Holland kissed the back of Zach’s hand and Zach’s heart jumped. “Ready to head out?”

Zach was putting on his scarf when he spotted it, a flat, slim package, roughly three inches by six, wrapped in paper with tiny snowflakes on it, sitting on his desk. “What’s this?”

Holland grinned at him as he shrugged into his coat. “I dunno.”

“Really? You don’t know?” Zach slipped a nail underneath the tape. “Think whoever left it will mind if I open it?”

“I think they’d want you to.”

Zach snorted a laugh and opened his gift, revealing a pocket day planner for next year. “A calendar?”

Standing on the other side of Zach’s desk, Holland bent over to get a better look at it, forehead furrowed. Yeah, he wasn’t fooling anyone with that innocently confused expression. “Someone must know you pretty well.”

“What makes you say that?”

Holland turned his head toward the wall, where Zach had three different calendars pinned. Then he rearranged a couple of items on Zach’s desk, uncovering two separate day planners. “And I bet you have a pocket-sized one in your pocket,” he said.

Busted.

About Amy Aislin:

Amy started writing on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class was forced to stay inside for recess. Tales of adventures with her classmates quickly morphed into tales of adventures with the characters in her head. Based in the suburbs of Toronto, Amy is a marketer/fundraiser at a large environmental non-profit in Toronto by day, and a writer by night. Book enthusiast, animal lover and (very) amateur photographer, her interests are many and varied, including travelling, astronomy, ecology, and baking. She binge watches too much anime, and loves musical theater, Julie Andrews, the Backstreet Boys, and her hometown of Oakville, Ontario. 

Connect with Amy Aislin:

Website: https://amyaislin.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyaislin/ 

Twitter: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/amyaislin 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amyaislin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.aislin  

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAislinAuthor  

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ddvWFv 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amyaislinauthor/ 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-aislin 

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/amyaislin 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16693566.Amy_Aislin  

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/amyaislin    

QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/amy-aislin/  

LoveRomanceReads: https://www.loveromancereads.com/amyaislin.html  

 

Giveaway: Amy is giving away a Christmas Lane prize pack, including a signed paperback of Christmas Lane, a personalized Christmas tree ornament, vanilla-flavored loose leaf tea, and a character art print.

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A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Blood for the Spilling (Studies in Demonology #3) by TJ Nichols

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

You really need to read this as a trilogy, and I would highly recommend them if you like epic fantasy/erotic romance with graphic violence. I was so excited for this third book to come out. If I rated the trilogy as a whole, I would rate it 4.5 stars. This is the end of the story arc for our heroes’ journey.

As the magic is draining from Demonside turning it into desert, Humanside is becoming covered in ice. Book two showed the escape from Vinland to the Mayan Empire for Angus, Saka, Terrance, Wek, Lizzie, Reese, and Emma. Everyone gets separated right away. Priest Cadmael has been questioning everyone to make sure they aren’t Vinland spies. He summons up everything I didn’t like about Terrence quite nicely. But what Angus, Terrance, and Saka fell into naturally, here is ritualized. Cadmael wants to get rid of Terrance and force Angus and Saka to bond with a Mayan priest as an anchor. Forcing humans and demons as partners against their will doesn’t seem that much different to me than the College. In fact, the Mayan way might seem better, but there are still ways in which humans are exerting control over demons in everyday life.

The Mayan Empire has a much higher level of magic and are devotional about rebalancing. In the city of Uxmel, demons seem to walk the streets freely. Meanwile Saka gets to see trees, flowing water, and permanent settlements in this part of Demonside. The demons are completely different, antlered, scaled, or feathered. Mage Iktan has put Saka to work in the healer’s building, when humans crossover for help. Lest you think everything is so much better, rebalancing takes on a whole new form here with the introduction of pitz, played in large arena matches. It was previously established that emotion in the blood made it more potent, although why that isn’t being funneled into something renewable instead of beheadings, seems strange. For instance, everyone in the crowd could donate blood rather than just killing a few players. As magical attacks from Vinland increase and their system starts to break down, they are lost–not used to thinking outside the box. They also don’t care about the whole world, just on saving their tiny part of it in the controlled way they want for as long as possible.

