An Ali Review: Manic Pixie Dream Boy (The Underdogs #1) by K.A. Merikan

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

—. You can’t hide the cracks under the spotlight .—

Dusk. Leader of The Underdogs. Destined for greatness. Lives in the now.
Abe. AKA Lolly. Iridescent. Unicorn.

All Dusk wants out of life is for his band to become world famous. He also wants to have a lot of fun along the way. And to get his rocks off. When he wants something, he goes for it, consequences be damned.

So when he sees a gorgeous pink-haired guy who is the human equivalent of tattooed cotton candy, he can’t help but have a taste. But it’s when Lolly ends up on their tour bus that Dusk knows their meeting was destiny.

Abe is the kind of guy who goes with the flow. He was hitchhiking anyway, so why not spend the week with a hot piece of rocker beefcake, getting smothered by his sexy long hair? And why not play the part of the supportive cutie while he’s at it? It’s not like he’d be sticking around for long anyway.

All plans hit a wall when photos of Abe and Dusk emerge online, suddenly pushing the band into the spotlight. To take advantage of the sudden popularity, the band offers Abe money for staying.

Which means money for being in a fake relationship with Dusk.

Which isn’t even fake.

Or is it?

This was an entertaining start to a new series about a group of up and coming rock stars. The band is on tour and have made a stop at a convenience store where Dusk meets Abe. It is instant and explosive attraction between the two men and one thing leads to another and the next thing Abe knows he’s on the tour bus with the band and headed to California. As the two men spend more time together the attraction continues to grow. Things become a struggle though as the pressure of being in the media is combined with them barely knowing each other. They each have to decide if they can work through their issues.

I thought both MC’s were fun and entertaining. The writing in this book was unique and a bit different from the other books I’ve read by these authors. One of my favorite things about this author duo is you never really know what you’re going to get and their plots and MC’s are quirky and different. In addition to Dusk and Abe, we also get to know the other guys in the band and they are super interesting side characters. My interest in them was built up and I can’t wait to get to their stories.

This book had a bit of everything. It had good characters and an interesting plot, some funny scenes, some sweet scenes and some smoking hot ones. I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next in this series. Definitely something fans of these authors should check out.

Cover Design: Natasha Snow. I love this cover. It is very eye catching and it is a great representation of the plot. There is a lot of talk in the book about colors as sensations and I think this cover captures that vibe perfectly.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 143 pages
Published September 10th 2017 by Acerbi & Villani ltd
ASINB075469B7Y
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesThe Underdogs #1
CharactersDusk Hill, Abe ( aka “Lolly”)

An Alisa Release Day Review: Why I Love Bodyguards (Why I Love… #3) by T.A. Chase

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Hilton Burke might be one of the most powerful men in the world, but he can’t get what he wants the most. Every time he sees Cathal McKinley, his head of security, Hilton wishes they could be more than just employer and employee. In fact, he might be in love with Cathal, even though they’ve never slept together.

Cathal McKinley accepts how much he wants his boss, but he’s pretty sure Hilton will never date him. They come from two different worlds. Now that he has to return to Sunburst, Montana, to deal with family problems, Cathal knows there is no chance for them to get together.

Hilton and Cathal spent years dancing around each other, but when Cathal needs help the most, Hilton comes to Montana to support him. Soon they’re struggling with children and an old friend who won’t take no for an answer. Finally admitting their love out loud might be the least of their worries.

This was another sweet story. While this is in the series and we see Chuck and Herb again this book had a very different feel than the previous ones did. There weren’t really outside forces affecting them in the story most of it had to do with Hilton and Cathal finally admitting and acting on their feelings.

Cathal and Hilton have spent years working together without actually letting the other know how they feel, even though Herb often comments on their actions. Cathal has spent his whole adult life believing that his father has hated him and gets the surprise of a lifetime when he goes back to his hometown to take responsibility for this sister’s kids when his father gets very sick and passes away. Hilton quickly follows and becomes the perfect partner and support for Cathal, surprising those around him.

Cathal has been hurting silently though a friend from high school keeps him up to date on what is happening in his family. He already knows a bit about the kids from a distance but Cathal’s father has prepared them for Cathal coming to be with them, they have been cast aside by their mother and now they are losing their grandfather as well; you can’t help but hurt for them as they go through this. I loved seeing Hilton really being the down to earth guy that he doesn’t really show to others, but he’ll get right into the mess with everyone else. It was great to see Chuck and Herb again and how they all interact with each other and the kids.

