Category: M/M Contemporary Fiction

A MelanieM Review: Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Ben has Christmas, cats, and mistletoe on his side…. Jason doesn’t stand a chance 

For Ben Slater, moving back to Bristol means being closer to his family, living with his best mate, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. But there’s also Jason, his best mate’s eldest brother. Ben’s had a crush on Jason for as long as he can remember, but the eleven-year age gap has always seemed insurmountable.

Jason Armitage works as a vet at his uncle’s practice. He owns a cute cottage on the outskirts of the city, and a loving dog. The one thing missing is someone to share it all with. His brother’s best friend seems a bad choice, but Jason can’t help taking a second look. Ben’s changed a lot since Jason last saw him; both in appearance and attitude. Gone is the shy young boy, replaced with a confident, twenty-four-year-old man.

In the run up to Christmas, the festive period gives Ben the ideal opportunity to show Jason what he has to offer. But concerns for his brother’s feelings hold Jason back. If they have any chance of making this work, Ben must convince Jason that he’s old enough to know what he wants, and Jason needs to believe that a relationship with his brother’s best friend won’t ruin their friendship

When you are looking for holiday romances you want something that’s heartwarming, has characters you can connect with and a storyline with enough holiday elements that pull you in and keep you smiling until the last page. Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs does exactly that.

It’s pretty much angst free.  Best friends move into together, Ben has had a crush on his best friend’s older brother for years . Now that he’s grown up he finally has a chance for the guy to see him in a more mature light.  Yes it’s a all staple and it still works here. Throw in the fact that Jason is a vet, there’s rescue kittens and pups, and well, darn it, this story is nigh irresistible!

It also helps that Annabelle Jacobs writes such wonderful characters with lovely supporting secondary cast. Here it’s families that work so well to bolster the men as believable, loving human beings.  It’s easy to fall in love with them, and watch them doing the same with each other.

If you are looking for a lighthearted, sweet holiday romance, look no further than Not Just for Christmas by Annabeth Jacobs.  It’s a lovely read at this time of the year or as the title says not just for Christmas but all year long.

Cover art by Natasha Snow is perfect for the character and storyline.  It’s adorable.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 207 pages
Published November 28th 2017
ASIN B07846NHZ4

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Leaning Into A Wish (Leaning Into Stories #3.5) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

This is a sweet romance, one that can be read as a holiday story or simply a continuation of the Leaning Into series.  It features Ryan Haskell, a secondary character who in the past had a relationship with Wes before Nick came along and who was actively trying to break up Josh and Finn in their story.  Ryan works in the Conrad Winery and is best at his favorite task: conducting tours and selling the wine that is now a part of his life’s work with a group of people he has adopted as his family. 

Each year the winery hires interns and this year, Danny Meyers, a straight jock with a wonderful outgoing personality is driving Ryan crazy. Why? Well on the surface it appears he just rubs Ryan the wrong way when he jokes around or even just brings his bright personality into a room.  Why should one guy be gorgeous, built, athletic, and personable all in one package?  And to top it off, he keeps flirting with Ryan, even though he’s straight.  Way to make a guy crazy! 

Off and on throughout the story, the subject of wishes comes up.  We learn Ryan’s greatest wish is to love and be loved in return.  And we learn the value of believing your wishes can come true.  When Danny realizes his own wishes and dreams are all centered in the Napa Valley and a career as a tennis pro is no longer really an option, he gets the help of Geordie, the co-owner of the winery, to help Ryan weave through the path of his own doubts so that Danny can help Ryan find that wishes can come true.

Though the story is short, the characters are well-developed and the situations are infused with humor and good intentions.  There’s plenty of opportunity for the relationship to develop and there’s a really sweet ending. 

This could technically be read as a standalone, since there are multiple recurring characters from previous books, but it will be a much better reading experience for those who have read one or more of the earlier stories. 

