Category: Contemporary fiction

A MelanieM Review: Femme (Femme #1) by Marshall Thornton

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Queeny cocktail waiter, Lionel, wakes up to find himself in bed with Dog, a straight-acting softball player and the two embark on a rocky road to romance. A journey that requires coming out of the closet, going into the closet, a pair of red high heels, many pairs of red high heels, a failed intervention, a couple of aborted dates, and homemade pom-poms. Mostly, Lionel and Dog learn what it means to be a man.

I fell deeply in love with Lionel, the femme of the novel Femme right from the opening paragraphs when he is grapheling with waking up to the morning after realities in the most delightful of Lionel ways.  The conversation he’s having with himself over the man in his bed, the probabilities over what he thinks his name is, whether or not the sex was as delightful as he remembers it was or great dream sex….the rambling goes on and my love affair just solidified itself.  I loved Lionel.

He was effervescence itself while having been through more than a few of life’s harder realities.  Trust me, Lionel is someone who has accepted himself, knows who he is and isn’t going to back down for anyone. He’s fabulous without being a cliche or if he is, Lionel is going to grab that cliche, glam it up, and make it his own.   I totally forgot that Marshall Thornton had created him.  For me, Lionel became real in just a few pages and has stayed that way, even now.

Then Dog woke up.

Dog aka Doug, well, he’s got a different path to  walk, including that to my heart.  It takes a while with Dog.  He’s unsure of everything in his life, including how to stand up for himself, how to come out to his family, how he feels about femmes, just about every important question in life is one that Doug needs to answer in this book.  Loyalty, love, and relationship questions….all are looming large here.

Dog  (the reason for his name will be explained towards the end of the story…perfect really) undergoes realistic character growth.  A much needed ones.  Because, like Lionel, Doug comes across as so real he is also so disappointing in his actions at crucial times in the story.  You’ll see it coming and start flinching at the approach because Marshall Thornton knows human behavior.  I can see readers having issues here.  But it is also what makes Dog/Doug’s growth and the steps he finally takes so rewarding.  He becomes the man who Lionel deserves to have in his life.  They deserve each other, pom poms and all.

Marshall Thornton really knows how to write characters that have staying power.

This is the first in a series.  It has me wondering if the author will pull from the pool of amazing characters he created for this novel or if he’s going to do something  entirely   different but same subject matter.  I don’t care. Ok, yes, I do.  I love all these characters and want to see them all again, except one.  Boo hiss to him.  So I’ll be waiting for my next Marshall Thornton story to arrive (he’s become an automatic read for me).  Meanwhile, I’m highly recommending Femme (Femme #1) by Marshall Thornton to all of you.  It’s two person narrative is highly addictive as are its characters,  the story flows smoothly and quickly, and the ending is one to leave you happy and wanting more of  this couple.

Cover art by Marshall Thornton.  I like the red shoes.  So Lionel but the font seems to harsh.  Maybe that’s what’s jarring me.

Sales Link:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 222 pages
Published July 28th 2016 by Kenmore Books
ASINB01FT7CVKU
Edition Language English
Series Femme
Literary AwardsLambda Literary Award Nominee for Gay Romance (2017), Rainbow Award for Gay Romantic Comedy (2nd) (2016)

A Lucy Review: Love For All Seasons Charity Anthology – Various Authors

Rating:  3.5 stars out of 5

This anthology has stories that share the theme of the seasons.  In some, the season is front and center, such as Winter’s Chill and Sweeter Than Honey, while in others it is not integral to the story.  As in every anthology there were stories I liked more than others.  I got introduced to authors new to me, several of which I will be looking forward to seeing again.   All the stories here are fairly short, as typical in an anthology. 

Brioche for Two  – V.L. Locey  (3.5 stars)  Brian is a businessman who orders two brioche delivered from the bakery where Isamu works.  Isamu is a broke film student and can’t figure out why an obviously well-to-do man such as Brian would want to have anything to do with him.   Of course, he helps Isamu with his film project on finding passion.   It really is the story of their meeting and maybe beginning.

Sweeter Than Honey – C.M. Valencourt (4 stars)  Grayson is a vegan baker who sells at the market where Wyatt sells honey from his hives.  Some nasty attitude prevails and it is up to Wyatt to show Grayson not everyone is cruel.  New to me author and this story was adorable.  I admit, the vegan aspect drew me in – I am a vegetarian always trying to make that leap to vegan.  The uninformed and sanctimonious way Grayson attacked Wyatt is, unfortunately, all too common in the vegan community .  Wyatt is patient and a good person and I enjoyed reading about the bees.

Special Nights – DJ Jamison (3.5 stars) Sam suffers from severe insomnia and sometimes trying to sleep just isn’t worth it so he heads off to spend time in the very early morning at the diner where Hunter works.  Hunter has a lot going on in his personal life right now but he takes the time to talk to Sam.  This is set across the year and how they slowly become something to each other.  I liked the flirting between the two and the fact that nothing was rushed.  They shared snippets about themselves and didn’t fall into bed, which made it seem real.  It was cute, maybe needed to be a bit longer.

