A Lila Audiobook Review: How To Bang a Billionaire by Alexis Hall and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Rules are made to be broken . . .

If England had yearbooks, I’d probably be “Arden St. Ives: Man Least Likely to Set the World on Fire.” So far, I haven’t. I’ve no idea what I’m doing at Oxford, no idea what I’m going to do next and, until a week ago, I had no idea who Caspian Hart was. Turns out, he’s brilliant, beautiful . . . oh yeah, and a billionaire.

It’s impossible not to be captivated by someone like that. But Caspian Hart makes his own rules. And he has a lot of them. About when I can be with him. What I can do with him. And when he’ll be through with me.

I’m good at doing what I’m told in the bedroom. The rest of the time, not so much. And now that Caspian’s shown me glimpses of the man behind the billionaire I know it’s him I want. Not his wealth, not his status. Him. Except that might be the one thing he doesn’t have the power to give me.

How to Bang a Billionaire is a more refined, gay version of Fifty Shades of Grey. I did laugh a lot more than with Anna and Christian, but the essence of both stories is the same. A dark, brooding hero that can’t love and keeps everyone at arm’s length, and a young man in distress, helpless without his cool and collected love interest.

There are differences, for example, this story has less supporting characters and young Arden is not a vulnerable, oblivious virgin. There’s no goddess or internal voices even when the reader spent a considerable part of the story in Arden’s head. But overall, the similarities are many.

The characters and the settings are interesting and the author’s prose beautifully written. Humor plays an important part as well as in-depth conversations between the main characters. I enjoyed the descriptions and the troubles Arden got into. I like how Caspian felt comfortable to be himself when he was with Arden.

One of the only things I didn’t like about the story related to the conditions Caspian had for Arden. He accepted him and his rules, only to complain about it a short time after. Caspian had all reasons to move forward without him; which he didn’t do. The other was the lack of background about Caspian. It was hard to get to know him thru Arden’s eyes.

Just like every series, this is not a complete story. It has the start of something good and a solid happy for now. It opens the door for a future that if it follows the Fifty’s saga it won’t have a lovely end until a third book is available.

The narration by Joel Leslie makes everything better. It’s easy to follow the characters’ perspective and how they feel about each other. He makes the reader feel what the characters are feeling making the story more personal and enjoyable.

After reading the story, I’m still unsure of who is on the cover by Brian Lemus. I believe is Caspian but I can be wrong.

Sales Links:  Hachette | Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Joel Leslie

Length: 11 hours

Published: January 16, 2018 (Audio Edition) by Hachette Audio
ASIN: B078WZLVX4
Edition Language: English

Series:  Arden St. Ives
Book #1: How to Bang a Billionaire

Release Day Blitz for Hard To Let Go by Jaclyn Quinn (excerpt)

 Hard to Let Go RDB Banner

HARD TO LET GO

JACLYN QUINN

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 02.19.18

 Hard to Let Go Cover

 COVER DESIGN: Morningstar Ashley/ Five Star Designs

COVER PHOTO: Stock Photo

 

BLURB

Owen Richards lives a quiet life in his small hometown of Haven’s Cove. He has a rewarding life consisting of three very supportive—not to mention feisty—women, and a successful bakery that he owns and absolutely loves. Yet, Owen can’t seem to shake this emptiness inside or the intense feeling that something is missing. A sudden encounter with a man from his past, one he despises, turns his entire world upside down. When Owen finds himself attracted to that sexy man, he questions everything, including his sanity. After all, only an incredibly disturbed person would find that he can’t stop thinking about his high school bully.

Brody Walker never expected to return to Haven’s Cove. He’s made a life for himself in Boston where he can truly be the person he was always meant to be. But an unexpected call has Brody facing all the demons he’d left behind so long ago. Now, he’s faced with not only a difficult goodbye, but one long overdue apology to a man who is no longer that lanky kid from high school. The challenge is to convince the guy he’s changed—and also prove he’s worth taking a chance on.

When passions ignite, truths are exposed, changing beliefs these men have held on to for years. Faced with the knowledge that things aren’t always what they seem, will they choose to hold on to the incredible thing they’ve found…or is it easier to give in to the fear and let go?

Hard to Let Go Teaser 1

Hard to Let Go Teaser 2

EXCERPT

“Do you always put chocolate chips in your blueberry muffins?”

