A Stella Review: Guns ‘N Boys: Homicidal Instinct by K.A. Merikan

Rating 5 stars out of 5

— You can take a killer’s memory, but not his instinct —



Homicidal Instinct Guns N Boys coverAll Seth wants is to live free with the man he loves. But escaping death at the hands of the mafia is just the beginning of an uphill struggle. When Domenico wakes up from his impromptu surgery and doesn’t even remember Seth’s name, Seth’s world falls apart. Suddenly it’s him who has to plan an escape from New York City and navigate their way to Mexico. All that without even knowing if the man of his life will ever love him again.

Domenico doesn’t know who to trust and what to believe. The man who introduces himself as his brother seems to hide dark secrets behind a cheerful smile. With the mafia breathing down their necks, there is no time to piece together the puzzle of Domenico’s life, and each time he thinks he’s solved it, a new part appears to be missing. Dom needs to find out who he really is, what he’s capable of… and what is the real story hidden behind Seth’s intense eyes.

Review Note: (contain spoilers on the previous books)

I love the Guns ‘n Boys series, I think it’s one of my all time favourite series. I find it so addictive, every time I have my hands on the another book I get so excited I lose my mind. This one overwhelmed me in some parts, definitely in a good way.

This book starts where Guns n’ Boys: Book 1, Part 2 (Guns n’ Boys, #1.2) ended, with Dom almost dead after being shot by the Mafia and Seth taking care of him, thanks to the help of his ex boyfriend Peter. It’s absolutely necessary that Dom recovers very fast because they have the Mafia one little step behind them and they need to escape to Mexico. Since Dom can’t remember anything, even his brother/lover’s name, Seth needs to be the one in control, to be the man Dom needs him to be. Now, if you have read the previous books you know who is Seth and what he is (incredibly) capable of, so you know what to expect. I knew Seth, the sweetest mafioso ever, but I can admit I wasn’t ready for him to be so stupid! The things he did in Homicidal Instinct, really, sometimes I so wanted to jump in the book and shoot to him myself. He not only thought but actually did some things so improbable  I’m still not sure how the authors were able to make them realistic and believable to me.

Dom too is our lovely Dom, even without his memory he is still arrogant, bossy, and badass.  He’s lost his memory but not his modesty: “I could have been a model” (looking at his photo). I love them together, especially when they are bitching at each other, about a stupid leather jacket or about their not so sane jealousy.

I don’t want to spoiler but I’d like to say that I’m really happy I got a couple of explanations or revelations, a little part of me was disappointed but even if I tend to forget the things that bothered me in this series, I was glad to see them resolved.

What I loved more about this book 2 was Dom and the fact that I could see new traits of his character, the tenderness and a light insecurity, sweeter in some scene but still hard and violent in others. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions and new adventures and in my opinion it’s more focused on Seth and Dom as a couple. In some ways I found it a relaxing reading. That’s why I wasn’t ready for the ending part, it caught me unawares and left me shaky.

Every time I read a new book written by these two girls, I always think it’s their best one. They write so well together, every scene is unique and precious, every detail so perfect. I can’t praise them enough. Apart from the story, I do love their style, beautiful and fluent. Some dialogues, like the one between Seth and Neil, are so hilarious and over the top, like only K.A. can do. Plus, they are planning so many books in the series, I’m so curious where my heroes will be in the future and how Dom could resist the temptation to shoot Seth and his stupidity.

Highly recommended!

Cover art by Natasha Snow. It’s a well done cover but I’m in love with the cover of the previous book and I’m sorry to say this one can’t compete with it.

Sales Links:   Smashwords        All Romance (ARe)     Amazon      Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published February 5th 2015 by Acerbi & Villani ltd.
ebook, 208 pages
ISBN13 9781310927164
Edition language English
Guns n’ Boys Series in the order they were written and should be read;
Guns n’ Boys: Book 1, Part 1 (Guns n’ Boys, #1.1)
Guns n’ Boys: Book 1, Part 2 (Guns n’ Boys, #1.2)
Guns n’ Boys: Paris (Guns n’ Boys, #1.3)
Guns n’ Boys: Homicidal Instinct (Guns n’ Boys, #2)

 

Love Gets Complicated with Misfits by Garrett Leigh (contest)

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Misfits by Garrett Leigh
Published by Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: G.D. Leigh

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Have you discovered Garrett Leigh and Leigh’s ability to tug at your heart with stories of damaged men and love?  Here is another book guaranteed to draw you in all over again….a stand alone story called Misfits!

