Category: Contemporary fiction

An Alisa Review :All or Nothing by Riina Y.T

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

When shy sociology student Remington Belotti finds himself stuck on campus two days before Christmas, the handsome and untouchable Carter McCormack unexpectedly offers him a ride home. Having secretly longed for Carter’s attention for over a year, his sudden interest, along with the kind gesture, gives Remmy hope that his attraction might be returned, after all.

On their way to Remy’s hometown, they encounter bad weather and are overtaken by an unforgiving blizzard, leaving them stranded along the highway. The sparks of attraction fly in the safety of Carter’s car, where they share heartfelt confessions along with body heat and gummy bears. When they check into a motel for the night, their electrifying bond deepens, and their shared time might just bring Remmy and Carter the Christmas surprise they could only have dreamed of.

Oh I enjoyed this story, it was adorable.  Remmy needs to get home for the holidays and is willing to take a big risk by taking his bike even with the storm approaching.  He reluctantly accepts Carter’s offer of a ride but they quickly find out that they both may have been misunderstood.

Remmy is adorable and while he is shy he quickly opens up and acts silly around those he is comfortable with and Carter quickly becomes that person.  Carter has been hurt by his uncle’s family but the openness of Remmy’s family quickly soothes his worries and they quickly bring him into the fold.  I liked getting a glimpse of them together the next year and wish them all the best as their lives continue together.

Cover art by Natasha Snow is great and I think it’s prefect for the story.

Sales Links: Nine Star Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 42,200 words

Published: October 7, 2019 by Nine Star Press

ISBN: 978-1-951057-55-8

Edition Language: English

A Lila Review: Bishop by A.E. Via

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

At only thirty-two, Bishop Stockley has lived a hard-knock life. His gang was his family, the streets his home. Until the crew he’d always called his brothers betrayed him. After doing five years in a federal prison, Bishop is back at his dad’s trailer and working for his landscaping company, thrust into a legit world where he’s no longer the alpha—a world where a criminal record is the least of his disadvantages, because Bishop can’t read or write. Illiteracy had never been an obstacle for him on the streets, he didn’t need to know how to read Moby Dick to survive, he needed to know how to read people… and that was a hustle he’d learned hard and fast. Now, he had to change his life.Bishop’s only support system was a young, inexperienced dad who’d insisted he call him Mike all their life—since they looked more like brothers than father and son. And his hot-tempered, childhood, best friend from ’juvie, Trent. Bishop already had the deck stacked against him, but he wasn’t afraid of hard work to change his situation, and he did want to change. Especially after he encountered Edison Scala, a kind-spirited office manager who didn’t hesitate to come to his defense… a man that saw past Bishop’s grass-stained coveralls. A man who wasn’t intimidated by his stern features and his silence.

Edison hadn’t grown up the way most of his peers had. He’d been raised by a single father who’d owned an old-fashioned barber shop where Edison was taught how to not only shave with a straight razor, and shine shoes, but also how to treat others, to not judge, to be a gentleman, to be respectful and speak without profanity. But, the biggest lesson he’d learned, was to always be himself. His lack of friends and a social life wasn’t his fault. No matter how much weight he gained, no matter how many times his staff called him a square, Edison did not need to change.

Bishop knew Edison was off-limits. He’d made personal vows to himself when he was released from prison, ones that he never intended to break. But, when Edison asked him about providing landscaping services at his home, there was no way he could refuse. He hadn’t expected Edison to feed him, praise him, encourage him, and look at him the way he did—as if Bishop was somebody. Mike and Trent warned him not to mix business with pleasure and he didn’t intend to.

Bishop is all I expected from this author and so much more. It’s been a while since I have rated a book 5 stars but this story deserved it. It was hard to put down and I loved the characters, flaws and all.

It’s nice to read a book were the characters have similar values even when raised in different circumstance. Yes, Bishop had a tough life, but he’s not much different from Edison. They both want to be seen and love for who they truly were.

They had a good support systems but were limited by their insecurities. Their issues were a bit exaggerated and could have been handled differently but the story would have ended within the first 50 pages.

I loved the descriptions of their jobs, their days, and how they found happiness in the small details of their relationship.

There’s not much more I can say without spoilers since the book blurb is pretty extensive. Jut go for it, it’s worth getting to know Bishop and Edison.  Plus, the author set the next book in the series well. I want to read it now.

The cover by Jay Aheer is nice and goes with Bishop’s description but it can be the cover for any MM Romance. I guess it’s missing the light side Edison brings to the story.

Sale Links: Amazon | Nook | iBooksBook Details:

ebook, 395 pages
Published: September 27, 2019, by Via Star Wings Publishing
ISBN: 9781696594448
Edition Language: English

Series: A True Lover’s Story
Book #1: Bishop

Blog Tour for First Priority (Priorities #1) by Este Holland (excerpt and giveaway)

First Priority Tour Banner

First Priority

Priorities Series Book 1

Este Holland

M/M Contemporary Romance; Nerd/Jock

Release Date: 10.17.19

FirstPriority-FB

Blurb

Adam

Meeting an A-list movie star like Truman James wasn’t part of my life plan, but neither was temporarily living with my bully of a stepbrother. Being hit on by said celebrity definitely hadn’t been planned.

I wasn’t up for wild parties or talking in front of cameras, so why did I find myself answering Truman’s phone calls and texts? Even more confusing, why did I go on a date with the man?

