A MelanieM Review: A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Legacies were made to be rewritten.

Assassin Hawes Madigan wants to do right—by his family, his organization, his city, and the man he’s falling for, ATF agent Christopher Perri. But Hawes’s rules are being challenged by someone willing to kill for the old ways. To save his soul and his empire, Hawes must make an impossible decision: fight from the outside or bend the knee to win back his throne from within.

Chris is used to being the inside man, the one undercover. Now, he’s on the outside marshaling forces in support of the man and the ring of assassins he was supposed to take down. His mission shifted when he found something that’s been missing for ten long years—a home, with Hawes.

As Hawes and Chris make a dangerous play for control, the lines between allies and traitors blur. Trusting the wrong person could destroy the legacy Hawes envisions for the Madigans. But not trusting anyone, or each other, could mean lights out on their love and lives forever.

The King and King Slayer fight together in this thrilling conclusion to the Fog City Trilogy!

A New Empire (Fog City #3) by Layla Reyne is the series finale of a trilogy that started with Prince of Killers and our introduction to assassin Hawes Madigan, his siblings, their family crime empire, along with ATF agent Christopher Perri and his mission to bring them all down. Of course, from the start, things weren’t that simple, from the men, women, businesses (on both sides), and convoluted plot, nothing was going to be as it seemed on the surface. There was a labyrinthine path of story threads, thrown about clues, shocking twists, turns, and yes, betrayals.

Mixed in with hot, hot, sex, and love.

There was also a couple of cliffhangers because the author has a love of serial thrillers and threw that into this trilogy too.

Now comes the time to pull it all together and the author does an amazing job. You as a reader must come to this novel having read the previous stories as this is not a standalone in any way. It picks up immediately upon the events occuring after the cliffhanger ending of King Slayer. So be prepared to dive head on into heartstopping action and complex situations that you must have background knowledge from prior stories to make any sense of the happenings here.

That said, the action is fast paced, heart stopping, and full of suspense. Everyone is suspect, every plan that is put forth on shaky ground because no one knows who to trust. This makes for great reading and yes, the novel flies by. I won’t go into details here but there were still some shockers I wasn’t expecting, and I thought I figured out quite a few. Love that when it happens.

Layla Reyne still does a commanding job with her characters, fleshing them all out realistically within her universe building. Her action scenes are wild and fast, the thriller situations full of suspense and twists. I loved that the women characters were just as strong and complex as the men. Great job and definitely appreciated.

Need a new trilogy to read? Here is one to recommend! Grab the first and read right through to the end! It’s a thrill you will love and a romance to take to heart!

Cover art is great, eye catching and works for the characters.

All buy links or pre-order links:

http://getbook.at/ANewEmpire

https://www.amazon.com/New-Empire-Fog-City-Novel-ebook/dp/B07Z6P2944/

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 192 pages
Published November 11th 2019 by Layla Reyne
ASINB07Z6P2944
Series Fog City #3

Fog City Series

Prince of Killers

King Slayer

A New Empire series finale

Check Out the Release Blitz with Excerpt for Roxy’s Recovery by Kim Breyon

Roxy’s Recovery is Out Now!

This healing and heartwarming story will make you believe in the power of kindness and love again.

Roxy's Recovery Ebook.jpg

Blurb:

As the newest veterinarian in the small town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Vaughn Winters doesn’t have time for relationships. He is too busy healing injuries and establishing his reputation as a trustworthy vet. But when a strange man waves him down on a stormy night seeking help for his injured dog, Vaughn simply can’t refuse.

Obviously homeless and with no means to pay for Roxy’s medical care, Vaughn throws caution to the wind and strikes a deal with the hesitant stranger that would allow Roxy the time to heal and provide some much needed TLC to his property as well. As the days pass, Vaughn’s curiosity grows. Alex’s dedication to the job is as surprising as the sexy tats hidden beneath his rugged clothes. What could have pushed this kind, hardworking man to the streets, or cast such dark shadows in his otherwise bright blue eyes?

Will six weeks be enough time to earn Alex’s trust? Or will asking questions cause him to tuck tail and run as soon as Roxy is able?

Roxy’s Recovery is a 61k standalone contemporary romance involving two men, a meddling sister, and a seriously sassy pug.

