A MelanieM Review: Put a Ring on It (Ready or Knot #1) by K.A. Mitchell

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Kieran Delaney-Schwartz—adoptee, underachiever, and self-professed slacker IT guy—lives his under-the-radar life by the motto: Don’t try, don’t fail. His adopted siblings are all overachievers thanks to his driven, liberal parents, but Kieran has elected to avoid disappointing anyone by not getting their hopes up. He’s coasting through his early twenties when he’s hit head-on by Theo. The successful decade-older Broadway producer sweeps him off his feet for a whirlwind thirteen months that are pretty sweet until it all comes screeching to a halt on Valentine’s Day, with an unexpected proposal via a NYC Times Square Flash mob.

Now everyone wants in on the wedding, except the grooms…

K.A. Mitchell’s Collision Course remain’s a dog-eared favorite read of mine. And with each new story, I hope to find the same magic and character dynamics that made that novel such a comfort read for me. Unfortunately, Put A Ring On It is not that story…at least for me.

Several elements kept it from that status and it starts right at the beginning with a flashback. Thirteen years ago, a group of men, all close friends, head to Coney Island for a post-graduation get together. It turns into a promise to continue to meet there, no matter where they are and what they are doing. Only one of them is our main character, the rest of his friends will each have a book in the series. But in starting here with so many voices (and continuing with them with their multiple points of views and plots throughout the story), our focus on the main characters and their troubled relationship is diluted before any connection is made.

Another element that threw the book off for me? Kieran and Theo is a couple that lacked charisma on many levels. I don’t mind relationships with a age span between the individuals, especially if the author makes a good argument for it or makes the difference in years seem inconsequential. Not here. Kieran seems immature. He doesn’t want to make a commitment (which is fine) But he goes along and does. He won’t meet Theo’s friends or go to functions important to Theo. He reads young, self involved and immature. Which, again ok, but not a fit for Theo. Theo reads too old for Kieran. He loves his job, producing musicals, he’s a over the top extrovert who doesn’t stop to think what his younger lover might want. Or that his younger lover might not want the things he does. Again not a good fit and Mitchell never makes the reader feel as though these two have any common ground for their feelings for each other. Its one awkward clash after the other with the reader caught in the middle and not happily as might be the case in another story.

Put A Ring On It definitely has a ring at the center, one that comes out at a proposal gone hideously wrong and then continues to pop up all through the story, mostly as a promise to “think about getting married”, a serious dilution of the commitment the ring represents. The ring turns things around but that aspect feels unrealistic by the time it finally happens because of all the events that came before.

This story is well written, the characters believable and yet for me it doesn’t hold together as a romance or wholly cohesive narrative. Too many points of view, too many foundation plot threads laid down that obscured the main one here, and in the end two main characters that lacked the essential “magic” needed to make them feel like they would make it past the one year marker.

Cover art by Reese Dante is spot on and totally adorable.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here (preorder until Sept 9)

Book Details:

ebook, 204 pages

Expected publication: September 9th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

original title Put a Ring on It

ISBN139781634763813

edition languageEnglish

urlhttp://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6833

seriesReady or Knot #1

A BJ Review: Give An Inch by K.D. Sarge

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love is an Open Road” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice, and all the stories are edited by the group and given away FREE. This particular story was written for the prompt I submitted! Woot!

Prompt:

Dear Author,
The court settlement left me with enough money to buy a house as isolated from other people as I could get. I vowed I’d never let anyone close again and spent my days fixing the place up and trying to forget. Then a feral cat dropped her litter in the shed out back and disappeared. I couldn’t leave newborn kittens to die, but a city boy like me had no clue how to care for them. Thank goodness for Google. Supply list in hand, hair tucked under a hat that shadowed my face, and eyes covered by glasses, I dared to venture into town. I met him (picture) at the local feed store. I guess he’s not into watching the news, since he didn’t seem to know who I am. He helped me save the kittens. He’s dyslexic, which he thinks makes him stupid. He’s far from that. He’s kind and gentle, and he’s starting to slip under my barriers. Starting to make me crave his touch. But how can I bare my body to him after what they did to me? What they made me?