Beating my social anxiety wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, and avoiding the stubborn actor was even harder, so when I was thrust into the spotlight, there was only one thing I could do…

Run.

Truman

From the moment I set eyes on Adam Hendrix at my Oscar party, I was enraptured. His sweet demeanor and pretty-boy looks captured my heart from the start, and I refused to let Adam get away.

I never intended to out Adam to the media, but that’s exactly what I did. So, when the paparazzi began to swarm, I did the only thing I could to protect Adam… I whisked him away to a place no one could get to him.

Safe on the little island I loved, I let my guard down and showed Adam the real me. The one only a few people in the world know.

But will it be enough to make him stay? Will I be enough to make him happy?

This is a m/m contemporary romance; alpha/nerd; low angst novel. Trigger warning for some bullying.

First Priority Teaser 1

Excerpt

I was in Truman James’s car, driving west to Malibu. I’d only been there twice in my life to go to the beach with some people in college. It was a nice place, and nowhere near my stratosphere of everyday life.

What the hell was I doing there? Was Truman really that pigheaded that he couldn’t take no for an answer? If I thought for one second I’d be able to handle the media or his rich lifestyle, I’d feel like a million bucks. As it was, I felt like a little kid sitting on plastic furniture in Grandma’s formal parlor, not allowed to touch a thing. Truman hadn’t told me not to touch anything; I’d imposed that rule upon myself because I was terrified I’d break some priceless work of art or some expensive piece of electronics.

Stomach aching with nerves, I blurted, “Let’s go somewhere else.”

Truman started at my outburst. “Like where? I’m not exactly inconspicuous.”

I took our general location into consideration. “Turn off at the next exit and head toward Pasadena.”

Truman glanced over at me with a pensive frown.

“What?” I asked.

“It just occurred to me that I really don’t know you very well. Are you planning on putting me in some compromising situation, taking photos, and selling them to the tabloids?” He waited a beat, then gave me a shit-eating grin.

I smacked his arm with the back of my hand. “Very funny.” Although it kind of wasn’t. It wasn’t hard to imagine people doing that to him, and it almost made me feel sorry for him. Almost.

Est H

Este Holland is a writer and reader of all things Romance. She’s also a treasure hunter, a word wizard, a lover, and a fighter. She was born and raised in WV, and now lives in Virginia. She works in marketing during the day. She began writing novels in 2012.

https://www.facebook.com/este.holland.writer/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19117763.Este_Holland

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/este-holland

https://www.instagram.com/este.holland.writer/

www.esteholland.com

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Release Blitz and Giveaway for Two Divided By Zero (Zero Rising #2) by Jackie Keswick

 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link
 
Length: 30,000 words approx.
 
Zero Rising Series
 
Book #1 – The Power Of Zero – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link
 
Blurb
 

A mistake. A drastic fix. And the person most hurt by Jack’s choice turns out to be… Jack.


Five years after joining the army, Jack is back on civvy street and struggling to find his feet.


He knows he’s made the wrong choice. He knows he needs to move on. But how can he choose a new direction when he feels so lost?


Jack asks advice from friends and strangers, but to find his lifeline he must remember who he is, what he stands for, and what first Rio and then Gareth have taught him.
Can Jack find his way again? Buy Two Divided by Zero and find out!


This is the second book of the Zero Rising series. A part of this story was published in the Kickass Anthology in 2014, helping to raise funds for author Eric Arvin and his family. It has since been significantly modified and extended.

 
Author Bio
 

Jackie Keswick was born behind the Iron Curtain with itchy feet, a bent for rocks, and a recurring dream of stepping off a bus in the middle of nowhere to go home. She’s worked in a hospital and as the only girl with 52 men on an oil rig, spent a winter in Moscow and a summer in Iceland and finally settled in the country of her dreams with her dream team: a husband, a cat, a tandem, and a laptop.


Jackie loves unexpected reunions and second chances, and men who write their own rules. She writes across genres, blogs about English history and food, has a thing for green eyes, and is a great believer in making up soundtracks for everything, including her characters and the cat.


And she still hasn’t found the place where the bus stops.


For questions and comments, not restricted to green eyes, bus stops, or recipes for traditional English food, join her in Jackie’s Kitchen on Facebook or find her in all the usual places:




Website: http://www.jackiekeswick.com
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p9n4w0


Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackieKeswick
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JackiesKitchen/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JackieKeswick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiekeswick/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jackie-keswick

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A Lucy Review : Wrangling a Groom (Marital Bliss #2) by D.J. Jamison

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Can two men keep a childhood promise for marital bliss?

Wyatt is overwhelmed after his grandfather dies, leaving him to take over the cattle ranch. The Triple J is floundering, vandals are targeting him, and his first and only love is finally within reach–and still holding a grudge. Wyatt has wanted to marry Diego since they made a childhood pact, but Diego isn’t back for their second chance.

When a funeral calls Diego back to Texas, he comes face-to-face with the cowboy who broke his heart. Resentment has burned inside him for years, but his anger wavers as he realizes just how much Wyatt is struggling to keep his head above water. The man he once loved is lonely and burdened, and Diego feels compelled to help him rediscover the strong, capable rancher he knows him to be.

Hostility gives way to passion, then friendship as they fall into a rhythm of work and sex. Wyatt has renewed hope he might wrangle the man he wants to be his groom. But Diego has a life waiting for him one thousand miles away, and love may not be enough to prevent history from repeating itself.