Book Links:
Amazon US | |Amazon UK | Universal Link | Goodreads

Excerpt:

I was quickly distracted by how the evening light coming in through the window cast a warm glow on Alex’s face. He had a light speckle of freckles across his nose and under his eyes that I hadn’t noticed before, and I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone had ever kissed them before. I certainly would if ever I had the chance.

When I didn’t look away, he gave a soft laugh. “You know, that’s twice in one hour I’ve caught you staring. I’d say it’s a new record.”

I huffed. “Like you even notice how much I check you out.”

The corner of his mouth turned up. “Oh, I notice, Vaughn. Like every time you peek out the window or slow your steps when you go outside for something? Believe me, I notice.”

I turned a little crimson. “Whatever. I think you’re hot, so sue me.”

“Oh, that’s not what I’m afraid of,” he said innocently.

I blinked, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “What are you so afraid of, then?” I asked, suddenly dying to know. “Because frankly, I’ve been trying to figure you out for a while now. If you’re interested or not, I mean.”

“I am,” he admitted without thinking before setting his sandwich down and looking out the window. “I just can’t, though.”

The finality in his voice caught me off guard; it sounded less like he was rejecting me and more like he was refusing himself something.

“Why?” I asked again.

It was a long moment before he replied, his voice low and almost inaudible. “I’m here for Roxy, Vaughn. I don’t want to do anything that would ruin this for her.”

I furrowed my brows. “Ruin what? At making a full recovery? She’s going to be fine. I’ve told you that.”

He still didn’t look at me, idly playing with a piece of bread while he continued to stare out the window.

And then, like a punch to the gut, it hit me what he was truly afraid of.

“You think I’ll kick you out?” I asked, stunned. When he didn’t respond, I tried again. “I would never do that to you, whether or not something happened between us.”

He still didn’t look at me or even acknowledge that he’d heard me, so I reached for his hand.

“Okay?” I insisted.

After a long pause, Alex shifted in his seat, causing his legs to accidentally squeeze mine under the table. He immediately jerked away, but to my relief, he didn’t pull his hand away. Instead he turned his over so he could link our fingers together and gave me a nervous smile.

“I was starting to believe that,” he said, his attention on where our skin touched. “But… it helps to hear it.”

More from Kim Breyon:

Check out Kim’s Against All Odds Series.

Back To You (Against All Odds, Book 1) By Kim Breyon

One of you, one of me…

As a private investigator, I have a perfect record when it comes to closing cases…as long as you don’t count the only one that ever really mattered to me.

Even after a decade, the memory of the foster boy I once shared a room with continues to haunt my dreams. For five years, Riley helped me laugh when there was so little in our lives to laugh about. His gentle touch and stormy gray eyes were the only thing that could calm the swirling and turbulent thoughts and emotions within me.

But in the blink of an eye, the safe harbor my best friend provided was ripped from my life without warning or reason. His unexplained disappearance set sail to a lonely and hopeless journey. Now, I am no more willing to let the memory of my best friend go than I am ready to give up the search for him, as hopeless as it may seem to those around me.

And then a client asks me to locate a stolen treasure box. Clues have me heading from the city of Atlanta to a small, picturesque town in South Carolina called Reedsport. There, I hope to find the missing box; what I never expected was to find something else that I’d been missing for far too long. Could I have finally found a beacon of hope that would lead Riley Tanager back to me?

Book Links:
Amazon US | Everywhere Else | Goodreads | BookBub

And Then You (Against All Odds, Book 2) By Kim Breyon

Love is a risk… but a risk worth taking.

JAKE
I knew my life would change when I followed my best friend across state lines and transferred to the Reedsport Police Department. I just wasn’t prepared for how much.

From the moment I meet him, CJ Reyes isn’t what I expect, and neither is our chemistry. The fire with him is like nothing I’ve felt before, both in and out of the bedroom. His sexy sapphire eyes are cracking the walls around my heart, and for the first time in my life, I’m not rushing to repair them. But can I trust him with the heaviest burden of all: the dangers of my career?

