Category: Contemporary fiction

Review: Fake It Til You Break It (+One Book 5) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4🌈

I picked up Fake It Til You Break It (+One Book 5) by Arden Steele because I enjoy this author’s work and I was intrigued by the description of the story. 

I haven’t read any of the books in the series but it wasn’t necessary to read and enjoy this contemporary romance. 

The characters are well written, the story is engaging and the romance develops beautifully, with the background factoring in so it reads less like a instant love but more like a real life affection that is growing stronger between two men. 

The ending did feel a bit rushed which was a shame because the rest of the story is so good with the storyline about Jasper Ryan’s charity, his intimate connection and interactions with the kids that come through his programs, and Beckett Shaw’s relationship to him and his passion for these kids as well. 

That’s well written and they really could have done with a longer story.

Fake It Til You Break It (+One Book 5) by Arden Steele is a terrific read and the couple is one who will make your day as they discover their own HEA. 

A definite winner. 

“Cover Design by Black Butterfly Design”

+One Series:

One Good Thing #1

Ex-Boyfriend Material #2

Mr. Big Shot #3

Bad Habits #4

Fake It Til You Break It #5

Buy link 

        Fake It Til You Break It (+One Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Jasper Ryan has spent his entire life faking it. He smiles on cue, nods when expected, and endures all the banal small talk. It’s exhausting, and without his favorite plus-one, he’s flailing. Worse, since Project SafeHouse depends on donations from the city’s elite, if he doesn’t get it together soon, his social standing won’t be the only thing on shaky ground.

Reluctantly, he turns to +One. All he needed was a buffer. What he gets is Beckett Shaw.

Adept at navigating the nuances of social etiquette, Beckett knows when to blend in and when to stand out. But none of the usual rules apply when it comes to Jasper. Shy, anxious, too polite for his own good—the guy is a walking disaster wrapped in cashmere. And while he’s comfortable being a hired shield, the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to remember that’s all he is.

It was supposed to be simple. It wasn’t supposed to feel like this. But every touch lingers, every glance sparks, and now, pretending is no longer an option.

Because if Beckett has his way? 

Jasper won’t have to fake a damn thing.

  • Publisher: Peccavi Press (April 24, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 24, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 146 pages

Review:  Bright Shiny Love by Pat Henshaw

Rating:  4🌈

In the same universe as Fragile As Glass, Bright, Shiny Love by Pat Henshaw focuses on the relationship between two childhood friends , who have recently reunited as adults. 

Both have become artists in different mediums, with metal artist Martin working in the commercial arts space owned by the artist from Fragile As Glass. 

It’s a sweet, almost instant love story, with a refreshed crush. The other main character, Ty, has many family complications, that are resolved very quickly, which after years of being their doormat, is a bit of a issue here. I thought it needed more attention or exploration.

But if you want a sweet, contemporary story with a hint of fantasy, then this short tale will go nicely. Put it together with Fragile As Glass for a romantic bookend reading experience. 

Buy link

Click here to preorder from JMS Books

Blurb 

Metal artist Martin Murphy knows dragons don’t talk, especially the dragon crafted of sequins on a former flame’s vest. So when the dragon seems to reach out and tells him to help its creator Ty, Marty refuses to believe the illusion. The sparks between him and Ty, on the other hand? They’re as real as it gets.

As he and Ty reconnect after so many years, Marty sees firsthand how the big man’s innate kindness and willingness to help others consume his time and energy. Maybe the dragon was right, and Ty needs saving.

While Marty is willing to try, what he really wants to do is pounce on the man and keep him all to himself while they walk down the path to HEA. Does that count as saving him?

JMS Press

GENRE: Gay Romance

LENGTH: 19,179 words

Review: Short Stack #3 by Lily Morton 

Rating: 5🌈

A delightful collection of short stories that pick up the lives of various characters from the books and series of Lily Morton.  I quickly finished this, looking for my favorite couple’s stories first, then going back through the others. 

A absolutely joy to revisit each one of these characters and see them once again, in various places in their relationships. Moving, funny and always beautifully written. 

A must read for lovers of the books and author. 