There are also doorways created that control the flow of magic between the worlds, as well as where people can come and go–both a good and bad thing. Still, this knowledge could help the Lifeblood tribes being summoned and killed by Vinland. Cadmael askes Angus to speak to World Council of Demonology; they then decides to ban demon magic except for rebalancing. But Saka is sick of waiting for humans to do something, so the demons will try to stop the flow of magic by closing the doors. Angus has a plan to find and take all the stolen magic from Vinland and return it to Demonside. The surprise here is that after all the distrust shown to the defectors, Cadmael just goes along with this plan? After Cadmael being a central character the whole time, he is now just shuffled to the background and no longer seems in charge.

This has always been heading towards the showdown with Angus and the College to restore the magic stolen from Demonside in order to save the world. Overall, I am very happy with how I got there. I would say, I wouldn’t have minded this actually being four books. I feel there was so much detail in the first two books, that when details started to get skimmed over, especially in the last third of the story in order to rush to the conclusion, I felt a little disappointed. After waiting all this time for a love scene between Terrence, Angus, and Saka it was rushed and not quite what I hoped for. I have been a bit hard on Terrence during the course of these books and I will say, while he redeems himself here, he’s still the weak link. I finally decided that is alright; his role is not just the anchor to bring Angus back to Humanside, but to remind Angus of his humanity. He is the only one who wants Angus for Angus, not his magic. Still, I had an expectation that this would be a true triad, and I had to let go of that. There is a lot at the end that we don’t get to see, like what happened to the Lifeblood tribes? What happens when Saka goes back? So, I was left with questions and wondering if they will be told in flashbacks in another book that shows us the rebuilding. If they could take what was good about the Mayan Empire and Vinland (and what about the other nations) and merge them to make a new worldwide system, what would that look like? That’s really the highest compliment I can give: that I don’t want to let go of this world and the people in it. I will reread these.

Cover art by Catt Ford is great and I love how it connects with the story.

Sales Links: DSP Publications | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 280 pages

Published: November 27, 2018 by DSP Publications

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-882-9

Edition Language: English

Series: Studies in Demonology #3

A MelanieM Review: Hockey Holidays Anthology – Various Authors

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

This is a delightful Christmas anthology to indulge in if you love romances in every combination.  While the stories here are mostly het, there are three great M/M romances to lose yourself in for the holidays.  All of them focus on hockey, hockey teams and their  players in their search for HEA.    Another bonus?  All proceeds are donated to charity, 100 percent.

Even TJ Oshie of the Washington Capitals tweeted about the Anthology as the proceeds benefit the “USA Warriors Ice Hockey who operate sled and standing hockey programs for wounded combat veterans and service-disabled vets”.

**100% of the proceeds from sales of this anthology will be donated to charity.** I will say the others 

While the Anthology itself does not indicate which story is M/M or M/F, I have pulled them out for you below. While all the others were fun, I’m just going to review the 3 LGBT stories here written by RJ Scott,  V.L. Locey, and, a new author for me, Susan Scott Shelley.

This holiday season unwrap a brand-new collection of hockey romances that includes humor, drama, love, and – of course – hockey!

Each book is EXCLUSIVE to the anthology and NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED by USA Today, New York Times, and all your favorite bestselling hockey romance authors.

Dallas Christmas by RJ Scott (M/M) Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Logan knows lusting after his captain’s brother can only lead to trouble. But when fate throws them together, it’s hard not to fall in love.

It’s what I’ve come to expect of RJ Scott, a lovely hockey romance. The angst here is in the closeted Logan, fearful for his career, loss of friends and standing with the fans, while very much in love with a man he thinks he can’t have.  It’s very well done, you feel like you know these men and their situation, and the resolution isn’t one of ease but love won out.  Loved it.

Holding On Tight by Susan Scott Shelley (M/M)  Rating 5 stars out of 5
For defenseman Vince Forsberg and his boyfriend Joseph Parelli, the pressure to make their first Christmas together perfect leads to a lot of chaos, holiday mishaps, and some unexpected results.