REYES
After being cut from the national team in Mexico, I’d hoped to get away from it all when I accepted a temporary coaching position in a small town in South Carolina. The reprieve doesn’t come, though, thanks to my family constantly breathing down my neck and the uncertainty of my future looming over me.

Then I meet Jake, whose humor and understanding feel like my only way out of the darkness. Our fiery nights and growing friendship make my loss feel a little less devastating and my future less bleak. But when I’m forced to make a decision that could change my life forever, will Jake see reason? Or will I end up losing something far more valuable than the world championship?

Book Links:
Amazon US | Everywhere Else | Goodreads

About the author:

I am an Idaho native who grew up dreaming about traveling the world and writing stories. I would often spend my spare time curled up with my favorite blanket and a notebook, writing another fairy tale. I never would have guessed those fairy tales would one day turn into gay romances, but that is where my heart led me, and I am so glad it did. I write about love because I believes it can happen to anyone, with anyone. I also believe dreams never expire, redemption is possible, and true forgiveness can heal us in ways we never expect. I know firsthand how messy life can get, but as any artist will tell you, a little mess is needed to create something beautiful. That’s why I write, to help others see that anything can be beautiful. You can often find me with a mug of coffee in one hand, and a dog toy in the other. There is never a day that goes by without my sweet boy insisting on a game – or twenty – of fetch.

Love a bit of Kink with your Romance? Check Out the Blog Tour for Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel by Jodi Payne (excerpt and giveaway)

Soft Limits

A Deviations Prequel

Jodi Payne

M/M BDSM, Experienced Dom & newbie sub, May/December

Release Date: 11.12.19

SL_HIGHRES

Blurb

Fans of the iconic Deviations series will fondly recall Bradford as the beloved owner and Master of the elite and exclusively male BDSM club that anchors the series, and also as the wise man who introduced Tobias and Noah.

Dominant Bradford’s story is one defined by sudden opportunity, unimaginable heartbreak, and new-found purpose. His calling is to provide a safe and supportive environment for men in the lifestyle. Bringing Doms and subs together is his superpower, yet he feels fated to be alone himself.

In this prequel to the series, you’ll not only discover Bradford’s own history, but also how Bradford is first drawn to Nikki, a beautiful and hungry young man living on the streets, and the unexpected ways Bradford grows and changes while helping Nikki understand a world of strange, new desires.

Deviations readers already know outcome of Bradford and Nikki’s journey together. Soft Limits is a deep-dive into Bradford’s story, into what makes the Dom tick, and how he ended up with ownership of the club. It also introduces Nikki, the sub that tests Bradford’s patience, steals his heart, and soothes his soul.

Buy link: http://bit.ly/BuySoftLimits

Excerpt

Nikki kept his word and presented himself in Bradford’s office on his break. There was a brief knock at the door before it opened.

“It’s customary to wait to be invited in,” Bradford told the boy evenly, not looking up from his paperwork.

“Oh. Right, sorry.” Nikki came in anyway, closing the door behind him. “You wanted to see me?”

“I did. In the future, if I ask to see you, you should consider yourself excused from whatever you are doing and come right away. Chef will understand.” Bradford glanced up from his papers and looked Nikki in the eyes. “Clear?”

God, the blue.

“Yes. Sorry. Okay.”

“Have a seat.” It was thrilling to have had an excuse to top Nikki just then, even to that small extent, and he felt goose bumps rise on his skin. He stood, intending to resume his casual position on the front of his desk for the rest of their talk.

“Yes, sir.”

The boy’s reply, however, went straight to Bradford’s cock and he sat abruptly, thinking it better that he remain ensconced behind his desk for the moment. He reached for the bottle of water sitting on a ceramic coaster on his desk and took a long sip before relaxing back in his chair. He’d have to do casual indifference from here.

“You have been an excellent employee, Nikki,” Bradford began, finally regaining control over himself.

“Thanks, Bradford.”

Bradford’s lips twitched at the boy’s use of his name. “Yes. Well. You’re welcome.” He shifted in his seat. “I’d like to try to offer someone else a leg up soon, so I think this is an appropriate time for a promotion.”

“A promotion?”

“Yes. I have an opening on my house staff, I was thinking perhaps you might be interested.” He actually did have an opening this time; Timothy was being moved into the dining room. That Timothy’s well-deserved promotion came about at this moment because Bradford needed an opening for Nikki on his house staff was utterly beside the point.