The beginning of this book – with Wyatt and Diego as children making a pact to marry each other when they are 25 – is adorable and was my favorite scene. They are both six year old, both living on Wyatt’s Granddad’s ranch as Diego’s father was a foreman.   After seeing Granddad kissing Mrs. Fletcher, they make a blood swear that they will just marry each other.

Except life isn’t that easy, of course.  When the two best friends turn into more, Granddad is a homophobe and he puts pressure on Wyatt – break it off with Diego or lose the inheritance.  Wyatt chooses the ranch, figuring it will just take a little time for Granddad to come around and accept them and he and Diego can be together again.  But Diego leaves, hurt at not being first for Wyatt and doesn’t return until Granddad’s funeral six years later.  He hasn’t responded to any of Wyatt’s letters, either and carries that resentment with him.

And there is where I had some trouble with the book.  Right in the beginning Diego himself admits that while Wyatt did hurt him, it was both he and Granddad who pushed Wyatt to choose between them.  And he admits, “Maybe it’s time to go home” when he finds out Granddad as passed away.  Wyatt is now in charge of the ranch and has been struggling.  He has been the victim of homophobic vandalism, crew leaving now that Granddad wasn’t there to back him up and a cattle ranch that is too much work for the few people left on it. 

They do get past the majority of outright hostility and start sleeping together and working on a plan for rejuvenating the ranch, which desperately needs help.  The anger Diego carries comes through over and over again and sometimes I wanted Wyatt to just get up and leave – have some self-respect!

So I was expecting a reconciliation, some apologies and for Diego to jump in and help.  Some of that happens – Diego does help but he has such an attitude for most of it and seriously the way he treats Wyatt just ticked me off.  The man hurt you, I get that, and he’s apologized repeatedly.  If you can’t accept that, that’s okay but then move on.  They have sex repeatedly with Diego pushing Wyatt away after.

Wyatt is in a vulnerable place and really wants Diego to be with him.  In a letter to Diego (which was never acknowledged) Wyatt writes “I never thought the day you left that I would go so long without a word from you.  I hurt you. I own that and I’m sorry for it… Come home for a day, for a week, forever.”  So Diego knows how Wyatt feels and while I felt for Diego, “Wyatt had made his choice a long time ago, and it hadn’t been Diego”, I felt he was dragging things out. He is all about just sex, even knowing Wyatt wants more. Just FYI, there is a lot of sex in this book.

I like many of DJ Jamison’s books but this one missed the mark for me a bit and honestly, mainly it was due to Diego.   The writing is consistent and flowed well, if sometimes it felt a little dragged on. 

The cover design by Garrett Leigh, which I assume is Wyatt in an open shirt and cowboy hat, is a little generic looking and didn’t do much for me. 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited 
 

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 305 pages
Published October 10th 2019 by Amazon Digital Services
ASIN B07YR3Z1JX
Edition Language English
Series Marital Bliss #2

A Lila Audio Review: Their Bounty (Four Mercenaries #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

— Taken. Prized. Possessed. Loved. —Clover is an orphan and has led a tough and chaotic life. No stability. No money. No friends. He trusts no one.

His already miserable life takes a nosedive when he ends up in the hands of a human trafficking gang. Someone has placed a request for a young albino man, and Clover is to become the property of a mysterious buyer who will stop at nothing to satisfy their depraved desire. Clover’s fate seems sealed until four bounty hunters appear to take out his captors and accidentally save him.

The four mercenaries want to move on, but when Clover pleads for protection, they offer it to him at a price. In the beginning, the arrangement is all kinds of shady, but as he gets to know the four men who’ve taken him on a wild ride, his developing feelings might become as dangerous as the elusive buyer.

But can a relationship with four such different men even work? Men who kill for a living? Men so full of contradictions?

Tank. The massive ex-soldier eager to be Clover’s Daddy.
Pyro. Wild, tattooed, with a filthy mouth and an itch for violence.
Boar. Ginger, bearded, a big teddy bear who can turn into a grizzly.
Drake. Dark and dangerous, with a tongue as sharp as his knives.

Can these men provide him with the love and security he craves? Or has Clover made the worst mistake of his life?

Their Bounty is an interesting take on reversed harem. Yes, it’s dark but you couldn’t expect anything less from these authors. Although, it’s not as uncomfortable as some of their other books.

The plot to the story is simple but allows the reader to learn more about all the characters, how they do their work, and how they react to trouble. Some things were too much of a stretch but worked as a whole.

The resolution was part of those fanciful events but I didn’t see the villain coming. I was pleasantly surprised with how the person was and how everything went down.

The main reason I didn’t rate this book higher has to do with the authors’ talent to get the reader to love or hate their characters. I could see all the layers wrapped around Clover but by the time everything was revealed I did trust him.

I know the mercenaries weren’t saints but at least they were honest. And they are the reason I’m looking forward to the next books in the series. To see where their journey brings for them as a foursome + clover.

The narration by Wyatt Baker is pretty monotone in parts but he compensates with the unique intonations for each of the protagonists.

The cover by Natasha Snow goes well with the story even when Clover seems older than in the book. I’m sure there’s not that many models fitting his description.