STRW Author BookSynopsis

About Misfits…

Restaurant owner Tom Fearnes has loved his partner Cass for as long as he can remember, but their work often keeps them apart. When he meets a striking young man named Jake on the vibrant streets of Camden Town, their heady first encounter takes an unexpected turn.

Jake Thompson can hardly believe his luck when he wakes up in Tom’s bed. Tom is gorgeous, kind, and . . . taken. Tom’s explanation of his open relationship leaves Jake cold, but Tom is too tempting, and when hard times force Jake to accept Tom’s helping hand, he finds himself between two men who’ve lost their way.

Cass Pearson is a troubled soul. He loves Tom with all he has, but some days it feels like he hasn’t much to give. Jake seems like the perfect solution. Cass risks everything to push Jake and Tom together, but Jake resists, wary, until the darkness of Cass’s past comes to call. Then Jake finds himself the last man standing, and it’s time to dig deep and shine a light for the men he’s grown to love.

Visit the Misfits Riptide Page to read an except and purchase.

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About the author

Garrett Leigh is a British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Black Jazz Press. Her protagonists will always always be tortured, crippled, broken, and deeply flawed. Throw in a tale of enduring true love, some stubbly facial hair, and a bunch of tattoos, and you’ve got yourself a Garrett special.
When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible. That, and dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. Garrett believes in happy endings; she just likes to make her boys work for it.

Garrett also works as a freelance cover artist for various publishing houses and independent authors under the pseudonym G.D. Leigh. For cover art info, please visit blackjazzpress.com.

Social media:

Website: http://garrettleigh.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighbooks
Cover art enquiries: blackjazzdesign@gmail.com

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Giveaway/Contest: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Prizes provided and to be awarded by Riptide Publishing.

Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a $15 Riptide store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on March 22. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries.

Love M/M Romance and Musicals? Here is An Anthology for You! Encore is Out!

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Synopsis

An anthology about musicals with a twist.

Who can resist a musical?

We at Wayward Ink certainly can’t!

Boys and Girls, go don your tux. Slink into your gown. Strap on your heels. Dust off that tiara and wrap yourselves in a feather boa!

Come celebrate the extravaganza with us!

Waltz through ten short stories inspired by some of the worldís most popular musicals.

Book Trailer

 

Buy Links

***Buy your copy from the Wayward Ink Publishing website by the end of March and take advantage of the 25% discount on all WIP titles!

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Stories Include:

What’s Up Pussycat? by Louise Lyons

Heartbroken Finley fears heíll never recover from the loss of his lover, Andrew, who was a star of the Cats musical.

But then Finley has an ideaÖ

What if her were to take Andrew’s part in the musical and hopefully make his man proud?

Over The Rainbow  by Lily G. Blunt

Dorian has been cast as Dorothy in his schoolís production of The Wizard of Oz.

Like his character, Dorian is about to discover whether dreams really do come true.

Broadway Devils  by Eric Gober

A geek and his flashy rival . . .

A leading man they both love . . .

A starring role they both want . . .

Allís fair in love and Broadway.

May the best diva take it all!

Angel in the Wings by Asta Idonea

When handsome Phantom, Christopher Keane requests Marcus as his dresser, the action in the wings could be just as exciting as anything taking place on stage.

My South Pacific by Taylin Clavelli

British born Callum has given up on love.

Will he find it again among the Hawaiian reefs?

Or will there be more sharks?

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Enjoy The Show by Lisa A. Adams

Dylan Ruckerís online dating adventures landed him the perfect match.

When Mister Rightî stands him up at the dinner theater, Dylan wants to crawl home defeated.

But, the night is young

With an unexpected flirtation with the lead actor, Dylan must decide.

Hold out for his Mister Right?

Or, sit back and enjoy the show?

The One That I Want by  R.J. Jones

What, you don’t think Dannyís hot?

I prefer Kenickie. He can pin me against a wall anytime.

A Touch Glamour by Alina Popescu

Tudor has big plans for New York City.

Ditch his homophobic colleague. See a musical. Definitely check out the go-go boys.

Meeting one Phantom on Grindr wasnít in the script.

Tudor gets caught up in a whirlwind when his favorite musical character steps off the stage and into his life.

A Man Who Measures Up by Cecil Wilde

When you’re in musical theater, love is just a jump to the left and a step to the right.

A Night at the Opera by Vanessa Clark

Rick never cared for opera.

He thought opera singers were old, outdated, and fat.

That was until he met Giovanni, an opera singer whoís far from that!

No. Giovanni is statuesque, young, refreshing, and beautiful.