“The staff. Which means…?”

“Oh, you’d be cleaning and restocking the second and third-floor rooms, running errands, keeping the main floor presentable. Assisting our members as needed. At any given time, there are at least two boys on shift, three shifts in a day. Shifts are typically chosen by seniority, so I’m not sure which one you’d be on just yet, but—”

“It is much cooler out here than in the kitchen,” Nikki observed, interrupting.

He raised an eyebrow. “It’s a small raise as well.”

Nikki nodded. “I could maybe meet a few more people.”

“Naturally. You’d meet the rest of the house staff, the waitstaff, my bartenders, and you’d potentially have the opportunity to get to know some of the members, depending on what shift you work. Also, house staff have a uniform.”

He carelessly neglected to mention that the uniform was little more than a custom-fitted leather harness.

Oops.

“Well, okay. It sounds pretty good. Thank you.”

He allowed himself a subtle smile. So far, so good. “You’re welcome.” He was finally able to move out from behind his desk, and he stepped around it. “There is some training involved. Have you met Levi?”

“Not yet.”

“Oh, you’re in for a treat. He’s a…” He stopped himself by pursing his lips together. “He’s very good at what he does.” Perhaps better not to scare the boy off. The uniform might be enough without more information on Levi—his handsome, talented, and submissive daytime manager.

“Okay, great.”

“Wonderful. Welcome to the front of the house. I’m very proud of you.” He offered his hand and Nikki shook it politely. “We’ll get you set up with Levi soon.”

“Sounds good.” Nikki stood up, apparently understanding that the meeting was over. “Later.” He headed for the door.

“Have a nice afternoon,” he replied, and Nikki closed the door behind him with a quiet click. God, how he wanted to get under that boy’s skin. Nikki made his spine itch impatiently and his fingers long for a paddle.

Patience, old boy, he thought. Patience.

If he handled this right, it would be a beautiful thing.

jodi (1)

JODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.

For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec, and tequila any way you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.

Website: www.jodipayne.net/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/payne.jodi

FB Author Group: www.facebook.com/groups/jodisgents

Twitter: @JodiPayne

Instagram: @jodipayne1800

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/267617.

Jodi_PayneBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodi-payne

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Payne/e/B002BLY7O6/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Queeromance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/jodi-payne/

Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/author/jodi-payne

GIVEAWAY

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A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Mr. Naughty List (Home for the Holidays #2) by Leta Blake

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

I’ve held off for 24 hours before writing this review so I could digest the story, revisit some of my favorite scenes, and confirm that, yes, I did indeed love Aaron and RJ and their journey to love. All the feels are still present, and it’s hands-down one of my favorites of the year. Why? The characters drive this story and they are fully developed nice guys I wish I could meet IRL. Neither fit a standard mold and the couple together has quite a unique dynamic. These men made me want to crawl between the pages and hang out with them. I wanted to attend RJ’s concerts and sit in the back of the classroom as Aaron wrote on the board (you’ll know why when you read the book). And I wanted more, more, more of the development of their relationship as it went from a one-night stand to lovers (with lots of spanking) to boyfriends to more.

Aaron is a middle-school teacher who was told he’s lucky to have been hired there after an unfortunate strike against him when he was caught with pants down in the high school football coach’s office having sex with the married (unknown to Aaron) man. Why he was blacklisted and the coach continued with no consequence is something all US high school football fans might understand. But here’s the rub—his domineering, punishment-prone, nasty principal is none other than his mother. She gives evil mother a whole new twist with the evil boss angle added in. Aaron is in his late twenties and has about given up on finding a forever man. Naturally submissive, he wants to be dominated, spanked, and managed with a firm hand. Always in control in the rest of his life, he recognizes that he needs to trust someone enough to take that from him.

Enter RJ Blitz, musician, wanderer, and the Dom Aaron needs in his life. But RJ is Aaron’s former student—in his first year teaching high school, RJ was a senior in his class. Only a few years separate their ages but Aaron is sure this is insurmountable. Until RJ exerts his dominant personality and takes RJ by the hand for a night neither man will ever forget. It was messy, hot, and kinky. Oh, yeah!