Tully

Photo Description:
A young man in a beanie lies on a couch, a gray-and-white kitten asleep on his chest and a black-and-white kitten exploring. He smiles at them.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love is an Open Road” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

I was extremely excited when K.D. Sarge chose my prompt as I knew I could expect to get something special. I’m going to try not to give away too much of the plot in this review because I think its something best experienced in the slow bits of insight given. For that reason, I won’t say much about Marlow’s background, but as the story opens he’s purchased a secluded home in a rural area and has found a litter of NINE kittens abandoned by their mother. NINE! How can he possibly care for that many little critters on his own, right? Thankfully, young Pax who works part-time at the feed store rides into the picture on his trusty bike. Marlow had forgotten one of his bags of purchases at the store and Pax came to deliver it in person. Like Marlow, Pax is sucked in by the little furballs and is soon on board with the fight to save them… and maybe Marlow, too.

Wonderfully written story that gave me all the sweet adorableness I’d hoped for offset by some lovely touches of dark. I enjoyed reading this and am thankful to the author for bringing my prompt to life so eloquently!

Both Pax and Marlow are interesting characters. The story did end a bit abruptly for me, and left me longing for a sequel or expanded version to show more. I must know if the guy’s initial hook up continued and what ended up happening to the kittens. Did they keep one? Basically, it was completely intriguing and I was totally not ready for it to end. MORE please.

The cover was created by the DRitC team as part of the event and doesn’t relate specifically to this story.

Free Story to be Found Here

Book Details:

ebook, 52 pages
Published August 30th 2015 by MMRomanceGroup.com
edition languageEnglish
url http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=278481

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Throwback Thursday Review: The Summer House (English Hearts #1) by R.J. Scott

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The last thing veterinarian Connor Lawson needs in his life is a sexy, rich playboy like Ashby Sterling-Haynes. Connor once had a relationship with a wealthy playboy, and once was enough. In fact, not even his best friend knows the dark secret and emotional pain Connor carries from that encounter, but it is still affecting his life, and if he has any hope for a future with a man, he has to find a way to deal with it.

Ashby Sterling-Haynes is the youngest son in a wealthy, titled family. Currently the chief of the accounting department at the corporation’s headquarters in London, he’s staying at the country estate while his brother Ben, who manages the estate, is on his honeymoon. A mild flirtation with the vet leads to so much more, and a summer in which Ash thought he’d be bored, turns into a journey of self-discovery when he apprentices with a local carpenter to indulge his creative side and his itch to work with wood. Once only a dream, he discovers that his “hobby” may indeed turn out to be his career, at the same time he discovers that his flirtation with Connor is leading to a rich and fulfilling friendship and a deep and abiding love.

There are both struggles and poignant moments as Connor and Ash interact in the community. And there’s both humor and heartache as Connor works through his past fears, and Ash discovers what love is all about and realizes that he’s not only willing to fight for Connor, he’s eagerly looking forward to it.

I loved this couple. I haven’t loved another couple so much since I first met Jack Campbell and Riley Hayes in The Heart of Texas. Their chemistry was spot-on, and both their individual personalities and their behavior as a couple were genuine and exciting. The secondary characters, especially Landon and Rachel and Mick were all vital to the story and complemented the whole.