Sale Links: Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Wyatt Baker
Length: 9 hours and 53 minutes
Published: September 7, 2019, by Acerbi & Villani Ltd.
ASIN: B07X934VQ4
Edition Language: English

Series: Four Mercenaries
Book #1: Their Bounty

Blog Tour for Rules to Break (Davey’s Rules #2) by Susan Hawke (excerpt)

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Rules to Break

Davey’s Rules Series Book 2

Susan Hawke

M/M Romance, Daddy/boy

Release Date: 09.26.19

Rules to Break ebook

Blurb

Davey’s Rule #91: Daddy never loses faith in his boy.

Bryan Miller is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He’s a discipline Daddy who’s not in the market for any kind of permanent relationship. And why should he be? Like the waves he surfs in the small beach town he calls home, there’s always another body available to warm his bed when he tires of the current flavor of the week.

Preston Wallace is a snotty rich brat with enough attitude to keep all the Daddies from giving him a chance. He gets it… people are jealous of him for being rich, hot, and fit. It would take a strong Daddy to take him in hand.

A casual conversation on the night of Preston’s twenty-fifth birthday ties these two stubborn men together in a bet right out of the musical My Fair Lady. Can Daddy Bryan turn the obnoxious brat into a dateable boy within a ninety-day timeframe?

Strap in for a roller-coaster of emotions as Bryan takes firm control of a brat who might just need to know someone cares enough to try

This is the second book in this series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys,” and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book. Possible trigger for the death a background character.

Universal Link: mybook.to/RulestoBreak

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Excerpt

My back was rigid and my nostrils flared, but I bit my tongue and kept any arguments to myself. If a little water splashed out of the bucket when I jerked it from his hand, that wasn’t my fault. The rinsing process went a lot faster than the washing, mostly because I had a better idea of what I was doing this time. Once again, Daddy stood there jerking himself off while I worked.

Seriously? What was his malfunction? Did he think I had a humiliation kink? I really needed to set him straight one of these days. Just… yeah. Probably not today.

As I worked my way back toward the front of the bathroom, I thought of ways to get even. When I got close enough to the sink that I spotted his toothbrush sitting in the holder, I knew what I wanted to do. Every so often, I’d noticed that he’d close his eyes for a moment or so while he was jerking himself. I timed it so the next time his eyes closed, I rose to my knees and grabbed his toothbrush in a flash.

Thanks to my seriously awesome poker face, I was able to keep from grinning when he opened his eyes to see me scrubbing the grout between the tiles with his toothbrush. He watched me for several seconds before he began chuckling under his breath. “While I like to see you thinking on your feet, perhaps my personal toothbrush wasn’t the best choice of cleaning tools? How will I ever get toothpaste into my mouth now? This is a problem, don’t you think? Hmm. Stand up, brat. Drop my toothbrush in the wastebasket and bend over the counter.”

Oooh. Bend over the counter? Yes, please. This could only mean good things, right?

I was practically vibrating with excitement when he walked over and stood behind me. I’d leaned over the end of the long marble counter and stretched forward over its length. But thanks to the mirror, I was able to see him clearly when I glanced to my left. I gulped and started to jerk up when I saw him reach for the toothpaste. Shaking my head, I started to point out his mistake when he held me in place with his other hand.


Susan Hawke Logo

As an avid reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I’d care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I’ve found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that’s what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

I’m a happily married mom with one snarky teenage boy, and three grown “kids of my heart.” I’m more widely known for my mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family I mentioned; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy. I look forward to sharing my stories with you, and to bringing more romance and laughter into this world that needs it so very badly.

Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/2Hdgwvl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanHawke/

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A Lucy Review LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2 (In My Arms Again by Nell Iris The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright

JMS Books’ Trios are themed collections of three gay romance stories by a trio of authors. Each story is available separately, but readers can get all three for a discounted bundle price.

Legendary Loves Volume 2 contains three paranormal shifter M/M romances just in time for Halloween! Contains the stories:

In My Arms Again by Nell Iris: Oxen is lonely, feeling like he’s waiting for something, and can’t focus. But when a very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes. The stranger, Vinge, is a Pegasus unable to transform. Both men feel an instant connection that swiftly grows deeper. The questions surrounding Vinge are many. Why is he so familiar? What will it take for the depth of their connection be revealed?

The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea: Tired of the daily grind of his job, Keston heads out for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Kona Woods. Turns out he isn’t alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down. Will facing what scares him bring to Keston’s life what it’s missing most?

Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright: There’s nothing about perky — twinky? — Oliver Hughes that would make Sensational News’ (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think Bigfoot actually exists. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see. In Wilson’s new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his … er … feet?

While this is an Anthology Volume, the stories are also sold separately and so are reviewed that way below:

In My Arms Again by Nell Iris

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Trapped in a growing sense of restlessness, Oxen the hunter is lonely. Feeling like he’s waiting for something—or someone—he’s unable to focus on getting ready for winter. But when a handsome and very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes.

Vinge is from a Pegasus family but has never been able to transform. As soon as he awakens in Oxen’s care, both men feel an instant connection, which grows deeper as Oxen nurses him back to health. Something profound within each man calls out to the other, but neither knows what it is.

The questions surrounding Vinge and their deepening relationship are many. Why is Vinge so familiar to Oxen when they have clearly never met? Why are they both reluctant to take the first step to a real commitment? And what will it take for the true depth of their connection be revealed?