Giovanni opened Rickís mind to a new world, and Rickís first ever opera experience definitely wasnít going to be his last.

But little does Giovanni realize that Rick will open his mind to a new experience too!

A Book Spotlight on J.J. Massa and Going to the Chapel: Don’t Ask! (contest)

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Going to the Chapel: Don’t ask by  J.J. Massa
Goodreads Link

Release Date: March 25, 2015

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STRW Author BookSynopsis

Captain Zachary Smith had long suspected he was gay. Still, he could ignore that in the face of his career. He was a military man–a lifer. Everything was fine until a certain inscrutable FBI agent trampled all over Zack’s personal Don’t Ask policy.

Previously published by Torquere as part of the Going to the Chapel anthology.
Pages or Words: 14,900 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

Captain Zachary Smith bit back a groan when he saw the man seated in front of his colonel’s desk. It was his nemesis, his secret crush. His face serious and otherwise expressionless, he did his best to pretend that he was alone in the room, listening to a recording.

“Rest, Captain,” barked his commander, Colonel Marshall. Zack dropped his salute to clasp his hands behind his back, eyes fixed on an invisible point above the colonel’s head. “Mr. Thayer has need of your services once again,” the senior officer went on. Zack fought the urge to cringe or to look at the third man.

Federal Agent Falk Thayer lounged easily in his chair, seemingly unaffected by the scene playing out in front of him. He’d come in and announced his needs. The ranking officer had listened and offered him provision. Zack had an emotional price to pay, but Falk was apparently unmoved by it.

“Captain,” growled Colonel Marshall, “Federal Agent Thayer will require your cooperation regarding the Pavarato case.” The older man nodded toward a beige folder resting on the corner of his desk. “I expect you to assist fully with his investigation.”

“Yes, sir. Of course, sir,” Zack rapped back, focused entirely on his superior officer.

“That will be all, Captain.” The colonel nodded sharply. “You are excused. Make yourself available to Agent Thayer,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir,” Zack affirmed, turning sharply. Without even a quick look toward Falk Thayer, he left the room.

***
“Coffee, Penelope, would you please?” Zack asked as he passed his secretary’s desk.

Though she was an Army sergeant, Penelope Raines preferred not to stand on ceremony. They’d been instant friends since their first meeting, and he didn’t doubt that she knew most of his secrets. He’d told her half of them, and she’d likely guessed the rest. When others were present, they maintained a formal relationship; otherwise, they were relaxed with each other.

“Coming up, Z.” She aimed a commiserating smile his way, turning toward the break room.

He strode into his small office and kicked the door closed behind him. Groaning, he collapsed into his office chair, his face sinking into his crossed arms resting upon his desk.

Moments later, when the door creaked open, he didn’t look up. The scent of strong coffee tickled his nose telling him that Penelope hadn’t let him down.

“Just put it on the desk, Pen,” he said into his forearm. “Hey, d’me a f’vr?” he mumbled, lifting his head a fraction of an inch, “Gimme the Pavarato file ‘n lemme know when Ag’nt Thayer heads this way.” He dropped his head back into the crook of his arm, wondering when his luck would improve.

He heard the sound of the cup landing on his desk, but Penelope didn’t leave. He didn’t stir for a moment until, after several long seconds, still without looking up, he mumbled, “Pen? You need something else?”

“I was coming in anyway, Smith,” Agent Thayer’s smooth tenor answered, amusement thick in his voice.

Zack shot to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair. Automatically, he snapped to attention, groaning inside when he realized he’d done it. He heard the other man’s chuckle and reached for his coffee, nonchalantly taking it from the corner of his desk, hoping to hide his embarrassment.

“Now, what kind of a good soldier gets caught unaware like this?” Falk mused, causing a hot blush to sweep up and burn Zack’s cheeks.

“I, I, um, you…” he stammered, feeling like a fool. Sucking in a deep breath, he stood up straight. He was six feet and two inches tall, muscular and attractive, and he knew how to use it to his best advantage. Why wouldn’t it work on Agent Falk Thayer? “I wasn’t expecting you to just walk in,” he objected, carefully sipped at the strong brew.

“I didn’t ‘just walk in,’” the other man told him calmly. “I stopped at your secretary’s desk. She had your coffee.” He nodded toward the liquid crutch cupped in Zack’s hands.

Zack couldn’t understand it. Falk Thayer had medium brown hair, medium brown eyes, and regular features. The other man was easily four inches shorter than he was. How he could be so unremarkable and so intimidating at the same time, Zack just didn’t know. But he was.