“These short stories catch up with the men in my books after their stories have ended. Therefore, there are a lot of spoilers. Please don’t read the shorts until you’ve read the original books.”-Lily Morton 

Short Story Contents :

Gabe and Dylan 

Skating 

The School Trip 

Tricky 

Jude and Asa 

Old Acquaintance 

Henry and Ivo 

Gone Camping 

Oz and Silas 

Three Dozen Red Roses and a Werewolf 

Freddie and Darcy 

The Prize 

Barnaby and Cosmo 

A Honeysuckle Interlude 

The Wishing Tree 

Joe and Lachlan 

Hobbies 

Rafferty and Stan 

A Mystery Tour 

Jed and Artie 

Afternoon Delight 

Bee and Tom 

Sunday Football 

Bee’s Amsterdam 

Mags and Laurie 

It’s a Family Affair 

Short Stacks: 1,2, and 3

Buy link 

 Book 3 of 3: Short Stack 

Blurb 

What happens after the happy ending?

Drawn together for the first time, this is a collection of Lily’s short stories about some of the much-loved men from her books. Follow them through meeting the parents, a disastrous camping weekend, and a rather eventful school trip.

It includes stories previously written for her website, newsletter, and readers’ group, along with five brand new and exclusive short stories—The School Trip, A Honeysuckle Interlude, A Family Affair, Bee’s Amsterdam, and Gone Camping.

  • Publication date: April 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 298 pages

Review: Devilish (Park Avenue Kings Book 2) by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Rating: 4🌈

I’m not familiar with the series but really enjoyed the book. Devilish did a great job setting up the world building and establishing the series characters. 

There’s a strong sense of world building and the intensity of the characters and sexual elements are vividly captured, without being graphic or otherwise exaggerated.

I enjoyed the relationship that was slowly built up between Lucien and Kai. From one of fear to that of safety and finding the right balance between being able to trust and express yourself in a positive and loving manner. Both men are great characters and I love them both.

Devilish has what I’d consider a soft D/s sexual preference to the relationship between Lucien and Kai. The relationship is in its infancy, they are establishing their own boundaries and learning about each other’s preferences within this dynamic. Safe word, the use of “sir”, expectations, are all well defined. So if BDSM or a well established D/s relationship might make you uncomfortable, I think this would work for you. 

Another winner. And a recommendation for those who enjoy spicy intense contemporary LGBTQIA romance with a kink.  Can absolutely be read as a stand alone, unlike other books that have come with the same note.

Cover Design: Hang Le Cover Photo: Ren Saliba

Park Avenue Kings (5 book series)

Savage #1

Devilish #2

Immoral #3

Merciless #4

Ruthless #5

Buy link

        Devilish (Park Avenue Kings Book 2)

    

Blurb 

In a world where everything is within his grasp, love is the only thing that’s ever eluded him.

Lucien Vale is temptation incarnate. Devilishly charming, wickedly confident, and sinfully sexy, he rules Manhattan’s most elite clubs, indulging the city’s darkest desires with a knowing smirk and a whisper of seduction. He’s built an empire, played the game to perfection, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when it serves the greater good.

But love? That’s always been just out of reach.

Then he sees Kai Daniels—a man too raw, too vulnerable, and too damn captivating to ignore—being used by someone who doesn’t deserve him. And Lucien doesn’t hesitate. He steps in, knowing full well that some things aren’t meant to be owned.

But Kai’s past isn’t ready to let him go. His tormentor is powerful, relentless, and determined to make them both pay. As the stakes rise, Lucien is forced to become the man he’s kept buried—the one who doesn’t just play the game but makes sure his enemies never play again.

Now, with danger closing in and their connection burning hotter than ever, Lucien and Kai must decide if they’re willing to risk everything for a love that was never part of the plan.

* * * * * *
Devilish can be read as a standalone novel in the Park Avenue Kings world, but for maximum enjoyment, read after Savage.

  • Publication date: April 10, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 306 pages

Review:  Unhinged Little Angel (Mafia Bound Book 3) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 4.75🌈

K.M. Neuhold ‘s delightfully murderous romance series ,Mafia Bound,  just got another great new addition in Unhinged Little Angel.

The Moretti Crime family continues to expand as each family member finds their own unique romantic HEA, usually with an equally compelling, twisted personality. 

Mafia Bound has its center in the powerful crime family, the Morettis, run by big brother, Lorenzo Moretti.  The first story, which I loved, featured his enforcer, the Ice Man,  Xaviaro Saviano, and his romance with Sparrow, an assassin with an agenda. They are seen again here in all their loving psychotic glory. Perfection.

Dante is the near feral, violent , extremely popular dancer at the Moretti’s nightclub, Wild, that we know from previous books. He’s also got mad  hacker skills which have come in handy in past events.  