This novella has sometimes very flowery descriptions in a very old world setting.  Owen has been feeling off- restless and unable to hunt – for weeks.  As if he is waiting for something.  The something comes in the form of a man, Vinge, banging on his cabin door, nearly dead of fever.  As Oxen nurses the man to health, he has the immediate sense of connection and doesn’t understand why. They know each other’s names without being told and they understand what the other is thinking without trying. 

As Vinge heals he shares more of his story with Oxen – he is a Pegasus who was abused and tortured with the consent of his family because he is unable to transform from human.  It was heartrending to know the pain inflicted on him for being different, a happening that occurs every day.

The book is very character driven, with Oxen and Vinge coming together with no issues at all.  There is a meet the villagers moment and Oxen’s neighbors, Thorwald and wife, appear briefly. 

The explanation for the connection between them was rushed and seemed a little tacked on.  I think here the length worked against the fullness of the story. I am a fan of Nell Iris and I will continue to read her work but this one was not a favorite of mine.

The cover, showing Oxen with an overlay of a Pegasus, fit the story very well and conveyed the mood.

Buy Links

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Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

 

 Murky Depths  by Kassandra Lea

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

While Keston enjoys his occasional video game tournaments with the kid across the hall, he’s grown tired of the daily grind of his job. With a bit of a push from his boss, he heads out for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Kona Woods. A little time away from the hustle and bustle sounds like just the thing he needs.

Turns out he isn’t alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down, and he runs in fear.

But will facing what scares him bring to Keston’s life what it’s missing most?

Keston is just burned out and while he likes his apartment, he’s questioning his job and his life.   He likes his job.  “Being a manager was great, he thrived on leading others and keeping things orderly.”  He has a good apartment with neighbors he gets along with, especially little Molly, his gaming partner, and her mother.  He is close with his parents.  But something is missing. His family has a remote cabin in Kona Woods and he goes there with the idea of rest, relaxation and maybe considering what to do now.

Of course, we all know about best laid plans.  When Keston walks to the lake for a relaxing canoe ride, he ends up falling asleep and wakes in the middle of a terrible storm.  “And while he’d napped, the gloriously calm fall day decided to play a dirty trick on him.” As he tries to get back to shore, he is absolutely sure he is going to die.  “This is where I die.  This is how it all ends.  No more late nights at my desk with the glow of my lamp to keep me company.  No more wheeling and dealing and helping my team.  No more getting my butt beat by a ten-year-old. No chance of love.”  Despite the impossibility of it, he is saved by Ness, a stranger with a Scottish accent. 

This opens Keston’s reality up to something he would never dream of and the connection between he and Ness is powerful.  There are family secrets that need to be uncovered and of course dealing with Biggie.  But those come after Keston’s incredible freak-out upon this new reality and I appreciated that freak out so much.  Faced with facts that turn your world around I thought it was a realistic response.  Terror!

While I loved Molly, the ten-year-old neighbor, she definitely didn’t seem like a child to me.  Perhaps the fact I am a teacher of primary children, but I rolled my eyes a few times at some of her dialogue. “Don’t take too long,” Molly said, getting up.  “We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.”  Despite that, I liked both Molly and Frannie, her mother.  The comments about people questioning why Keston is friends with Molly made me sad, as it would be suspect these days.  Keston is, however, a “…big brother-father-super cool uncle all wrapped into one…”

There were more than a few editing issues, usually the wrong word.  Quit instead of quite, snack for smack, a few added words.  They weren’t enough to drag me from the story but definitely noticeable. 

Things were a little too easy to forecast for me.  As this author is new to me, I will give another book of hers a try, although maybe not a paranormal.

The cover matches the story completely, although it is a total spoiler for the story!

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Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

It wasn’t supposed to be REAL! Bigfoot doesn’t actually exist. Yetis, shifters, creatures of the night … none of those exist. Right? Right?

There’s nothing about perky — some might even say twinky — Oliver Hughes that would make a skeptic like Sensational News’ (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think otherwise. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see.

In Wilson’s new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his … er … feet?

In a word: cute. It was a unique take on shifters, in this case, Bigfoot. Wilson is a reporter for a National Enquirer type newspaper, the Sensational News. Despite this, he has standards on what he reports. He won’t lie or make up “news”. When he is sent to Tallbear to track down a Bigfoot sighting, he is annoyed but ready to give it his best. He won’t do slasher stories, but finds a way to make it interesting. “I’m going to include statements from people who insist they’ve seen Bigfoot, but I think the slant my story might take will be on the dangers of becoming too obsessed with proving it.” Wilson decides to focus his story on these dangers of obsession with Bigfoot when the death of an elderly woman, Ida, caused by a trap put out to snare Bigfoot, comes to his attention.

He meets Oliver, “Oliver Hughes, aka ‘Bigfoot’” and falls instantly in lust with the sparkly, dark-haired twink. Oliver works for the bed and breakfast his sister owns, which happens to be the place Wilson is staying, as well as being a very talented graphic designer. It turns out that Ida was the aunt of Oliver and his sister, Lena.

Wilson really does come across as a fair reporter. He believes that most of the people he interviews about Bigfoot truly believe the stories they tell him. Emma, who saw Bigfoot fifty years ago and has stuck with her story ever since, and even Harold, the man who set the bear trap that killed Ida. He is respectful when he interviews and people open up to him.