I highly recommend this one to those who love their M/M romance with a nice mixture of humor, angst, hurt/comfort, and sexy times all rolled into one very enjoyable package.

~~~~
Cover design by Meredith Russell depicts two young men with an English estate in the background. The men look exactly the way I would picture Connor and Ashby after having read the story, so IMHO, it’s perfect.

Sales Links: RJ Scott – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

A standalone, English Hearts story

ebook
Published May 29th 2015 by Love Lane Books Limited (first published May 27th 2015)
urlhttp://www.rjscott.co.uk
seriesEnglish Hearts #1

Love’s Path Takes a Curve with Bent Arrow by Posy Roberts (excerpt and giveaway)

Bent Arrow by Posy Roberts
Release Date: September 3, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Labyrinth Bound Books
Cover Artist: DJ Mack

Buy Links: Amazon | All Romance (ARe) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Sometimes curves in the road take you right where you belong.

Luther Almond’s life working the Bakken oil field is perfect—short-lived jobs, temporary housing, and easy hookups. That’s one reason he won’t move home when he inherits the lake house. When Erik Heat bends over to fix Luther’s pipes, his tattoos hint he might be up for more than working on the drain. The last thing Luther expects is to want more from this guy than one night.

Every time they’re together, Luther is more grounded and Erik more confident. When the lake house demands attention, Luther asks for Erik’s help. There he imagines a more permanent life, one where he stops running. But he wants Erik by his side. Can he find the courage—and the words—to ask?

Pages or Words: 20,000 words/65 pages
Categories: Bisexual, Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Erik had the quintessential plumber’s crack, but holy… it was not at all repulsive. And on his left ass cheek was a tattoo. From where Luther sat, it looked like an elaborate arrow, or at least the tip of an arrow pointing toward his ass. The rest disappeared under his clothes. Luther assumed it wrapped around his side, and he wondered what sort of fletching was at the other end. Did it end right above his cock, obscured by a dark thatch of pubic hair, or nestle in his V, just skirting his hipbone?
Luther stood up, grabbed a can of pop from the fridge, and stepped closer to study the tattoo. He spied a dark smudge right above the beautiful arrow tip and barely kept himself from bursting into laughter when he realized what it said.
Insert here was inked in faded letters, nothing at all like the professional thin lines of the quality arrow. This looked like the shit tattoos his high school friends gave themselves with a sewing needle and India ink before they were old enough to get a professional one. Or a prison tattoo.
Yet it was like an invitation just waiting to be noticed.
“Is that true?” Luther asked.
“Is what true?” Erik’s voice was muffled.
“‘Insert here.’”
Erik immediately sat back and tugged both his underwear and his jeans up to cover his left hip as he cursed under his breath. “Shit. Stupid tool belt.” He flushed bright red and then muttered words that were hard to understand, but Luther thought he made out undershirt and aerator. Erik scrambled to toss his tools in his bucket, taking no time to organize them in the same way they’d been when he’d arrived, and he tripped over an area rug as he bolted toward the door.
“Hey! Stop,” Luther said. “Just—stop!”
Erik did, but he faced the door, refusing to turn around.
“I’m gay, so you’re safe here, if that’s what that tattoo’s truly about.”
Erik turned his head slightly, only enough that Luther could see his dark eyelashes as he blinked in double time.
“It’s not an easy place to be out. I know. But then… why have that tattooed on your ass?”
“Long story,” Erik said.
“You were going out to your truck to get more tools?” Luther offered, to help the guy save face.
“No.” He hiked his pants up and tightened his tool belt a notch or two. “I’m gonna keep working.”
“All right.” Luther sat down on his couch again, tugging his iPad back into his lap and pretending to no longer care about those smudged words that obviously meant a hell of a lot to Erik. At least keeping them hidden did.

Real life. Genuine men. True love.
Posy Roberts writes about the realistic struggles of men looking for love. Whether her characters are family men, drag queens, or lonely men searching for connections, they all find a home in her stories.
Posy is married to a man who makes sure she doesn’t forget to eat or sleep. Her daughter, a budding author and dedicated Whovian, helps her come up with character names. When Posy’s not writing, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and singing spontaneously about the mundane, just to make normal seem more interesting.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Newsletter

Where to find the author:
Pinterest: Pinterest
Other: Tumblr (NSFW)

Tour Dates & Stops: September 3, 2015