The lustfuf focus of many, it’s Salvador Moretti who’s decided that Dante is more than just a dancer, something Dante has noticed.  And plays into Dante’s plans when he decides he needs help to solve a past situation that arises. In an absolutely hilariously mad scheme, Dante “kidnaps “ Sal  to force him into a Las Vegas style marriage.

This entire storyline is amazing. I laughed, it’s perfect in further developing these incredibly intense complex characters in a situation that’s part sitcom and crime drama. The location, clothes , the way Nuehold flips up between them as the emotionally charged situation changes moment by moment, letting the reader into the thoughts of each of them as the night progresses. 

This series is a favorite of this author’s and this couple quickly became my personal favorite too. Dante is so well written that he’s both able to be realistically vulnerable yet still a raw, violently angry man, striking out like a viper.  And Sal is both a deadly criminal threat as well as an old time romantic, intelligent, capable of deep emotional commitment.  They are a perfect combination. 

And this turns out to be a fantastic story. Funny, violent, romantic and sexy. It adds to the growing Moretti family and moves the narrative forward about the antagonism between the Fitzgerald crime family and theirs. 

And sets up Luca for his own romance next. 

So happy there’s more Moretti’s in need of partners. Loving this series and definitely recommending it.

Cover Design Natasha Snow Cover Photography by Xram

Great covers.

Mafia Bound:

  • Deadly Little Sparrow #1
  • Beautifully Savage Butterfly #2
  • Unhinged Little Angel #3
  • Desperately Delicate Viper #4 – June 6,2025

Buy link

        Unhinged Little Angel (Mafia Bound Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Forcing Salvatore Moretti to marry me at gunpoint isn’t the craziest thing I’ve ever done… 


I hate being desperate, being scared. It’s a filthy, helpless feeling. I’d much rather be enraged, violent… unhinged. 

Salvatore watches me dance and calls me Angioletto, his little angel. He doesn’t know the demons that haunt me. He’s too blinded by my beauty to see the blood on my hands. Then again, he’s a mafia capo, so maybe the blood wouldn’t bother him anyway. 

My past is like fire licking at my heels, ready to consume me. But Sal won’t let that happen, he’ll protect me. He has to. 

I learned a long time ago not to trust anyone but myself. It’s dangerous the way he manages to unravel all of my defenses and turn me from a guarded Dom into the submissive brat I’ve never felt safe enough to be. It’s terrifying the way I’m starting to crave him. 

I wasn’t sure I would live long enough to worry about this marriage starting to feel real, but this well-dressed mafioso might just manage to save my life after all. We can argue about divorce once the threat is neutralized I suppose. And in the meantime, he is my husband, I might as well enjoy the perks…

  • Publication date: April 4, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 255 pages

Review: Puck Love (The Elmwood Stories #6) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s fitting that Lane Hayes brings her heartwarming series, The Elmwood Stories, to a close with one of the boys who we met in the earlier books.  

Now grown and playing in the NHL, Jake Milligan is one of the boys we met from the first Elmwood junior hockey camp, and along with Denny Mellon, who’s been a character we’ve watched as their parents got their own romances in the early books. 

So it’s perfect that the series finale will have Jake’s own story and we get to see many other familiar faces in this book as Jake’s enemies to lovers story unfolds. 

The “enemy” is hockey arch rival Mason Trinsky, a trash talking, exuberant player who has made their  rivalry a media firestorm to Jake’s chagrin.

Elmwood’s Junior Hockey Camp is now a huge success, with famous players participating as coaches and that’s how both Trinsky and Jake end up as partners for a camp weekend.

It’s a terrific story that Lane manages to bring together elements of bi awakening, Trinky’s family members with special needs as well as his mother’s history of addiction and recovery. That balances so well with the fears and need for control of Jake’s upbringing.  

But we get juicy, sexy scenes of discovery, great characters, hockey, adorable kids in Eddie, Nathan, Ella and Charlotte.  Truly a fabulous heartwarming story of love , family and finding your forever home. 

Elmwood and its magical, small town places hold a special place in my heart. I know that I’ll be revisiting it and it’s love stories. 

Lane is going to bring us a new series based in the neighboring town, Wood Hollow, and hopefully we will see some crossovers in characters.  Vermont’s fictional Four Forest area has so much to offer and more towns to explore.

A highly recommended and heartwarming sendoff of a fantastic series. I love it. Read them in order and fall in love with this town and its people. 