Winter’s Chill – Cathy Brockman (2 stars)  Jeff is working on his grandfather’s house so that his mother can sell it.  Lane is his next door neighbor and during a storm not only does the power go out but Jeff is trapped under a fallen branch.  Luckily, Lane hears it and rescues Jeff, then offers to let him stay by Lane’s, where there is a generator, heat and food.   It is the week they spend snowed in that they get to know each other.  This one had potential but I didn’t think it lived up to it.  Part of it may be a personal thing, as it is written in present tense and that isn’t preferred for me.  The other part is that they have conversations that seem forced and stilted.  The writing style wasn’t working for me and this one wasn’t a favorite.

Beach Boys – Annabelle Jacobs (3.5 stars)  Russ is on vacation with his best friend, Sarah, and another friend, Karen.  It was technically a girl’s weekend until the third girl broke her ankle and Russ is invited to fit in.  It’s a sweet bungalow right on the water and he’s extremely happy to be there.  Even more so when spying the hot surfers on the beach.  What more could he ask for?   Told in first person by Russ, I liked the whole meet your guy on vacation and this one was sweet instead of all sexy.  I liked that too because this is the very beginning of something for these guys.  There are some funny parts, such as Bailey the dog and her love for tug of war, that made me smile.

Who Do You Love, My Valentine – EJ Smyth (2.5 stars) Nox is a god who has been crushing on a human, Matt, for more than two years.  It happens that at Valentine’s season Cupid needs some help and of course Nox draws the short straw and has to fix Matt up with someone else.  How can that be!  Especially when Nox misses the shot and now Matt is falling in love with a woman, Joanie.  Now what?  Right in the beginning, Nox is invisible and he is licking Matt’s neck and fondling his groin, while Matt is unable to know what is going on.  He even admits it, “It was a creepy thing to do, but he was close, so very close.”  Ummm, nope, not a reason and that made me very uncomfortable.  Joanie was accidentally shot by the arrow is now extremely attracted to Matt and Nox just sort of pushes that to the side, which was annoying.  I did appreciate that when Matt is hit with the arrow, it hurts! That was unique.   This one was up and down for me, but feather sex pushed it down a little.

Favorite Flowers – Chris McHart (4 stars)  Gabe owns a flower shop, working with his best friend, Tara.  Tara is on him to get out there and start dating again, that “Not every guy is a cheating bastard.”  But he doesn’t want to and he’s sticking to his guns.  Then a customer comes in, totally overwhelmed, and wants to buy flowers.   He starts coming in every week to get a bouquet but never gives any indication of being interested or even being available so Gabe is sure it’s nothing. He doesn’t even given Gabe his name until much later, Jason.  This was by far my favorite of the anthology because the dance they are doing in the flower shop was shy and sweet.  Jason is going through a divorce after sharing with his wife, who was his best friend, that he’s pan, so he wants that out in the open right away.  I applauded him for that.  Jason’s way of asking Gabe out was romantic and lovely, and his reasoning for keeping Gabe a little at arm’s length was perfect.  “Just you, me, lube.  That’s it.” 

The Last Chance  – RJ Scott (2.5 stars)  Luke is a senior in college, set to graduate.   He can’t forget the kiss (and frot) he had with the captain of the hockey team four years before.  Of course, said Captain, Justin, hasn’t spoken to him since that day.  Luke “wanted to, but he avoided me, and I got the message.”  Now it is senior year and for some reason Jason’s jock friends are apologizing for things Luke might be holding against Justin because of them.  That part was cute.  What wasn’t so cute for me was that after four years of ignoring him, Justin has now decided to make a move.   His friends are trying to help and that was cute, but after four years of nothing, I wanted way more groveling than we got.  At first, Luke acted like I expected a self-respecting person to act when they’ve been treated poorly and get, “Please believe me, I had my reasons” as the excuse.  “I should have spoken to you.  I’ve waited so long.”  You are on the same college campus!  So I thought the end was totally out of left field, particularly when you factor in that in reality, they only spent part of one evening together.   I am a big RJ Scott fan but this one didn’t work for me.

Cover art by RJ Scott is soft, sweet and fitting to the mood and style of the stories.

Sales Link:

Universal Buy Link

Book Details:

ebook
Published April 19th 2018 by Love Lane Books Limited (first published April 16th 2018)
Original TitleLove for all Seasons
ISBN139781785641244
Edition LanguageEnglish
URLhttp://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: His Truth by Riley Hart

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Note: possible triggers—violence and homophobia

This is a tough story for me to review as it’s very good but loaded with emotional turmoil, and angst, which is one of my least favorite themes. Plus, one of the MCs was so emotionally damaged as a teen that it’s affected his adult behavior, and he’s a difficult character to like.