Cover art by Anne Cain is nice and I like the visuals of the characters but it didn’t call to me like the others in the series.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages

Published: 2nd Edition, September 22, 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-579-8

Edition Language: English

Series: Why I Love…

Jodi Payne on Characters, Writing, and her release ‘Creative Process’ (author interview)

Creative Process by Jodi Payne
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Tiferet Design

Available for Purchase at Dreamspinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Jodi Payne here today talking about writing, characters, and her latest release from Dreamspinner Press, Creative Process. Welcome, Jodi!

✒︎

~ Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Jodi Payne ~

How much of yourself goes into a character?

There’s no simple answer to this one for me. When I first dream up a character it’s usually a “what if” kind of scenario. Then, I try to draw a bit on my own experience to flesh them out a little, so at that point I suppose they get some of me. But as the story goes on and they end up in different situations and need to react “in character”, I pull a little from what I’ve learned about them, their primary motivation, and their development to that point. This back and forth goes on as the story takes shape so that by the time they story is done, they’re such a part of me it’s hard to tell how much I gave them and how much they’ve taught me.

Do you feel there’s a tight line between Mary Sue or should I say Gary Stu and using your own experiences to create a character?

Gary Stu. Love that.

No, actually, I don’t. The line is pretty broad IMHO. We’ve all heard the saying “write what you know.” People say that because pulling from your own experiences helps add authenticity to a setting, a situation, and/or a character. But using my own experience to inform a character is a lot different than putting them up on a pedestal. For example, if I’m going to write a rower (I row – though I am an amateur, trust me on that), I’m going to use what I know about the sport from my own experience to inform that character. The endless erging and oar drills, the workouts that make you feel like you’re going to puke, the high when nine people in one boat are moving like a well oiled machine. Even an Olympic rower has horrible days on the water. Sometimes horrible months. To make that same character a Gary Stu (I’m just going to keep snickering here while I type) I would have to make them the BEST ROWER EVER OMG who never has a bad day and is constantly praised by the coaches and admired by all. That renders the character one dimensional and fake.

Have you ever had to put an ‘in progress’ story aside because of the emotional ties with it? You were hurting with the characters or didn’t know how to proceed?

So, I have a theater background. Characters are kind of my thing. I worry if I don’t have an emotional tie with a story because to me that means it’s not real. A love story needs to play fast and loose with my emotions. I always hurt with my characters, share their joy, regret breaking up couples even if I know they’re headed for an HEA. It’s just how I work. I’ve made myself cry more times than I can count. What would make me put an ‘in progress’ story aside would be if that wasn’t happening.

Who do you think is your major influence as a writer? Now and growing up?

Growing up, I liked stories that took me out of my world. High Fantasy with heroes and heroines that were put through the wringer but managed to keep their dignity. Epic series (David Eddings, Anne McCaffery and the like) that had it all – power struggles, personal one, love with happy and unhappy endings, death, struggle, triumph. I ate that stuff up. Now, it’s authors like Steven King, who use language and imagery so well sometimes I think, “Man, I’ll never ever write that well.” I like stories with authentic settings, and with genuinely human characters that reflect and represent their cultures and their emotional life well. They don’t have to be epic at all; in fact, I prefer them not to be. Firefighters and spies are hot, sure. And I read a lot of that, too. But your suburban nine-to-five clock puncher, your redneck, or your single dad all working for a weekend and a paycheck are more interesting to me.

How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?

I love ebooks. I love having the favorites I read over and over at my fingertips everywhere I go. They’re here to stay, and as for where they are headed, the sky is the limit. I saw a new edition of the George R. R. Martin series (spoilers: winter is here, people) that was gorgeous. It had interactive maps and animations… it was stunning. That is the direction things are going for the right kind of books. For romance, soon I hope to see ebooks get the same recognition and be eligible for all the same accolades as print books, across the board.

Do you have a favorite among your own stories? And why?

Right now, it’s Creative Process. That sounds hokey I guess, to call out my newest novel, but I mean it. I’m very proud of it, I love the main characters, the supporting cast is a lot of fun, and I think it’s my best writing to date.