“Um, yeah,” Zack looked away and took another deliberate sip of coffee. “Well, what is it you want me to do?” he asked grudgingly.

Publisher: Torquere Press LLC
Cover Artist: BSClay

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Sales Links:   Torquere Books

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About J. J. Massa…

These things—author biographies—always give me trouble. Should I say I’m a single female over forty? Or would you rather know that I began writing professionally a bit over a decade ago? It’s safe to say I’m a dreamer. I love learning about people and exploring emotions. Every story is a journey, sometimes a wild ride, other times cray trip. Can you tell that I love to travel? I share my home with two cats and two birds. One of the cats is an aggressive young lady who moved in downstairs. My middle-aged guy isn’t sure if he wants to run from her or to her. I’ll let you know if a romance develops there. The birds are taking bets.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jjmassa
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jjmassawriter
Twitter: @JJMassa1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jjmassawriter/

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Tour Dates & Stops: March 20th, 2015

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Inked Rainbow Reads, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Molly Lolly, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, 

Cate Ashwood, Carly’s Book Reviews, Elin Gregory

 

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Contest: Enter to win Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Don’t Ask’ by J.J. Massa. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by Pride Promotions.

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A BJ Review: Chyna Doll (Horizons #4) by Mickie B. Ashling

Rating:  3 stars out of 5

ChynaDollLGChyna, an intersexed male raised as a girl, is struggling with identity issues as she enters adolescence. She finds herself suddenly attracted to her brother Chip’s friend, Luca. Luca, who has grown up with two gay Dads, struggles with his own sexual identity when he finds himself torn between an attraction to Chip and his twin sister, Chyna. .

While the cover and blurb made me think this book concentrated on the relationship of Luca and Chyna, that’s only partially true. A large section of the book concerns the somewhat troubled relationship of Luca’s two Dads, Grier and Lil. This is definitely not a young adult book, since the sex between the two older characters is quite kinky and includes such tantalizing bits as diamond tipped penal plugs, sounding and men who like wearing lacy women’s undies. So a small warning: don’t go into this thinking it focusing only on young adults and their issues. That is not the case.

Chyna’s sexual identity issues were exacerbated by the deplorable way Chyna’s parents handled her upbringing, lied to her and others, and kept from her so many things that could have made it easier on her. Heartbreaking to read about such betrayal from those entrusted with such responsibility.

This book covers some intense and interesting issues pretty thoroughly and from various angles. The ending wasn’t cut and dried but and all tied up sweet, which felt right. But it left me cheering for Luca and feeling hopeful for a HEA for him and Chyna.

This story had excellent potential, but ultimately fell short for me. The writing style varied from extremely readable to parts an info dump of telling. In addition, I found it jarring when we move totally away from the main characters and focus exclusively on the vacationing gay parents and their issues for the space of quite a few characters in the middle of the book. At that point, I’d invested myself in the story of Chyna and Luca and had to resist the deviation to skim forward. Finally, the large number of POVs characters sometimes felt a bit like head hopping and make it hard for me to anchor to any of them long enough to develop a rapport.

Cover Artist: Anne Cain.A lovely cover that portrays two of the main characters close to the way I’d pictured them. This cover gives the impression that these two are the only focus of this story, when actually there’s almost equal focus on Luca’s gay parent’s relationship. In that respect, the cover misleads.

Sales Links:    Dreamspinner Press      All Romance (ARe)       Amazon     Buy It Here

Book Details:  

ebook, 320 pages
Published February 23rd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
(first published February 23rd 2014)
ISBN139781632167323
edition languageEnglish
seriesHorizons #4

Horizons series includes the following:

  • Horizons (Horizons, #1)
  • Taste (Horizons, #2)
  • Daddio (Horizons, #3)
  • Chyna Doll (Horizons, #4)

A Stella Review: Loving the Astrophysicist (Astrophysicist #1&2) by T.N. Tarrant

Rating 4 stars out of 5

Loving An Absent Minded Astrophysicist coverAt twenty-three, Dr. Liam McGregor is a well-respected astrophysicist, astrobiologist, and geologist. With no family, few friends, and no romantic prospects, he’s used to being alone. Focusing on his various scientific projects and taking care of his decidedly unusual cat help keep the loneliness at bay.

Jareth Manning is starting life over—new town, new job—after the loss of his husband. The last thing he expects is for the most absentminded, and beautiful, man he’s ever seen to take up residence in his heart. Nor did he expect to find himself a willingly humble slave to Her Imperial Highness, Empress the Cat.

