Love A Romance and HEA? Check out Flaunt by E. Davies (excerpt and giveaway)

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Flaunt by E. Davies

Release Date: January 31st 2017
Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have E. Davies here today to talk about his story Flaunt and share foods he can’t live without. Ed, we must talk fiddleheads some day! Welcome, Ed!

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Canadian Desert Island Eats to Share

Hello! I’m Ed Davies, and I’m thrilled to be here. I was asked to share the foods I couldn’t live without, and nothing against you all, but there are some of these foods I won’t share… Writing requires brain food, but don’t worry, absolutely none of my favorite foods are healthy or brainy.

To add an extra twist, I’m making a list of strictly favorite foods I associate with my home country, Canada. Some of these are widely available throughout North America and the world, some not so much!

Corn Puffs

Seriously. I can eat a bag of these in one sitting. They’re also impossible to find here in the UK, which has driven me mad over the last two years. You can only squeeze two bags into a checked bag, and one into a carry-on… not that I’d know that from personal experience. They seem plain–cornmeal, veggie oil, salt, water—but from the plainest ingredients comes pure magic.

Maple Syrup

Okay, an obvious choice for a Canadian list, I grant you. But hear me out! There’s no syrup like the darkest, richest syrup straight from a Quebec forest. None of that buttery maple syrup stuff, please. When you grow up in Canada, the history module you repeat every year is about the boil-off every winter, when maple sap was boiled down to syrup. They’d pour some onto the snow, where it freezes into a crunchy, hard candy. Proof of Canadian status: when I moved out of my most recent house, I uncovered two bottles of maple syrup, just in case I ran out of it.

Fiddleheads

These are a very Atlantic Canadian food. They’re a specific type of fern that has to be carefully cooked before eating, and they have a unique taste I really can’t describe… the earthiness of mushrooms, yet lightness of fresh greens, with an extra twist. And they can be made ultra-gourmet: four years ago, I had a bowl of fiddlehead cream soup that I still haven’t forgotten.

Sweet & Sour Chick’n

Huh? This isn’t very Canadian… except for the strong tradition of Chinese-Canadian restaurants. There are fascinating articles online on the history of Chinese food in Canada. Throughout the country, but especially in BC—jumping to the other coast now—there’s a long history of Chinese-Canadian families running buffets. Although sweet’n’sour chicken is probably familiar to everyone, I associate it with honey buns, rice paper candies, and a hundred other little tastes of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Poutine

When I cut out cheese from my diet, oh man… this was the hardest thing to go. I’d been gradually cutting back for a long time, and I could live without most other forms of dairy, but poutine was a hard one to give up. But only the stuff made with cheese curds, not fake poutine with shredded mozzarella! That stuff’s a crime against poutine. The curds should also be fresh enough that they squeak.

Kraft Dinner

It’s probably half-plastic, and I don’t even care. I stopped eating it when I cut out cheese, but I found a very suitable vegan alternative and I still eat it… er… embarrassingly often. But sometimes, that little craving sneaks in for some genuine, Canadian KD. Reminds me of my university days…

Kinder Eggs

Again, a predictable choice, but who didn’t grow up with these? I feel for the Americans who have to smuggle these across the border. The chocolate itself isn’t even the tastiest, but waiting to finish the chocolate before you open the plastic egg makes it taste better. Sometimes you’d get a disappointing toy, which is defined as one that doesn’t do anything, and that you didn’t even have to assemble. Other times, it was a cool wind-up car or paper airplane, or something you wouldn’t expect to fit into an egg!

Food famously brings people together—shared memories of it, and unique traditions. In Flaunt, my newest release, Kyle is used to late night pizza with his boss, for example, and Nic finds himself thrilled to get home to cooked meals when he starts sharing his house with Kyle. It’s one of those small, yet hugely important details that can tell you so much about a person. I’d love to hear more about your favorite foods and food memories!

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BLURB

“He’s waiting for me to ask, and I’m afraid.”

“I’m just one more gay guy here.”