What’s next for you as an author?

I am working on a standalone novel about an attorney at a respected law firm who falls for a dancer at a gay nightclub. I’m also hoping to write about some of the secondary characters in Creative Process as standalone but related “in world” titles. And I’ve been doing some co-writing with one of my mentors and a great friend, BA Tortuga that are lovely, and off the beaten path.

Blurb

Best-selling thriller author Reese Kelsey knows his career isn’t conducive to romance. He doesn’t work the normal nine-to-five, and sometimes his characters take hold and demand all his attention, causing him to neglect important appointments… and lovers. Rather than go through another heartbreak, Reese contents himself with his small circle of friends—fellow gay New York City artists—and his dedicated publicist, Chad.

Until he sees Owen Mercado lugging his cello toward the subway and impulsively offers him a ride.

Owen has worked long and hard for a career in the symphony, and success comes with a demanding schedule—something Reese understands. Their desires and lifestyles are surprisingly compatible, and Reese and Owen certainly set the bedroom on fire. They’re both carrying baggage, but they fit, and it’s hard not to hope for a future that once seemed impossible.

But when Reese’s work inevitably pulls him into its dark world and refuses to let go, Owen draws a hard line, and Reese discovers he can’t rely on good intentions alone. He will have to control the obsession that drove his other lovers away or risk losing Owen as well.

About the Author

Jodi Payne spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She therefore is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likeable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.

For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila any way you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. She lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.jodipayne.net
Email: jodipaynewrites@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/payne.jodi
FB Author Group: www.facebook.com/groups/jodisgents
Twitter: @JodiPayne
Instagram: @jodipayne1800

Release Blitz for Waking the Behr (A Foothills Pride Story) by Pat Henshaw (excerpt and giveaway)

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Book Title: Waking the Behr (A Foothills Pride Story)

Author: Pat Henshaw

Cover Artist: AngstyG

Genre: contemporary gay romance

Length: 29,689 Words/88 Pages

Release Date: September 20, 2017

WakingCover

Buy Links

Add on Goodreads

Blurb

Both Ben and Mitch think they know exactly what they want. Turns out, they don’t even know their own hearts.

Good old boy Ben has dated women his entire life, while gay nightclub owner Mitch has never considered unsophisticated country boys his type. But after they start hanging out, the small-town contractor and the urban entrepreneur are both stunned by the electricity sparking between them.

As they step outside their comfort zones to spend time together, Mitch finds he enjoys rural car rallies, and Ben is intrigued by the upscale bars Mitch owns in San Francisco. When they share their lives and grow closer, they start to question the way they’ve always defined themselves. Then they kiss and fling open the door to love. Now they must step up and travel the road that may lead to happily ever after—even if that path isn’t one they ever expected to walk.

Excerpt

MEETING A potential client for the first time was usually a mixed bag. As a contractor and partner in Behr Construction, I never knew what I was going to get: a fanciful dreamer, an actual customer, or a combination of both.

So I was surprised when I opened the door to the gutted restaurant and found a giant of a man twirling Julie Andrews–style. He was grinning like a loon as the light poured over him.

That should have been laughable since he was alone, but he was kickass savoring the moment. Instead of appearing loco, he struck me as a big overgrown Peter Pan. He looked so happy, I had an urge to join him, which gave me a moment of panic because I’m not an old boy who does much dancing or cavorting—in public or in private.

“Uh, hello? Mr. O’Shea?”

When he turned toward me, my jaw dropped. I’m sure I musta looked like the village idiot.

The guy was unbelievably gorgeous. I don’t usually think men are good- or bad-looking. They’re men. Before that moment, I would have said men weren’t my type. But, damn! He was smoking hot.

He looked about my height—six four or maybe a little taller—and was dressed in a classy three-piece suit with a gleaming tie tack, had one pierced ear, and wore a sparkling watch. His raven hair stood up in a tall buzz cut in front and tapered long enough to curl around his ears in back.

But what stopped me and turned me to jelly were his wickedly merry eyes and his shit-eating grin.

He acted like a kid who’d found Santa or the Easter Bunny.

In the middle of the total disaster of the old Thompson’s steak house, this guy looked like he’d hit the jackpot.