Susan Scott Shelley is a new author for me and I’m very happy that after each story, there is a section on each author and their novels so I can start a new TBR list for her.  This one my top favorite, a tale of a “perfect Christmas” gone off the rails in every way possible and yet it became the one to remember.  Here a couple, newly moved in together (one giving up a job, house, and state), tries too hard to give the other the perfect Christmas to make up for the stress and strains of the move and the things  going not as smoothly as expected. That they aren’t talking to each other about their fears isn’t helping.

Shelley makes us feel this couple bending under the pressures of the holiday, the high expectations they’ve placed upon themselves, and the love that acts as a support and bridge when everything keeps crashing down.  It’s shows everything that’s wrong and right about the holidays.  Just terrific.  I need  more from this author.

A Star-Crossed Christmas by V.L. Locey (M/M) Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Two years ago, Mitch shared an explosive kiss with his childhood friend Shaun. Will Christmas be the time for the two men to find a future together that works?

When I think of hockey romance, VL Locey name jumps to mind and this is the reason why.  Her ability to mix her love of sports and romance realistically along with great characters. I’m not talking about just the main ones, but the supporting cast like families as well.  Their past history as friends, the town, it all comes across as authentic, and you feel for these  men both as the young boys they were and the people trying to find a path to each other now.  Heartwarming and perfect for the holidays.

When You’re Ready by Toni Aleo (M/F)
He knew she was the one, she wasn’t so sure, which is why Grace and James’ love story is one for the ages.

Of the ones below they ran the gamut from 2.75 stars to 4 stars  out of 5.  Some connected to already established series I was unfamiliar with, others were standalone.  I thought they were cute, quick warm-hearted holiday stories and only made one notation.

A Second Shot by Shannon Stacey (M/F)
She was the one who got away, but when their paths cross once again, all he wants for Christmas is the chance to take another shot at love.

A Wolfe Brothers Christmas by Jami Davenport (M/F)
Spending their first Christmas together in years, the Wolfe brothers fumbling attempts to create good memories go awry.

Christmas Crosscheck by Jaymee Jacobs (M/F)
Bryan’s planning to propose to Georgiana on Christmas Eve, but will the chaos of their families’ first holiday together ruin their special moment?

Final Slapshot by Jean C. Joachim (M/F)
Harry “Deke” Edmonds hides his secret, hoping for a Christmas miracle. When confronted with the truth, will his heart-breaking decision cost him everything?

Lucky Holiday by Jennifer Lazaris (M/F)
Tyler Quinn made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke Ella’s heart, and he’ll need more than an ace up his sleeve to win her back in time for Christmas.

Dmitri’s Christmas Angel by Kat Mizera
Two women. Two surprise pregnancies. Dmitri Papadakis is screwed.

His Christmas Cinderella by Kate Willoughby (M/F) Rating: 2.75 stars out of 5
When Gideon Aguilar mistakes Bailey Peng for his Uber driver it leads to a night he can’t forget. But after she disappears the next morning will he be able to find his perfect fit?

I’m rating this one for a reason.  At first I thought it was adorable but then I thought about the idea of someone  impersonating an Uber driver and if the sexes were reversed.  If the driver is a female, oh that’s so cute.  If the driver is male, then we have issues.  Big ones.  Yep, think it needs to be dinged for that element alone.  Could have met cute another way.  Instead this is just creepy.

Red-Hot Trouble by Lily Harlem (M/F)
Sophie Delaney never intended to walk into ‘that’ locker room, at ‘that’ moment, but she did, and now she’ll never be the same again.

Christmas Interference by Lisa B. Kamps (M/F)
Shane Masters no longer believes in happy-ever-afters. Can the woman who knew him best thaw his heart with a little holiday magic before it’s too late?

The Devoted Father and the Introvert by Mary Smith (M/F)
Elexis Dunaway loves Twitter and work. Dag Limon loves his twin boys and playing professional hockey. Soon their worlds will collide with one simple tweet.

Her Best Worst Boyfriend by Melanie Ting (M/F)
This Christmas, Em Davis is bringing Mr. Wrong home to prove a point to her parents, but Ian Reid might turn out to be Mr. Right.