Parker Williams, Rainbow Gold Reviews, The Jena Wade, Inked Rainbow Reads, MM Good Book Reviews, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Carly’s Book Reviews, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, Divine Magazine, Charley Descoteaux, Jessie G. Books, Ogitchida Book Blog, EE Montgomery, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Happily Ever Chapter, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Louise Lyons, Amanda C. Stone, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Molly Lolly, Andrew Q. Gordon, Multitasking Mommas, Velvet Panic, Reviews by Jessewave

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $10 Amazon Gift Card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prize(s) provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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A Stella Review: Red Hot – Coffin Nails MC California by KA Merikan

RATING 3,25 stars out of 5

— Live fast. Die young. Fuck hard.—

Red Jack. Rude. Crude. Horny ginger mess. In love with… himself.
Loki. Deadbeat. Volatile. Stalker. Terminally ill. Fatally in love.

When it comes to men, Red Jack has three rules. The guy has to be hot, out of town, and not up for repeats. It’s a good way to keep the gay flings far away from the eyes of his brothers in the Coffin Nails Motorcycle Club, and he will make damn sure it stays that way. When a hookup takes an ominous turn, and the sexy stranger turns up at his house, the heat is on. Loki invades his life and just won’t leave, wreaking havoc wherever he follows Jack, but getting rid of him becomes harder with every kiss.

The world crumbles around Loki when he finds out he has cancer. As if his life wasn’t shit enough already. With only a few months left, he decides to live to the fullest and get every last wish on his bucket list fulfilled. One of those is fucking the hot bearded biker he meets the same night he got the bad news. Big, confident, and dangerous, Red Jack is all Loki ever wanted in a man. After all, he deserves one last shot at love. Who cares if Red Jack is a stubborn, closeted asshole? Loki knows what he wants, and he won’t settle for anything less. Even if it kills him.

I’m a huge fan of KA Merikan work. I said too many times, I’m amazed how these two girls can write so beautifully together. This new installment in the Sex & Mayhem series disappointed me a little. There were too many little details that bothered me. First of all I can’t stand to read het sex in my m/m books and here we got a very explicit one. Moreover I don’t like hitting, and I’m not talking in general, because this series is so violent. I knew I should expect some really heavy scenes and there were some. I didn’t like the hitting between MCs, it was harder to take than those other scenes. It’s something I really can’t accept.

The style is the same, hard and harsh language, too much too many times even for me and I’m used to it, so it’s important you read the warnings. I found Red Hot crazier that the other books in the series. It’s one of the authors traits, but here the MCs are really out of their freaking mind, not sure which one more.

The writing was really good, the characters well defined, even the secondary ones, but in the end, I so missed a true connection between Red Jack and Loki and this little disconnection made it hard to me to love them. I pretty much didn’t care at all about them, or about Loki’s illness. Of course Loki isn’t going to die, and it’s not a spoiler I’m saying, you can’t expect otherwise. Point was to see how KA decided to resolve it. And again I didn’t like it at all, it was really messed up, unbelievable and I’d have totally appreciated something different.

I’m giving this book 3,25 stars because it wasn’t a bad book at all, I can’t skip a well written book with a well developed story. I can’t give it lesser rating . Still, it wasn’t what was I was waiting for. It left me with a bitter taste in my mouth

COVER ART by Natasha Snow. The cover is simply amazing and hot like pretty much everything Natasha does. Loved it!

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

Book Details:

Published July 16th 2015 by Acerbi & Villani ltd.
Kindle Edition, 312 pages
ASIN B011T3WKFY
Edition Language English

Themes: Outlaw motorcycle club, criminal activity, hurt/comfort, abuse, sexual orientation issues, stalking, revenge, bucket list, coping with illness, first love

Genre: M/M erotic dark romance, suspense, drama
Length: ~105,000 words standalone novel (HEA

Series Sex & Mayhem

Road of No return
The Devil’s Ride
Stripped Raw. Coffin Nails MC California (mf)
No Matter What
Red Hot . Coffin Nails MC California

ISO Gay Rockers Looking for Love? Check Out Sexual Frankenstein by TC Blue (excerpt and giveaway)

Sexual Frankenstein by TC Blue
Release Date: September 2, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BSClay

Buy the book: Torquere Books

Blurb

Tony & Darian have been friends and playing together in their band, Sexual Frankenstein, for a few years, and while they really are friends, they’ve never crossed that line — no matter how much they may want to — because of their band and friendship, as well as not thinking the other is interested.

The apparent interest in one of them, from their hot and very glam new singer, brings things to a head as long-buried jealousies push to the fore, leading both Tony and Darian to reevaluate what they already have and what they so desperately want.

This story previously appeared in the Po’boys Anthology, published by Torquere Press.

Pages or Words: 13,000 words

Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance

Excerpt

Yeah, the voice was bad enough because it was so good, but even worse was the fact that Andy was too fucking good-looking and not at all shy. Andy would never sit around for two years, yearning for someone who had never once seemed to be interested, just because he was too scared to make a move. No, Tony was pretty sure that Andy, with his make-up and highlights, his dramatic wardrobe and even more dramatic nature, would just stroll up to whoever caught his eye and say something to make that person laugh. Something to make their blue eyes shine and crinkle at the corners. Something to have that person’s slightly wavy, collar-length dark-blond hair moving wildly while that same person’s soft-looking, pink-lipped mouth opened in a grin to reveal almost perfect teeth, aside from the one lateral incisor on the left that was crooked and overlapped that left front tooth just enough to be cute and quirky rather than snaggly.

Add in the stage moves that Andy somehow kept managing to pull off without stumbling or tripping over his own feet — or any of the numerous cables covering the stage — and Tony definitely hated the bastard. More than hated him when the jerk took each and every opportunity to maneuver over to Darian’s side and rub up against him, singing into his eyes, looking wicked and delicious. Eight times so far, because Tony was keeping count, and Darian didn’t seem to mind even a little, damn it.

My own fault. Should have manned up and taken my shot before, and now it’s too late. I’m a fucking idiot. And how appropriate was it that the next song on their playlist was the old Cinderella ballad “Don’t Know What You Got”? Not that Tony had ever broken anyone’s heart, but he totally understood the emotion behind the chorus.

About The Author

Meet TC Blue

Contrary to popular opinion, TC Blue was not raised by wolves. Nor did she spring, fully formed, from the forehead of a god, instead entering the world in the usual manner.

A true jack-of-all-trades and master of none (otherwise known as flighty and unable to make a decision and stick with it), she currently resides near the east coast where she does her best to avoid politics and religions as a general rule.

TC can usually be found sitting in front of her computer, trying to wrangle rabid and numerous plot bunnies, though her muses insist that she not be too hard on the poor little fluffy things. (Poor little fluffy things with sharp teeth and claws, but whatever. Muses don’t seem to care much about the possible bloodshed if the bunnies think TC’s not writing quickly enough.)

One thing sure to calm the bunnies is hearing from readers, so please feel free to contact TC at tcblue@live.com or stalk her: on Twitter — @tc_blue, on Facebook — T.c. Blue.

Where to find TC Blue:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000896020443
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tc_blue
Website: https://tcblue.wordpress.com

Tour Dates & Stops:
Parker Williams, Havan Fellows, The Jena Wade, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, 3 Chicks After Dark, Bayou Book Junkie, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Louise Lyons, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Happily Ever Chapter, Wake Up Your Wild Side, MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Inked Rainbow Reads, Chris McHart

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Sexual Frankenstein’ by TC Blue. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prize(s) provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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A Mika Double Dip Review: Bent Arrow by Posy Roberts

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Sometimes curves in the road take you right where you belong.

Another good read from Posy Roberts. Low angst, feel good, falling in love, comfort read from her. You learn something new everyday. I’m not familiar with the oil fields, or the work that goes into it. This part of the story, I can say bored me a little. I liked seeing Luther change and grow when dealing with his feelings for Erik. I feel like they switched personalities by the end of the story. It’s not necessarily bad, but it was nice to see them finally get what they deserved.

Luther has been traveling since the age of 18 just to hide from his demons and family. He’s now working somewhere close to where his family lives, and he’s finally in his own trailer. He meets this lovely plumber by the name of Erik. Erik was super shy in the beginning, and after hearing his story, I definitely understood why. I liked Erik a lot, he encouraged Luther to be himself, and was very patient with him. I think this is typical Posy Roberts with her realistic writing of two guys falling in love. They are never perfect but they make it work.

Cover Art by: DJ Mack. I really liked the cover. It’s not just Erik’s tattoo, I think it’s an adapt portrayal of both guys after reading the story.

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

Book Details:

ebook
Expected publication: September 3rd 2015 by Smashwords Edition
ISBN139781311953292

A Stella Double Dip Review: Bent Arrow by Posy Roberts

Rating 4 stars out of 5

Sometimes curves in the road take you right where you belong.