When they were teens, Roman and Leo were exploring their sexuality as they fell in love. Neither had what could be termed a good home life: Leo’s wealthy parents were emotionally absent, but Roman’s family was worse: consisting of an older brother and a father, both of whom worked outside the law and neither of whom tolerated most of Roman’s behavior. When his brother told his father he saw Roman and Leo holding hands, Roman was beaten so severely he nearly died. From that moment on, he knew he’d never again see Leo, nor would he ever again think of anyone other than a woman sexually. To seal the deal, when Leo kept bugging Roman to see him again, Roman finally agreed and then punched Leo’s lights out and told him to stay away.

After surviving another year of high school alone, Leo, who could well have afforded college, chose to leave home to become his own man. As the story opens, he’s been living in the LA area, a footloose gay man who tends bar and takes men home pretty much every night. Roman, on the other hand, did everything in his power to shake his past and put himself through college after his father was killed and his brother was imprisoned. Now successful and wealthy, he lives life on his own terms with his ex-girlfriend as his bestie who drags him out once in a while to get him away from his boring work existence.

Speaking of his bestie, Amy, I was pleased that the author gave her a nice personality. It was quite refreshing to have a female character like her in a story, instead of the tried-and-true nasty ex we so often see. So thank you, Ms. Hart.

On one of these excursions where Amy drags him out, Roman spots Leo from a distance serving bar at an outdoor club. Though he didn’t stop to speak to him then, Roman can’t stay away and comes back another night, at first just to talk. But eventually, the two manage to find their way to a truce, then a friendship, then a renewed relationship—once Roman gets past that haunting voice in his head that tells him it’s wrong to be a homosexual. But does he really leave that voice behind? That’s the crux of the story.

I generally don’t care for stories told in mixed present tense and flashbacks, but thankfully, the author only uses this to fill readers in on their teen years and it’s not overdone. One of the things that bothered me throughout the story though was Roman’s driven behavior—his OTT need to be close to Leo as soon as they agreed to date each other again. It was almost smother-love as Roman sought to stay with Leo and wrap them up in a cocoon—over and over again. His behavior was odd to say the least, and though Leo notices and realizes something is off, he can’t quite pinpoint what it is, so he does nothing. I liked Leo’s character, but even he came across as needy—in a different way from Roman—and neither was functioning at an age-appropriate maturity level.

When the perfect storm of circumstances comes to a head, Roman’s house of cards collapses and his behaviors are finally explained, and fortunately, treatment is available. Once everything was spelled out, it all made sense, but while I was reading I found Roman’s character off-putting. So overall, though I recognize that he was the way he was so the story could be told the way it was intended; nevertheless, I didn’t care for him.