Fuck me. I’d come to a standstill and was staring at him openmouthed. Since I’m your basic laid-back good old boy, nothing usually bothered me. Now I was poleaxed. He was bewitching. Too hot for somebody like me to handle.

He’d stopped spinning. Without missing a beat, he strode over to me with his hand held out. In the blink of an eye, he changed from the picture of kidlike excitement to a polished city businessman.

I stood stock still, wondering what the hell had just happened. Had I hallucinated the twirling around? Maybe it was time to get away from work for a while, take a vacation, maybe go do some fishing.

“Isn’t this place great?” he greeted me. His voice held a leftover tinge of joy.

He didn’t look embarrassed or bothered that I’d caught him dancing around like an ass. Up close, he was even more powerfully sexy and self-assured. Face-to-face, his lively, assessing stare unnerved me. His unbridled enthusiasm wrapped around me and lifted me off my feet.

The guy seemed to be pulling my personality and soul toward him as he decided whether I was friend or foe. Then he grinned even wider, stuck out his hand, grabbed mine, and shook like we were on the verge of becoming tight. Why did I find this move hot as fuck?

I shook his hand, stunned, and almost wanted to run back to the alley, where I’d left my regular, easygoing self.

His eyes brightened and his smile turned sexy, as if he’d discovered a delightfully lascivious secret.

“Mr. Behr? May I call you Ben? I’m Mitchell O’Shea. Call me Mitch.” He squeezed my hand one more time, then dropped it. “Great space here. I’m going to buy it.”

His hand swept up in an extravagant Vanna White gesture. I was about to tell him he couldn’t afford a vowel, much less a remodel, when he grinned and sucked me in again.

Fuck. Oddly, my body agreed with that sentiment. Why was this happening? To me, of all people. I wasn’t gay. Even a little bit.

My brothers, Abe and Connor, had come out a while back, but everybody knew I was the straight Behr. I’d been dating girls since I was twelve (but looked sixteen). I wasn’t attracted to guys. Ever. I didn’t go for tall girls, especially ones as huge as me, so why was I attracted to a big man?

I stepped back and gave him the once-over. My body sure as shit was a little interested. Okay, maybe more than a little.

Like all the Behrs, I’m tall and squared off. As my grandpa always said, I’m built like a brick shithouse. A brown brick shithouse. Brown hair, brown eyes, brown tan. Nothing exotic about me.

But this guy? This guy had dark blue eyes flecked with light blue and green. His big body was lithe, with a tapered torso, and he moved like a dancer. He hit me like a gorgeous morsel of urban life. Somebody polished and sophisticated except for a patch of boyish fun. His smile was so engaging, I figured my friends would even like him.

My buddies had always said I was attracted to bright, shiny things. Was that all this was?

Noise from outside burst my bubble. Mitch O’Shea and I’d been standing too long staring at each other and not talking.

Through the blush heating up my cheeks, I cleared my throat and shifted uneasily.

“What can Behr Construction do for you, uh, Mitch?”

There was no way under God I was asking him what I could do for him. Or to him. Or whatever. I made myself stop overthinking. Just focus.

His grin grew, embracing me. My prick rose. Dammit.

“I’d like you to take a look at this place’s structure and tell me if it’s sound enough to remodel. Or should I just raze it and start over again?” His voice had changed to one only board presidents and big money used around us peons.

I took a shuddering breath. I’d dealt with hundreds of Mitches as a contractor. Estimates and suggestions I could do.

We both turned to the dismal interior of the former steak house. I cleared my throat, then took a breath.

“Okay. Sure.” I took a step away from him and looked up at the lung-cancer ceiling. “What do you plan to do with this place?”

His grin tried to lasso me again, but I was onto him. I met his gaze with a frown. His eyes twinkled in response. Damn him.

“Well, I own a bunch of clubs in San Francisco, but I’ve always wanted to start a family restaurant, kinda like Chuck E. Cheese’s but not with the costumed characters.” He fucking winked at me. “I want to start a place with an Old West theme, where parents can get a great steak for a reasonable price and kids can play old-fashioned arcade games without their folks watching them the whole time. You know, where families can come and enjoy a night out.”

Okay, his idea wasn’t as flashy as he looked. I would have thought he’d want more Vegas—bright lights and pink cocktails—while he was thinking more Main Street, America. Thompson’s would be a great place for his vision if the Silver Star gourmet restaurant wasn’t nearby, feeding the rich and famous.

