Category: M/M Book Reviews

An Alisa Review: Anticipating Disaster (Anticipation #1) by Silvia Violet

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

Del is now a single dad, and for the sake of his young daughter, he’s moving back to his parents’ ranch. Returning to Anticipation means seeing Noah again—the man who was his best friend and then so much more. Del enjoyed surrendering control to Noah, but fear of what their relationship would mean sent him running. Will Noah even speak to him again, much less give him a second chance?

Noah has resigned himself to a quiet life improving his baking skills and running his family’s café. When his mom volunteers him to pick up Del at the airport despite an incoming blizzard, he braces himself to be stranded overnight while trying to pretend he hasn’t missed the man who broke his heart.

The moment they see each other, heat flares between them, and all Noah’s dominant urges come to life again. He wants Del as badly as he always has, but he can’t trust Del to stay around long enough for their relationship to develop. Is there any chance of a future for these two men who are both anticipating rejection?

This was another nice story in this series.  Noah has lived behind the bakery for years and suddenly the one person that could disrupt his calm is coming home.  Del made a lot of mistakes when he was younger but even now has kept a secret from everyone but it might just be the one thing to break down Noah’s walls the fasted.

Okay, first off Clarice is adorable and I can see why she is the catalyst for Del to finally stop running away.  Other than the few timeline issues and editing errors (which I am only pointing out as I was given a final proof) my only frustration was that Del and Noah did a LOT of assuming and not a lot of real talking.  They would talk around a subject great but never flat out said anything to the other until the very end and then everything was suddenly hunky dory, not my favorite trope.

I like the cover art by Amai Designs and how it follows the same style as the first book.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 236 pages

Published: June 23, 2019 by Silvia Violet Books

Edition Language: English

Series: Anticipation #2

Release Blitz and Giveaway for Kaden (Boyfriend for Hire #2 ) by RJ Scott & Meredith Russell

 

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

Length: 43,000 words approx.
 
Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Boyfriend For Hire Series
 
Book #1 – Darcy – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link
 
Blurb



When the lines between pretense and reality blur, can the actor and the boyfriend-for-hire discover something real?


Ryan Levesque is Hollywood’s newest blue eyed boy. Moving from soap operas to the big screen has paid off for the kid from Minnesota, and he’s hot property. But, when a video from the lowest point of his past is shared on social media everything begins to unravel and old hurts resurface. His agent suggests a way out of the mess, and he jumps at the chance to make things right by pretending he’s in a committed, loving relationship with the tall, dark, sexy boyfriend for hire, Kaden. Only, he never counted on the impact Kaden would have on his life, or his career.


When Kaden Moore’s next assignment lands in his lap, he’s expecting nothing more than a self-centered celebrity who’s messed up. Kaden’s new role is that of Hollywood A-lister Ryan Levesque’s boyfriend, a PR stunt concocted by his agents to restore the actor’s dented popularity. Kaden is aware of the video that surfaced from Ryan’s past, and though it raises questions about what kind of man Ryan is, it’s not any of Kaden’s business. Kaden has been pretending his entire life, and knows he can show the troublesome actor a thing or two about the world beyond the Hollywood bubble. But maybe Kaden isn’t as clued up as he thinks, especially when it comes to the heart and love.

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.


RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.


The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.


She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

Meredith Russell lives in the heart of England. An avid fan of many story genres, she enjoys nothing less than a happy ending. She believes in heroes and romance and strives to reflect this in her writing. Sharing her imagination and passion for stories and characters is a dream Meredith is excited to turn into reality.

 

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A Free Dreamer Review: Sword Dance (Sword Dance #1) by A.J. Demas

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Five years ago, Damiskos’s brilliant military career was cut short, leaving him with a permanent disability and scars that are not all physical. Adrift and still grieving, he tries to find meaning in an unsatisfying job.

Work takes him to the remote seaside villa of an old friend, where, among an odd assortment of guests, he meets the eunuch sword-dancer Varazda. Enigmatic and beautiful but distinctly prickly, Varazda is the antithesis of the straightforward and serious Damiskos. Yet as they keep getting in each other’s way at the villa, their mutual dislike is complicated by a spark of undeniable attraction.

Then the villa’s guests begin to reveal their true characters and motives—no one here is what they seem—and Damiskos finds himself at the centre of a bizarre web of espionage, theft, and assassination. Varazda may need Damiskos’s help, but not as much as Damiskos, finally awakening to a new sense of life and purpose, needs Varazda.

Sword Dance is the first book in the Sword Dance trilogy, an m/m romance set in an imaginary ancient world, with murderous philosophy students, sex acts named after fruit, and love blossoming in the midst of mayhem.

I honestly can’t remember why I asked for this book. The blurb doesn’t sound like something I’d normally be interested in. But “Sword Dance” turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, so I’m glad I decided to give it a try.

The setting was quite interesting. It was well fleshed out and I got a real sense of place from it. Sometimes the many country and city names were a little confusing though and I found it a bit hard to remember them and their significance to the story. A map would have been a huge help. A.J. Demas clearly put some serious work into this world and I was very impressed by all the cultural  details.