I highly recommend this one to all lovers of contemporary MM romance and if you’ve already read the others in the series, this one is a win-win.  Be sure to ask Santa for this sweet stocking stuffer. 

~~~~~

Cover art by Reese Dante features a bare-chested man—mostly a torso shot—similar to others in the series, and set against a background of fields of grapes—one vine decorated with a Christmas wreath. By the style of the cover, it’s easy to link this book to the rest of the series, and it’s certainly eye-catching. 

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 126 pages
Published November 20th 2017
ASINB077MYSF1S
Series Leaning Into Stories #3.5

Review Tour – Not Just For Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs (excerpt and giveaway)

 

 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
Length: 48,000 words approx
 
Cover Design: Natasha Snow
Blurb
 

Ben has Christmas, cats, and mistletoe on his side…. Jason doesn’t stand a chance


For Ben Slater, moving back to Bristol means being closer to his family, living with his best mate, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. But there’s also Jason, his best mate’s eldest brother. Ben’s had a crush on Jason for as long as he can remember, but the eleven-year age gap has always seemed insurmountable.


Jason Armitage works as a vet at his uncle’s practice. He owns a cute cottage on the outskirts of the city, and a loving dog. The one thing missing is someone to share it all with. His brother’s best friend seems a bad choice, but Jason can’t help taking a second look. Ben’s changed a lot since Jason last saw him; both in appearance and attitude. Gone is the shy young boy, replaced with a confident, twenty-four-year-old man.


In the run up to Christmas, the festive period gives Ben the ideal opportunity to show Jason what he has to offer. But concerns for his brother’s feelings hold Jason back. If they have any chance of making this work, Ben must convince Jason that he’s old enough to know what he wants, and Jason needs to believe that a relationship with his brother’s best friend won’t ruin their friendship.

November 28 – The Blogger Girls, Gay Book Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Gay Media Reviews, Mikku-chan
December 2 – Making It Happen
December 4 – BooksLaidBareBoys, My Book Filled Life, V’s Reads
December 6 – OMG Reads, Fannatality
December 8 – Valerie Ullmer, Au Boudoir Ecarlate, The Geekery Book Review
December 11 – Mirrigold: Mutterings & Musings, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Nicole’s Book Musings
December 13 – Hearts On Fire Reviews, A Book Lover’s Dream Blog, BFD Book Blog, Sexy Erotic Xciting, Wicked Faerie’s Tales & Reviews
December 15 – Drops Of Ink, Bayou Book Junkie, Diverse Reader, Book Lovers 4Ever, Lelyana’s Book Blog 

Excerpt


Ben tried not to look, but inevitably his gaze was drawn to Jason still sat on the sofa. He stood as Pete stepped back, and Ben got a proper look at him. Ben wasn’t the only one who’d changed a little over the past couple of years. The last time he’d seen Jason, his hair had been short, like an army cut, and he’d had a beard. He’d looked hot then, but now…. Ben had to forcibly shut his mouth so he didn’t gape.

Jason’s thick dark hair, still shaved at the sides, was now a good couple of inches longer on top. And he was clean shaven. Ben kind of missed the beard, but without it Jason looked much younger, and his strong jawline was a thing of beauty. He looked thinner, too. Ben frowned because Jason ate like a horse and had always been bulkier than his brothers. That thought somehow made its way out of Ben’s mouth.

“Have you lost weight?”

Jason laughed softly, one hand immediately going to his stomach. He patted his belly and sighed. “God don’t you start. Mum’s already been on at me about not eating properly.” He pulled Ben in for a quick hug. “It’s good to see you, even if you do put the rest of us to shame.”

Oh God, that voice. As smooth and deep as Ben remembered.

 

Read Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review here.  We absolutely recommend it!

 
Author Bio
 

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it – fighting enemies and adversity – but they always find love in the end.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
Website: www.annabellejacobs.com
Email: ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction

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In the Spotlight: Leaning Into a Wish (Leaning Into Series #5) by Lane Hayes (excerpt and giveaway)

 Leaning Into A Wish Tour Banner

LEANING INTO A WISH

LEANING INTO SERIES, BOOK 5

LANE HAYES

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 11.20.17

Leaning Into A Wish Cover

COVER DESIGN: Reese Dante

BLURB

Ryan Haskell loves everything about the wine business. He’s fortunate to work at one of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley doing something he enjoys with the people who are like family to him. But he could do without the good-natured intern slash former jock with the wicked grin who always seems to be in the way. Ryan isn’t sure why the new guy is under his skin when everyone else loves him. Thankfully he’ll be gone after the holidays.

Danny Meyers can’t believe his luck when he lands an internship at Conrad Winery. It’s the perfect temporary gig to wrap up his graduate studies. He’s left his dreams of tennis stardom on the court to focus on a new career and a new life. However, he didn’t count on the spark of attraction he feels for his prickly co-worker. When their tentative friendship blossoms into something more than either man counted on, they may have to change direction and lean into a holiday wish.

LeaningIntoAWish-promoblock600x600

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EXCERPT

“Nothing. Um…I need a few minutes to get ready,” I said. I didn’t bother moving. I still felt sluggish and half-asleep. I needed more caffeine before I could even think about swinging a racket.

“Take your time. The courts are empty. We’re good. Sit back, fuel up, and tell me about Batman, Nutella, and whatever else cranks your chain.” He snickered at my blank stare then added, “I’m just shootin’ the shit here, Ry. Just tell me about yourself. What came first…wine, music, or the Caped Crusader?”

“The Caped Crusader, of course,” I scoffed without heat. “I went through a strong Batman phase when I was a kid followed by my teenage music years. The wine phase came in college, but I still love all three. And Nutella.”

Danny let out an amused huff and sat back to observe me. God only knew what he saw. My curly hair had a tendency to do its own thing in the morning. No doubt it was wild. The stretched out, ancient concert tee, black boxer briefs, and bare feet screamed geeky bachelor louder than my superhero art.

“That’s cool. You know what you like and you stick with it. Seems like a good trait.”

“Thanks.” I studied him over the rim of my coffee cup then took a sip and set it on the table again. “What about you? What are you into besides wine and tennis?”

“Beer and football,” he quipped.

I lifted my brow inquisitively. “Honestly, that’s what I thought. You look like you’d be at home in a country bar guzzling brews with a bunch of beefy former jocks who hung up their shoulder pads for cowboy hats.”

“Damn, boy. You’ve got me all figured out, don’t you?” he asked irritably before reaching over to tug at my wayward curls. “Guzzle that there coffee, slick, and let’s get ourselves a court.”

The boxers with T-shirt combo surely did nothing to enhance my diva-esque moment but that couldn’t be helped, I mused as I rolled my eyes and stood. “I’ll be out shortly.”

Danny snickered in response. “Just hurry it up. If you aren’t out here in five minutes or less, I’m coming in there.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?”

“It’s whatever you want it to be, Ry.”

The low timbre of his voice sounded sexy as hell. Thankfully, my brain intervened before I made a fool of myself and offered him something he didn’t want. It was a close call. Closer than it should have been. Shit. I needed more coffee.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

Website: https://lanehayes.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008562883399

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaneHayes3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7125719.Lane_Hayes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LaneHayesauthor

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