“Uh, yeah. You did see the place across the street, right?” I thumbed toward the Star.

He laughed, a hearty bellow of delight.

“Oh, Chef Adam de Leon won’t be challenged by my little family place. This is a big block. Our clientele won’t overlap at all.”

I was skeptical. We’d done some work for Adam, but I didn’t really know the guy very well. From what I’d gathered, the celebrity chef didn’t like to be messed with. Ever. Would he want chattering kids and cranky parents cluttering up the street in front of his place?

I shrugged. “Okay. Whatever. If you give me fifteen to thirty, I’ll have a rundown of what needs to be done and write out a preliminary cost estimate so you can make up your mind.”

He nodded as I bent my head to get an appraisal sheet and pencil from my shirt pocket.

“Oh, Ben,” he called over his shoulder as he walked away.

I glanced at him.

“Mind if we talk about this over lunch?”

“Sure, no problem.” My dick was on board even if the rest of me was wary.

“How about I meet you outside? Maybe we could drive somewhere? I bet you’ll want to try out my car.”

I shrugged again. What’d he have? A Maserati or something? Since I’d come in through the back, I hadn’t seen him drive up.

But I was more concerned about my reaction to him than his ride. Was it possible to turn gay? Is that what had happened to my brothers and it was just now catching up with me?

Damn. I didn’t know how I felt if that was the case. Maybe being gay was a family thing?

I waved to him. Then, as I got one last eyeful, I shouted a piece of advice.

“I’d lose the jacket, vest, and tie if I were you. We’re pretty laid-back around here.”

If nothing else, he wouldn’t stick out quite as much as he would in the suit. He’d certainly attract the single gay men the way he was dressed. I didn’t need… competition?

Shit, what was I thinking?

Read more at Dreamspinner Press

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Release Blitz Schedule

WAKING THE BEHR RB SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 21

Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author

MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews

SEPTEMBER 22

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Lily G Blunt

Meet the Author

Pat Henshaw, author of the Foothills Pride Stories, has spent her life surrounded by words: Teaching English composition at the junior college level; writing book reviews for newspapers, magazines, and websites; helping students find information as a librarian; and promoting PBS television programs.

Pat was born and raised in Nebraska where she promptly left the cold and snow after college, living at various times in Texas, Colorado, Northern Virginia, and Northern California. Pat enjoys travel, having visited Mexico, Canada, Europe, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Egypt, and Europe, including a cruise down the Danube.

Her triumphs are raising two incredible daughters who daily amaze her with their power and compassion. Fortunately, her incredibly supportive husband keeps her grounded in reality when she threatens to drift away while writing fiction.

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Giveaway

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Review Tour for KA Merikan’s Manic Pixie Dream Boy (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 52,000 words approx

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Blurb

You can’t hide the cracks under the spotlight

Dusk. Leader of The Underdogs. Destined for greatness. Lives in the now.

Abe. AKA Lolly. Iridescent. Unicorn.

All Dusk wants out of life is for his band to become world famous. He also wants to have a lot of fun along the way. And to get his rocks off. When he wants something, he goes for it, consequences be damned.

So when he sees a gorgeous pink-haired guy who is the human equivalent of tattooed cotton candy, he can’t help but have a taste. But it’s when Lolly ends up on their tour bus that Dusk knows their meeting was destiny.

Abe is the kind of guy who goes with the flow. He was hitchhiking anyway, so why not spend the week with a hot piece of rocker beefcake, getting smothered by his sexy long hair? And why not play the part of the supportive cutie while he’s at it? It’s not like he’d be sticking around for long anyway.

All plans hit a wall when photos of Abe and Dusk emerge online, suddenly pushing the band into the spotlight. To take advantage of the sudden popularity, the band offers Abe money for staying.

Which means money for being in a fake relationship with Dusk.

Which isn’t even fake.

Or is it?