He looked down at the bowl then up at Leslie. He’d been fucking up all morning and it pissed him off to know it was because of that asshole. “Shit. Guess today’s special has been decided, chocolate chip blueberry muffins.”

“Sounds yummy if you ask me, but then, I pretty much like chocolate in everything.” Leslie laughed and tossed some chocolate chips in her mouth.

Owen shook his head and said, “Yeah, I know you do. If you eat one more chocolate croissant, I’m docking your pay.” He bumped her with his hip to move her out of the way as he reached for the muffin pan.

“Like hell you will. It’s called quality control. How else are you gonna know if this stuff is good enough to sell? You’re welcome,” she deadpanned, shrugging her shoulders. “Besides, if you being distracted gets us more chocolate in your baked goods, I don’t see a problem.” Leslie winked at him and tucked a red curl that had fallen out of her hair tie back with the rest of them on top of her head. They each had pale skin, but with Owen’s dark chocolate brown hair and her red curls, they didn’t even look related.

“Who says I’m distracted?” he asked defensively. He was totally fucking distracted. Man, he really needed to get his mind off of the shit-storm that barreled into town this morning. Luckily, all of the mistakes he’d made were ones he could salvage…so far.

Owen’s mind had been going back to the close call that morning over and over again. He knew he was being immature blaming Brody for anything that happened. Owen’s the one who almost caused the accident by running the stop sign. He was just so damned pissed at himself, because before he recognized Brody, he’d let his eyes wander over his well-developed body. The perfect fit of his jeans, the plaid shirt that clung to a broad chest, the goatee that made him look rugged and mysterious, and the brown hair just long enough to tuck behind his ears. That was not even close to the clean cut, all-star athlete that used to make Owen’s life a living hell.

Without his high school jacket or him hiding behind the ring leader, Chuck, no one would know it was Brody Walker. Except it was him. He was one of Chuck’s lackeys, always there, taunting Owen and egging Chuck on. The fact that Owen had let his eyes wander over his perfectly sculpted—no…shit, Owen—over that piece of shit—yeah that’s better—disgusted him. Proof positive he just needed to get laid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I have been an artist from a very young age. From drawing cartoon characters and evolving into portraits, making jewelry, photography, and now writing. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends and couldn’t be more grateful.

I live in central New Jersey, love summers at the Jersey Shore, rock music, wine, sexy men, and laughing a lot with my amazing friends and family. Sunday dinners at my parents’ house are crazy, hysterical and you can count on a movie quote…or ten…being thrown out. Insults between siblings is how we show our love for each other!

When I’m not creating, you can find me reading books from my favorite authors. I’m a hopeless romantic, starving for passionate characters and always craving that happy ending, whether in reading or in writing my own books.

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

GOODREADS

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Black Panther, Superheroes, and LGBT Fiction. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Black Panther, Superheroes, and LGBT Fiction

So we are taking a little sideslip this week away from the topics I had meant to talk about (like that’s ever happened before lol) because of a opening of a spectacular movie last night.  That’s right Black Panther opened Thursday night to accolades everywhere!  Kids, parents, teens, tweens, millennials, any age, and yes, any race, said this movie has it all. Yes it does.  But to many, it’s much, much more.

Importantly, released during Black History Month, for the first time ever, a certified big budget blockbuster with a black superhero (not sidekick mind you, but the main hero), an almost all black cast, and a black director is rushing to break box office attendance records and looking to become a movement as the hashtag “WhatBlackPantherMeansToMe” has been trending.

Yes, it’s all about representation.

That’s something we have always known.  It’s why Wonder Woman (directed by a woman) is so important to women and little girls everywhere.  And why LGBTQIA fiction and yes comics are equally important to the LGBTQIA community.

Right now, Black Panther comics are flying off the shelves.  Black Panther first appeared in Marvel Comic’s Fantastic 4 in 1966 and got his own comic in 1977.  Here’s an article on the history of the Black Panther comics and serial…check it out.

The Black Panther comic of today is drawn a little differently.  But all this got me thinking.  What about gay superheros?  I know Roan of Infected first  popped into my mind (Andrea Speed) but how about others?  What about graphic novels?  What LGBTQIA Superheroes can we name?  How about stories?  Yes, that your cue….let’s find and name stories and  LGBT superheroes!  Include graphic novels if you can find them!  We’re on a hunt and a mission!