The romance part takes a while to get started and I liked how well it fit in with the rest of the plot. It’s not an easy relationship between Damiskos and Varazda, considering their past experiences. And it was great to watch them work it out.

Damiskos is a former soldier,  who’s feeling a little lost now that he can no longer fight. I liked him from the start. He’s a very level-headed, reliable man, who might have some difficulties in the romance department. I also liked that the author decided to make him bisexual and gave him an important relationship with a woman, where the woman didn’t turn out to be a horrible person.

Varazda was quite the surprise. Let’s just say he has some very surprising secrets. And he’s just plain gorgeous. I think he’s the first eunuch MC I’ve read about and I would’ve loved some scenes form his POV. And I must admit I would have liked some more anatomical details. I wanted to know exactly what was done to him and how it was functioning now.

The plot itself was certainly unusual. You don’t often see a bunch of murderous philosophy students trying to overthrow the country to create the Ideal Republic. I’ve never heard any intelligent person spout so much nonsense. It’s a clear sign that intelligence doesn’t prevent you from being stupid.

I liked the ending. It’s obvious this is only part one of a new trilogy, because there are most definitely some loose ends. But it wasn’t a horrible cliffhanger and the story was wrapped up neatly. Plus, it just generally fit the tone of the whole book.

Overall, “Sword Dance” was a great read. It took me a bit of time to really get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t stop. I definitely want to find out what happens next and I’ll also take a look at the author’s other books, some of which are set in the same world as this one.

Cover art: Aud Koch, Cover design by Lennan Adams. I know I said I didn’t remember why I wanted this book. But I have a strong suspicion it was probably due to that utterly gorgeous cover. It’s so different and kind of reminds me of a painting on an ancient vase. The perfect cover for this book!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 265 pages
Published July 31st 2019 by Sexton’s Cottage
ASIN B07VPDNCRG
Edition Language English
Series Sword Dance #1

A MelanieM Review:The Ghost Had an Early Check-Out (The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks #2) by Josh Lanyon

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

To live and draw in L.A.

Now living in Los Angeles with former navy SEAL Nick Reno, artist Perry Foster comes to the rescue of elderly and eccentric Horace Daly, the legendary film star of such horror classics as Why Won’t You Die, My Darling?

Horace owns the famous, but now run-down, Hollywood hotel Angels Rest, rumored to be haunted. But as far as Perry can tell, the scariest thing about Angels Rest is the cast of crazy tenants–one of whom seems determined to bring down the final curtain on Horace–and anyone else who gets in the way.

The second in The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks mystery series, The Ghost Had An Early Check-Out  by Josh Lanyon continues with our newly established couple Nick Reno and Perry Foster now living in LA and working on the dynamics of their relationship and living together.  I love how Josh Lanyon writes relationships…relationships of all kinds and then threads them through her stories.  In this case a mystery story.

Nick is sketching an eerie old Hollywood hotel, an architectural wonder or horror depending upon reviewpoint, when he hears screams coming from the hilltop. That begins Nick’s introduction to Horace Daly, wildly eccentric and on the ancient side, it’s his scream that Nick hears and it’s his mystery that Perry (bringing a reluctant Nick) tumbles into.

It starts with Horace, that crazy hotel and its inhabitants, along with all those old horror movie props.  Lovingly if not gleefully described by the author through her characters. If you have ever watched an old Vincent Price or any other horror movie it that ilk, then you will have no problem imagining the movies, the props, and even Horiace in his heyday.  Perry, inhaler in hand, wants to help Horace who is convinced someone is trying to kill him.  Nick wants to watch over Perry on his time home, not happy its at a dusty old hotel with a quirky old actor asking for his boyfriend’s help.

As usual, there is a whole wonderful cast of secondary characters, even a pet alligator named Wally to help or thwart our heroes in their investigation at the hotel and the danger to Horace.   As the plot twists and turns, our couple also continues to work on their own relationship and love affair, the narrative spotlight turning from the mystery to the couple and back again.  It all intermingles effortlessly and the story moves forward quickly.

The Ghost Had an Early Check-Out (The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks #2) by Josh Lanyon is a wonderful mystery romance, full of terrific characters and a complex storyline.  I love this couple and can’t wait to see what ghostly romp they will fall into next.

Cover art works for the type of mystery the novel is about and sets the tone.

Sales Links:  Amazon | Josh Lanyon Website

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 180 pages
Published December 18th 2018 by JustJoshin Publishing, Inc.
Original TitleThe Ghost Had an Early Check-Out
ASINB07HHNDTSZ
Edition Language English
Series The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks #2
setting Los Angeles, California (United States)

A Lila Audio Review: Running on Empty (Havoc #3) by S.E. Jakes and Mark Larchmont (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

After years of running wild, Linc might’ve finally run out of road.After a brutal capture at the hands of the Heathens Motorcycle Club, Linc is just trying to heal, mentally and physically. But he’s got men in his life who are complicating everything. There’s Mercy—a Havoc MC biker and the man he is falling fast for—plus an undercover ATF agent and a rogue Havoc member.