September 11 – The Smut-Brarians, Mikku-chan, Gay Book Reviews
September 13 – Urban Smoothie Read, BooksLaidBareBoys
September 15 – The Librarian’s Corner, MM Good Book Reviews, The Book Corps
September 18 – Jim’s Reading Room, Wicked Reads, Diverse Reader
September 20 – Jessie G Books, V’s Reads
September 22 – My Fiction Nook, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Dreams & Screams Bookaholics, Bonkers About Books, Bayou Book Junkie, Wicked Faerie’s Tales & Reviews

Excerpt

You can’t hide the cracks under the spotlight

Dusk. Leader of The Underdogs. Destined for greatness. Lives in the now.

Abe. AKA Lolly. Iridescent. Unicorn.

All plans hit a wall when photos of Abe and Dusk emerge online, suddenly pushing the band into the spotlight. To take advantage of the sudden popularity, the band offers Abe money for staying.

Which means money for being in a fake relationship with Dusk.

Which isn’t even fake.

Or is it?

About K.A. Merikan

K. A. Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are taken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.

They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of – it will be full of surprises.

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A VVivacious Review: Caught In Between (Daniel and Ryan #8) by Tamryn Eradani

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Daniel wants to be overwhelmed and he wants to know how it will be if they add a third. But thinking about that particular scenario has him overwhelmed in a completely different way. Will Daniel be able to pose his quandary to Ryan and most importantly what will be Ryan’s response?

Wow, considering how much I was dreading this one, it was pretty amazing. In fact, it might be one of the very best of this series.

I know I made a lot of hue and cry in my last review about how things were all of a sudden moving too fast mostly because I didn’t think Ryan and Daniel were ready for this. But what this story unquestionably proves is that they are ready, they are comfortable enough in their relationship with each other that they can bring in a third for a night of fun.

I loved how the scene was set up. It was delicious. The setup for the scene and scene itself had to be pretty spot on considering my thoughts on the whole affair but I am glad to say that my apprehensions are unfounded.

But my absolute favourite thing about this book was that the whole storyline was an amazing way to showcase how far Daniel had come along in their relationship because all of a sudden his motivations have changed. Instead of wanting to do what Ryan tells him to do because it makes him happy he now wants to do things Ryan tells him to do because it makes Ryan happy. This was something I never expected would come forward in this particular storyline but seeing how amazingly it was incorporated, made me question how I hadn’t ventured down this particular avenue. Also seeing their relationship at such a turning point really helps contrast Daniel’s feelings very well.

Now I can’t wait for the next one because as Daniel points out all this just proves how far along Daniel is in their relationship but where exactly is Ryan in their relationship and I truly can’t wait to have that question finally answered.

Cover Art by Natasha Snow. I love Natasha Snow’s covers they are exquisite but this particular one doesn’t only go very well with the theme for the covers but fits the storyline perfectly, like to the point that the cover seems like a scene from the book.

Sales Links: NineStar Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Published September 11th 2017 by NineStar Press
ISBN139781947139824
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series Daniel and Ryan #8

A MelanieM Review: Scratch the Matchmaker by Austin Daniels

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

After his boyfriend moves out of state without telling him, Jay wants only to indulge in a weekend of drunken self-pity. Before he can get started, though, he is rescued by a stray dog.

While obtaining the necessary food and supplies he needs to take care of the dog, named Scratch, he meets Richard, a veterinary student. Better still, Richard offers to meet up to talk to him about caring for a dog.

Lessons in taking care of a dog lead to lessons Jay never expected, but Jay isn’t the only one with a sour past, and all the two men hope to learn from and with each other may be cut all too short.

Well, I only wish the story I found had been half as cute as the premise and the cover. I think just about everything here needs to be addressed from the format to the multiple points of views that take you immediately away from the main characters story into various side vinaigrettes of dog matchmaking and sex. There is a weird element of “yes, let’s immediately be boyfriends and D/s even though I just met you” that’s disconcerting as well as downright less than sexy.

Honestly it makes you want to take Jay to therapy and remind him about not talking to strangers.

I wish I could say Scratch the Matchmaker by Austin Daniels is all about perspectives. That its just me. But I really feel that it would be hard pressed to find readers to overlook the faults I found. This needs more than another looksee from a editor or two. And that’s from someone who adores a dog story within a romance! It’s just disorganized, the writing is poor and the characters are one-dimensional. I’d give this one a pass.

Cover design by Michelle Seaver. Just adorable, from the dog to the design. Great job.