Moving to the suburbs of L.A. was supposed to give Nic Montero a fresh start. After escaping his family, coming out as a gay trans man, and excelling in computer programming out of desperation to get financially stable or die, everything should be easy. But joining gay culture now, post-transition, feels impossible… until he runs into the force of nature that is Kyle. Everything Nic isn’t, Kyle embodies. Green hair, garters and cut-off shorts, sports jerseys, and all, brash Kyle is the most gorgeous man he’s ever laid eyes on, and he pulls Nic headlong into the center of his world. If only Nic felt like enough for a man like Kyle.

“One-night stands are my only option.”

Loud, loving, and too much for most men to handle, Kyle Everett catches eyes and occasionally scorn… even at his job at the local HIV charity, Plus. His days and nights are spent at work, his precious spare moments spent with his son, Kevin, when it’s his turn to co-parent, or his best friend, drag queen River. He only has money or time for cheap flings, but the lanky otter who walks into his life makes Kyle want to hold him for longer than a night. He knows what it’s like for Nic to be without a family, but he isn’t brave enough to let this man into his life… until his charity is targeted by bigots, and Nic’s there for him.

“I’ll stay with you if you’re brave enough to be you.”

Nic spent his twenties avoiding family and even his own femininity, but his yearning is impossible to ignore. Kyle’s used to flying solo, but Nic offers him safety and fills gaps in his life he never realized existed and now can’t stand. Living in close proximity, they can’t run from their attraction, but they’re each used to being rejected, with the emotional scars to prove it. Can two men who feel like they’re not enough and too much find something just right?

Flaunt is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Goodreads

EXCERPT

“Welcome to our headquarters! Er, not that we have other locations. Not full-time, anyway. Don’t worry about being late. I’m not even ready. I’m so sorry.” This had to be Kyle— the voice on the intercom matched this peppy yet sibilant, rapid-fire speech.

“I— that’s fine,” Nic assured Kyle with a quiet laugh. He was relieved not to be in trouble for showing up late, nor for showing up in formalwear when everyone else was probably going casual. “GPS pointed me the wrong way.”

“Oh, they do that! Right this way, please.” Kyle scanned his card against a reader near the staircase door. When he twirled to hold the staircase door open, his skirt flared out a little.

Kyle was wearing a skirt, over men’s skinny jeans and boots, and a blouse, and chest hair peeked out from the top of the blouse, his biceps unmistakeable. And his suspenders reached under the skirt, presumably to his jeans waistband. It made Nic wonder if he was wearing garters, which was a wholly inappropriate thought for their first meeting.

He awkwardly stepped through the doorway and Kyle brushed past him to trot upstairs at top speed, already talking again.

GIVEAWAY: Win a $25 Amazon giftcard and 2 x Flaunt ebooks

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About the Author

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E. Davies was proficient in real estate ad shorthand (the old-fashioned newspaper kind) by the age of nine. Growing up moving constantly taught him what people have in common, the ways relationships are formed, and the dangers of “miscellaneous” boxes.
As a teen, he tore through a stack of found romance novels, wishing someone had written similar for M/M, though he could never find anything at Chapters or the library. Just after graduating university in 2013, semi-out and clutching his English B.A. for dear life, he stumbled on an Amazon M/M short story. It was a whole new… phrase he dares not repeat for fear of lawyers. It shone and shimmered splendidly, though.
After failing forty times to avoid crafting happily-ever-after endings for steamy short stories, he plunged into romance novels and hasn’t looked back. As a young gay author whose formative gay fictional role models were characters punished for their sexuality, Ed prefers his stories lightly dramatic, full of optimism and hope.
Now out and proud, he writes full-time, goes on long nature walks, tries to fill his passport, drinks piña coladas on the beach, flees from cute guys, coos over fuzzy animals (especially bees), and is liable to tilt his head and click his tongue if you don’t use your turn signal.

To find out when E. Davies has a new release, you can subscribe to his newsletter.

Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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Dev Bentham On Hot Men, Dull Jobs and her new Story ‘Buyout – A Love Story’ (guest blog by Dev Bentham)

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Buyout – A Love Story by Dev Bentham
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reamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Catt Ford

Buy Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

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 Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Dev Bentham here today to talk about writing and Buyout – A Love Story.

