An Alisa Review Pros & Cons of Vengeance (Pros & Cons #2) by A.E. Wasp

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

*FIVE JOBS. FIVE CHANCES FOR REDEMPTION. One thing’s for sure: these men are no angels.*

There’s nothing like being blackmailed by a dead man to really bring a group of cons together. And what a group we are: a hacker, a thief, a con artist, a thug, and a Federal agent with an axe to grind. The deal is simple, we do the jobs and Charlie’s lawyer wipes the slate clean for each of us, one at a time.

Since job number one calls for some muscle, it looks like I’m up first. I’m Steele Alvarez, ex-Special Forces Close Protection Specialist (aka, a bodyguard for some not so nice guys).

After learning what the job is — taking down a seemingly untouchable senator with a penchant for beating up young male prostitutes — I’m in. No questions. A bullet ought to do the trick.

Then I met Senator Harlan’s latest victim: Breck Pfeiffer, the gorgeous hooker with a heart of gold and the soul of a fighter. One look at him and I’m gone. That kid laid me out harder than any punch ever did. I’ll do anything to protect Breck, even kill for him. But Breck doesn’t want the senator dead, he wants vengeance.

If we’re going to find a way bring down the slimebag and get the blackest mark on my record erased, I’m going to need all the help I can get.

Like it or not, we’re all in this together.

This was a great story and I look forward to see the rest of the jobs. I own a few books from each of these authors but have never read them and I think that may be a mistake I need to fix.

Charlie sure brought an interesting group of guys together. They each have their strengths and they quickly learn how to work with each other. Even though they are all “bad” guys they will go to extreme lengths to take out the real bad guys. They all find a common ground and I can’t wait to see who the next book will focus on.

Steele feels the need to care for Breck and with his brother Ridge glaring in the background he has trouble taking the next step. I loved seeing Breck be able to get past Steele’s defenses and give him the safety to be able to deal with his demons at the same time. I love the start these two have gotten and hope we get to see their relationship blossom even more.

I loved the cover art, it just draws your eye.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 224 pages

Published: September 10, 2018

Edition Language: English

Series: Pros & Cons #1

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review : Better Place (Rainbow Place #3) by Jay Northcote

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

CONTAINS SPOILERS

I generally love Jay Northcote’s stories. His writing style is pure Brit and his characters are always believable, three-dimensional, and endearing. I’ve enjoyed the Rainbow Place series and always look forward to the glimpse of past characters and a chance to catch up with them. We get that here, and it was enjoyable, but I had a few problems with the romance in this story. From here to the end, I’ve included detail that some will consider spoilers so please don’t read if you don’t want details on the relationship dynamics in this book.

Dylan was a sweetheart. A young man in his late twenties, he’s six years past an emotionally abusive relationship that he stuck out until he finally realized what was happening. He’s vowed not to let it happen again. He’s an artist who is gaining some local popularity, and he works as a waiter and barista at Rainbow Place. There he meets a man in his early forties who comes in day after day with his laptop and works there for hours. Eventually, Dylan learns that Joe is a writer and he’s taken time off from teaching after a redundancy left him jobless. He thinks Joe is hot and he enjoys talking to him. It isn’t until a while later that he learns what we readers already know—Joe is in a long-term relationship. But we also know that it’s falling apart.

Joe’s partner, Harry, agreed to let him work on his book but he’s beginning to treat Joe more like a housekeeper, cook, and maid and making him wait on him hand and foot when they are home together. Harry drinks a lot—every night and from what we see on page, it appears he’s drinking wine and hard alcohol and a bottle a night is disappearing. One night, when Joe has had enough of Harry falling asleep in front of the TV, he heads to Rainbow Place and ultimately ends up dancing with and nearly kissing Dylan. As a result, he confronts Harry when he gets home and they decide to break up. Well, to be fair, it’s Joe who decides to break from Harry. Joe moves into a spare room and determines that once he finishes his book and finds a job, he’ll move out and they’ll take care of paperwork and legal matters regarding the house at that time.