It’s our  LGBTQIA Superhero Hunt Giveaway!  Find stories and LGBTQIA Superheroes!  We will give you all the entire month that’s left.  Must be superhero stories, can be graphic novels (comics).  Giveaway ends March 3 at midnight.  Gift certificates will be given away!  Must be 18 years of age or older.  Let the hunt begin!

Now onto this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.  And go see Black Panther. It’s amazing!  Plus you know people will be shipping those hot actors like crazy! lol

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, February 18:

  • Black Panther, Superheroes, and LGBT Fiction
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, February  19:

  • DSP Dreamspun Desires Promo Liv Olteano on Lover, Lover
  • Hard To Let Go by Jaclyn Quinn Release Day Blitz
  • Release Blitz – Loving Kit by L.M. Brown
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review : Seth & Casey by RJ Scott
  • A Lila Audiobook Review: How To Bang a Billionaire by Alexis Hall and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
  • An Alisa Audiobook Review: The Soldati Prince (Soldati Hearts #1) by Charlie Cochet and Narrator: Manuel Pombo

Tuesday, February 20:

  • Blitz Sign-Up: Love on a Battlefield by Posy Roberts
  • DSP Promo BA Tortuga
  • Riptide Tour and Giveaway: Losing It by Christine d’Abo
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: Lover, Lover ( Dreamcatchers story)  by Liv Olteano
  • An Alisa Release Day Review: Teaching Ben by Shae Connor

Wednesday, February 21:

  • Review Tour for Poke Check (Harrisburg Railers #4) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • Harmony Ink Promo Annabelle Jay on Luminosity
  • Release Blitz: Break Down (Dublin Rugby #4) by Rebecca Norinne
  • An Alisa Review: Manic Pixie Dream Boy (Underdogs #1) by KA Merikan
  • A MelanieM Review:Poke Check (Harrisburg Railers #4) by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey

Thursday, February 22:

  • Release Blitz Jay Northcote – Pretty In Pink
  • Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker Blog Tour and Giveaway
  • DSP Promo KA Mitchell on Bad Boyfriend
  • A MelanieM Review: Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker
  • An Alisa Review: Jingle Bears (The Bears of Falcon’s Ridge, #2.5) by Susan E. Scott
  • A Lila Audiobook Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding and Narrator: Andrew McFerrin

Friday, February 23:

  • BOOK BLAST for As You Wish by Isobel Starling
  • Heart2Heart Anthology Blog Tour
  • Found by Annabella Michaels Tour
  • A Stella Review: New Heights by Quinn Anderson
  • An Alisa Review: Just Here For The Pain (Underdogs #2) by KA Merikan

Saturday, February 24:

  • RELEASE BLITZ for Dead Camp #5 (The End Game part 2) by Sean Kerr
  • Book Blitz – Penny Brandon’s Blind Passion
  • A MelanieM Review: Point of Contact by Melanie Hansen

Audiobook Blitz and Giveaway for September (Pride and Joy #1) by Robert Winter and Narrator: Kale Williams

Title:  September

Format: Audiobook

Series: Pride and Joy, book 1

Narrator: Kale Williams

Author: Robert Winter

Publisher:  Robert Winter Books

Release Date: February 7th,  2018

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 10 Hours 01 Minutes

Genre: Romance, May December, hurt comfort, second chance

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

A May-December contemporary gay romance for lovers of second chances

David James is smart, successful, handsome… and alone. After the death of his lover, Kyle, from cancer, he buried himself in his law practice and the gym. At forty-eight, he is haunted by his memories and walled off from the world. When David injures himself working out, he’s assigned to Brandon Smith for physical therapy. The vibrant young therapist is attracted to David and realizes he needs a hand to get back into dating. What begins as a practice coffee date escalates to friendship, passion, and maybe something more, as they navigate a new relationship in Washington, DC, and the gay mecca of Provincetown.

But David remains trapped behind the barrier of fear and guilt. Will he remain loyal to Kyle’s memory if he moves on? Can he and Brandon manage a twenty-two-year age gap? Brandon thinks he understands David’s concerns, and for him, the answer to those questions is yes. He wants to be with David, and he believes he can overcome David’s barriers. But Brandon fails to account for the world’s reaction to a handsome young man attached to an older, wealthy lover.