Welcome, Dev!

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Hot men, boring jobs by Dev Bentham

I often first meet a character through his employment. That isn’t all that surprising for someone who has had a lot of jobs in her life. Except that you’d think a writer who conceptualized characters through their work would fill her books with men in really interesting occupations. I do have a few protagonists with cool jobs (like my Antarctic diver in August Ice). But mostly my books are about regular guys who are teachers, cooks, farmers, veterinarians, yoga teachers—you get the idea. No dentists or plumbers yet, but who knows what the future will bring.

I like the challenge of inviting readers to fall in love with men who aren’t characteristically dreamy romantic heros. For example, in Buyout—A Love Story, my narrator is a burned-out finance guy in his mid-30s and the man of his dreams is the proprietor of a struggling hotel. Neither of them are Mr. Darcy types. Which I think is what I love about them.

Because, while we spend a lot of our time working, our jobs don’t have much to do with our innate attractiveness, worthiness or ability to love. I’ve known some distinctly un-hot firemen and cowboys or have been bowled over by a janitor or the guy behind the counter at a fast food restaurant. Traditional romance stories don’t prepare us for finding that perfect someone where we least expect them—right in the middle of our everyday lives. I like to think that anyone can be a romantic hero, no matter what he (or she) does to pay the rent.

My quirkiest job was counting ants for the Forest Service. Forty hours a week bent over a microscope, sorting dead ants by species and counting—1, 2, 3 …a million. I don’t think that job said anything about my attractiveness (or at least I hope it didn’t), but the ants—they kind of grow on you after a while.

So how about you—got any great work stories??

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Blurb:

Everyone deserves a second chance. Or do they? Sean and Martim fell in love at Harvard. Things broke apart when Martim fell into a downward spiral of addiction after his father died. Sean kicked him out but has regretted it ever since. He’s never gotten over losing Martim. But then, not many aspects of his life have lived up to his collegiate dreams.

When he’s sent to evaluate Martim’s family hotel for foreclosure, Sean is once again in the position to put Martim out on the street. In the time since they parted, Martim has pulled himself together, although both health and financial problems linger as a result of his years as an addict. Can the two men bridge the gap of distance and time to rekindle their relationship, or will they fall apart again under the burdens of guilt and disease? 

Set in Lisbon, Portugal, this is the story of lovers reunited after more than a decade apart, and their second chance at romance.

Here’s a taste:

He wore jeans and a black turtleneck, and with one finger held a sleek leather jacket slung over his shoulder. Looking at him was enough to make a man break out in a cold sweat.

He leaned against the doorway. “Stop working, Sean. The sun is out. Let me show you the sights. Then you’ll know why people want to come here.”

My first thought was that I was looking at it. But of course, even Martim in his most promiscuous days couldn’t have satisfied all the tourists.

I shook my head. “I’ve been to Lisbon before. Remember?”

“I remember.” He let it hang. After a moment he rubbed his hands together. “Okay. I have a new plan. I’ll take you someplace we did not go to back then.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little at his enthusiasm. It was so much like the old Martim, the one I knew before he fell apart.

He raised one eyebrow. “Come on, Sean. I promise I won’t bite.”

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About the Author

Dev Bentham has lived in way too many places and had far too many jobs. She’s finally settled in frozen northern Wisconsin where she teaches online and draws on her former lives to write love stories about mature men searching for true love. Her restless feet take her globetrotting whenever she gets the chance, but most of the time she’s tucked up in her office in the woods dreaming about romance and adventure.

She’s the author of many gay romances, including a DABWAHA finalist, a Rainbow Award Honorable Mention and a Rainbow Awards Finalist.