I have no doubt that those who love a story with a high degree of angst and emotional pain, or lovers reunited, will enjoy this story. It’s emotional, painful, and heartbreaking, but has a positive outcome and ends with hope for the future.

~~~

Cover art by X-Potion Designs is done in black and white and depicts one young man lying on this back with his arms above his head and another leaning over him. Both appear to be naked. The cover represents the elements of the story, however, I am not a fan of black-and-white covers. They generally do not grab my attention and aren’t memorable.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 1 edition, 204 pages
Published March 27th 2018 by Riley Hart
Original TitleHis Truth
ASINB07BRYP97Y
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Life Is A Stevie Wonder Song by V.L. Locey

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

Authors know that their muse is a fickle creature. Best-selling spy novelist Stephen Ramsey has been in a hate-hate relationship with his inspiration for months. When Stephen’s publisher lays a legal ultimatum upon him, with a rapidly approaching deadline, he knows he must do something to kick-start his creativity or face the unemployment line. His daughter comes up with a possible answer: a summer camp for the creative soul. With nothing to lose, Stephen packs up his laptop, phonograph and beloved record albums and heads from Greenwich Village to the Catskill Mountains.

There, among a horde of college students attending for extra credits, is Declan Pomeroy, a photographer of fey creatures who is twenty-two years younger than Stephen. The woods are a magical place, and he quickly finds himself falling under the spell of the free-spirited photographer. Confusion wars with desire inside Stephen as he succumbs to the feelings welling up inside. But, sadly, summer camp always has to end. Can a man who has just found himself really leave the person that makes his heart sing?

This story just pulled me in and I really enjoyed it all the way though.  I love seeing guys have and accept a life altering change and see how it makes their lives better.  Stephen has succeeded as an author even as he has had multiple marriages come apart.  Declan is a free spirit who for the most part is very patient with Stephen’s slow acceptance of their connection.

The story is told from Stephen’s point of view which makes it easy to see his frustration with his writer’s block and confusion in regards to Declan.  When he gave himself the chance to let go and see what would happen it was freeing for him.  I was able to see Declan’s emotions through Stephen’s eyes even when he didn’t always seem to understand.  I loved Declan’s determination to stay true to himself and make Stephen make the big change of moving but it was for the better for both of them.

The cover art by Sloan J Design is nice and I love having visuals of both of the characters.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 87 pages

Published: 2nd edition, April 18, 2018 by VL Locey

Edition Language: English

Blog tour for The Weekend Bucket List by Mia Kerick (excerpt and giveaway)

WBL Tour

Title: The Weekend Bucket List

Author: Mia Kerick

Release Date: April 19th 2018

Genre: Young Adult, LGBT

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BLURB

High school seniors Cady LaBrie and Cooper Murphy have yet to set one toe out of line—they’ve never stayed out all night or snuck into a movie, never gotten drunk or gone skinny-dipping. But they have each other, forty-eight hours before graduation, and a Weekend Bucket List.

There’s a lot riding on this one weekend, especially since Cady and Cooper have yet to admit, much less resolve, their confounding feelings for one another—feelings that prove even more difficult to discern when genial high school dropout Eli Stanley joins their epic adventure. But as the trio ticks through their bucket list, the questions they face shift toward something new: Must friendship play second fiddle to romance? Or can it be the ultimate prize?

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Interlude Press

Find The Weekend Bucket List on Goodreads

I think if I_ve learned anything about friendship, it_s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don_t walk away, don_t be distracted, don_t be t

EXCERPT

Ever since we skipped the junior prom together last spring— neither of us is the type to participate in overrated school events, especially ones that involve dancing—and came to this very spot at the end of the Wellington Town Beach, I’ve felt a flicker of “something more” for my longtime BFF. It wasn’t exactly a romantic evening—we listened to eighties music and downed a full bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken while gazing at Tamarack Lake—but for me, our relationship changed. When Cooper touched my face that night I was overwhelmed by an urge for something completely new and different and dangerous: I wanted to kiss him. The urge has been lurking since that night, but right now, it’s stronger than ever. I want so badly to drop down on top of him and plant my lips on his, just to find out how it tastes… just to find out how it feels. But I don’t because it isn’t next on the list.

And because I just don’t.

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About the Author

Mia

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—a daughter in law school, another in dance school, a third studying at Mia’s alma mater, Boston College, and her lone son still in high school. She writes LGBTQ romance when not editing National Honor Society essays, offering opinions on college and law school applications, helping to create dance bios, and reviewing English papers. Her husband of twenty-four years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about this, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on emotional growth in turbulent relationships. As she has a great affinity for the tortured hero, there is, at minimum, one in each book. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with tales of said tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press and Harmony Ink Press for providing alternate places to stash her stories.

Her books have won a Best YA Lesbian Rainbow Award, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, an Indie Fab Award, and a Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, among other awards.

Mia is a Progressive, a little bit too obsessed by politics, and cheers for each and every victory in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Contact Mia at miakerick@gmail.com. Visit her website for updates on what is going on in Mia’s world, rants, music, parties, and pictures, and maybe even a little bit of inspiration.