David’s memories, Brandon’s pride, and an unexpected tragedy might cost them something very special…

Listen to an Audio Excerpt

Purchase

Robert Winter Books | Audible | Amazon | Itunes

Meet the Author

Robert Winter lives and writes in Provincetown. He is a recovering lawyer who prefers writing about hot men in love much more than drafting a legal brief. He left behind the (allegedly) glamorous world of an international law firm to sit in his home office and dream up ways to torment his characters until they realize they are perfect for each other. When he isn’t writing, Robert likes to cook Indian food and explore new restaurants.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Instagram

Meet the Narrator

Kale Williams lends his voice to bring to life romance books of all stripes. Known for his distinct characterizations and natural intimate storytelling, he is as comfortable with the cowboys on the prairie as he is with the cops of the big city, from the slow burn to the hot steam to the HEA. Love is love is love.

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Release Blitz Tour for Poke Check (Harrisburg Railers #3) by RJ Scott & VL Locey (excerpt and giveaway)

 

 
Length: 50,000 words approx
 
Cover Design: Meredith Russell
 
Harrisburg Railers Series
 
Book #1 – Changing Lines
Book #2 – First Season
Book #3 – Deep Edge
 
Blurb
 

One scorching summer in each other’s arms could never be enough.

Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin is happy playing for the Railers. The towering goalie is well-loved, respected, and making a home for himself even though that home only contains him, his cat, and his growing Pokemon trading card collection. Stan prefers it that way.

He’d given his heart to a man in a secret affair, and that man walked away, leaving Stan shattered. Now Erik is back in his life, and he has the same tumultuous effect he had on Stan’s heart as before. This time it’s not just a kissable mouth and sweet blond curls that Erik has brought to Harrisburg, there’s a soon-to-be ex-wife and a precious baby.

Despite the vow Stan made to hate Erik forever, he’s now finding it harder and harder to turn away.

Erik Gunnarsson’s dream had always been to play in the NHL, he just never imagined he’d land a contract with the Railers. Who would have thought that fate would put him on the same team as Stanislav Lyamin; the man whose heart he’d callously broken?

Secrets and lies had defined their summer relationship, and the choice that Erik made to end it all haunts him still. In the middle of a messy divorce and with a baby in tow, Erik finds himself back in Stan’s life. Now all he has to do is be the best dad he can be, prove to the team that he deserves the chance to stay on the roster and try his hardest to get Stan to forgive him.

Is it possible to persuade a man who hates you to give love a second chance?

 

Excerpt
 

Stan

There are many people I would have rather seen standing on the ice of my practice arena than Erik. For example my beloved sister, Galina, my sainted mother, Arina, my cat, Lucy, or my new gay American heartthrob, Zachary Quinto.

Zachary would be wearing only a smile even though it’s cold on the ice.

But no, none of them were standing in front of me wearing a Railers sweater and curls. Those damn golden curls. They’d always tempted me beyond sense. As had his mouth. And the way he would tilt his head when he was trying to understand me out of bed. In bed? There was no language barrier. Our bodies had always been tuned to each other like radio waves to a satellite dish.

Even now, I felt the low hum of his presence in my veins. I had feared this moment would come. From the first time I’d heard his name mentioned as being a new member of the Rush, our AHL feeder team, I’d known he would eventually stand in front of me, tipping his head, with his curls, his eyes and his mouth.

Connor was looking at me as if he expected something from me. Ah yes, words. He wanted me to say something. How did “go fuck a donkey” translate into English?

“We are known to each other.”

I skated to my net, mask perched on my head, and tried to focus. The humming in my blood was unsettling. Closing my eyes, I let the blue ice under my skates talk to me. Opening myself up to the sounds of hockey, the stress of seeing Erik again lessened. I whispered to the pipes as I tapped them. Asked them in Russian if they were going to be my friends during this practice.

“Uh, hey, I know this is a strict breach of protocol and all…but is there a problem between you and Gunner?”

I glanced to the left. Tennant stood there, geared up, his stick casually resting across his shoulders. So Erik now had his American hockey nickname. Why didn’t I have a new American hockey nickname? Pah. I was being petty. It tasted bad on my tongue.