Sales Links: Less Than Three Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 164 pages
Published September 13th 2017 by Less Than Three Press
ISBN139781684310975
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Someone to Call My Own (Road to Blissville #2) by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Psychic Emory Jackson and former black ops specialist Jonathon Silver are men from two completely different worlds with one thing in common: heartbreak. Emory still mourns the loss of his husband five years prior, and Jon is reeling with grief from the recent death of his twin brother.

Sparks fly when mutual friends introduce them, but it’s so much more than basic attraction. There’s an undeniable awareness and a sense of belonging that neither man can deny. Despite Emory’s premonition of a future with Jon, he has vowed never to love again. Jon is convinced that his tainted soul is the reason he will never have someone to call his own. What if they’re both wrong?

Maybe these broken men with their jagged edges could somehow align perfectly to form something whole and beautiful. But will that realization come too late for them?

I really liked the premise of this story and the prologue drew me right in. Unfortunately as the story went on it didn’t keep the same pace of excitement for me. I had never read this author before so I did not know what to expect. There is nothing wrong with the writing other than it is a style that doesn’t work for me. It was a bit too sweet and fluffy for my tastes. I was expecting something a bit gritty from the blurb and prologue.

Another thing I struggled with is that this story is insta-love on crack. They literally meet one time at a dinner party and are instantly in love with each other. Because of the psychic aspect to the plot it was basically a fated mate story. I struggled with it though because they were both human and it just seemed so unrealistic I couldn’t get past it. I found the entire love story completely unbelievable and I was not emotionally connected to this couple at all. I was actually more interested in Emory and his dead husband and any emotions I felt while reading this were attached to that aspect of the story. There were some very touching scenes between those two.

Someone to Call My Own is the second book in the Road to Blissville series. These books can be read as standalone or as part of the series. The author first introduced these characters in the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries, but it isn’t necessary to read that series first. I had not read any other books in either series and I was able to follow along with the plot and characters with no problem.

This was not a bad book, it just wasn’t the book for me. I think fans of this author will enjoy this installment.

This cover was done by Simply Defined Art and I think it is a nice cover. There is nothing that stands out to make it unique and it is a bit dark in my opinion but overall it is well done.

Sales Links:AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2ezOhtg

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2xIi2g6

Book Details:

ebook, 223 pages

Published September 5th 2017

Edition Language

English Series Road to Blissville #2

Characters Emory Jackson, Jonathan silver

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Leaning Into Always (Leaning Into Stories #1.5) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Let me start by saying I love Lane Hayes’s work, so I immediately jumped at the chance to read this one for review. I was given three weeks, but I took less than three days to read it, savor it, and write this review. This story was delicious, delightful, and decadent. Better than a fine piece of chocolate!

Set in San Francisco, this story was originally part of an anthology and is now going to be the start of a new series. All I can say is “Sign me up!” because if the rest are anything like this one, I’m all in.

There’s not much I love more than a geek, so I was quite happy to find that Eric Shuster is that and more. He’s also cute, humble, sweet, and the type of person who sees to the needs of his friends before his own. His work partner and ex-lover, Nick, has announced that he’s getting married, but Eric can see immediately that he’s marrying for money, not love. The girl is the daughter of a wealthy investor and Nick is always on the lookout for more funds for their technology company, whether they need them or not.

As the story evolves, Eric finally faces the fact that he and Nick were really never in love, just friends and fuck buddies, and there’s no reason to grieve his loss. He ends up spending more time with his friends, especially Zane Richards, a handsome sportsman who loves his water sports, whether they be surfing, water polo, or sailing. In fact, Zane has his own company working with the wealthy who need an experienced yachtsman to simply sail or to race. Eric and Zane become closer than they’ve ever been in the dozen years they’ve known each other as they rediscover their likes and dislikes and explore a deeper connection than the usual surface level among friends.

I highly enjoyed watching their friends-to-lovers relationship develop. Ms. Hayes provided the perfect amount of heat and humor and even a little angst, though thankfully that wasn’t overdone. Just give me a love story that will cheer me up, make me break out my personal fan, and leave me feeling warm and fuzzy and you’ve made my day. This one made my day. I highly recommend it to all MM romance lovers, and especially to those who enjoy friends-to-lovers romances. Yummy!