Links: Facebook | Twitter

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Refresh Blog Tour for Accepting the Fall by Meg Harding (excerpt and giveaway)

 

Accepting the Fall by Meg Harding

Publisher: Oceanside Press

Release Date (Print & Ebook): June 8, 2017

Refresh Tour dates: April 23 – 30, 2018

Length (Print & Ebook): 62k

Subgenre: Contemporary Romance

Buy  link: http://amzn.to/2HrrgSX

Book blurb:

Confronting the past is never easy.

Cole Whitaker is happy. He has the job and boyfriend he always wanted. His heart’s in no danger of being broken, and he can’t ask for more from life. As a kindergarten teacher, he sees it all; however, one troublesome student has him reaching out to the parent, wanting to help. There’s something about Savanah that tugs at his heartstrings.

He never expected her father.

Zander Brooks hasn’t had an easy life, and he’s made some mistakes. Freshly retired from the military and working as a firefighter, Zander thought he’d left Cole in the rearview mirror. He’s not expecting him to appear in St. Petersburg, Florida, of all places, teaching his daughter’s kindergarten class. Suddenly, his biggest mistake is being shoved in his face.


This is Zander’s chance to close a door he’d never fully shut, but time with his former flame might change his mind.

 

Excerpt:

 

They were returning to the base after seeing a movie together. It was a Wednesday night, and the cinema had been empty save for them, the streets weren’t crowded either, and they became less so as the two of them grew closer to the base. The moon was almost full in the inky black sky, and Cole kept walking into Zander’s side. Zander knew Cole wanted him to hold his hand, to tangle their fingers together and let their limbs swing in synchronicity. Zander never gave in when Cole did this. Zander knew if he did, the lines would start to blur for him. He couldn’t have that.

Zander tucked his hands inside his jacket pockets to remove the temptation. “What’d you think of the movie?”

Cole side-eyed him and snorted. “We spent the whole time making out. I think there might have been explosions and those were probably cool.” He scratched the side of his nose, and a flash of guilt crossed his face. “Did you actually want to watch it? We can go see it again. I don’t mind.”

Zander possessed the very concerning feeling that the naivety which had drawn him to Cole—something he didn’t understand and was intrigued by—would be the thing to ruin this in the end. He looked at Cole and was torn, half of him begging him to get close and the other half screaming to run.

Sighing, Zander nudged their shoulders. “No, I don’t want to see it again.” Unlike Cole, Zander spoke very little German and had limited interest in foreign films. “You coming back—”

Behind them someone shouted, and they both turned. Barreling toward them was a giant of a dog, tongue hanging out and paws pounding the cobbled walk. A petite woman chased him, yelling something in German that Cole seemed to get. Cole stepped forward, arms slightly out from his sides, and the dog collided with him.

Cole’s head rocked into the pavement.

Zander’s heart froze in his chest for a brief moment, and then he was kneeling before he could think, ready to lift the dog and heave him aside. But the woman was there in the next instant, and despite how much his head had to have hurt, Cole was laughing and smiling, letting the monster lick his face.

Zander went home alone, pleading being too tired for any fun. He didn’t sleep that night.

 

About the Author

About Meg Harding: Meg Harding is a sucker for things on four legs and works as a pet sitter when she’s not writing. She’s an editor and a lover of fanfiction. She enjoys the theatre, concerts, and lazing about in front of the TV. Meg Harding is a graduate of UCF and Anglia Ruskin, with a bachelors in Psych and a masters in publishing. For as long as she can remember, writing has always been her passion, but she had an inability to ever actually finish anything. She’s immensely happy that her inability has fled and looks forward to where her mind will take her next. She’s a sucker for happy endings, the beach, and superheroes. In her dream life she owns a wildlife conservation and is surrounded by puppies. She’s a film buff, voracious reader, and a massive geek.

 

Author Meg Harding’s take on Accepting the Fall: “Not everything is perfect, and it’s not always going to go right the first time around. It’s not any less special because it was flawed.”

Praise for Accepting the Fall: “A character driven, second-chance romance. Recommended for anyone craving a low-angst, tender, contemporary story stuffed to the brim with feels and sweetness.” – Piper Vaughn

 

 

Connect with Meg Harding: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Blitz for Rhoades-Undeniable (Man Up #2) by Felice Stevens (excerpt)

 Rhoades RDB Banner

RHOADES: UNDENIABLE

MAN UP SERIES, BOOK 2

FELICE STEVENS

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 04.17.18

Rhodes Cover 

 

COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

Universal link: mybook.to/RhoadesUndeniable

 

BLURB

Rhoades.

Loneliness. The pain doesn’t simply go away with time. It’s been years, and they tell me I need to move on. But I can’t.

Blame and regret are my constant companions. Until I see him in the spotlight and everything changes. Night after night, I watch him dance. Thinking about him.

What he’d feel like.

What he’d taste like.

And now that I know, I want him even more.

And maybe…just maybe, he might want me too.

But not yet.

Not before he knows he’s more than a pretty face. Not before he knows what he means to me. I need him by my side.

The two of us.

Together.

Austin

Why can’t I forget him? His hands touching me. His mouth on mine. Kissing me. Rendering me mindless.

Breathless.

Every night I lay awake burning for him. Dreaming. Thinking. Needing him.

No—I don’t. I don’t need anyone.

I lie.

I want him.

I want more. I am more. He’s seen that, and now here I stand with my dream on the horizon. All I need to do is take that first step. Trust him.

Trust myself.

Rhoades Teaser

EXCERPT

 

Fuck. I could kill Marcus. But I couldn’t refuse, and he knew it. Rhoades held me, but not too close, and after some initial hesitancy, I allowed myself to feel the music.

Rhoades’s breath touched my cheek, and I smelled the heat of the scotch he drank. It was like the night we kissed all over again, and I swayed, desire clawing at my insides. Why did being in close proximity to this man make me light-headed and restless?