“Gunner is okay person from time back in space.” Was that right? English was hard to speak. It made no sense. How could there be three ways to spell one word? Russian was simple. Strong. Pure. A language of passion and spirit. American was whiney and tied my brain into knots. No, that was not true. American was a wonderful language. It was me who was whiney and unhappy. “Time back. In the back of time. Is bad time to talk. Go away.”

RJ’s goal is to write stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, that hint of a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the bestselling author of over one hundred romance books. She writes 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.

 

Goodreads Page | RJís Blog | RJ on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, Dr. Who, Torchwood, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, two Jersey steers and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.

When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.



Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog

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A Lila Audiobook Review: Finding Mr. Wrong by Charlie Cochet and Andrew McFerrin (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

He’s nobody’s definition of Mr. Right—but that might make him perfect.

Matthew Hart is heir to the family fortune and owner of Hart & Home. When a near-death experience has him fretting over the future, he decides he needs a husband, and not just any husband—an appropriate man to protect the Hart legacy. The last thing Matthew expects is to cross paths with Jax Foster, his first love and the boy who crushed his heart when he disappeared.

Jax is unlikely to make Matthew’s list of suitable candidates. Bad boy, vagabond, deep in debt, with a father who can’t keep out of trouble, Jax has nothing to offer—except his heart and a second chance at the romance they never got to explore.

Finding Mr. Wrong is a sweet second chance story. It has two unlikely cupids and a list of qualities a good husband should have. In the end, Matt will find all those in the less likely place and with the last person he would have expected.

The author did a great job letting the reader know how important Jax and Matt were to each other since the moment they met. By the time they see each other again, the reader is ready for them to have their happily ever after. It’s easy to cheer for them.

Even when the plot and the bases of the story are somewhat traditional, the main characters’ jobs and backgrounds bring them to the front, having those aspects carry the story. They are well written and interesting to get the reader wanting more with each page.

Andrew McFerrin did a nice job bringing all the characters to life. I especially enjoyed Jax’s characterization and the differentiation between the rest of the clan.

The cover by Bree Archer is an adaptation of the e-book cover and follows the traditional Dreamspun series style. I only wish the model looks were a bit more realistic.

Sales Links:  Dreamspinner | iTunes | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Andrew McFerrin
Length: 5 hours 46 minutes
Published: December 22, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B078JVWSHT
Edition Language: English

 

In the Promo Spotlight: Andrew Grey on Writing Influences, Romance and his new story Smoldering Flame (excerpt and author guest blog)

Smoldering Flame (Rekindled Flame #3) by Andrew Grey
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Art: L.C. Chase

Buy Links: AmazonDreamspinner Press

 

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Andrew Grey today on tour with his latest release Smoldering Flames. Welcome, Andrew and thanks for answering a few of our author questions…

~Our Andrew Grey Mini Interview~

Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?  I like both, though I prefer an HEA, some stories just aren’t able to provide that level of closure and I think the story should dictate its ending. 

Do you read romances, as a teenager and as an adult?  I read a lot of romances now, but I didn’t until I discovered gay romance around 2006.  That opened a whole new world for me.

Who do you think is your major influence as a writer?  Now and growing up?  My major influences as a kid were stories by Jules Verne and Clive Cussler.  I loved adventures.  As an adult I learned that love can be an adventure and I write about that kind of adventure almost every day.  I have the best job ever. 

Blurb/Synopsis

Sometimes the strongest flames take the longest to ignite.

Firefighter Dean’s life revolves around his very ill son, Sammy. Caring for Sammy and working to make ends meet leave Dean time for little else, and romance isn’t something he can even consider—no matter how much he longs for someone special to join their family. Because money is tight, Dean couldn’t be more grateful to the photographer who does Sammy’s session free of charge.

After growing up in the foster care system, Marco knows how to rely on himself, and his hard work is about to pay off—he’s poised on the cusp of fame and success he could only have imagined as a lonely child. When Dean brings Sammy into Marco’s studio, Marco can see they’re struggling, and both the boy and his father stir Marco’s heart. The slow burn between the two men isn’t something either expected, but neither wants to lose the possibility of a loving future. With Dean’s dangerous and possibly life-threatening career and Marco’s demanding one, can romance and forever find a place to fit?