The Elmwood Stories:

You, Again #1

Next Season #2

Holiday Crush #3

Thin Ice  #4

Hot Shot #5

Puck Love #6

Buy link

        Puck Love: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 6)

    

Blurb 

Two rivals, one secret, and a shot at forever… 

Jake

Favorite things and peeps: hockey, family, friends.

Least favorite person in the entire history of the universe: Mason Trinsky.

I have my reasons, but since you’re curious, Trinsky is a showboat and a loudmouth. Sure, he’s a great athlete. Good for him. I accept that we have mutual friends, and I grudgingly accept that he’ll be a coach at w this summer—however, I plan to keep my distance.

Of course, some wise guy pairs us up for a camping expedition, and everything that can go wrong does go wrong.

Guess who I’m stuck with?

Trinsky

Favorite things and peeps: hockey, surfing, and my kid brother

Least favorite person in the entire history of the universe: Jake Milligan

Look, I might be in the minority, but if you ask me, Jake is a nitpicking diva who wants everything his way. I hope my NHL team crushes his, and this summer, I want my campers to out-prank his. Childish? Nah, it’s all in good fun.

Until it starts to feel…complicated. I shouldn’t care if he’s happy, should I? I don’t want to be Jake’s friend. I don’t want to have feelings for him at all.

The only thing that matters is hockey. It’s all about the puck. Not love.

Or is it?

Puck Love is an MM bisexual, small-town romance featuring hockey’s hottest rivals, a hiking trip gone wrong, and a shot at forever…

  • Publication date: March 21, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 280 pages

Review:  Don’t Come For My Night Stalker: MM Military Suspense (Tags Of Honor: Black Squadron Book 2) by Annabella Stone

Rating: 4.75🌈

Don’t Come For My Night Stalker is the second book in Annabella Stone’s excellent Black Squadron duology.  A political intrigue , intense combat and suspense filled story that focuses on a long standing unspoken love between elite op Grady Montreux, and Claudio Stancanpiano, Black Squadron’s commander. 

Stones series ’ series and books, which are heavily intertwined with each other as they are part of this overall agency and oversight task force, have the same locations and repeat characters/couples.  It’s a densely populated and complex military universe where the protocols and procedures are rigid and complicated.

Stone gets this and layers it beautifully into her characters and their storylines. 

It’s a soldier’s story. Complete with nightmares, PTSD, trauma and fears of committing due to the fact that the job makes any future tenuous. So a realistic based storyline for two soldiers who have been in many campaigns and are still fighting, but in yet another capacity. 

A international arms and drug dealer who has been an ongoing major villain in other stories appears here.  Another key element of Stone’s’ series and ability to maintain a high energy and realistic flow in the universe. 

The scenes between Claudio and Grady are moving and intense, especially due to the circumstances. I love the communication between them that finally allows them to see a future or at least a HFN as a couple together.  That’s believable. 

As, frustrating as it is, so is the ending.  Claudio and Grady’s relationship story had wrapped up but an even larger story and plot is just beginning. 

Stone’s books are extremely well written, extraordinarily detailed, with explosive action sequences and suspense filled moments.  Loved it and waiting for the next!

Cover Design By: Golden Czermak Cover Image By: James Critchley Cover Model: Carlo di Carlo

Tags Of Honor: Black Squadron:

Don’t Come For My Operator #1

Don’t Come For My Night Stalker #2

See all connected series below. 

Buy link

        Don’t Come For My Night Stalker: MM Military Suspense (Tags Of Honor: Black Squadron Book 2)

    

Blurb 

War forged him:

Former Italian Special Forces Commander Claudio Stancanpiano has spent his life on the battlefield, where love is a luxury and attachments are a weakness. As the leader of one of the world’s most elite covert Task Forces, he’s used to making impossible choices—ones that leave no room for second chances. But when his Squadron’s latest mission goes sideways, and the man he nearly lost is the only thing grounding him, Claudio is forced to face the truth he’s been running from for years.

Love found them:

Former Night Stalker Grady Montreux has always lived in the shadows—flying into the deadliest war zones, slipping past enemy lines, doing whatever it takes to bring his team home. But after a near-fatal mission, one thing is clear: the only fight that truly matters is the one for the man he refuses to lose.

When the battle stops, love me more

Bound by war, scarred by the past, and tangled in a love they can’t escape, Claudio and Grady finally surrender—to desire, to trust, and to the future they never thought they could have. But love is its own kind of battlefield, and staying together will take more courage than any war they’ve fought before because this time, neither of them is walking away.