He immediately embarks on a relationship with Dylan. And here is where I have a problem, which is actually twofold. First, the level of Harry’s alcohol abuse is more than simply “a drinking habit” as it was referred to a number of times in the story. Alcoholism isn’t a habit. It’s a disease. And if a character is going to drink and behave the way it’s described in this story, that should be addressed and help offered, even if Harry doesn’t take it. My second issue is that Joe begins to spend the night, on a number of occasions, with Dylan almost immediately, and they not only kiss and get each other off, they soon have penetrative sex. I’m sorry, but to me, since he still lives in Harry’s home, that’s not exercising his freedom, that’s cheating—or at least being dishonorable. And it was way too soon to start a relationship. I could not get into this couple, mostly for that reason, and I really wanted to smack Joe, who is about 15 years older than Dylan, for making such poor life choices. Dylan, at least, wanted to slow down, recognizing that he may be a rebound. And Dylan had real concerns for Joe in that relationship so he was the more mature partner in this story.

They do ultimately end up together and Harry sort of fades into the woodwork. Fans of the series will likely enjoy it. I’m sure my personal bias when it comes to both alcoholism and cheating may put me in the minority, but this book just wasn’t my cuppa.

The cover by Garrett Leigh is a picture of a handsome shirtless man. I don’t see the connection to the story, but the guy will certainly grab some readers’ attention.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 246 pages
Published February 22nd 2019 by Jaybird Press
ASINB07P12R9N5
Series Rainbow Place :

Rainbow Place

Safe Place

Better Place

Check out the Release Blitz for Perilous Hearts (Deviant Hearts #3) by A E Ryecart (excerpt and giveaway)

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Perilous Hearts (Deviant Hearts #3)

Author: A E Ryecart

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Tammy Clarke

Genre/s: MM Romance (friends to lovers with psychological suspense)

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: approx. 95 000 words

It’s the third in the Deviant Hearts series, but can be read as a standalone. There is no need to have read the other books in the series first.

Release Date: March 8, 2019

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Blurb

You can lock your door, but can you lock your heart?

Finding the courage to end his relationship with his manipulative and vicious boyfriend, Jamie Wheeler turns to his close friend Ed Corrigan to help him get his life back on track.

Jamie and Ed have been inseparable for years, and all it would take is a small step to cross the divide from friends to lovers.

It would be the biggest mistake they could make.

Jamie seeks the security of a settled long-term relationship, but Ed vows never to put his heart on the line again after a devastating betrayal. Anything beyond friendship is a risk, and could break them forever.

As Jamie’s vindictive ex causes trouble from the side-lines, a face from the past makes an unwelcome return. Jamie’s life isn’t getting back on track, it’s coming off the rails, as a series of seemingly random events lead to only one of two conclusions: either somebody’s playing a dark and sinister game, or Jamie’s losing his mind.

Tensions rise and danger approaches, drawing Jamie and Ed closer than ever. But time is running out as they race to discover not only what is happening, and why, but also what they truly mean to each other.

The third book in the Deviants Heart series, Perilous Hearts is a slow burn friends to lovers romance intertwined with dark psychological suspense. It can be read as a stand-alone and there is no need to have read the previous two books in the series. No cliff hanger and HEA guaranteed.

Excerpt

“I like what you’ve done here. Redecorating and wiping away all traces.”

“It was long overdue.”

“It was.”

So much truth, in those two little words. There was nothing I could say and silence settled in around us.

“I just wish you’d told me earlier what was going on.”

Ed’s voice was tight and hard as though he’d had to force the words out. His deep blue eyes bored into mine, and I couldn’t drag my gaze away.

“Why, Jamie? Why didn’t you say anything to me? I could have dealt with it – with him – and stopped everything from escalating. Don’t ever hold back on me like that again.”

“I—” Shame filled me and I looked away, no longer able to hold Ed’s steady gaze.

Had I really thought I could deal with Callum and everything he was doing to me? The drugs, the intimidation, the men he was fucking and not bothering to hide from me. Little by little, drip by drip, Callum had made me feel worthless, and that what he was doing was somehow my fault. But hadn’t I allowed him to treat me like that? Hadn’t I, in some way, been complicit?

I jumped, the sear of electricity shooting through my nerves as Ed trailed his fingers along my forearm. I swallowed down the hard, dry lump lodged in my throat.

“I—I didn’t want you to think I was weak and stupid, even though that’s what I was.”

“What?” Ed sat up straight, his face fighting shock, anger and indignation. “You think I would blame you in some way? I’d never, ever do that. You’re not responsible for him and how he was, and don’t even begin to think you are. Hey, look at me.”

I could feel the heat and pull of Ed’s gaze, and there was nothing I could do to resist. Ed tilted his head, just a little, and the ghost of a smile sat on his lips. He spoke, and his voice lost its edge as it became quieter, deeper.

“Did you think I’d shake my head and walk away? That I’d leave you to struggle?”