I can’t find words to fully describe their dynamic. Every scene with these men was just wonderful—either hot, sexy, and steamy, or tender, loving, and caring. Both men have a lot to learn and they learn it together. RJ’s past taught him that relationships don’t last. Aaron’s past taught him that he’s not okay as he is. He’s gay and submissive and that’s just not good enough for Mom. After all, what if he embarrasses her? When he realizes it’s time to live for himself, with RJ’s encouragement, and when RJ embraces his own mother’s code—love is trust—the two finally move together toward their hopeful future.

I very, very highly recommend this story to those who enjoy a D/s relationship, a younger Dom and older sub, and some kinky hot times. Family dynamics, including family of the heart, are front and center in this one. Definitely a book to be read any day of the year but most certainly perfect as a stocking stuffer.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 292 pages
Published November 11th 2019 by Leta Blake Books
ASINB07ZZDMG6W
Edition Language English
Series Home for the Holidays #2

An Alisa Audio Review: Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via and Aiden Snow (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The boys are back and fiercer than ever!

“We were a unit tonight, moving as one. Even apart, we are deadly, but when combined – we are f**kin’ unstoppable.” ~~ God ~~

Atlanta’s notorious narcotics task force is at it again. They are stronger, bigger, and better than ever. Especially when a city councilman sends RECON Marine, Edwin Steele – who’s been blacklisted from his Oakland department – to join the team. God and Day weren’t recruiting. They have a lot on their plates, like the fact they’re supposed to be getting married soon. They don’t have the time or the patience to integrate a decorated war hero with a slight chip on his shoulder into their well-oiled machine.

A hothead that’s uncontrollable and terrible with authority… but wasn’t that their team motto?

Steele was ready to hang up his shield. He was done fighting with bigoted bastards that couldn’t respect the job. He was good at fighting; he just needed the right team to fight with. When his uncle – City Councilman, Rasmus Steele – shows him a video of God’s team in action, he knows right away, it’s where his nephew belongs in order to restore his faith.

Steele pointed to the driver, a behemoth of a man wielding those massive firearms like a true beast… like a soldier. “And him. Who the hell is he?”

“That’s your new boss. Lieutenant Cashel Godfrey… they call him… God.”

Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology specialist/computer genius, “Tech,” he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves.

Tech is stunning. His sweater vest and khakis, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned roughnecks he works with. A beautiful sheep amongst the wolves. Steel thinks there’s no way the brilliant man would be interested in a hardhead like him, but Tech has a few badass hidden talents of his own and manages to fool him… fool all of them.

This story is a part of a series but can stand alone. It does not end on a cliffhanger and has a HEA. There are no multiple pairings in this novel.

It’s been quite a while since I read the last Nothing Special book, not because I wasn’t interested I just haven’t had the time, heck I’ve owned the ebook for years. Well I was very glad to get the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and now want to jump right into the next one.

I enjoy the family all these guys have made and while most of the story focuses on Tech and Steele I like how we see almost all the previous characters and also get to see come of their points of view throughout the story too. After a not so great first meeting Steele quickly integrates into the team. Tech has been an integral part of the team but really wants to get out from behind his computer all the time.

Now, I don’t remember if this was in all the other books and I just didn’t notice then, but I got a little sick of hearing how hot everyone on the team was and the only referring to people as their nicknames except for some intimate moments. I felt like I got to know these characters well and understand them, even when they made a stupid decision. I liked that Tech and Steele were able to pretty quickly resolve the first few issues they had (which were mostly misunderstandings).

This book was narrated by Aiden Snow and he did a wonderful job. I liked the voices he used for the characters and I could feel their emotions with how he read the story. I was easily able to multitask and do other things while listening to the book because it was easy to keep track of where they were within the story.