But Jareth has learned that love doesn’t come around often and to hold on to it when it does. Jareth is willing to be patient if Liam is willing to take a risk after being burned before. They just have to survive Liam’s past returning.  

Eight years after Liam and Jareth marry, they want a child. Things don’t go well when they try to adopt, with terrible accusations thrown at Jareth. After recovering, they proceed with a private adoption, bringing home a beautiful little girl, Carinae. Then things get ugly, endangering not only Liam’s life, but Carinae’s.

How cute is a cat on a leash! Her Imperial Highness sure is amazing.

This book is a second edition and basically put together the two previous books in the Astrophysicist series by T.N. Tarrant. It’s a really sweet book with great MCs and some valuable second ones. I loved the plot too.

In the first part we meet Dr Liam McGregor, a twenty-three years old astrophysicist, geologist and astrobiologist, simply known as the absentminded astrophysicist. After being attacked by a colleague, he is soon rescued by Jareth, the new head of the security in the institute Liam works at. Where Liam is a chubby geek, Jareth is sexy and handsome. How can someone as the strong guard be attracted to the sweet Liam? But Jareth is determined to court him and show him he can be trusted.

“I think you’re beautiful, Liam.”

“How can you think so? I’m fat, scarred, and almost constantly bruised because I can’t even keep an eye on where I’m going, or I fall all over myself when I try to,” Liam objected. “Nobody has ever really wanted me,” he whispered.

Jareth knew only time would show Liam he was serious about wanting him. “You are perfect as you are, Liam. I thought you were absolutely breathtaking the day I met you, and I still think so. […]I was paying a lot of attention to you.” Liam obviously didn’t believe what he was saying. “But why?”

“I have no idea, Liam.” Jareth tipped Liam’s chin up so he could look into Liam’s eyes. […]“To be honest, I don’t really care why. I just know that I find you beautiful and sexy as hell, and one of these days, I want to strip you down and lick you from head to toe, front and back, and have you do the same to me, tangled up together until we can’t sort out who’s where.”

In the second part we find them after being together for eight years, planning on becoming parents. It will be a really hard journey, full of hurts, crisis, accusations, and fears. At the end it will be so worthwhile to get Carinae in their life.

I liked Liam and Jareth, I especially loved how Jareth is a positive characters. After suffering the loss of his husband, he went through dark times and started drinking. Thanks to his family who saved him, now he’s going on with his life and he’s ready for a new love. He’s protective and sympathetic with Liam and his world.

Son of two genius parents, Liam had an incredible and really bad youth, he was stabbed almost to death by his mother cause she couldn’t stand him for being smarter than her, with his father as witness. Liam lives for and in his work, he’s pretty much lonely, apart from his cat Empress and the sweet Aimee. He’s not used to be loved cause a lot of people took advantage of his great mind, just used him.

I put this book in my comfort list, a beautiful list to me. First of all it means that I’m surely going to reread Loving an Absentminded Astrophysicist.  I really loved it, it was an emotional reading but at the same time all the bad things were faced with lightness and positivity. So this is definitely a book to reread when I need a hope glimmering in a dark moment. So happy to have met Liam and Jareth and really well done, TN!

Cover Art by Bree Archer. What can I say about it? I’m a sucker for children, so I honestly can admit I even have read the blurb before requesting the ARC. I saw the cover and I had to read it. So if the aim of a cover is to catch the reader’s eye before the story, this cover to me is a winner, so sweet cute aww.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press    All Romance (ARe)    Amazon         Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 226 pages
Published February 20th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632164773
edition languageEnglish
Author Website: http://tntarrant.blogspot.com/
seriesAstrophysicist #1-2

 

 

Join Us for Release Day for Eric Gober’s Out of Order

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It’s Release Day for Out of Order by Eric Gober

Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

After bombing a job interview, Trent wants to get to the airport and fly home. But high up in a San Francisco skyscraper, he stumbles upon Rob, an old crush who mysteriously vanished from his life. Little does Trent know he’s about to be broadsided. In a moment, Rob will make a startling confession, old feelings for him will reignite, and the city’s worst disaster in decades will erupt around them. Can the two survive the deadly shaking? Or will they perish in the shattered, blacked-out city?

*originally published in the Stranded anthology

out of order

Book Details:

  • Author: Eric Gober
  • Length: short story
  • Genre: M/M, gay romance, contemporary

Buy links

Excerpt

Rob emerged from the hallway wearing an Oakland A’s baseball cap.

I didn’t know you were a baseball fan.

I’m not much of one, really, just supporting the home team. Iím going to a World Series party after our drinks.