I read Bent Arrow in a night, it’s written so well it was quick and easy to me to follow the story. No surprise since I discovered Posy Roberts with Silver Scars and I realized she is very talented author. There were different things I loved in this short story too. First her characters, well defined and developed, with some baggage on their shoulders to make them more real. Characters with scars to erase thanks to the love of their partner. What I especially found beautiful was the journey Luther went through, a simple one, because there is no drama or angst in this story. But still seeing this young man changing during his time spent with Erik was unexpected in a story of just 65 pages long and so welcomed. He slowed down his life and finally started taking care of himself and settled down in his grandma’s house with the man he’s in love with. Often in books so short the relationship is rushed using the sex, while in Bent Arrow I was so glad to see Luther and Erik know each other better with texts, dates, sex too sure, but it wasn’t the main way used to bring the MCs together.

There are some emotional parts I don’t want to talk about but they were the icing on the cake. They could have been handled differently and the story would have been too heavy to be enjoyed. I think Posy made a great work at balance everything in the right way, deciding to not tell us too much of a couple of things in Erik’s past, focusing instead in their relationship and their newborn feelings.

The only tiny little bad note I can make is about the ending. I was hoping to have another chapter to see how they settled into their new life together and I was so sure there were more pages that when I read The End I was really disappointed. It felt almost like it missed something. Still I really enjoyed Bent Arrow, it was a light read full of good feelings.

Cover art by DJ Mack. The cover is simple, hot and well done. I couldn’t resist it.

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

Book Details:

Published September 3rd 2015 by Labyrinth Bound Press
ebook, 65 pages
ISBN13 9781311953292
Edition Language English

In the Book Spotlight: Lover’s Trill by Viki Lyn (guest post, excerpt and contest)

Lover’s Trill by Viki Lyn
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Buy the book: Loose id LLC

:

Photo credit: Smadar from morguefile.com

Viki Lyn on the Inspiration for Lover’s Trill

Lover’s Trill is a story about two musicians that had once loved each other. Andre and Leo shared their passion for music and for each other, but followed two very different musical paths. Leo had left Andre to pursue his dreams leaving Andre to pick up the pieces of his heart.

I had just returned from visiting Eastern Europe. Vienna had impressed me as a city that lived and breathed classical music. Yet, the city’s personality also had a lively underground. This had to be the setting for Andre and Leo’s second chance at love.

A story set in Vienna had to include a ball. With a vibrant ball culture, there are more than a 1,000 balls in the city, and attendance is past the 2.5 million mark! The season lasts from November 11 until Mardi Gras, and is very lively in-between. I made sure that Leo and Andre were in Vienna during the season.

The most famous ball is the “Wiener Opernball or Vienna Opera Ball. This would be the sort of ball Andre would attend. Leo, not so much! So when I had Leo the one that had tickets to a ball, I chose a “Kranzchen” or informal ball. These informal balls are often attended in costumes. I had fun imagining Leo’s costume – outrageous as his clothing when he performs onstage!

Rocker Leo needs a break. From the band, roadies, everything related to his present life. Wandering the streets of Vienna, he chances upon a poster that just might change his life. Andre Revele, renowned violinist, and Leo’s ex-lover, is performing in the city. It’s been years since Leo slipped out of Andre’s life in the middle of the night, but he’s never forgotten their passionate love of music and each other.

Andre’s shocked when Leo shows up backstage after his performance. Hell yes, he’s angry, but he can’t walk away. Against his better judgment, he invites Leo to his hotel for a drink. Not sure what he wants from Leo, he knows what his body wants right now. A night of passionate sex leads to another, until he’s lost his heart to Leo again.

When Andre finds his trust in Leo tested, Leo must prove his loyalty by using their one common passion – music – to bind their hearts.

Pages or Words: 22,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Leo finished his cappuccino. He needed a break. From the band, roadies, everything related to his present life. He tried to ignore the constriction in his chest. He hadn’t written anything in months, and that scared the shit out of him. His bandmates were like his brothers, but as much as he loved them, it wasn’t the same as having a lover who completely got him. He had no one to turn to when in a funk.

He hoped to God he still had more words inside him. For all of his flamboyance on stage, his real love was composing.

Leo paid the check and left. Too wound up to go back to his hotel, he roamed the streets, taking in the Vienna night. Stars sparkled above St. Stephen’s gothic spire. The wide boulevards twisted into narrow lanes perfect for getting lost in.