“How are you?”

“Fine,” I managed to speak. The club had taken on a sensuous glow, and the people beside us faded to black. All I could see was Rhoades.

“So you work in a dance studio? I should’ve guessed by your dancing at Man Up that you had formal training. You move beautifully.”

“I’ve worked there for a while. We teach kids four-to-nine years old. I love it.”

“And is that what you’d like to do? Teach dance? I know you can’t want to dance at Man Up for long.”

“All these questions.” I shifted nervously. I wasn’t about to reveal my dream to him. He’d no doubt find it foolish—maybe even as stupid as my father had. “I thought we were just going to dance.”

“Very well.” He said nothing more, and we danced, our bodies brushing. His effect on me was magnetic, his touch a force pulling me in close. I concentrated on his face: the small lines fanning out from his eyes, the dark brows like wings, his firm mouth. The taste of his lips lingered on my tongue, as bright and pure as if we were kissing now. I found it impossible to be near Rhoades and not crave his touch. Somehow I’d moved closer to him, and our cheeks touched.

“I wondered if I’d see you again after you didn’t show up this past week. I didn’t think you came to these types of clubs.”

“Do you think of me, then?” His hand slid up my back and splayed between my shoulder blades. I didn’t mind that possessive touch.…I wanted it.

“I…”

“I think of you.” His whispered voice filled my ear with a roar. “After I left you last week, I stayed away like you asked, but I couldn’t sleep at night. Do you want to know why?”

I found myself nodding. We’d stopped dancing, though he continued to hold me, and we swayed together, caught up in our own world.

“I don’t know. Isn’t that crazy? You know I’ve watched you at James’s club. From the first, you caught me with your confidence—you owned the stage—but I also saw something yearning in you. That it wasn’t enough. You want more.”

His hands rested on my hips, and we stood chest-to-chest. The music played on, its sensuous beat rolling through me. I could smell desire in the air.

“Yes.”

The tips of his fingers trailed over my cheek and jaw in a gesture so achingly intimate, I fought to keep standing. Finally he put his mouth on mine, and we kissed. No thrusting tongues and panting breaths. Only a gentle press of lips…and it shocked me that a man who radiated such strength could carry this tenderness inside him.

“Keep true to yourself. Follow your dreams. Only you can make them real.”

And with one last kiss, he walked away and disappeared into the crowd before I found time to take a breath. I thought about going after him but stopped myself. He was doing what I asked. Giving me the space I’d demanded. I had already told him I wouldn’t fuck him in a club, and he remembered and respected that. Another man might’ve tried to persuade me with drinks or force. Rhoades wasn’t the man I thought.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Austin Banner

AUSTIN

getbook.at/Austin

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Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

 

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Release Blitz for Love For All Seasons Anthology by Various Authors ( including RJ Scott, VL Locey, Annabelle Jacobs, DJ Jamison, Chris McHart)

Universal Buy Link

True love always deserves a happy ending, whatever the season. A charity anthology with all proceeds split between The Matthew Shepard Foundation and The Albert Kennedy Trust.


With characters who find love in a New York park, or on a college campus, in the middle of a snow storm or in the heat of summer, ‘Love for all Seasons’ delivers romance for everyone.

Including stories from five established authors and supporting the work of three authors, new to the world of writing MM romance.


Brioche For Two – V.L Locey

 

Seasons of Bryant – SpringFour Seasons. Two Men. One Love.

For struggling film student Isamu Taylor, life’s refrain is about to change from boring documentary about a passionless delivery boy to a blazing and wildly erotic love story.

After spending weeks admiring handsome but older Manhattan executive Brian Gilles while delivering brioche to him in Bryant Park, the man of his lusty dreams has just expressed a desire to get to know Isamu better. A night on the town is just the beginning of a whirlwind romance that will span not only four seasons but countless years.

Amid the beauty and charm of Bryant Park, New York City, two men are about to discover that love knows no age or economic boundaries. This is the first of four short stories in what will be the ‘Tales of Bryant’ collection starring these two amazing men, their one sublime love, and the Park where it all started.

 

Sweeter than Honey – C.M. Valencourt 


Wyatt is a beekeeper, excited for the beginning of his town’s annual farmers market, where he expects to sell his wares and get some hot guys’ phone numbers. But these plans start to unravel when sets up shop next to a sexy vegan baker named Grayson.

Grayson believes that keeping bees is akin to owning a slaughterhouse, and he’ll do anything to run Wyatt out of business. Can Wyatt win him over with his sweet honey and even sweeter smile?

 

Special Nights – DJ Jamison 


Sam’s insomnia drives him out of his apartment in the wee hours of the night. He ends up at a diner, where he meets an intriguing waiter named Hunter. As the seasons go by, Sam and Hunter court over BLTs and OJ, slowly falling in love.

 

Winters Chill – Cathy Brockman


The ice storm of a century hits Missouri.

Winter savvy Lane Jennings is the only one prepared, thanks to a decade in North Dakota. Too shy to approach his drool-worthy neighbor, he’s left fantasizing about him at night. That is until the storm, when a branch breaks free, trapping him beneath. Now it’s up to Lane to save him from his icy peril and care for him throughout the storm.

It was a near death experience for stunned Jeffrey Nichols. Never had he seen anything as beautifully terrifying as the weather and his neighbor. One threatened his life and the other his secret. He wasn’t sure which was more dangerous, but when Lane gives him a warm shelter through the storm, he quickly realizes he will find out.

Can an ice storm thaw two frozen hearts?

 

Beach Boys – Annabelle Jacobs


Sea, sand, and hopefully sun, are all Russ expects to find on his week away in Cornwall.

Surfing with his two best mates is all Blake has planned for his short break. With the long drive to get to Penzance, there’s no time for anything else.

With help from Bailey the dog, Russ and Blake discover they might have more in common than they first thought.

 