Icing isn’t Only for Cookies by Melody Heck Gatto (M/F)
Avery James wasn’t looking for love when tall, dark, and deliciously handsome hockey player Kyler Wilson walked into her bakery.

The Playboy by Stephanie Julian (M/F)
Kyle is back in the minors to rehab his career but that’s not all he’s hoping to fix. Convincing the girl he left behind to take another chance on this former playboy will be harder than resurrecting his career.

All I Want by Stephanie Kay (M/F)
When fate brings first loves Maggie and Alex back to the same city, will Maggie be brave enough to give the relationship she never forgot a second chance?

Cover art: Kim Killion.  Perfect cover for an anthology. He’s adorable and has the right props, and I mean that in every way   possible.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Published November 13th 2018
ISBN 139781386861461
Edition Language English

A Lucy Review: Stay Awhile by Kassandra Lea

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

The holidays are usually a whirlwind of busy activity for Anson—decorating, baking for friends—but this year, his heart isn’t in it. He’d hoped coming out to Daly as asexual would be the right thing to do. Since then, he hasn’t heard a word from the handsome photographer.

Now Daly’s suddenly shown up at his front door, asking Anson to trust him, to come with him. He doesn’t dare hope in case this is just another build up to a bigger heartbreak.

The story starts with Anson, drinking hot cocoa and feeling heartsick.  His cat, Noodles, is his only company right now. He’s been waiting for some kind of message from his boyfriend, Daly, and so far hasn’t received one, until Daly shows up at the door.  Apparently, it’s been weeks since he heard anything from Daly and now Daly starts out by enthusing about the pie Anson made.  That was a little odd, but Daly wants to show Anson something. 

I was excited to see this holiday book featuring an asexual MC and I was curious to see how the sex aspect would be handled.   It is a short story at 33 pages and so there isn’t time to fit everything in.  We get the flashback of Anson and Daly’s about-to-be first kiss, which is followed by “And that was the moment he chose to blurt it out, the words popping out of his mouth.  “I’m asexual.”  So that was how Daly finds out, except I can’t help but think he had to have some idea when you’ve been with a guy for months and haven’t even shared a kiss.

While I liked what was here, I felt like I had been dropped into the middle of a chapter.  We are told Daly needed time but we aren’t shown that, or what his actual reaction was, or how that conversation went after Anson’s blurt out.  I needed that to better connect with these guys.  The end also seemed a little too easy, needing more of a conversation.

So it’s a very short, sweet scene of Anson and Daly.

Sales Links:  Mischief Corner Books | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 1, 33 pages
Expected publication: November 28th 2018 by Mischief Corner Books, LLC
ASIN B07K6S8L6K
Edition Language English

A Lila Review: The Billionaire’s Wish (My Billionaire #3) by Geoffrey Knight

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Tis the season to be jolly, but romance writer Matt Darcy is feeling anything but festive. With a pile of rejection letters as high as his latest manuscript, Matt is questioning whether his career as an author will ever take off. And while his perfect husband Cal has planned a week-long trip to a mountain chalet for Matt, Mrs. Mulroney, Mr. Banks, Tilly and Angus—so that everyone can be together and enjoy the lead-up to Christmas—Matt can only hope his feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt won’t ruin the trip.

But when a bump on the head knocks Matt out and he wakes up miles from the chalet, the journey he must undertake is not a trek through the snow, but an eye-opening insight into the lives of those he loves most if he, Matt Darcy, had never, ever existed.

Will Matt let his feelings of uselessness and self-doubt lead him forever into the Forest of Darkness… or will this Christmas open his eyes to the magical truth that it is indeed a wonderful life?

The Billionaire’s Wish is the most recent installment in this series. I did read the previous books but this story can be read as a standalone. As with any other series, it’s best to take the time to read the previous books. It would help the reader understand the characters best, as well as their reactions.

This is definitely a comedic romance to the style of I Love Lucy, The Odd Couple, etc.  If you are not ready for the absurd, this story is not for you. It is funny, odd, sexy, and a little disconcerting, but overall, it works. It gives us a small taste into an established couple’s future and how they adapted after the first two books.

All these, mix with the A Christmas Carol story is a nice start to the holiday season. The topics shaped the story, bringing the characters from a contemporary standpoint to a classic, seamlessly.