Website: http://www.devbentham.com

Twitter @DevBentham

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dev.bentham

E-mail: DevBentham@yahoo.com

Sign up for Dev’s Monthly News Flash, every month a little news and some flash fiction

Release Day Blitz: Leaning Into Love (Leaning into Stories #1) by Lane Hayes (excerpt and giveaway)

Title:  Leaning Into Love

Series: Leaning Into Stories, #1

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Self-Published

Release Date: February 10th

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: Approximately 24K words

Genre: Romance, Erotica, Friends to lovers, surfer, white collar, San Francisco, bisexual

Available for Purchase ata6e28-amazon

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Synopsis

Eric Schuster is a successful guy. He’s part owner of a highly successful tech firm, he has a supportive family and a great group of close friends. But something is missing. Or maybe he’s reacting to his business partner and ex’s wedding news. He knows his former lover is making a big mistake but he also knows it’s time to move on. And hopefully avoid falling for another friend.

Zane Richards is an avid sailor and surfer with a laid-back approach to life. He firmly believes there’s a time and place for everything if you’re willing to take a chance. Like letting his best friend know he’s interested in being much more than friends. Eric has always been half in love with Zane but going from friends to lovers isn’t an easy sell for someone protecting his heart. Eric will have to decide if he’s willing to risk it all by leaning into love.

INCLUDES BONUS CONTENT

Excerpt

Zane refilled my glass and returned it to me with a naughty smirk. “You get kinda corny when you’re tipsy, Schuster. It’s cute.”

“Cute?”

“Yeah. You get goofy. Your ears turn red and it makes the freckles on your nose stand out. Then you do that thing with your hair where you swipe your hand through it so many times that it looks like you just rolled out of bed.”

“Uh…okay. That’s embarrassing.” I searched for a reflective surface as I attempted to pat my unruly brown hair into some semblance of order. “I was going for debonair and I got bar mitzvah kid chic,” I grumbled.

Zane leaned forward and gave me an intense look I didn’t understand.

“You don’t have to be anyone but yourself with me, Eric. I like you just the way you are.” He sat back again and cocked his head. “So let’s talk about this stupid engagement party. What’s the dress code?”

“Um… it’s probably dressy casual,” I replied with a furrowed brow. I wanted to back up a sentence or two and analyze his words and dissect the meaning of “I like you just the way you are”.

“The usual oxymoron,” he snarked. “You are going with me, right?”

“Sure. If you want.”

“I want. It’ll save us both the trouble of finding some poor unsuspecting sucker to drag to a fancy shindig.”

“True. Speaking of suckers, don’t you have a date tonight?”

Zane glanced at his watch and then stretched his legs out on the bench so his shoe nudged my thigh. “I’ve got time. Talk to me. What else have you been up to lately? I noticed there’s a new exhibit at the Modern Museum. Have you gone? I think it’s a midcentury retrospective with Motherwell and de Kooning. I know you like the scribbly art and…”

His conversation was easy. The gentrified version of his former surfer dude accent had a lilting quality I could have listened to for hours. I felt myself truly begin to relax and let go of the invisible hold I’d had on my emotions, like a swimmer grasping onto a ledge who finally realizes he can reach the bottom of the pool. Being with someone who knew quirky details about me and accepted them without judgment or reservation was a gift.

I treasured all of my friends, but Zane was special. Our friendship was rooted in geography and history and now time. He wasn’t making a romantic advance when he asked me to attend Nick’s engagement party with him. That was latent wishful thinking on my part. Zane was simply being who he always was. My oldest and best friend.

Available at Amazon for only 99 cents

Meet the Author

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest.

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A Caryn Review: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling by Matthew Robbins

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

when-irish-eyes-are-smiling-by-matthew-robbinsFelix first met Ronan in a particularly embarrassing circumstance – dressed only in his underwear, passed out on the beach, and unable to remember how he got there.  Felix was on a trip through Europe with friends, and was pretty sure that those “friends” were responsible for the entire situation, but he had no idea where he was, or where his friends were, so Ronan took pity on him and tried to help him find them.  Things went from bad to worse when he inadvertently wrecked Ronan’s truck and injured him severely enough that Ronan was unable to continue to work on his grandfather’s farm.   

The setup for the entire story started when the local Doolin police, Garda Redmond, offered Felix a choice for restitution to Ronan – either pay for a farmhand until Ronan is able to work, or do the work himself.  Felix didn’t have the money to pay, so he moved into the farmhouse with Ronan and his grandfather, and started work.  Yeah, the set-up was kind of far-fetched, but I was willing to look past that for a good story.