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Cover art by Reese Dante shows a male naked torso against a scenic background photo depicting the Golden Gate Bridge with sailboats gracefully floating along below on the deep-blue water of the bay. It feels refreshing and is both attractive and pertinent to the story.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 100 pages
Published September 5th 2017 by Lane Hayes
Original TitleLeaning Into Always
ASINB075CVSKG6
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesLeaning Into Stories #1.5

BLOG and Review TOUR: Someone To Call My Own by Aimee Nicole Walker (excerpt and giveaway)

SOMEONE TO CALL MY OWN

Road to Blissville Series, Book 2

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 09.05.17

Someone-to-Call-My-Own-customdesign-JayAheer2017-eBook-cover

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wander Aguiar

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

SMTCMO 3D Cover

BLURB

Sparks fly when mutual friends introduce them, but it’s so much more than basic attraction. There’s an undeniable awareness and a sense of belonging that neither man can deny. Despite Emory’s premonition of a future with Jon, he has vowed never to love again. Jon is convinced that his tainted soul is the reason he will never have someone to call his own. What if they’re both wrong?

Maybe these broken men with their jagged edges could somehow align perfectly to form something whole and beautiful. But will that realization come too late for them?

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2ezOhtg

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2xIi2g6

SMTCMO teaser1

SMTCMO teaser6

EXCERPT

“I think we need to clear the air,” Jonathon said in a calm, rational voice.

“There’s nothing to clear,” I countered. “I’m nothing to you; you’re nothing to me.”

“You think it’s that simple?” Jonathon took two steps toward me. I took three steps back. Jon jerked to a stop when he saw my reaction. “Emory…” He broke off and ran both his hands through his hair. “I know you felt it the night we met. I saw your eyes widen in surprise when the electricity shot through our bodies.”

“So.” Denying it existed wasn’t working. It was time to change tactics. “That doesn’t mean I want or will act on it.” I ran my hand over the infinity tattoo I had inked over my heart. It felt like River’s name was burning my skin like he knew the truth and was calling me a liar. Or, maybe it was anxiety that gripped my heart in its tight fist. Whatever the reason, I felt lightheaded and dizzy. Suddenly, my body felt cold and hot at the same time, and tiny little needles pricked my skin from head to toe. I licked my lips that had suddenly gone dry and numb.

“Emory?” I heard Jonathon’s voice, but it sounded like he was calling to me at the end of a very long tunnel instead of five feet away. He walked toward me, but I kept backing away. I hoped he would stop, but I saw the determination in his eyes. “Emory, I just want to help you.”

“Then leave,” I wheezed between gasps.

“I’d never leave anyone alone in this condition,” Jonathon said angrily. “Now be quiet and let me help you.” He gripped my bicep firmly, but not painfully, and guided me to a kitchen chair. He gently set me in the chair then placed his hand on my stomach beneath the center of my ribs and the other on my chest. I burned beneath his touch. I wrapped my hands around his thick wrists and tried to push his hands off of me. “Stop it, Emory,” he said firmly. “You’re hyperventilating, and I can help you. I. Will. Not. Hurt. You.”

Hot tears of humiliation flowed freely down my face. No one had ever seen me in the midst of a panic attack and I’d always been able to pull myself out of them on my own. That one was different, and I knew I needed help.

“Ignore my hands on your body, but look into my eyes and listen to me.” His demanding, deep voice was nearly hypnotic. “Inhale deeply through your nose, Emory. Hold it for a count of three and release it slowly. When you do, you’ll feel my hands moving up and down with your lungs, and your brain will recognize you’re breathing even before the fresh oxygen pushes the carbon dioxide out of your body. Do it with me, Emory.”

I breathed in slowly, held it for three seconds, and released it. I focused on the way his hands moved up and down with my breathing and pretended that I expelled all the bad energy with every exhale. I repeated the process ten or twelve times before I was completely calm again.

Jonathon pulled his hands off of me and balled them into fists. He didn’t look angry or like he wanted to hit me. It looked like he needed to do something with his hands but wasn’t sure what. He lowered himself into a chair beside me.

“What caused your panic attack?”

“You,” I replied sullenly.

“Emory, I haven’t done anything to you so why would the sight of me cause you to panic?” Jonathon sounded truly baffled and a little insulted.

I knew it would take drastic measures to push him away, so I let him have it with both barrels. “I had a psychic vision about you—well. Us.”

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy

who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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