Who Do You Love, My Valentine – EJ Smyth

 

Immortal Nox is subcontracted to love god Eros during the Valentine rush. After he gets distracted by his long-time human crush Matt, his arrows go astray. The second missile finds a pretty young woman who instantly falls in love with Matt. Which would be great, except that Matt is gay. Nox must prevent the unsuitable match before the Gods find out. Yet doing his job may very well break his heart…


Read this steamy, romantic short story by EJ Smyth to get you into the mood for the perfect Valentine’s night.

 

Favorite Flowers – Chris McHart 


Gabe runs a flower shop. He always makes bouquets for everyone, but nobody has ever brought him flowers. His love-life is non-existent. Until Jason walks in and sparks fly.

Jason in the middle of a nasty divorce and the last thing he needs is getting into another relationship. But he can’t resist the shop-owner.

But even if Jason comes back for flower every week, one of them has to make the first step. And even if one does, can favorite flowers lead to anything?

 

The Last Chance – RJ Scott


It’s the last year of college and Luke can’t forget the captain of the hockey team, or the kiss they shared as freshman.

Justin has to decide if hockey outweighs his attraction to Luke, because this might be the last chance he’ll have of making things right.

Authors

 
V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a flock of assorted domestic fowl, and two Jersey steers. 


When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand. She can also be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and GoodReads.

 
~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
 

About new author, C.M. Valencourt

C.M. Valencourt is a new m/m and queer romance author. Their first book From the Ashes, an ex-friends-to-lovers road trip novel featuring slam poetry, pink hair dye, and a chase scene through a theme park, will be released in the first half of 2018. They like figure skating, ghost hunting shows, and Carly Rae Jepsen. You can get updates about From the Ashes and more of their forthcoming work by following @cmvalencourt on Twitter.

 

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

 

DJ Jamison is the author of more than a dozen m/m romances, including the Ashe Sentinel series and the Hearts and Health series. She writes a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual, with a focus on telling love stories that are more about common ground than lust at first sight. 

 
DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. 
 
DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that, and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, two fish and, regrettably, one snake. 
 

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

 

About new author, Cathy Brockman

Cathy loves her grandkids, cats, cooking and working to make her patio an outdoor haven.

When she’s not writing stories with sexy cowboys, strong women, and the small towns they live in she’s probably working on expanding her doll collection, crafting, reading, or listening to audio books.

For updates on stories, snippets, contests, games, polls and more fun join my reader group – Cat’s Romance A-Holics

If you like recipes, stories about food or flops, writing, teasers and more you can find that on my Website/Blog Cathy Writes Romance.

Thanks for reading and watch for more Lane and Jeffrey.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon and Google plus

 
~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
 

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end. 


Twitter – https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
Website – www.annabellejacobs.com
Email – ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction
 
~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
 

About new author, EJ Smyth

Hi there! My name is EJ Smyth, I live in Frankfurt, Germany and I’m passionate about romance with other elements mixed in. Paranormal romance, romantic thrillers, gay romance, if it’s got two difficult characters finding each other, I’m on board!

I’m currently working on a series of short stories Keith is Awesome about a young man exploring his sexuality. Not something I’ve ever written before but the research alone was quite a bit of fun. I love to talk to my readers, online and offline, so please feel free to drop me a line!

www.ejsmythauthor.com

 

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

 

About Chris McHart

 

I’m a writer of M/M romance and M/M erotic romance from Germany.


I’ve always had stories in my head, but a while ago I allowed them to get out and on paper. Looks like it has been a good decision, although the more stories I write, the more I have in my head. Maybe I’ll have all of them out someday, and there’ll be nothing more to write, but for the next years, I don’t see that coming.When I’m not writing, I spend time with my family (I have the best husband EVER) and try to keep all my animals happy. I also enjoy gardening and cooking, although I’m still looking for someone to clean up afterwards. And, of course, I love reading, whenever I have a quiet moment.Writing and reading is my break from everyday stress and I hope you join me!Website | ChrisMcHart@gmail.com | Google +
 
~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~
 

RJ Scott’s goal is to write stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, that hint of a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the bestselling author of over one hundred romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

Goodreads Page | RJ’s Blog | RJ on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Release Blitz for Second Chance by Jay Northcote (excerpt)

 

Universal Buy Link
 
Length: 67,000 words approx.
 
Cover Design: Black Jazz Design
 
Blurb
 

Everyone deserves a second chance.


Nate and his teenage daughter need a fresh start, so they move back to the village where he grew up. Nate’s transgender, and not used to disclosing his history, so it’s hard living where people knew him before. When Nate reconnects with Jack–his best friend from school and unrequited crush–his feelings return as strong as ever.


Jack’s returned home to get his life in order after an addiction to alcohol caused him to lose everything: his job, his driver’s licence, and nearly his life. He’s living with his parents, which is less than ideal, but rekindling his friendship with Nate–or Nat as Jack once knew him–is an unexpected benefit of being back home. Jack is amazed by Nate’s transformation, and can’t deny his attraction. Trying for more than friendship might ruin what they already have, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.