How disappointing not to get it.

Felix was introduced as an earnest young man who was immature, but who’d fallen in with a bad crowd and made bad decisions, and working the farm with Ronan – who wasn’t much older, but was years ahead in maturity, responsibility, and kindness – should have been an opportunity to grow up.  And I guess he did, to an extent, but my overall impression of him was that he was selfish, stupid, and acted like a spoiled 12 year old pretty much through the entire book (even his two acts of sacrifice on Ronan’s behalf were pretty dumb and he would have been better off just giving directly to Ronan).  I thought Felix was a complete douche, and I barely even liked him, much less got invested in him as part of a romance.  Ronan was this great character who was kind and generous to a fault, smart, community minded, with a plan for the future to save his grandfather’s farm, and working hard to accomplish it.  I actually liked him less at the end of the book precisely because he fell in love with Felix, and even picked up some of his stupider traits.  I thought Ronan should have dumped his ass after the first of the many stupid mistakes he made that endangered the farm.

Of course, in the end, Felix saved the day – in a very Scooby Doo-ish kind of way – Ronan declared his love, and the entire town threw them a party.  Uh huh.  I was just glad the book was over.  I would have rated it lower, but I thought Ronan’s accent was well written, and the descriptions of the Irish countryside and the farm were just lovely, so I gave it an extra half star.

Cover art by Written Ink Designs was meh.

Sales Links

JMS Books LLC | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 137 pages
Published January 7th 2017 by JMS Books LLC
ASINB01MY4NSPH
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Fire Triangle by Iyana Jenna

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

fire-triangle-by-iyana-jennaWhile investigating a house fire, Detective Miles Tucker uncovers a similar case twenty years prior. Digging deeper, Miles learns that a survivor from the earlier fire might have some answers to his questions.

 

As a boy, Devin Treadwell survived a fire that wiped out his entire family. The trauma he suffered left him in a mental institution, but he has since made a full recovery and, though partially deaf and mute, now lives an independent life as a music teacher.

 

Devin’s life is disrupted when the handsome Miles suspects him of being a serial arsonist. But he wasn’t the only survivor. A boy named Sebastian who had been adopted by Devon’s family also survived the blaze.

 

Then an attempt is made on Devin’s life. Can Miles keep Devin safe from an arsonist who will stop at nothing to silence him? Or will the attraction between them jeopardize the investigation?

 

This was an interesting story.  Devin is quite young when his family died in the house fire and has come a long way since it happened.  Miles comes in and throws a wrench in his perfectly ordered life, not that he is too upset by the final outcome.

 

This story had quite a few twists and turns.  We saw some of Devin’s childhood when Sebastian came into their lives and some of Sebastian’s actions and thoughts during that time.  Miles is going through a tough time when he begins the arson investigation, which causes him to make a few rash assumptions that are quickly found incorrect once he meets Devin and learns what really happened when he was a kid.  Seeing things through Devin’s, Miles’ and even Sebastian’s eyes goes a long way towards understanding the story, though there is still a twist at the end that I didn’t expect and I always like some surprise in my stories.

 

The cover art is nice and eye catching giving a nice visual of Devin and Miles.

 

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | B&N

 

Book Details:

ebook, 87 pages

Published: January 7, 2017 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781634862974

Edition Language: English

A Lila Review: Tempted to Taste (Sutter’s Bay #5) by Shawn Lane

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

tempted-to-taste-by-shawn-laneRyan Callahan’s parents died in a boating accident off Sutter’s Bay when he was five years old. Now Ryan is back in the bay ready to live in the Victorian reproduction house his father built for his mother. And ready to get his dream job a chef in a restaurant. The job of head chef seems to fall into his lap when Mabry’s is short staffed, but when the sexy as sin owner, Chris Mabry, returns from vacation he fires the inexperienced Ryan on the spot.