“No, but. . .” But what? I was floundering, sinking into the depths of Ed’s unwavering gaze. “You and Callum,” I croaked, “things were always tense between you. I wanted to keep some kind of, I don’t know, peace I suppose.”

“Peace? Between me and Callum?” Ed shook his head. “There was no peace. I hated him from the very beginning, and it wasn’t long before I had him worked out for the user and parasite he was. He had just enough going on in his vicious little brain to know I’d figured him out. But that wasn’t all, it wasn’t even the main part of it.”

“I don’t understand.” The words were a lie. I understood perfectly.

“Don’t you? We were jealous of each other. Right from the start we were at war.”

Ed’s eyes held my own, never, never before so serious and focused. Focused on me. If the world around us stopped spinning I wouldn’t have cared, because in that moment we were the only world that mattered.

I tilted my head as Ed leaned into me, his breath warm, damp and just a moment from my lips. In some tiny, dark corner of my mind a little voice whispered we were crossing a line which could never be uncrossed. I didn’t care. I closed my eyes as my mind shut down and my body took over, ready for the kiss that would alter the course of my life and seal my fate.

A heavy crash, and the angry, loud creak of floorboards. My eyes flew open, both of us jerking backwards, away from the kiss that would have changed everything forever.

We stared at the ceiling, open mouthed and wide-eyed, as the lightshade swung from side to side.

About the Author

A E Ryecart – or Ali as she’s known to many of her readers – writes contemporary mm romance and gay fiction. From the warm, sweet and fuzzy to the gritty, hard-hitting and challenging, Ali doesn’t hold back from making life just that little bit (or a lot) difficult for her men. But then who said the road to love and happiness was an easy one?

Ali’s stories are often set in London, where she was born and raised, providing the perfect metropolitan background to the main action. Now she’s older, if not wiser, and lives just outside of the big bad city with her husband, an overactive imagination, and a huge pot of coffee as she pounds the keyboard of her trusty laptop.

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Review Tour and Giveaway for Helix by Anna Martin

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner

Length: 61,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Blurb

When high school student James has trouble with his truck, Dylan, who is studying to be a mechanic, comes to the rescue. James thinks he hides his immediate attraction well, but is happy to be wrong when Dylan asks for his number. Since James is new to romance, they take things slowly, and because Dylan is in college, James keeps the budding relationship secret from his overprotective dad.

Across town, Mark, a teacher and single father to James and his sister, Frankie, meets Steve at a bar for what both believe will be a quick hookup. Mark doesn’t see any reason to tell his kids about Steve or press Steve for details about Steve’s adopted son…. It’s just sex between them. Isn’t it?

Two very different love stories grow side by side, each hidden from the other. But all of that changes at a family barbecue, when Mark decides it’s time for his kids to meet Steve and for him to meet James’s boyfriend, who none of them realize is Steve’s son, Dylan. The inevitable explosion means the two couples have some explaining to do to soothe the hurt feelings of their families—and lovers.

Read Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review here.

Author Bio

Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the southwest of England and now lives in the Bristol, a city that embraces her love for the arts. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, Anna is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theater (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), going to visit friends in other countries, and reading anything thatís put under her nose.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, prereading, and creative ass kicking provided by her best friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept responsibility for anything Anna has written.

https://www.annamartin-fiction.com/
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A Caryn Review :Helix by Anna Martin

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

How weird would it feel to find out the new man you were dating was the father of the man your son was dating? Alternately, how would it feel to find out that your father was hooking up with your boyfriend’s dad?

Mark was the single father of twin 18-year-old highschool seniors. He had been devoted to raising them since his wife left when they were toddlers, and he pretty much put his own life on hold to be the best father that he could be. His kids were peripherally aware of his bisexuality, but he pretty much limited himself to hookups in order to keep his focus on his kids. He was also aware that his kids were adults and ready to move on with their own independent lives, and he started wondering if it was time for him to take that next step to finding a partner. Steve was at a similar point in his life – his adopted son Dylan was 21, and although he still lived at home, he had a good job as an apprentice mechanic, and was essentially independent. Mark and Steve hooked up at a bar, but exchanged phone numbers and started a tentative “friends with benefits but maybe we could be something more” relationship.

At the same time that Mark and Steve were getting to know each other, Dylan and James met and started dating. Their relationship was a bit more traditional – dating and getting to know each other before they jumped into sex. Dylan was older, definitely more mature, but despite that their relationship was surprisingly balanced. I loved the gentle way Dylan introduced James, a virgin, to sex. For all that he was a big, tough mechanic, there was a soft and nurturing side to Dylan, and I will admit he was my favorite character.