Release Date: Feb 13 2018
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Excerpt 

“Dean, why don’t you come back?” Marco spoke softly, but Sammy woke and got down. Taking the handle of his oxygen tank, he walked toward the back. His eyes widened and a smile formed on his lips when he saw the Dalmatian. He padded over to it and hugged the stuffed toy. It was a good foot taller than Sammy, but he wrapped his arms around it anyway.

“Daddy! This is like Louie. Only lots bigger and not alive.” Sammy turned, grinning, and Marco pursed his lips and swallowed around the lump in his throat.

“Do you want to have your picture taken with him?” Marco asked.

“Can I?” Sammy bounced for a few seconds and then seemed to tire a little.

“Sure,” Dean said, smiling.

Marco got into position and told Sammy how to stand, standing him with the oxygen tank behind the dog’s front legs. It was nearly completely hidden, yet close enough that Sammy wouldn’t have any issues.

“Can you smile for me?” Marco asked, and Sammy grinned. Marco snapped the pictures, one after another. “Stay right there.” He hurried to the prop closet and returned with a fireman’s hat. He put it on Sammy and took more pictures.

“Daddy’s a fireman.” Excited, Sammy was barely able to stand still, even though his energy faded quickly.

Marco went through a number of poses and then asked Dean to step in as well. Dean knelt behind the dog, and Marco got some wonderful pictures of the two of them. They smiled, and Sammy laughed and giggled. Only Marco’s professionalism kept him behind the camera and separated from the scene in front of him. He took all the pictures with the dog he needed and then got some of just Dean and Sammy together. They were incredibly photogenic, their smiles leaping into the camera.

When Sammy grew too tired to continue, Marco wound it down and then snapped a picture of Sammy alone, looking straight at him.

“You did great,” Marco said as Sammy sat down next to his tank, leaning on it, closing his eyes. Marco waited a few seconds, then took one last picture of him before putting the camera aside. “I hope he isn’t too worn out.”

Dean smiled. “You made him very happy.” He walked to where Sammy sat and carefully lifted him into his arms. Sammy curled right against his chest and had to be asleep.

Marco led him out front and sat at the computer. “It will take me a few days to get the pictures ready for you. Can you give me an email address? I’ll send you a link to the finished images so you can have them printed.”

Dean gave him the information. “How much do I owe you?” He fidgeted, trying to get out his wallet.

Marco shook his head. “Nothing.”

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing)  He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

Riptide Publishing Tour and Giveaway for The Artist’s Touch (Art Medium #1) by E.J. Russell

The Artist’s Touch (Art Medium #1) by E.J. Russell
Riptide Publishing
Cover art: L.C. Chase

Read an excerpt/Buy it Here

Thank you , Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words,  for inviting me to stop by today! Hello, intrepid internet adventurers, and welcome to the blog tour for The Artist’s Touch, the first book in my Art Medium series. After the release of book two, Tested in Fire, in April, I’ll be giving away a $40 Riptide gift card, so please leave a comment for a chance to win.

About The Artist’s Touch

Two men haunted by more than the past.

Painter Stefan Cobbe was homeless and debt-ridden after the death of his wealthy partner, but the worst loss of all was his artistic inspiration. After two years of nothing, he’s offered patronage by an eccentric gallery owner and starts to produce again, canvas after canvas. The only problem? He can’t remember painting any of them—not one single brushstroke.

Luke Morganstern’s reputation as an art-fraud investigator is in tatters. He can’t afford to turn down any job, even a lousy one for an anonymous client who sends him after an unidentified forger in a remote cabin in Oregon. When the alleged forger turns out to be Stefan, the man he never stopped loving, Luke’s professional ethics are stretched beyond the breaking point.

As the two men take tentative steps toward reconciliation, evidence begins to mount that they’re not alone in the woods. Someone—or something—is watching. Something with sinister plans for them both. To escape, Luke must overcome his suspicions and Stefan must trust Luke with his deepest fears. Otherwise they could forfeit their relationship, their sanity—and their lives.

Publisher’s note: This is a heavily revised and significantly expanded reprint of Northern Light. The second book in the Art Medium series, Tested In Fire, is a first edition. Both are sold together in both ebook and print collections.