Happy to wander aimlessly, Leo slipped his hands into his fleece-lined jacket. Living in LA, he’d forgotten how cold winter could be in other parts of the world. He turned the corner and sputtered to a halt. Staring at the poster pasted to the side of a building, he didn’t need to read the name of the virtuoso to know who it was. He could never forget that face in rapture—when playing or getting off. Music and sex had invoked the same feelings in Andre Revele. Passion was passion, and that man had always had both in spades.

Numbness swept across Leo as he stared at the picture of Andre caressing the bow in those slender-fingered hands—such artistic hands on a large man. It had been love at first sight—or at least lust—when Leo had walked into the practice room.

He could still remember a youthful Andre, not quite grown into his robust physique, as he played the last stanza of Bach’s Concerto in E. The violin’s notes had faded, but the music had remained in the air long after the performance was over. Bright green eyes peered through dark lashes, and sensual, pouty lips morphed into a shy smile. Like an idiot, Leo had been at a loss for words at Andre’s performance and enamored by that handsome face. Until Andre laughed, breaking the spell.

From that day forward, they were inseparable. They both had insatiable appetites for music. They stayed up all hours talking about philosophy and musical composition, and arguing what was better, thin-crust or thick-crust pizza. They played music together, fucked, and enjoyed the simple moments that composed their insular world.

He scanned the poster for the dates of the concerts. Tomorrow night was the last performance. Leo shuffled his feet, unable to move away. He bit his lip and traced the image of Andre. Did he dare go? It had to be fate. He’d been thinking of Andre, talking about the past with Sid, and now this.

His heartbeat quickened. What if he went backstage and Andre didn’t recognize him? Or brushed him aside? Leo had purposely avoided searching the Internet for news of Andre, too afraid that his ex had a lover, or worse, had married. Their lifestyles were miles apart, and Leo could never think of Andre as a friend.

He drank in Andre’s image. Tall and broodingly dark, Andre had the body of a jock and the sensitive heart of an artist. Leo preferred men unlike himself. He’d been a skinny kid, and had a difficult time gaining weight. If he’d been born years earlier, he would have been the perfect face for a glam rock band. At least he’d outgrown the term pretty boy or twink.

Leo chewed his lower lip as he studied Andre’s picture. Tempting as it was to see his ex again, visiting the past was a bad idea. This wasn’t the time, not when Leo was restless and bored. His heart couldn’t take a rejection from Andre. There were other men, lots of men, and he’d had his share of quite a few of them. With his schedule it had become impossible to form any long-term commitment. Or at least that was what he told himself.

A big, fat lie.

He’d never met anyone who made him feel the way he’d felt for the violinist.

Leo kissed his fingers and pressed them to Andre’s lips. “Good-bye, Princess.” Andre hated that pet name, but Leo loved using the endearment. Andre had been born into wealth and privilege, and his family had expected great things from him. “You proved them right, didn’t you?”

Before Leo changed his mind, he hurried away, dismissing the memories of a love lost to his ambition.

Meet Viki Lyn:

Multi-published and award winner, Viki Lyn is a successful writer of gay paranormal and contemporary romance. After reading and collecting whatever she could get her hands on, she wrote her first male/male romance. And that was ‘it’ for her. She never looked back. Viki travels the world in search of inspiration. She considers herself blessed to have traveled to many of the mystical sites she had dreamed about as a child. Her travel experiences have been influential in creating her paranormal worlds. When she needs to relax, she calls a friend to meet at their favorite coffee house. When the chattering in her head goes off the charts, she plays one of her favorite RPGs on her PS4 and immerses herself in the world of dragons and magic.

Where to find Viki Lyn:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vikilynromance
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/vikilynromance
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vikilynromance

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: An ebook of Lover’s Trill or a book from my backlist and a $10 Amazon GC. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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 Tour Dates & Stops:

1-Sep Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

1-Sep The Jena Wade

2-Sep Bayou Book Junkie

2-Sep Molly Lolly

2-Sep Inked Rainbow Reads

3-Sep MM Good Book Reviews

3-Sep BFD Book Blog

4-Sep Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My

7-Sep Divine Magazine

7-Sep Mikky’s World of Books

7-Sep Love Bytes

Cover Reveal for Unbreak Broken (Coming About#3) by J.K. Hogan (cover reveal, excerpt and contest)

Unbreak Broken (Coming About#3) by J.K. Hogan
Release Date: September 16, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Wild City Press
Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan (KHD Graphics)

Blurb

Rory Donovan’s life is a hot mess. His marriage is failing and he’s in intensive psychotherapy, working through the unfortunate side effects of memories from a childhood trauma. The only thing good in his life right now is his job—teaching photography to gifted high school students.

Harbor Patrol officer Bennett Foster is co-parenting his teenage daughter with his high school best friend Jessie. When he meets Addison’s teacher and realizes they’ve met before, he can’t get the sexy stranger out of his head.

Striking up a sexual-tension-filled friendship, together they must help an angsty teenager deal with a dying friend. Bennett must keep his little family from falling apart while Rory struggles to come to terms with his new reality. Somewhere along the way, most unexpectedly…love happens.

Pages or Words: 98,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

Dr. Conlan treated me to a rare fond smile, almost motherly in its warmth. “I’m pleased to see you happier than you have been.”

I grinned back, but then my brow furrowed. “Does this make me gay?”

“Does that matter?”

“I don’t know. Should it?”

“I’ll never understand the fascination with labeling things that our society seems to have. To me, sexuality is as intangible as the universe. There’s no way to truly know what’s out there, and how it all relates to everything else.

“As humans, we seek to know, to understand, and somehow we feel that putting things in boxes and labeling helps us do that. But some things are fluid, changing and developing with the tide of the evolution of life. Do me a favor, Rory. Don’t put yourself in a box.”

I was dumbfounded, stunned speechless. I knew I’d remember Dr. Conlan’s words for the rest of my life, and I would try to stay as true to them as I could. “I won’t,” I whispered.

Buy the book Wilde City Press

Meet J.K. Hogan

J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them. J.K. is hoping to one day have a little something for everyone, so she’s branched out from m/f paranormal romance and added m/m contemporary romance. Who knows what’s next?

J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives in the country with her husband and young son, a cat, and two champion agility dogs. If she isn’t on the agility field, J.K. can often be found chasing waterfalls in the mountains with her husband, or down in front at a blues concert. In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading! For more information, please visit http://www.jkhogan.com.

Where to find J.K. Hogan:
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialJKHogan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JK_Hogan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jkhoganbooks/
Other: http://www.goodreads.com/jkhogan
Other: http://instagram.com/jkhoganbooks
Other: http://jkhogan.com/blog/

 Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Havan Fellows, Bike Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Molly Lolly, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Bayou Book Junkie, My Fiction Nook, Inked Rainbow Reads, Divine Magazine, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Three Books Over the Rainbow, Lee Brazil, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Happily Ever Chapter, Carly’s Book Reviews, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-book copy of ‘Unbreak Broken’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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Bent Arrow by Posy Roberts Release Date: September 3, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Labyrinth Bound Books Cover Artist: DJ Mack

Buy Links: Amazon | All Romance (ARe) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

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

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Sexual Frankenstein by TC Blue Release Date: September 2, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Torquere Press Cover Artist: BSClay

Buy the book: Torquere Books

Blurb

Excerpt

About The Author

Giveaway

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Lover’s Trill by Viki Lyn Release Date: September 1, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Loose ID Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Buy the book: Loose id LLC

Viki Lyn on the Inspiration for Lover’s Trill

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Unbreak Broken (Coming About#3) by J.K. Hogan Release Date: September 16, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Wild City Press Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan (KHD Graphics)

Blurb

Excerpt:

Meet J.K. Hogan

Giveaway

Share this:

Bent Arrow by Posy Roberts
Release Date: September 3, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Labyrinth Bound Books
Cover Artist: DJ Mack

Sexual Frankenstein by TC Blue
Release Date: September 2, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BSClay

Lover’s Trill by Viki Lyn
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Unbreak Broken (Coming About#3) by J.K. Hogan
Release Date: September 16, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Wild City Press
Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan (KHD Graphics)