Mark and James, despite their close father/son relationship, did not open up easily about dating, so it was a few months before they decided to arrange a time to meet, and both couples were fairly established. In one of those “it seemed like a good idea at the time” situations, they decided to have a family barbecue and let everyone meet – and it was disastrous. The unexpected revelation shocked all four men, and they all reacted in the worst possible ways. I think it could have been a farce, but it was actually very sensitively and realistically written, and the fallout of that meeting strained all of the relationships. There was a definite sense of betrayal on all sides, and working past that moment was a great character study.

One of the best things about this book is that you truly could identify with either couple. I personally preferred the romance between the sons more than that between the fathers, but I am sure other readers will pick different favorites. It plays out more as a family drama than a romance, and the ending was a little unexpected, but ultimately very satisfying. I thought about rating this book higher, but though I really enjoyed the interplay of the relationships and the overall believability of it, the tone of the entire book was a little detached, a little clinical, and it just lacked that extra spark that made me not only like the characters, but fall in love with them. There is absolutely no melodrama here, but maybe the pendulum swung a little too far away from the intensity and fervor that make a book really memorable to me.

Cover art by Garrett Leigh missed the mark for me – I couldn’t connect this one young man to the four intertwined relationships that are perfectly summed up in the title.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner

Book Details:

ebook, 1st edition, 200 pages
Expected publication: February 26th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 139781640808904
Edition Language English

Love Contemporary Romance? Check Out Helix by Anna Martin (giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner

Length: 61,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Blurb

Author Bio

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An Alisa Review: Finding Forgiveness (The Knights Club #5) by CJ Baty

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Xavier Knight lied and now his past was catching up to him. Sebastian Brady meant everything to him. Losing him wasn’t an option Xavier was ready to accept. Ghosts from his past threaten to open up a secret that needs to stay hidden. He wasn’t going to let Zach Brady or anyone else take his happiness away from him.

Zachary Brady had lived in the shadow of his father his entire life. He’d lost his family, his job—everything. What happened between him and Xavier Knight was long ago and best forgotten. He wasn’t going to allow it to sabotage his chance to be accepted by his brothers and sister as family again.

Neither man realizes that they don’t hold the key to their peace of mind. And when the truth is revealed, it will shake their worlds. Family isn’t always the one you are born into, sometimes it’s the one you create for yourself.

So, this series has been frustrating me and this one just jumped on that bandwagon too. Zach and Xavier’s past doesn’t help this story and the fact that they had been keeping it a secret didn’t help matters and muddies the waters even more when Phillip begins to look for his mother.

We do get to learn some of what actually happened between Zach and Xavier and not just through Xavier’s stilted view. I can’t help but feel that Zach was an ass in regards to his family and no wonder his kids haven’t spoken to him in years. It was nice to see him begin to turn over a new leaf which mostly starts with his siblings. So much is left open and with no conclusion it just was not satisfying as an ending to the series.

The cover art by Select-O-Grafix continues to follow the design of the rest of the series but just doesn’t do anything in regards to the story.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

Ebook, 85 pages

Published: February 6, 2019

Edition Language: English

Series: The Knights Club #5

An Ashlez Review: Broken by Colette Davison

Rating – 4.5 stars out of 5

Rule #1: Keep running.

Jag’s rules have kept him safe and free since he escaped conversion therapy, but that was before he walked into Heaven and Hell. A no-strings fling with the club owner, Michael, turns into so much more as Jag finds himself breaking one rule after another.

Michael hasn’t been able to commit to anyone since his partner died, until Jag walks into his club. Falling in lust with the elfin young dancer is easy, and his heart is quick to follow.

Michael gives Jag a reason to stay, but fear rules Jag’s heart more than love. Despite his deepening feelings for Michael, Jag knows he can’t stay. Can he?

**Contains adult themes, content, and language.**

When the book first starts off you get a slight sense of who Jag is, you get no sense as to who Michael is but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Both men seem well put together and quite smart – I honestly couldn’t wait to get to know them more.

Jag’s character backstory progresses at a nice pace – I didn’t feel like I was stalled at all getting to know him and what his life entailed

I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this one – the atmosphere was electric and I didn’t want to put the book down. It was so well written in my head I was just like, this is a movie! The climax I think could have been a bit more intense but I clearly wasn’t mad at it.