Doubting his feelings are reciprocated, Nate fears he’s risking heartbreak. Jack’s reluctance to tell his parents about their relationship only reinforces Nate’s misgivings. With both their hearts on the line and their happiness at stake, Jack needs to make things right, and Nate has to be prepared to give him a second chance.

Excerpt
 

A hint of cigarette smoke carried on the wind caught Nate’s attention, and he realised he wasn’t alone. A hunched figure sat on a bench by the church. Wearing a heavy coat with the hood up, their head hung low staring at the grass between their feet rather than at the landscape stretched out before them. A cigarette hung from bony fingers that protruded from black fingerless gloves. As Nate watched, the man—because Nate could see his face now—raised his head to take a long drag before stubbing the cigarette out on the bench.


A shock of recognition made Nate’s heart jump, thudding erratically.

Jack.


Torn between conflicting urges to approach and flee, Nate stared at him, powerless to move.


How many years had it been since Nate had seen him? At forty-five Nate found each year passed faster than the one before. It must have been twenty years at least since he’d seen Jack, maybe more, and longer still since they’d spoken properly. Their last meeting had been nothing more than an awkward exchange of greetings when they ran into each other in the village pub one Christmas. The distance between them had cut Nate like a knife, so different to their teenage years when they’d been best friends, and almost inseparable.


Jack slumped forward again, letting the cigarette butt fall from his fingers. He put his hands over his face and Nate recognised despair and hopelessness, because they’d been his companions in the past. Acting on instinct, he approached.


“Sorry to intrude,” he said, pausing in front of Jack. “But are you okay? Is there anything I can do?”


Jack jerked his head up in surprise. His pale cheeks flushed as he shook his head. “Not really. Just having a bad day. You know how it is… or maybe you don’t.”


“I do.”


Nate studied him. The years had changed Jack, of course, but the essence of him was still the same. Sharp features, the strong nose Jack had always hated, even more defined with age, but more balanced now with dark stubble and the lines that the years were beginning to carve around his eyes and mouth.


As Jack stared back, Nate realised there was no recognition dawning on Jack’s face. To Jack, Nate was a stranger. Five years on testosterone had changed Nate to a point where Jack couldn’t see the person Nate had been before. Normally this was something Nate was glad about, but now he felt a pang of regret.

 

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.


One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.


Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.


Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.


www.jaynorthcote.com
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A Caryn Review: Surprise Delivery (Hearts & Health #5) by DJ Jamison

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in the Hearts and Health series, and I am so invested in it now!  Once again, it is a stand-alone that does have cameos of characters in the earlier books, and I appreciated the look forward to Paul and Zane, who had previously been my least favorite couple in the series.  I don’t know how long the author can continue the series before she runs out of gay men in Ashe’s medical community, but I am hoping that a few more will move into town so the series can keep going!

Eric Holtz is the administrator of the hospital where many of the characters work.  In the previous books, he was introduced as a workaholic who was a little cool and distant, but still a good guy.  He’d been lonely after his long term partner left him a few years ago, due in great part to the tremendous number of hours he put in at the hospital.  He recognized that his job didn’t really give him much satisfaction any longer, but he didn’t know what else to do with his life and just continued on with it.

When his 16 year old niece showed up unexpectedly on his doorstep and announced that she was pregnant and needed his help, he didn’t even hesitate before he agreed, even though her parents had cut him out of Olivia’s life long ago because of his sexuality.  Her presence made him realize how empty his house and his life had been, and he started looking forward to the change she and her “peanut” would bring to his existence.  It was all good until Olivia told him who she’d chosen to be her obstetrician.

Dr. Caspar Rollins worked at the hospital for several years, and Eric had a crush on him from the beginning – a crush that “turned Eric into a blushing, wide-eyed idiot” to the point that he went out of his way to avoid Caspar.  When Eric accompanied Olivia to her first appointment (which led to some amusing and understandably awkward assumptions before their relationship was clarified) Caspar decided that breaking down Eric’s aloof facade was going to be his next challenge.  Caspar was all about challenges and excitement, but not about commitment.

While I did enjoy the contrast between the two men – Eric older, more settled and focussed on finding a serious relationship, Caspar younger and looking for thrills and challenges – the connection sometimes felt a little bit forced.  Caspar was endlessly analyzing his thoughts about his first boyfriend, and the guilt that kept him from moving forward, and it felt overdone to me.  I thought with all that scrutiny he should have come to his epiphanies a lot earlier than he actually did.  Eric was more believable and consistent, and though I thought more than once that he gave Caspar too many chances, it was clear that was just his natural generosity and not an attempt to drag the story out artificially.  I was also dissatisfied with the outcome of Olivia’s situation, but I think that was just a matter of personal preference rather than any defect in the story itself.  Eric’s final career decision, however, was perfect.

Although I did not like this book as much as some of the others in the series, I am still looking forward to the next one, as well as rereading them.

Cover art by Lucas Soltow features models that fit well with the character descriptions, although I would not have expected Eric to be hotter than Caspar….

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 1 edition, 222 pages
Published March 22nd 2018 by DJ Jamison
Original Title Surprise Delivery
ASINB07BJ9CWVD
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHearts and Health #5