Wilson and Oliver begin a weekend fling and Wilson is so enamored with the colorful Oliver, waxing poetic about his eyes. Oliver himself is adorable. “You don’t need to be nervous.” Oliver’s tone was amused. “I’m a sure thing, yet no hard feelings if you’d rather not.” They laugh a lot together.

The “… something he wasn’t meant to see” from the blurb comes at the end of the book and even though you easily guess what is going to happen, it was fun and funny. I liked the book, an easy, fun trip through the tabloids.

The cover, featuring Oliver amid a rainbow background, fit the story very well.

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Sales Links to Legendary Loves Vol 2:

Buy Links

The books will all be 20% off at the publisher’s site through October 25.

Legendary Loves, Volume 2

 Publisher |  B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z7G17JM/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z7G17JM/

Book Details For Legendary Loves:

ebook
Published October 19th 2019 by JMS Books, LLC
ISBN139781646561186
Edition LanguageEnglish
URL https://www.jms-books.com/contemporary-c-29_93/legendary-loves-volume-2-p-2978.html

Release Blitz – LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2

RELEASE BLITZ

Collection Title: Legendary Loves Volume 2

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length:  71 700 words 

Release Date: October 19, 2019

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Blurb

JMS Books’ Trios are themed collections of three gay romance stories by a trio of authors. Each story is available separately, but readers can get all three for a discounted bundle price.

Legendary Loves Volume 2 contains three paranormal shifter M/M romances just in time for Halloween!

It contains these stories:

In My Arms Again by Nell Iris: Oxen is lonely, feeling like he’s waiting for something, and can’t focus. But when a very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes. The stranger, Vinge, is a Pegasus unable to transform. Both men feel an instant connection that swiftly grows deeper. The questions surrounding Vinge are many. Why is he so familiar? What will it take for the depth of their connection be revealed?

The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea: Tired of the daily grind of his job, Keston heads out for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Kona Woods. Turns out he isn’t alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down. Will facing what scares him bring to Keston’s life what it’s missing most?

Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright: There’s nothing about perky — twinky? — Oliver Hughes that would make Sensational News’ (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think Bigfoot actually exists. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see. In Wilson’s new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his … er … feet?

 

Buy Links

The books will all be 20% off at the publisher’s site through October 25.

Legendary Loves, Volume 2

 Publisher |  B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z7G17JM/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z7G17JM/

 

 

BOOK 1

Book Title: In My Arms Again

Author: Nell Iris

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length: 21 809 words 

Release Date: October 19, 2019

Genre/s: M/M Historical Paranormal Fantasy Gay Romance

Trope/s: Soulmates, age difference, hurt/comfort

Themes: Finding your soulmate, reunited, family conflict, acceptance

Heat Rating: 3 flames

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

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Two strangers. An unexpected familiarity. Instant connection.

Blurb 

Trapped in a growing sense of restlessness, Oxen the hunter is lonely. Feeling like he’s waiting for something—or someone—he’s unable to focus on getting ready for winter. But when a handsome and very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes.

Vinge is from a Pegasus family but has never been able to transform. As soon as he awakens in Oxen’s care, both men feel an instant connection, which grows deeper as Oxen nurses him back to health. Something profound within each man calls out to the other, but neither knows what it is.

The questions surrounding Vinge and their deepening relationship are many. Why is Vinge so familiar to Oxen when they have clearly never met? Why are they both reluctant to take the first step to a real commitment? And what will it take for the true depth of their connection be revealed?

 

Excerpt  

His eyes are still closed when I kneel next to the bed again, but I can tell he’s awake by the way his head tracks my movements. 

“I will lift your head and help you drink,” I explain before touching him again, and he tilts his chin down, giving me permission. I slide my hand around his neck, cup the back of his head, and ease it off the bed. He drinks in deep gulps until the bowl is empty, and when I lower him back down to the pillow, he sighs. 

“Thank you, Hunter.”

I stiffen at his words. “Do you know me?”

Slowly, he moves his hand from his side and lays it on his chest. “I feel you,” he says.

“How?” My head is spinning with all the questions this man’s arrival has brought. For every passing hour, they multiply, and I can no longer keep track of them all.

The stranger doesn’t answer my question—somehow I knew he wouldn’t—so I try another approach. “I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I know not who you are.”

His pries his eyelids open, long eyelashes fluttering like a hummingbird’s wing. Even in the dim light of the cabin—cast only by the flames in the hearth—I can make out the color of his eyes: so dark they’re almost completely black, generously sprinkled with flecks of gleaming gold, and despite the obvious tiredness, his gaze is bottomless and intense. It pulls me in and settles some of the restlessness in my chest at the same time. 

And when he looks at me, I understand what he’s talking about. 

I can feel him, his presence. As though his heart beats next to mine in my chest. As though his breath mingles with mine when it leaves my mouth, as though I see myself through his eyes. As though I know him.

“My name…” His voice falters.

“…is Vinge,” I finish, a gasp escaping at my own words. 

“Yes.”

 

BOOK 2

Book Title: The Murky Depths

Author: Kassandra Lea

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length: 20 106 words

Release Date: September 19, 2019

Genre/s: M/M Paranormal/Urban Fantasy 

Heat Rating: 1 flame

It is a standalone story.

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Who…or what is lurking in the shadows?

Blurb 

While Keston enjoys his occasional video game tournaments with the kid across the hall, he’s grown tired of the daily grind of his job. With a bit of a push from his boss, he heads out for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Kona Woods. A little time away from the hustle and bustle sounds like just the thing he needs.