I liked how the cover art by Jay Aheer shows the different characters/couples in the book.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | Audiobooks.com

Audio Details:

Audio CD

Published October 20th 2019 by Tantor Audio (first published December 12th 2016)

ISBN 1515944263 (ISBN13: 9781515944263)

Edition Language English

Series Nothing Special #5

Characters Edwin Leks Steele, Shawn “Tech” Murphy

setting Atlanta, Georgia (United States)
Georgia (United States

Don’t Miss Out on the Review Tour and Giveaway for Nothing Special V by AE Via

Buy Links: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Narrated by: Aiden Snow

Length: 12hrs 29mins

Nothing Special Series

Blurb

Atlanta’s notorious narcotics task force is at it again. They are stronger, bigger, and better than ever. Especially when a city councilman sends RECON Marine Edwin Steele – who’s been blacklisted from his Oakland department – to join the team.

Steele was ready to hang up his shield. He was done fighting with bigoted bastards that couldn’t respect the job. He was good at fighting; he just needed the right team to fight with. When his uncle – City Councilman Rasmus Steele – shows him a video of God’s team in action, he knows right away it’s where his nephew belongs in order to restore his faith.

Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology specialist/computer genius, “Tech”, he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves.

Tech is stunning. His sweater vest and khakis, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned roughnecks he works with. A beautiful sheep amongst the wolves. Steel thinks there’s no way the brilliant man would be interested in a hardhead like him, but Tech has a few badass hidden talents of his own and manages to surprise him…surprise all of them.

A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for five years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay lit for over fifteen years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

Now that she’s gotten over her 10 books published hump, she’s kind of known now for her hardcore, play rough and love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes, but she won’t push herself into a whole other genre. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next.

Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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A MelanieM Audio Review:Red Dirt Heart (Red Dirt #1) by N.R. Walker and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Welcome to Sutton Station: One of the world’s largest working farms in the middle of Australia – where if the animals and heat don’t kill you first, your heart just might.

Charlie Sutton runs Sutton Station the only way he knows how; the way his father did before him. Determined to keep his head down and his heart in check, Charlie swears the red dirt that surrounds him – isolates him – runs through his veins.

American agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at Sutton Station to see how farmers make a living from one of the harshest environments on earth. But it’s not the barren, brutal and totally beautiful landscapes that capture him so completely, it’s the man with the red dirt heart.

Please note: This book is set in Australia, using Australian English and lingo.

NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart series became an instant comfort read when I first read it when it first came out in 2014. I adored the characters, the setting (it was one of my first Australian location stories), the differences in our cultures and, yes, the similarities, just everything! I was wombat crazy and red dirt heart in love!

Time passed and NR Walker became an auto read, her books a must buy. The Red Dirt Heart series always floating fondly there in her library waiting to be rec’d. Then came the audio version of NR Walker’s Spencer Cohen stories and Joel Leslie’s perfect narration, Aussie voice included. What leapt to mind? That I needed to listen to Joel Leslie narrating Red Dirt Heart in the worst way.

So back to the outback I went. Back to the lives of all the people at the Sutton Ranch and the hot red dirt landscape that captures their hearts and souls. And the readers too so quickly. I always had pictures of how Charlie and Trav looked fixed so firmly in my head, but now? Oh, my, with Joel Leslie taking such a firm, absolute grasp of NR Walker’s characters and story, here every favorite person burst back into life once more. Charlie with his distinct broad Aussie accent comes immediately into play and just listening to Charlie, his many inner monologues to his exchanges with Ma and his ranch hands, who he is as a person becomes crystal clear. You know Charlie now, more than ever before.

And its not just Charlie’s accent, but a multitude of australian accents that Leslie comes p with, all genders, as well as all ages. Then Trav arrives. All slow, warm, southern Texas drawl flowing out of his mouth….and boom! It’s as though Trav has walked through our doors, lively, unable to sit still, and more Trav, more three dimensional than I can remember. Red Dirt Heart is singing to me. The characters are bright, lively, passionate, and so real it hurts at times.

And this story! I remember now why I loved it so. Love it so. There’s Matilda, Ma and George, even the horses Shelby and Texas, plus the ranch hands that become a family. And alway, always, that red dirt soil and landscape that spreads like another major character across the novel and series that digs just as deep into your heart as everyone else.

You know what I found? I loved these stories even more. Joel Leslie and NR Walker are perfection, literary mates mean to be. And now its on to the rest of the series because you just can’t stop here.

Whether it’s your first time or the upteenth, go immediately for the audio version of the amazing Red Dirt Heart series and fall in love again or all over again. Tis the holidays. Treat yourself or someone you love. I can’t think of a better gift.