You live in Oakland?

Yep. He came and stood very close to me and pointed. South of Calís clock tower, near Rockridge BART Station, so I take a train into the city for this project.

So many trees. It must be pretty there.

I like it.

Does Chris live with you?

He shook his head. We split up.

I’m sorry.

Me too.

Well, if you ask me, it’s Chrisís loss, not yours.

Trent, what I meant was I’m sorry I wasn’t completely honest with you in Arizona.î He looked at me as if I knew what he was talking about.

What do you mean?

Chris was my boyfriend, not girlfriend.

As I gazed into his handsome green eyes, comprehending his revelation, a crust around my heart ruptured, and feelings Iíd stored for him rippled through me. I felt the office sway as I tried to steady myself.

Then my knees buckled and everything shook.

Plate glass quavered. Lobby chairs lurched. Kaleidoscopic serigraphs rattled and fell off walls. Fluorescent light tubes popped from fixtures and shattered around us. A big beige computer monitor flew from the reception counter and exploded on the parquet floor.

Rob seized my arm and tugged me under the counter. The ground vibrated beneath my hands and knees, and the ceiling cracked so hard I feared it was caving and rubble from floors above would bury us. Something hissed, and I felt drops soaking my suit. I looked up. The fire sprinklers were on. Rob grabbed me and pulled me close, and I shut my eyes and nestled against him hard. If I were going to die, at least I’d be in the arms of someone I’d loved.

About the author

Eric’s fiction often explores complications and entanglements in romance. His debut novel, Secrets of the Other Side, won three Reader Views literary awards, including Best Fiction Book of the Year. Described by critics as an emotional journey of love, loss, and self discoveryî and ìan incredible coming-of-age story, the novel chronicles one gay youthís quest for love and happiness during the tumultuous eighties and nineties.

His short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies, including Encore, A Likely Story, Stranded, First Time for Everything, and Best Gay Romance 2014. He earned his MFA in creative writing from Wichita State University.

Eric grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has lived in Arizona, Kansas, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Today he makes his home in Los Angeles, where he enjoys trail running, spending time with friends, and working on new short stories and his next novel.

Social links

Website: www.ericgober.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoberEric
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gobereric
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6964936.Eric_Gober

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A Stella Review: Moment of Truth (Moments in Time #2) by Karen Stivali

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

MomentofTruth large cover (1) (1)Collin expected to spend another summer fixing cars and working at the college pizzeria. Instead, he’s living in a beach house on Fire Island, waiting tables at a hip seaside restaurant and, for the first time since he and Tanner got together, they can publicly be known as boyfriends. Being “out” takes some getting used to, but with the help of new and old friends, Collin is happier than he ever imagined. And more in love. But newfound freedom brings unexpected challenges, and when friends get flirty, old insecurities arise. Moments of doubt and jealousy threaten their happiness, and Collin and Tanner must confront the truth or risk losing it all.

In Moment of Truth we meet Collin and Tanner three months after the beginning of their relationship. They are going to spend the summer in Fire Island working in a restaurant and on their relationship too. In fact this is the first time they’ll be together in front of other people. No one know they are a couple apart from Collin’s mum (remember the disaster at the hospital?) and Tanner’s parents which are really great. Collin is still afraid of not being accepted, but he’s tired of trying to forget who he really is and pretending he’s straight. Now he has Tanner and it’s time to start fighting for his love openly.

“The date.”

“That was the best day of my life.”

“Why?” I needed to know why he thought it was so important.

He pushed my hair back, away from my face, and held it there with both hands. “Because that’s the day that you and I became us.”

I’m sure my heart was actually still in my chest, but it felt like it was in my stomach, in my throat, ready to burst out of me altogether.

I loved this second book, not as much as the first one cause I found it a little less emotional. Nonetheless I felt Moment of Truth so realistic, in the MCs’ insecurities about each other and most of all in Collin, who is struggling with his fears and he’s finally able to tell Tanner his feelings.

So there will going to be some misunderstandings, a lot of jealousy but not too much angst. In all, Moment of Truth is a quick and light read. It’s also a book about first times, a lot of them, first tattoo, first kiss on public, first sex. Oh I forgot… first manscaping, don’t miss it, it was funny and sexy!

Another well written, sweet book, I’m so waiting for the last one. Most of all I’m curious about the possibility of developing related stories with MCs some of the second characters of Moment of Truth in it. I’d really like it cause I feel a couple of these guys totally deserve to be known better.