I loved the dance aspect I loved the characters and the emotions involved in the book, such a good read, and beautiful writing.

Cover Art by Colette Davison. This art was spectacular, the cover describes specifics of the book and it’s so mesmerizing to look at

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P67CNDK/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P67CNDK/

Book Details:

ebook
Published March 5th 2019
Edition Language English

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Freckles by Amy Lane

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Small dogs can make big changes… if you open your heart.

Carter Embree always hoped someone might rescue him from his productive, tragically boring, and (slightly) ethically compromised life. But when an urchin at a grocery store shoves a bundle of fluff into his hands, Carter goes from rescuee to rescuer—and he needs a little help.

Sandy Corrigan, the vet tech who eases Carter into the world of dog ownership, first assumes Carter is a crazy-pants client who just needs to relax. But as Sandy gets a glimpse of the funny, kind, sexy man under Carter’s mild-mannered exterior, he sees that with a little care and feeding, Carter might be “Super Pet Owner”—and decent boyfriend material to boot.

But Carter needs to see himself as a hero first. As he says goodbye to his pristine house and hello to carpet treatments and dog walkers, he finds there really is more to himself than a researching drudge without a backbone. A Carter Embree can rate a Sandy Corrigan. He can be supportive. He can be a man who stands up for his principles!

He can be the owner of a small dog.

Freckles by Amy Lane is the very essence of a lighthearted, feel so good romance that make you want to snuggle and laugh. Yes, she writes those too. It’s in that face on the cover that makes you want to pick it up and take it home to love. That’s this book in a nutshell.

Somehow Amy Lane captured that and put everything you feel when you are looking at that face and put it into two characters, and their path towards dog ownership and love. Just amazing.

It’s a trip you know that Carter Embree is going to take whether he realizes it or not the moment that bundle of fur is put into his hands. Freckles comes alive as a character for us and for Carter. That puppy jumps into our hearts just as firmly as they do Carter’s so we don’t even puzzle as we watch the growth in the man as he expands emotionally and more to become first the person Freckles needs him to be and then the person he himself was always meant to be.

Sandy Corrigan is the other wonderful main character helping both Carter and Freckles along their journey. I adored him. His energy, his passion for the animals, and for Carter. Their relationship, all three, had me just smiling til my face hurt.

And there’s more of course, Secondary characters that really are so terrific, so believable, they are an absolute delight.

Truly, this is a feel great book to read over and over again. Need something to pick you up? Make your heart feel better? Your day a little lighter and brighter? Look no further than the cover and the wonderful story of Freckles by Amy Lane. I highly recommend it.

Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht. This cover just grabbed at my heart. Totally Freckles and precious in every way. Adorable.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Kobo

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 2nd edition, 137 pages
Expected publication: March 8th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press (first published November 14th 2016)
ASINB07L3VJCVV
Edition Language English

Characters Carter Embrea, Sandy Corrigan
setting Sacramento, California (United States)
California (United States)

Release Blitz for Broken by Colette Davison (excerpt and giveaway)

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Broken

Author: Colette Davison

Cover Artist: Colette Davison

Genre/s: MM Contemporary Romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Release Date: March 5, 2019

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P67CNDK/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P67CNDK/

Blurb

Rule #1: Keep running.

Michael hasn’t been able to commit to anyone since his partner died, until Jag walks into his club. Falling in lust with the elfin young dancer is easy, and his heart is quick to follow.

Michael gives Jag a reason to stay, but fear rules Jag’s heart more than love. Despite his deepening feelings for Michael, Jag knows he can’t stay. Can he?

**Contains adult themes, content, and language.**

Broken will be available for 99c/99p from March 5 – 7

Excerpt

“I need to say a few things,” Michael said, pausing as he felt Jag stiffen. “I need to be honest with you.”

“No.” Jag’s hand pressed against Michael’s mouth, no doubt transferring silver smudges to his lips. “I’m happy with the lie you told me last night.”

Well, at least Michael knew he definitely hadn’t fooled Jag. Gently, he moved Jag’s hand away from his mouth. His hand became coated in a sparkling silver sheen.

“I’m not.”

Jag clenched his teeth.

“I care about you,” Michael said. “And I can’t pretend otherwise.”

“You don’t know me,” Jag hissed.

“Don’t I?”

Jag became even more rigid, his muscles so hard beneath Michael’s fingers he felt like a statue as well as looking like one.

“I don’t have to know about your past to know who you are now.”

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

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