Turns out he isn’t alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down, and he runs in fear.

But will facing what scares him bring to Keston’s life what it’s missing most?

 

Excerpt 

“Crap,” he growled. Keston scrambled for the paddle as the first fat raindrop landed on his cheek, coursing down like a year he didn’t remember crying. The once gentle rocking was becoming stomach upsetting and mixed with his actions threatened to capsize him. “Crap, crap, crappity.” 

Why didn’t you check the weather forecast, you fanned fool? Instead of being a sitting duck for an electric charge you could be sitting safely before a fire while letting the storm rage on. Even sticking to his original plan would have had better results, he’d simply have raced back through the woods with prayers of no branches falling on his head. Being soaked head to toe he could accept. 

Which might happen sooner than he hoped. 

The wind picked up, forcing the trees to dance and tearing the leaves from their branches. Keston pitched dangerously to one side and narrowly avoided taking an unwanted swim by shifting his weight the other way. His belongings slid back and forth along the bottom of the canoe. Lightning. Thunder. His pounding heart prodded by fear and adrenaline. And then it hit, the deluge of rain, almost like having a bucket of water dumped over his head, or perhaps this was how coaches felt after the end of a great game when thee players got all excited and doused them in Gatorade or whatever. 

He was soaked instantly. 

And it was a cold rain, one that dropped the temperature significantly in a matter of seconds. Gone was the beautiful autumn day replaced with a chill that left each breath as a puff on the wind. Keston shivered, somehow managing to wrap his fingers around the paddle. He gripped it tightly and dipped one end into the lake, which by now was tossing him about as if he was a rubber ducky in a child’s bath. 

The waves were getting worse. 

 

BOOK 3

Book Title: Weekend at Bigfoot’s

Author: Addison Albright

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length: 29 800 words

Release Date: September 19, 2019

Genre/s: M/M Contemporary Paranormal Gay Romance (with a pinch of Mystery and Comedy)

Trope/s: Meet Cute, Forbidden Love, Fling Turns into More

Themes: Love (or at least lust) at first sight, secrets, paranormal surprise

Heat Rating: 3 flames

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

 

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Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

 

It wasn’t supposed to be REAL!

Blurb 

It wasn’t supposed to be REAL! Bigfoot doesn’t actually exist. Yetis, shifters, creatures of the night … none of those exist. Right? Right?

There’s nothing about perky—some might even say twinky—Oliver Hughes that would make a skeptic like Sensational News’ (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think otherwise. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see.

In Wilson’s new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his … er … feet?

This fun novella has a paranormal twist, a hint of mystery, and a flavorful dollop of romantic comedy. Mix it all together for a satisfying HEA!

 

Excerpt 

Wilson’s gaze traveled lower, and if possible, widened further. Because holy mother of Sasquatch, Yeti, and the Abominable Snowman, Emma Pearson had not been exaggerating when she’d insinuated that Bigfoot was well-hung. If anything, she’d underplayed it.

Bigfoot—that’s who he had to be—squawked again with a noise that had an admonishing tone, as if calling out Wilson’s rudeness for gawking at his junk, then covered said junk with his massive hands.

“Sorry,” Wilson muttered. It was reflexive and seemed weird in the circumstances to be calmly apologizing to Bigfoot. Why the hell wasn’t he freaking the fuck out? Most normal people would be.

A vision of Mark screeching, “I don’t think I’ve ever once seen you get worked up over anything,” flashed through Wilson’s head. Apparently Mark had a point.

Wilson blinked. There would be absolutely no way to get the mouth and flaring nostrils of this…creature so perfect in such a close inspection if he wasn’t real. He was real.

And if this was the ultimate test of pragmatism, then—Wilson straightened his back—he was going to pass it with flying colors.

 

About the Authors

Nell Iris

Nell Iris is a romantic at heart who believes everyone deserves a happy ending. She’s a bona fide bookworm (learned to read long before she started school), wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without something to read (not even the ladies room), loves music (and singing along but let’s face it, she’s not Celine Dion), and is a real Star Trek nerd (Make it so). She loves words, poetry, wine, and Sudoku, and absolutely adores elephants!

Nell believes passionately in equality for all regardless of race, gender or sexuality, and wants to make the world a better, less hateful, place.

Nell is a 40-something bisexual Swedish woman, married to the love of her life, and a proud mama of a grown daughter. She left the Scandinavian cold and darkness for warmer and sunnier Malaysia a few years ago, where she spends her days writing, surfing the Internet, enjoying the heat, and eating good food. One day she decided to chase her life long dream of being a writer, sat down in front of her laptop, and wrote a story about two men falling in love.

Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, and loves writing diverse and different characters.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Facebook Profile  

Twitter: @nellirisauthor  |  Instagram: @nell_iris  |  Goodreads

QueeRomance Ink   |  BookBub

 

 

Kassandra Lea

Born to a military family, Kassandra Lea has been reading since she could hold a book. Growing up she wanted to be Batman, then she discovered writing and realized she could be whatever she wanted if she lived vicariously through her characters. When not writing, she can be found hanging out with her dog, pursuing her love of horses, and cheering on the Packers. She lives in southern Wisconsin in an old house with her mother, a gang of furry monsters, and a ghost.