The author did an excellent job creating this cover. It goes perfectly with the story and it’s engaging. Something I will stop to look at before reading the blurb.

Sale Link: Kindle Unlimited

Book Details:
ebook, 114 pages
ASIN: B07GCW94HL
Published: November 1, 2018, by Geoffrey Knight
Edition Language: English

An Alisa Review: Santa’s Kinky Elf, Simon by Damian Serbu

Rating:  3.5 stars out of 5

Santa has big plans to release a story about himself right before Christmas, revealing his true nature as a vampire. He decides the best advanced publicity comes from reality stories and enlists Simon the Elf, a captive former human, to hit Chicago for the holidays and strike up a romance.

Santa wants Simon to document the whole thing, so they can give people a taste for life under Santa’s enslavement before the main story hits. Forced to the Second City against his will, Simon at first resists Santa’s orders, knowing a romance would be short lived at best, and at worst bring some innocent victim into Santa’s evil orbit.

But Simon failed to reckon with the charm and wit of Jonah, a hot guy he meets his first night on the town. Falling hard, Simon takes up with his new love despite knowing the awful choice ahead of him. Santa’s Kinky Elf, Simon, tells you this tragic love story in the elf’s own words.

So this is apparently a prelude to Santa is a Vampire that comes out later this month and Santa wants people to like Simon before his book comes out.  That is probably that what I am waiting for the most to see if it continues anything from this story at all.

Santa hasn’t put himself in a good light in this book but doesn’t really mean to but I do like Simon.  I see him struggle to do Santa’s bidding and how he doesn’t want to hurt Jonah but I loved their instant connection.  I don’t know if it’s quite the tragic love story Santa had wanted but you can still see Simon’s hurt at having to leave Jonah.

I like the cover art by Natasha Snow is great and the standard for holiday shorts this year.

Sales Links: Nine Star Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 11,400 words

Published: November 5, 2018 by Nine Star Press

ISBN: 978-1-949909-12-8

Edition Language: English

Series: Simon the Elf

An Ali Review : Mr Winterbourne’s Christmas by Joanna Chambers

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Lysander Winterbourne and Adam Freeman have been living happily at Edgeley Park for the last eighteen months. By day Lysander is Adam’s estate manager, by night, his lover, but neither man has spoken of their deeper feelings. Is this a happy-ever-after or just a convenient arrangement?

When the two men are invited to Winterbourne Abbey for a family Christmas, matters quickly come to a head. Snowed in at the Abbey with a house full of guests, they have to face up to shocking revelations, long-held secrets and a choice Lysander never expected to have to make.

This was my first Christmas read of the season and may end up being my favorite.  I had read the first book Introducing Mr. Winterbourne when it first came out and I was dying to see more of this couple.  The author definitely didn’t disappoint when she gave us a peak into what is going on with them.
The first book ends with these two starting a new relationship.  This book takes us a year and a half down the road.  They’re still together and very happy but neither has made a long term commitment and they’re both unsure of what their future holds.  They head back to Lysander’s family estate to celebrate the holiday.  
 
The plot is fast paced and super entertaining.  Parts were funny and parts were swoon worthy romantic.  There are a bunch of interesting side characters and the plots are varied.  Even though this is a short story I found myself thoroughly invested in a few of them and I’d love to see stories about them down the road.  
 
A Christmas miracle wasn’t needed because these two already love each other, they just had to figure out how to let the other know.  When they do you’ll have a giant smile on your face.
 
This should not be read as a standalone.  You need to read the first book* prior to reading this one.   This is a must read for fans of the first story.  
 
The cover was done by Natasha Snow. I find myself ambivalent about the cover.  I really like the top two thirds a lot but I don’t care for the two heads at the bottom.  I know they’re under the mistletoe but it still looks off to me. I’d have preferred it to just be the greenery.  
*Volume #1 – Introducing Mr. Winterbourne – CURRENTLY FREE – Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
Book Details:
ebook, 111 pages
Published November 19th 2018 by Joanna Chambers
ISBN 139781999709198
Edition Language English
Series Winterbourne #2