Ryan’s dream seems to be over before he gets a chance to prove himself, but when Chris realizes how bad his restaurant’s situation is, he rehires Ryan. As Mabry becomes a success, things sizzle between Ryan and Chris and soon Ryan is cooking for Chris personally.

Tempted to Taste is more of a spinoff than part of the original series.  We do see characters from the previous books, especially Adam and Galaxy, but even so, this book exists on the outside of the others’ friends and family circles. It does have the Sutter Bay setting which helps to bring them together.

This story has a faster pace, which I enjoyed. The plot is simple and the main plot revolves around the main characters’ relationship. There’s no angst or unnecessary misunderstandings. The story has the right amount of fluff and smexy scenes to get the reader to forget about anything else but the story.

Ryan doesn’t waste any time getting settled or looking for a job. He knows what he wants and that includes Chris. From the start, both established an understanding about mixing work and pleasure and this fact never becomes an issue. They are direct and to the point even when they are falling for each other. Chris first impression isn’t a positive one, but he more than makes up for it.

If you’re looking for a quick read between stories or a distraction from the world, this is your story. Don’t expect a piece of literary fiction. This story is a simple romance with interesting characters and a beautiful setting. Plus, it can be read as a stand-alone.

As always, the cover includes the main characters and a view of Sutter’s Bay.

Sale Links: JMS Books | Amazon | Nook

Book Details:

ebook, 49 pages
Published: January 14, 2017, by JMS Books
ISBN: 9781634861489
Edition Language: English

Series:  Sutter’s Bay
Book #1: Sweet Reunion
Book #2: Twice in a Lifetime
Book #3: Galaxy’s Heart
Book #4: Finding Forever
Book #5: Tempted to Taste

 

In Our Contemporary Spotlight: Football Sundae by Daryl Banner (giveaway)

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Football Sundae by Daryl Banner
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Sales Links

FOOTBALL SUNDAE

Only 99¢ and FREE to read with Kindle Unlimited (KU!)

This Kindle edition includes *2* FREE Brazen Boy novellas!

US ► https://goo.gl/Ed6Rty | CA ► https://goo.gl/2eIVwa | UK ► https://goo.gl/txSq8v

AU ► https://goo.gl/V40Bal

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Blurb

Football never tasted this sweet.

Tanner, the hunky college football star, is home for the summer. Billy, the budding dessert chef, is about to have his hot-fudge-glazed world flipped upside-down. Get ready for the “sweetest” romance you’ve ever tasted.

Contains: hot man-on-man action, a whole lotta southern small town sass, and ice cream.

About the Author

Daryl Banner is an author and composer who graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Theatre and Psychology. He writes new adult romance, M/M romance, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and dystopian. He is most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.

Twitter: darylbanner

Join his mailing list here for updates and cool stuff!
He gives away an Amazon gift card every newsletter:
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Giveaway

I’m Daryl Banner, a M/M author, and I’ve just released my latest M/M romance called Football Sundae. ! I’m running a paperback and gift card giveaway on my author page .  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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A Jeri Review: Off Base (Out of Uniform #1) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
off-baseI love Annabeth Albert’s books. I have read all of them-usually as soon as they come out. She does “series” and each series is totally different than the others. She definitely doesn’t stick to one trope only.
Off Base is the start of her next series, but there are charactersfrom her Gaymers series in this book as well. Namely, the two main characters. But if you haven’t read the previous series you won’t need an explantion of anything.
Zach is in the military and desperate to get out of on base housing. And roommates. When his superior offers him a free place to stay- with the caveat that he fix up the house so that they can flip and sell it, Zach jumps at the chance. One big problem- Zach has no idea about home renovation.
Pike had an unconventional upbringing and one of the things he and his mother did was renovate houses. So when Zach laments that he might be in over his head- Pike wants to help. He also wants to get out of where he is living and into something else. Perfect solution for all. Except for the attraction between the two. And the fact that Zach is a virgin.
 Watching Zach and Pike dance around each other was hot. I love a slow burn romance. I loved how Zach- this big tough military guy- was a virgin and totally inept at being a fixer upper. Yet Pike- apologetically gay and a bit of a gay stereotype- is right at home with sheetrock, tile and plumbing. And sex.
Zach was just so sweet. This poor guy was out of his element in so many ways but wanting to figure it all out. Pike was funny and a great fit with Zach. The whole opposites attract thing can be really hot.
This was a great book and I love that there are more to come. Hot military guys, Bring em on!