I love this series and these guys but as I already said in the Moment of Impact review, I’m still not sure if the choice of publish three separates novellas is the right one. I hope to have a final opinion at the end of the series. So this is the reason I still can’t give it more than 4 stars.

Cover art by Anna Sikorska. Nothing to say about it but I preferred the cover of Moment In Time, maybe cause the model was more interesting LOL

Sales Links:     Dreamspinner Press    All Romance (ARe)         Amazon   Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published March 4th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ebook, 130 pages
ISBN13 9781632166500
Edition language English
Series: Moment in Time #2

Moments in Time series in the order they were written and should be read:

Moment of Impact (Moments In Time, #1)

Moment of Truth (Moments In Time #2)

 

 

In the Book Spotlight: Strangers in the Night By: Jaycee Edward and Helena Stone (interviews and contest)

STRW In The Spotlight Header

Strangers in the Night
By: Jaycee Edward and Helena Stone
Published by Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: March 11, 2015

StrangersintheNightFS

A Mini Author Q & A with Helena and Jaycee!

Q.  Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

Helena: Stephen Fry. The man is smart, knowledgeable about an endless amount of subjects, and hilariously funny. I imagine an evening spend with Stephen Fry would be enlightening, mentally stimulating and ultimately uplifting. For me there are few (if any) things more sexy than an intelligent conversation. Stephen Fry may well be the personification of ‘smart’.

Jaycee: Hmm. This is a tough one because lately I’ve been saying I’d love to meet Harry Styles’ mom. But after telling her what a lovely job she did in such a short amount of time, I’d be out of things to say, so I’m going to say Tiffany Reisz. I met her briefly at a book signing and have tweeted with her often enough to know she’d be entertaining as heck and I wouldn’t have to be the one to keep the conversation going.

Helena: And now you have me imagining a dinner party with you, Stephen Fry and Tiffany Reisz. That may well be the ultimate date.

Jaycee: Stephen Fry might not think so, but, heck, I’m game.

Q.  Would you like to be famous? In what way?

Helena: No, I would not want to be famous. At least not if the definition of famous includes being recognised when going about your everyday life, having your appearance as well as every single word you say scrutinized and the whole world feeling it has the right to have an opinion about you and vent it. On the other hand, you won’t hear me complaining if I were known as someone who writes entertaining and memorable books (well, a girl can dream, can’t she?)

Jaycee: Nope. Wildly successful would be okay, though. ;o)
Q.  Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

Helena: I detest making phone calls. I’d rather make a 20 mile round trip in my car to speak to someone face to face than call them. Therefore yes, I will rehearse what I’m going to say during almost every phone call I have to make and probably won’t punch in the numbers until I have procrastinated for as long as I can possibly get away with. Unless of course I can get someone else to make the call for me.

Jaycee: Never. But then I worked in an office environment for 35 years. I spent more hours with a phone plastered to my head than not. For once, Helena and I differ – I’d much rather talk to someone on the phone than in person. That way I can roll my eyes and make faces without them knowing it!  Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction of slamming down the receiver after an especially frustrating conversation. Did I mention I did tech support? LOL!

Book Tour Banner

Now let’s find out more about the short story, Strangers In the Night…

STRW Author BookSynopsis

When Army veteran, Slade, stumbles upon an isolated cottage on a cold, dark, night, the young man finds more than just the shelter he’s seeking.

Former club Dominant Callum is surprised to find a handsome stranger knocking at his door but invites him in despite his reservations. A nightmare reveals Slade’s deep-seated emotional issues, and Callum knows he needs to get creative if he’s going to help Slade leave the past behind.

Neither man is prepared for the feelings Slade’s introduction into the world of BDSM will unleash, and thirty-six hours will either be enough to bind them, or they will remain forever strangers in the night.

Length: 51 pages
Series: Strangers #1

Book Links:
• Goodreads
• Dreamspinner Press (DSP)
• All Romance (ARe)
• Amazon UK
• Amazon US
• Barnes & Noble (B&N)
• Beam Ebooks
• Google Play

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About the Authors….

Helena Stone:Helena Stone Author Photo

Helena Stone can’t remember a life before words and reading. After growing up in a household where no holiday or festivity was complete without at least one new book, it’s hardly surprising she now owns more books than shelf space while her Kindle is about to explode.

The urge to write came as a surprise. The realisation that people might enjoy her words was a shock to say the least. Now that the writing bug has well and truly taken hold, Helena can no longer imagine not sharing the characters in her head and heart with the rest of the world.

Having left the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for the peace and quiet of the Irish Country side she divides her time between reading, writing, long and often wet walks with the dog, her part-time job in a library, a grown-up daughter and her ever loving and patient husband.