A high-stakes, slow-burn military romance packed with heart-stopping action, raw emotion, and the kind of love that refuses to be denied.

  • Publisher: Embers Romance LLC (March 20, 2025)
  • Publication date: March 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 332 pages

Full list of Crossover Series of Connected characters/couples and Agencies in the same universe in order:

🔹DELTA FORCE: TEAM PANTHER Jonah’s Compass 

Tied Up In Steele 

Malik’s Redemption 

Micah’s Promise 

Christmas-Panther Style 

Grif’s Salvation 

Jason’s Justice 

🔹TAGS OF HONOR: RED SQUADRON 

Zenko 

Noble 

Don’t Let Go 

Drax 

Roman  

Saxon 

Rees

🔹DELTA FORCE TEAM LYNX Salvation’s Sinner 

Redemption’s Rebel 

Temptation’s Tango 

🔹THE GHOST PROTECTORS 

To Love A Ghost 

To Claim A Ghost 

To Tame A Ghost 

🔹Tags Of Honor: Black Squadron:

Don’t Come For My Operator #1

Don’t Come For My Night Stalker #2

🔹SHORT STORIES 

They Won’t Ask If We Don’t Tell (Delta Force Team Panther)

Review:  A Forgotten Mistake (Deadly Mistakes #2) by Alice Winters 

Rating: 4.75🌈

The past comes rushing back for Homicide Det Liam Paige, the murderous psychopath who’s one delicious side of this two POV narrative in A Forgotten Mistake, the second story in the Deadly Mistakes series from Alice Winters. 

The other voice belongs to cat loving Detective Gabriel Hyde, partner , voice of reason and stability, as well as the beloved of the hilariously acerbic Liam. 

Winters uses the cases and investigations here to further the inter-departmental relationships Liam is reluctantly building with various team members he’s established barriers with previously and to reaffirm his commitment to the other romantic relationship he’s made with Gabriel.   It’s a layered story, shockingly emotional and compellingly told. 

Many details about Liam’s past life become hugely relevant to the cases and storylines here, impacting the investigations but Liam’s mental and emotional state. And that of Gabriel’s.

While there’s deeply disturbing and shocking elements in the scenes and storylines, there’s an equal amount of genuine hilarious moments. Gabriel,his cat,Lucille Pawl helps , in spectacular fashion, a new family member get added. 

A Forgotten Mistake (Deadly Mistakes #2) by Alice Winters is a fantastic book.  The author creates a compelling narrative that allows for the characters to explore their relationships and deepen their friendships, or in Liam’s case, actually start to develop some.  Their characters show genuine growth through dramatic, tragic moments but we still have the comedy to lighten the load.

Highly recommended. A must read for lovers of this trope, author and amazing series. 

Deadly Mistakes:

  • A Simple Mistake #1
  • A Forgotten Mistake #2 

Buy link

        A Forgotten Mistake (Deadly Mistakes Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Liam

Despite winning Gabriel’s heart, my trials are not yet over when I’m stuck competing with Gabriel’s cat for his affection (why is she only evil when he’s not looking?), dealing with coworkers trying to befriend me (I should have blackmailed more of them), and worst of all… meeting Gabriel’s parents (whose affection I will win with lavish presents).

Oh, and hunting down another killer. Though that’s the easy part.

But when a crime scene brings me face-to-face with someone from my past, I realize I might have to fight to keep my secrets hidden from those who would tear me away from Gabriel forever.

Gabriel

Tackling Liam’s foster sister to the ground outside of a crime scene is the last thing I expected to do. It’s clear she needs help, and Liam might be the only person who can assist her. People are turning up dead, but if we fail to find the connection between them before it’s too late, innocent people might end up taking the fall or piquing the serial killer’s interest.

Thankfully, Liam’s no stranger to challenges as he draws me further into his secretive world where the vilest of humanity reside around every corner. He’s opening my eyes and making me fall even deeper in love with every breath as I realize that his darkness isn’t driving me away but pulling me even closer.

This man who is willing to burn the world down for me doesn’t realize just how far I’d go for him.

  • Publication date: March 18, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 395 pages

Review:  Paper Roses (Confetti Hitched Book 3) by Lily Morton 

Rating: 4.75🌈

Paper Roses just might be my favorite book of Lily Morton’s fabulous Confetti Hitched series.  The third story in this series about a wedding planning business, Confetti Hitched, the author’s focus turns from its engaging, vivacious employees to its owner, Jed Walker and his PA, Artie.