Available now from Riptide Publishing!

About the Art Medium Series

Artists use all manner of materials to express their vision, to interpret the world around them, to affect the hearts and minds of their audience.

But what if the artist himself were the medium? And what if artistic inspiration weren’t the only force at work?

If painter Stefan Cobbe and art investigator Luke Morganstern don’t answer those questions fast, they stand to lose their reputations, their relationship—and their lives.

Check out the Art Medium series now!

About E.J. Russell

E.J. Russell holds a BA and an MFA in theater, so naturally she’s spent the last three decades as a financial manager, database designer, and business-intelligence consultant. After her twin sons left for college and she no longer spent half her waking hours ferrying them to dance class, she returned to her childhood love of writing fiction. Now she wonders why she ever thought an empty nest meant leisure.

E.J. lives in rural Oregon with her curmudgeonly husband, the only man on the planet who cares less about sports than she does. She enjoys visits from her wonderful adult children, and indulges in good books, red wine, and the occasional hyperbole.

Connect with E.J.:

Website: ejrussell.com

Blog: ejrussell.com/bloggery/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/E.J.Russell.author

Twitter: twitter.com/ej_russell

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ejrussell/

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of both books in the Art Medium series, one lucky winner will receive a $40 Riptide credit! Winner will be pulled from entries to both blog tours. Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Contest closes at midnight, Eastern time, on April 7, 2017 and is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following The Artist’s Touch tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Release Blitz for DJ Jamison’s Hearts & Health 1-3 Box Set (excerpt and giveaway)

 

Universal Buy Link books2read.com/HeartsandHealthVol1

Blurb

Three full-length novels in a m/m romance series have been boxed up for one price! Sexy nurses with trust issues, overconfident doctors coping with reality checks, and hard-working students come together to find their hearts and health in small-town Kansas.

Heart Trouble (Book #1)

Fresh off his latest heartbreak, nurse Ben Griggs is wary when one of his patients shows an interest in him — especially when that patient showed up in the ER after a motorcycle accident. Ben isn’t the kind of guy who can hold the interest of an adrenaline junkie like Gage Evans for long. If he can’t find a way to trust Gage with his heart, they may be destined to have a fling that goes nowhere.

Bedside Manner (Book #2)

Dr. Paul Johnston can’t get a set of dark, somber eyes out of his head, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Zane Kavanaugh came through the ER, a victim of a hate-fueled assault, and Paul can’t forget him. But under review after a complaint, he also can’t afford to fall for a patient. Paul is afraid to start a relationship, and Zane can only handle so much more rejection. Paul may have to make a choice: His career or the first man to capture his heart.

Urgent Care (Book #3)

Dr. Trent Cavendish made a huge mistake when he walked away from the love of his life at age 18. When his best friend suddenly dies 12 years later, it rattles Trent into seeing how empty his life has become. He returns to his hometown, hoping to make amends to the man he left behind. Instead of the sweet but tame guy he remembers, Trent runs into a smoking-hot Xavier James dressed in bits of lace and silk at a gay nightclub. His plan to earn Xavier’s forgiveness immediately shifts to lust, and love’s not far behind.

Each of these books was previously published individually as part of the Hearts and Health series.

 

Excerpt from Book 1, Heart Trouble

The man had done a real number on himself. Angry scrapes covered his leg, and he was going to need sutures in two places. But everything looked clean and disinfected, so he reattached the bandage and slid the sheet up.

A smile tugged at his lips when, in the process, he glimpsed tight orange briefs under Gage’s hospital gown. Interesting underwear choice. This guy has a bit of flair.

“Is the leg your only damage?”

Gage chuckled, and Ben’s eyes shot up to his face. His lips smirked as he replied. “That’s debatable. What kind of damage are we talking: mental, emotional or physical?”

Ben laughed. “I only deal with the physical, honey.”

Gage’s smile widened, and Ben realized how that sounded. He hurried to get the conversation back on track. Flirting with patients was not ordinarily something he did, and he especially didn’t need to flirt with a biker. Despite what he’d said to Tripp, he was in no hurry to be another guy’s fuck buddy until he got bored.

“What I meant was, that jacket is looking abused. Do you have any other injuries?”