But Mercy’s keeping him at arm’s length, and Linc is spinning. In an attempt to regain his equilibrium, he heads to the bar where he first met Mercy. Night after night, he escapes Havoc bonds and continues down his merry path of mayhem . . . mainly in the hopes that Mercy will give chase.

Since Linc’s capture by his old MC, Mercy’s been dealing with the fallout of his guilt. He’s trying to give Linc space and still watch over him—all without Linc’s knowledge. But with Linc’s old job calling and a threat to Havoc MC heating up, can they make their way back together?

Running on Empty recounts some of the events of Running Blind from Linc’s and Mercy’s point of view. And talking about Mercy, it took me a while to get used to the name change from Gypsy. It’s not a spoiler, just an author’s note before the start of the book.

Like before, the connection of all the motorcycle clubs, law enforcement agencies, and old friends is one of the most interesting aspects of this story. It runs parallel to the romance but it didn’t take away from it.

Linc and Mercy are complex characters with many hidden layers that kept them from trusting each other during most of the story. They do have a sweet connection that withstood their separation and all the others trying to flirt their way in.

I wanted a little bit more cuddly time with them as a couple. Also, more about the other guys and their possible love interests. Overall,  this was a nice addition to the series.

I enjoyed having Mark Larchmont narrating once again. It’s easy to jump back into the series when the voices bring you back into the Havoc world.

The cover by L.C. Chase is simple but it matches the story and the series.

Sale Links: Riptide | Audible | iBooks

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Mark Larchmont
Length: 5 hours and 44 minutes

Published: July 11, 2019 (Audio Edition) by Riptide Publishing
ASIN: B07V4H1HBR
Edition Language: English

Series: Havoc
Book #1: Running Wild
Book #2: Running Blind
Book #3: Running on Empty

Don’t Miss Out on the Release Blitz for Heel (Working Out the Kinks #2) by K.M. Neuhold (excerpt)

Heel RDB Banner

Heel

Working Out the Kinks Series, Book 2

K.M. Neuhold

M/M Romance/Daddy/puppy play

Release Date: 08.02.19

Heel Final (1)

Blurb

“I’ve never thought of calling a man Daddy before, but I can’t think of a word that fits Vale better. He’s my Daddy, and I’m his pup.”

Broken and bruised, there’s nothing I won’t do to protect Adrian. I picked him up and made him whole before, and I’ll do it again. Adrian is a sweet pup with a smile full of sunshine and a heart made for love. A sweet pup needs a gentle hand, and that’s exactly what I intend to give him.

There’s nothing quite like slipping an expensive pair of high heels onto Adrian’s feet and watching him light up. If he wants a fairytale, I’ll happily be his Prince Charming.

*Heel is the second book in the Working Out the Kinks series but can be read as a stand-alone. This book contains a scene of domestic violence. This book also contains an adorable man who loves to be a puppy, fabulous high heels, and the happily ever after Adrian deserves.

Buy Link: mybook.to/Heel

Excerpt

“If you’re not careful, you’re going to spoil me,” Adrian warns as I hold the spoon to his lips to feed him the last bite of our dessert.

“I already told you, you’re mine. It’s my prerogative to spoil my pup if I want to.”

The happiness on his face is worth a little bit of spoiling.

Eventually we leave the restaurant, and I claim his hand for our walk back to the car.

“Oh shoot, my shoe strap is all messed up, hold on one second,” he says as we make our way down the sidewalk.

Without hesitation, I stoop down, my knees hitting the rough pavement, no doubt doing a number on my fancy ass pants, but I couldn’t give less of a fuck. I find the offending strap, twisted and rubbing against the delicate ridge of Adrian’s foot. Nimbly, I slide my finger under it to right it. Adrian wobbles on his feet briefly, his hands clutching at my shoulders for balance before he topples.

When his strap is fixed, I tilt my head to look up at him, his slight frame towering over me for a change, a look of awe and surprise painting his pretty face. I take his right hand off my shoulder and bring it to my lips, brushing a kiss on his palm before standing up and brushing off my pants.

“Thank you, sir,” he says in a breathy sort of whisper.

“Hey, none of that ‘sir’ stuff,” I scold gently. Normally, I’d let a pup call me whatever he likes, but after what Adrian went through at the hands of the last man he called sir, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

“What should I call you then?” he asks, curiosity and a hint of playfulness dipping into his tone.

Daddy, I want to say. The overwhelming need to take care of him and love him almost knocks the breath out of me. It’s such an intimate word; do I have the right to ask for it yet?

“Please, tell me,” he begs when I don’t answer right away.

“Daddy,” I say, keeping my eyes locked on his to gauge his reaction. His pupils dilate, and his cheeks pink again.

“Daddy,” he whispers, the word sounding entirely too perfect. I lean forward so I can taste it on his lips. He sways close, clutching my chest with his good hand as he sighs into my mouth.

“Let’s go home, Sunshine,” I suggest, nipping at his bottom lip.

“Yes, Daddy.”

KM Neuhold Logo__

Author K.M.Neuhold is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely- and sometimes damaged- men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she’s not writing she’s a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero…just kidding, she’s likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

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