Cover art for this series has stayed with me so yes, love it.

Audio Sales: Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audio Details:

5 hrs 7 mins

Audible Audio, Unabridged, 6 pages
Published July 4th 2016 by Love Lane Books (first published February 20th 2014)
ASINB01HU3WTHQ
Edition Language English
SeriesRed Dirt #1
Characters Charles Sutton, Travis Craig
setting Australia

A Lucy Review: A Christmas Wedding: A snowy London love story (Rory & Jack #3) by A.E. Ryecart

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Christmas is around the corner, and so is Rory Kincaid’s wedding to Jack De Lacy, the man of his dreams. Everything will be perfect — or it would be if Rory didn’t have to contend with Jack’s mother the indomitable, aristocratic Lady Diana.

At long last, Rory’s life is on track. Settled and happy, he’s looking forward to a bright future with the man who saved him from a life on the streets. But the strain is beginning to show. The simple Christmas wedding he and Jack dreamed of is growing… and growing… under Diana’s single-minded management.

Rory is everything Jack has ever craved. Sweet and kind, Rory’s an adorable mix of shyness and courage. All Jack wants is for their Christmas, winter wonderland wedding to be perfect for the man he loves — which means taking a stand against, tradition, family, and Diana.

This is the third installment of Jack and Rory’s story. In book one, Jack found Rory at Christmas time, homeless and huddled on his doorstep. They have evolved in their relationship since that time. Met at Christmas, engaged at Christmas and now about to have a Christmas Eve wedding. They have opened their bakery, The Bakehouse, and it is very successful. Great, except it means they are incredibly busy, especially Rory as he does all the baking. Add in the wedding plans and it’s starting to really pressure him.

I have to say the blurb was a little misleading. Yes, Diana is in charge of the wedding plans. Yes, on a few occasions she makes decisions without consulting them. However, I felt the decisions were not huge deals – a few extra people at the wedding, an arrangement about the cake. There really is not “take a stand against Diana” at all.

The book is more about the two of them, established in their relationship, taking that next step to a wedding. I did lower my rating some because in this book Jack and Rory are extremely sappy. I like sweetness and some sap but this went over the top for me. They were constantly declaring how much they loved each other, forever and always. Rory sometimes questions his worth to this historic family but he really is accepted unconditionally.

The actual conflict here comes from an entirely different direction. It is not a huge thing and the book really is angst-free, but I felt the way Rory handled it showed what a good person he is.

Side characters, Diana, Jack’s sister Caroline, Mabel and Lance from The Bakehouse, were interesting and well fleshed out.

The cover by Meredith Russell/Tammy Clarke, showing Rory and Jack in their bespoke wedding suits, was perfect.

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 170 pages
Expected publication: November 19th 2019
ASINB08191NNN5
SeriesRory & Jack #3

Looking for Your Next Holiday Story? Check Out the Release Blitz for A Christmas Wedding by A E Ryecart (excerpt and giveaway)

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: A Christmas Wedding

Author: A E Ryecart

Publisher: Independently Published

Cover Artist: Tammy Clarke/Meredith Russell

Release Date: November 19, 2019

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Themes: Christmas, Wedding/Marriage, Domineering family

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 49 000 words

It is part of a series but it can certainly be read as a standalone.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas. A Wedding. Family. It’s the Perfect Storm…

Blurb

For Rory Kincaid marrying Jack, the youngest son of the aristocratic De Lacy family, on Christmas Eve, is a dream come true. Handing over the wedding planning to Jack’s mother, the strong-willed Lady Diana, is turning out to be more of a nightmare.

As their big day approaches, the pressure’s on and the strain is beginning to show. Announcements in society magazines, a guest list that’s growing and growing, and fittings for the best bespoke tailoring in London, it’s all a far cry from Rory’s humble upbringing. Piece by piece, Rory and Jack’s dream of a simple winter wedding is fading fast.

Rory is Jack’s everything. Sweet, kind, and totally adorable, Rory is all Jack has ever wanted. And what Jack wants most of all is to give the man he loves the wedding day of his dreams — and that means taking a stand against the indomitable Diana.