Even as he asked, Ben grabbed the chart to skim over the details once more. Not that he didn’t trust the patient, but he wanted to be sure he knew what had been detailed thus far.

“Jacket saved me,” Gage mumbled. “I might have a few bruises.”

Ben tsked. In addition to sutures, Gage was going to need a round of examinations to ensure there were no breaks or internal injuries to his body.

“Want me to take it off?”

Ben startled, glancing up. “What?”

“The jacket?” Gage said. “Do you need to see the rest of me?”

Ben bit down on his lip hard as images spilled through his mind. Even in a hospital gown covered by a leather jacket, Gage was a good looking man. His chest was firm and his shoulders broad. It was tempting to agree, just to look a little, after the dry spell Ben had experienced since Tripp dumped him.

That would be playing with fire, and he knew it.

Ben shook his head and replaced the chart.

“The doctor will make a more complete examination,” he said. “Let me go hunt down Dr. Johnston. I’ll scold him until he makes you his top priority.”

Ben smiled his polite nurse smile and turned for the door. He needed to get out of that room before he drooled all over his patient.

Author Bio

DJ Jamison worked in newsrooms for more than 10 years, which helped tremendously when she began her series centered on The Ashe Sentinel, a fictional small-town newspaper in Kansas. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and three glow-in-the-dark fish.

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A Stella Prerelease Review: Love on a Battlefield by Posy Roberts

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

Not every compass points north.

Andrew Summers is forced to spend his vacations reliving Civil War battles with his father. He hates every minute, until a blue-eyed, red-haired boy behind enemy lines catches his eye.

Shep Wells would much rather travel the world than play at boring war reenactments. He never dreamed a Texan boy would capture his heart.

Real life and years separate them; Andrew is forced onto real battlefields, but for Shep the world is a playground. They’re opposites, but writing letters closes the distance, uncovering their hopes and dreams. When Shep visits Andrew, they get to see if the tug they’ve felt for years is the compass pointing the way home.

***
This is a story about first times, second chances, and the transformative power of the written word.

I waited so long for a new release from Posy Roberts that I was very much happy to finally have Love on a Battlefield in my hands, especially since I adore second chance at love and the author is a favorite of mine. And I think Posy delivered a really well done story. I truly felt the romance here and the deep connection that linked Andrew and Shep together, it was pretty clear from the few moments they spent with each other.

Every year Andrew’s father took him to Civil War reenactments since he was a kid. He had fun during those times playing with kids like him, until, eighteen years old, during one of those meeting, he saw Shep, the boy with red hair, always carefree and laughing. They spent a couple of hours together and later, when the reenactment ended, they came back home but they decided to write to each other. Andrew in Texas, Shep in California or flying around the world, they had college to attend. Instead Andrew’s college plans burnt when his father lost all his money and Andrew only choice became the Army, not at all what Andrew was hoping for a future. Four years later his time in the Army was ending and he was finally ready to create the future he wanted and be free to be open with his sexuality. But a mine happened and he was discharged. Now twenty three years old, he is depressed and full of pain, he is deep in his own troubles, it’s became easy to just stay home. He is ready to let go when he met Carlos and his dyslexia. This meeting is what saves Andrew, he starts to go out of his home and little by little a new life begins.

A new life without Shep, and even if it can sounds stupid missing and wanting someone he actually talked and kissed just one time five years ago, Andrew aches for Shep. And when Shep comes back in Andrew life, it’s time to give their attraction a chance.

I liked this story quite a lot, I loved the writing but it wasn’t a surprise cause I adored every single book the author released in the past. What really surprised me was how much I like the story although the author gave me just Andrew’s POV. In fact I lately noticed I tend to prefer the double POV, it often seems to me I miss a lot with just one MC’s POV. This time I have to say it worked well. Moreover it was probably the right choice,because at the end Andrew’s past (and present) was most troubled and emotional, sure Shep’s would have been more interesting and adventurous but I need to be moved with more troubled characters and Andrew conquered my heart. I feel like I know  him well, the same way as I know a friend. And that’s the reason why I loved this novella and I want to recommend it to all of you.

The cover art by GoOnWrite is clean and well done, I particularly like the colors.

SALE LINKS     Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 126 pages

Expected publication: February 20th 2018 by Labyrinth Bound Press

ASIN B0799K9F57

Edition Language English