Helena Stone can be found in the following places: Twitter, Facebook, Website, Pinterest, Goodreads, or by email.

Jaycee Edward:Jaycee Author Image

Jaycee Edward is no longer seventeen years old but don’t tell her that. She’s actually a tad older and lives in northeast Ohio with her handsome husband and one, big gorgeous dog. She has two grown stepdaughters and is proud to be the ultra-cool Nana to two amazingly incredible grand-teens. Jaycee loves pistol shooting and is has earned her Bar 7 Sharpshooter status in the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program and hopes to someday reach the level of Expert Marksman. She is the token liberal and constant source of fascination to the other members at her gun range. Jaycee knows way too much about the inner workings of Walt Disney World and anything related to One Direction. She’d love to pull you into the rabbit hole with her. All you have to do is ask. Find her there or contact her through social media.

You can find Jaycee Edward in the following locations: her website, Facebook, Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, TSU, Ello, or Tumblr.

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Contest: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by Indigo Marketing and Design and the authors.

Giveaway Details:  Jaycee and Helena have kindly donated a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner! Enter through the Rafflecopter for your chance to win.

Contest Begins: March 11, 2015
Contest Ends: March 21, 2015

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:
March 11 – Joyfully Jay
March 12 – M/M Good Book Reviews
March 13 – The Novel Approach
March 14 – Sinfully Sexy
March 15 – Fallen Angel Reviews
March 16 – 3 Chicks After Dark
March 17 – Love Bytes
March 18 – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
March 19 – Prism Book Alliance
March 20 – JP Barnaby

A Stella Review: Here For You by Skylar M. Cates

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Here for You by Skylar M. Cates coverLife is a thread connecting us. One pull and it all unravels. 

Cole Gannon arrives in the seaside town of Ocean Vista to work as a bartender and finally find a place to belong.  Determined to make a home for himself, Cole lives happily with his four colorful roommates, whom he considers brothers. The only problem is Cole’s attraction to Ian Stark—a guy all wrong for him. He wishes he didn’t keep running into the sexy lawyer.

  Ian knows Cole is attracted to him, but the younger man keeps him at arm’s length. It only makes Ian more determined to be with Cole and learn all his secrets. But while Ian has built a successful law practice, he hasn’t done too well with relationships.  

When a sudden and devastating tragedy occurs, it shatters Cole’s world and throws Cole and Ian together in unexpected ways. In an instant, everything between them changes forever.

I’m an emotional person, I know, but this book really wrecked my heart. I cried almost through all of it. I’ll try to not talk much about the plot cause I don’t want to give away any little detail that could spoil your reading. I have read other books by Skylar M. Cates and I can say I have always loved them.  I like her writing style, it’s easy to read even when the subject isn’t easy at all, but to me Here For You was something else for different reasons.

As I already said it’s really emotional, not just for the tragedy that occur in it, but in the background created for some of the  characters or in the way Cole is working hard to make a family of his own, where his blood family was a failure. Reading about this strong need he has and seeing him insecure and scared of losing the most important people in his life when everything was crushing down, was what left had me sobbing and gasping for breath. I love Cole, he’s caring and so strong, but the change (he and his friends have to face) is so irreversible it’s not easy not let go.  Its not just the fear of failure but hoping that  everyone will help him to continue and try to put together all the broken pieces his family has became.

I found the first thirty pages (more or less) really slow, because the author focused her writing on the secondary characters, introducing them very well.  We see nothing about the MCs together. In fact this is a choral book, obviously required in a story like this. I was able to know a lot about Cole and Ian’s pasts, I got to meet the second characters and feel how they hurt, each one in a different way. I fell for them as I fell for the sweet Cole and the protective and too perfect Ian.

Most of all, Here For You is Cole and Ian’s story, they are hot together and perfect for each other. Cole is taking care of himself since he was a little boy but when he meet Ian and once he stop running away from him, Cole discovers Ian can be his anchor, the one who can take care of him.

From the beginning I had the strong feeling this was going to be a part of a new series, there are all the premises of a great series, I already can see one couple having its beautiful and troubled story (I hope!).

This is the kind of book I like to read. It has already a place in my best of 2015. Highly highly recommended!!

Cover art by AngstyG. This artist is slowly becoming one of my favorite. I love this cover, has something magical and sweet.

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner Press     All Romance (ARe)       Amazon     Buy It Here

Book Details:
Published February 27th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ebook, 234 pages
ISBN13 9781632168139
Edition language English
Series: Sunshine and Happiness #1