Author Links

Facebook  |  Twitter: @Cheddarsgal  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

 

Addison Albright

Addison Albright is a writer living in the middle of the USA. Her stories are gay romance in contemporary, fantasy, and paranormal genres. She generally adds a subtle touch of humor, a smidgen of drama/angst, and a healthy dose of slice-of-life to her stories. Her education includes a BS in Education with a major in mathematics and a minor in chemistry. Addison loves spending time with her family, reading, popcorn, boating, french fries, “open window weather,” cats, math, and anything chocolate. She loves to read pretty much anything and everything, anytime and anywhere.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Facebook Profile  |  Twitter

BookBub  |  QueeRomance Ink  |  Amazon

Newsletter sign-up  |  Instagram: (@addison.albright) |  Audible

 

 

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

 your choice of ebooks from each author’s backlist (3 books for each of 3 winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations

As we head toward Hallows Eve and the pumpkins and decorations are out in full display of one of my favorite holidays, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words’ stories are trending towards the paranormal, the supernatural, and yes, the downright spooky!

From vampires to werewolves to other things that go bump in the night and are still seeking their own versions of HEA or HFN, I thought I would start sorting through some of our more chilling recommendations!  More to come next week and chime in if we have missed some of the new stories!

Story Recommendations for All Hallows Eve!

  • A Light Amongst Shadows by Kelly York
  • Spirits series by Jordan L. Hawk
  • Tyack & Frayne series by Harper Fox
  • P.S. I Spook You by SE Harmon
  • A Frost of Cares by Amy Rae Durreson
  • Whyborne & Griffin series by Jordan L. Hawk
  • Motel Pool by Kim Fielding
  • “Winter” by Josh Lanyon
  • The Tourist by Clare London
  • Lesser-Bred series by Adrienne Wilder
  • THE GERMAN by Lee Thomas
  • COWBOYS & VAMPIRES by Hank Edwards
  • MONSTER (Vertex #1) by Soren Summers
  • MAN & MONSTER (The Savage Land #2) by Michael Jensen
  • In a Dark Wood by Josh Lanyon
  • Mummy Dearest by Josh Lanyon
  • All In Fear: A Collection of Six Horror Tales by Steve Berman, et al
  • Unhinged by Rick R. Reed
  • A CHARM OF MAGPIES series by K.J. Charles
  • FALLOCAUST series by Quil Carter
  • COLD FINGERS by Amy Spector
  • THE BOOKS OF BLOOD Vols. 1-6 by Clive Barker
  • INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice
  • A DENSITY OF SOULS by Christopher Rice
  • DUST OF WONDERLAND by Lee Thomas
  • THE WOLF AT THE DOOR by Jameson Currier 
  • LOST SOULS, & DRAWING BLOOD, by Poppy Z. Brite
  • Ally Blue Down
  • Sarah Waters Affinity (f/f)
  • Bump In the Night series from Riptide
  • Jacqueline Rohrbach Speak With the Dead
  • The Werewolf on Lowre Few Lane by Bryce Bentley-Tales
  • Green Death by Madeleine Ribbon!
  • Ground of Insurrection (Wizard Wars, #1) by Mell Eight

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Word

Sunday, October 20:

  • Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations.
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 21:

  • Spotlight Tour and Giveaway for Dancing with the Lion: Rise by Jeanne Reames
  • Release Blitz – LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2
  • Blog Tour Minuet” by A.M. Leibowitz
  • A Stella Review All at Sea by JL Merrow
  • An Alisa Review: For a Unicorn’s Happiness (Legendary Shifters #2) by Catherine Lievens
  • A Caryn Review: Rise (Dancing with the Lion #2) by Jeanne Reames
  • A Lucy Review LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2 (In My Arms Again by Nell Iris The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright)

Tuesday, October 22:

  • Convicted” by Kim Fielding Cover Reveal
  • Blog Tour Rules to Break by Susan Hawke
  • Release Blitz for Anna Martin – Something Wild
  • A MelanieM Review Pine Tree Mary by Ofelia Gränd
  • A Lucy Review : Wrangling a Groom (Marital Bliss #2) by D.J. Jamison
  • A Lila Audio Review: Their Bounty (Four Mercenaries #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Wednesday, October 23:

  • Release Blitz – Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale – V.L. Locey
  • Blog Tour Rules to Break by Susan Hawke
  • Book Blitz – Adira August – Psychic Men
  • First Priority by Este Holland Blog Tour
  • An Alisa Review :All or Nothing by Riina Y.T
  • A Lila Review: Bishop  by A.E. Via
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review Best Man (Close Proximity #1) by Lily Morton

Thursday, October 24:

  • Release Blitz – Their Special Agent (Thistle Hearts #1) by Mel Gough
  • POST The Captain’s Flighty Fireworks by Eleanor Harkstead and Catherine Curzon
  • Blog Tour Second Song by Edie Danford
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Shot in the Dark (New Amsterdam #3) by Kelly Wyre
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Friday, October 25:

  • Release Blitz – Precariously Mated (D’Vaire, Book 14) by Jessamyn
  • BLOG TOUR Wrestling With Hope by DH Starr
  • An Alisa Review Wolf, en Garde by A.F. Henley
  • A Stella Review What We May Be by Vivien Dean

Saturday, October 26:

  • A MelanieM Audio Review:  Spencer Cohen 2 by NR Walker and Narrated by Joel Leslie