Sales Links

Carina Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

 

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 304 pages
Expected publication: January 9th 2017 by Carina Press
Original TitleOff Base
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Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesOut of Uniform #1

A Jeri Release Day Review: Fire Balls (Balls to the Wall #2) by Tara Lain

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

31189-bk2bcover2b-2bfire2bballI am quite torn about this book and review. While I absolutely love Tara Lain’s “Love in Laguna” series, so far this series has left me wanting. While I did enjoy the story line and the characterizations, the writing as a whole seems to be inferior (to me!) to the other series. But, I will try to give you a fair review here.

Rodney is a local artist with a super crush on a firefighter. So much of a crush that he semi-stalks the firehouse hoping to get a glimpse of him. He believes this is all in vain because he assumes that Hunter is straight.

Hunter is a firefighter, living out his father’s dream, when really he wants to be a teacher. And even though he lives in a very gay friendly town, he isn’t really out. Especially with a homophobic co-worker.

But then Rodney’s friend starts crushing on Hunter as well and thinking that Hunter would go for surfer manly Jerry instead of sort of fem, total artist him, he acts as matchmaker.  But that is a hard façade to maintain when he is painting Hunter. In the nude.

I absolutely LOVED Rodney. I loved the artist, the friend and the completely unapologetic gay man. He has no problem being flamboyant, and if you have a problem with it- too bad. Hunter was cute and while I did like him I wanted to smack him and tell him to grow a spine.

The dynamic between Rodney and Hunter was great. The author did a great job of challenging stereotypical norms with them. It was quite refreshing.

So while I did enjoy the book and the characters, the level of writing just wasn’t at the caliber I expect of Tara Lain.

The book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

The cover art by Reese Dante is an excellent depiction of both main characters.

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Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition
Expected publication: February 8th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press (first published January 31st 2012)
ISBN 1634773640 (ISBN13: 9781634773645)
Edition LanguageEnglish
settingCalifornia (United States)

SeriesBalls to the Wall :

Volley Balls (Balls to the Wall #1)

Fire Balls (Balls to the Wall #2)

An Alisa Release Day Review: Buyout by Dev Bentham

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

buyout-a-love-storyEveryone deserves a second chance. Or do they? Sean and Martim fell in love at Harvard. Things broke apart when Martim fell into a downward spiral of addiction after his father died. Sean kicked him out but has regretted it ever since. He’s never gotten over losing Martim. But then, not many aspects of his life have lived up to his collegiate dreams.

 

When he’s sent to evaluate Martim’s family hotel for foreclosure, Sean is once again in the position to put Martim out on the street. In the time since they parted, Martim has pulled himself together, although both health and financial problems linger as a result of his years as an addict. Can the two men bridge the gap of distance and time to rekindle their relationship, or will they fall apart again under the burdens of guilt and disease?

 

Set in Lisbon, Portugal, this is the story of lovers reunited after more than a decade apart, and their second chance at romance.

 

I really enjoyed this story.  Sean realized he has never really moved on from Martim and tries to make up for his guilt of kicking him out by paying for things for his string of young lovers.  Just when he is beginning to reflect on how his life has turned out he is sent to Martim’s family hotel and is forced to see his ex lover after ten years.

 

I’m not sure about Sean’s family, but Martim’s has always been important to him, he even brought Sean to meet them when they were in college.  We can easily see the bitterness both of them hold about their past in their interactions.  We can see the guilt Sean is holding onto and how he feels about having to do what his job requires.  Even when he finds a way to help he doesn’t feel that it will make what happened before better until he realizes that he doesn’t have anything left to lose if he just takes a chance.

 

Cover art by Catt Ford is nice and gives a great visual of our characters.

 

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Book Details:

ebook, 69 pages

Published: February 8, 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 9781635333022

Edition Language: English