Jed, a widower, and his adorable PA Artie, are about to tumble into that popular romance trope, the fake marriage.  In Morton’s story, this romantic framework for Jed and Artie’s HEA is a hilarious, poignant, heartwarming tale of two men clearly destined for each other. The obstacles in their relationship, a dead husband’s memory, a timeline , and various misunderstandings are clearly present.  However , Morton’s narrative takes the wonderful slow road in allowing the meaningful aspects to of the past relationship and their current feelings a slow recognition to be fully understood. I enjoyed that the reveal was part of the growing relationship. It was extremely satisfying to see such adult relationships here.

I also adore that Mal and Caden and their farm were very much involved in parts of this story. Hilarious and very entertaining. 

So much laughter here as well as romance. The pages flew by. I can see this couple having so much entertainment and joy in their lives together going forward. 

Paper Roses (Confetti Hitched Book 3) by Lily Morton will be a reread for me.  I loved this couple so and it left me feeling so lighthearted and happy. 

Another win and highly recommended story by this author for me. 

Confetti Hitched:

Confetti Hearts #1

Something Borrowed #2

Paper Roses #3

Book Cover design by Natasha Snow Designs 

Buy Link

        Paper Roses (Confetti Hitched Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Jed Walker thinks he’s having a midlife crisis. The only trouble is that it feels too good to stop.

Widowed at a young age, he’s spent his life since then avoiding any relationships that might end up hurting him again. He has his successful wedding planning business, Confetti Hitched, and a series of uncomplicated hookups, and that’s all he needs in life

The one person disrupting this controlled stoicism is his younger assistant, Artie. He’s sweet and kind and has a funny way of calming Jed’s mind. So, when Artie comes to him with a problem, Jed moves heaven and earth to help, which is how he finds himself entering a fake marriage with the younger man and catching feelings. Too bad it’s all pretend. Or is it?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a story about how love can completely derail the best-laid plans.

This is the third book in the Confetti Hitched series, but it can be read as a standalone.

  • Publication date: February 9, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 326 pages

Review:  Duck and Dive (Rise and Shine Book 1) by G B Ralph 

Rating: 4🌈

I discovered G B Ralph through his delightful cozy mysteries, The Milverton Mysteries.  Ralph’s stories are tend towards the same elements.  Character driven stories with the people , all of them with their faults included, fully realized and completely layered with human frailties. These characters carry the fears, joys as well as inabilities to move forward that the reader might recognize from their realities . It certainly makes them relatable. 

If not occasionally a tad frustrating. 

In this sweet, short trilogy, Ralph gives us the journey of Arthur and Gabriel, from Arthur’s awkward coming out to their relationship happily ending. 

Each novella a sweet quick tale of a section of passage through that journey.  

Duck and Dive starts it off with Arthur, an awkward Duckling trying to come out to friends and well, anyone, that’s he’s gay. And it’s not going well. 

This is sweet, funny, painful in its own way in that you feel for Arthur in his fears and yearning to be out at his age.  And his friends don’t make it easy. 

Read all three together for a delightful  lighthearted romantic afternoon.

Definitely recommended.

Cute covers

Rise and Shine Trilogy , complete :

Duck and Dive #1

Slip and Slide #2

Over and Out #3

Buy link

        Duck and Dive (Rise and Shine Book 1)

    

Blurb 

A gay romantic comedy novella about coming out and failing spectacularly.

Arthur knows it’s time he told his mates he’s gay. So what’s the holdup? He’s wound so tight he can’t get the words out – giving himself injuries, spilling his dinner, and all-round making a mess of it.

And that’s before the nosy neighbour gets involved with her spiced apple muffins. Or the elderly residents of the Sunset Villas retirement home start complicating matters. Not to mention the gorgeous straight guy from the driving range.

If only Arthur could get his act together…

Duck and Dive is a quick, light, and fun read – the first in the completed Rise and Shine series. It’s filled with buckets of banter, dashes of comic tragedy, and more food and booze than any story ought to have. Our boys are surrounded by a cast of chaotic characters and thrown into the most unlikely situations. Their story continues in Slip and Slide, and concludes in Over and Out.

‘I didn’t know what to expect, but I genuinely enjoyed it. I’m glad I did, otherwise that would’ve been a very awkward conversation.’ Author’s partner.

  • Publication date: May 22, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 115 pages