***Warning: this story contains two gorgeous men, a mountain of mince pies and cupcakes, a punk rocker Christmas fairy called Bunty, and a snowy Christmas Wedding.***

Excerpt

“Where are we going? The Tube station’s that way.” Rory nodded in the direction they were coming from.

“We’re not going home, or not just yet.”

“Oh? I thought we were going to decorate our living room, drink lots of advocaat, and then get naked on the rug.”

Jack threw back his head and laughed. “That sounds like a plan, but there’s something I want to do first.”

“You mean something is more important than naked advocaat?”

Jack just smiled in response. There wasn’t a lot that was more important than naked advocaat, but what they were about to do next just about topped it.

The tiny street would be so easy to miss in the messy and higgledy-piggledy maze that was the City of London.

“Jack? What—?”

Jack pressed his fingertips to Rory’s lips and gazed into Rory’s questioning, confused eyes.

“Just go with me on this, okay?”

Jack pushed the door open, and he and Rory stepped into another time.

The shop was crammed with tall and narrow display cabinets, all of them holding a treasure of watches. Behind the counter, in a corner and almost hidden, sat a small, round, bald-headed man. A pair of glasses perched on the end of his nose, and another was wedged on the top of his head as he worked on the mechanism of a pocket watch, using what looked like a set of toy tools.

“Mr. De Lacy.” The man put aside his work, stood up and extended his hand to Jack.

“Mr. Hogarth. Let me introduce Rory Kincaid, my fiancé.”

Jack moved aside to allow Rory to shake Mr. Hogarth’s hand. Jack smiled; in a moment everything would be revealed.

“Let me bring your order.” Mr. Hogarth disappeared into a back room.

“Jack, I don’t understand. What’s going on?”

Before Jack could answer, Mr. Hogarth returned bearing a small black box, which he handed over to Jack.

“Please.” Mr. Hogarth gestured to a small table and a couple of chairs on the other side of the shop, in the only space not taken up with display cabinets, before he returned to his place once more behind the counter and took up his work as though he were alone.

“I want you to have this,” Jack said, opening the box as soon as he and Rory were seated.

“What?” Rory gaped at the watch, displayed on a pad of black velvet. “But we agreed a strict ten-pound budget, just something silly this year. I haven’t—”

“No, it’s not a Christmas present.”

“Then what—? I don’t understand.”

Jack took the watch out of the box. Like his own, it was plain and unadorned. The black Roman numerals were stark against the white face; the casing was gold, deep and burnished.

“When I was twenty-one, my father presented me with a watch from this shop. He did the same for George,” Jack said, referring to his elder brother. “My father also had a watch on his twenty-first birthday, as did my grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. The De Lacy men have had watches in one form or another from Hogarth’s since the late eighteenth century. All those watches came from here, from this very shop.” Jack glanced toward the counter, but Mr. Hogarth had gone and was now nowhere to be seen.

“This isn’t a Christmas present, Ro. This is something every De Lacy man receives. And I wanted you to have one, too, because that’s what you’re on the point of becoming: a De Lacy man.” Jack’s lips lifted in a wry smile. “I didn’t know you when you turned twenty-one, although I wish I did. I’m just making up for lost time. On Christmas Eve, you’re going to take my name. I want you to be wearing this watch when you do.”

“Jack, I–I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything. Just accept it, along with the words I had engraved.”

Jack held the watch out. All his focus was on his fiancé, reading for the first time the words engraved not only on the watch but on Jack’s heart.

Love, always and forever.

Four simple words which said everything Jack held deep inside about the man he’d found huddled on his doorstep just two Christmases before.

About the Author

I love all kinds of MM romance and gay fiction, but I especially like contemporary stories. Born and raised in London, the city is part of my DNA so I like to set many of my stories in and around present-day London, providing the perfect, metropolitan backdrop to the main action. I write at home, in the gym, in cafés —in fact I write any place I can find a good coffee!

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A MelanieM Review : Across The Pond (Arizona Raptors #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The greatest journey isn’t from England to the States, it’s the one that two men take on the way to find each other.

Sebastian Brown is on a mission to rescue the Arizona Raptors and a vow he made to a friend in college. Either that or he’s on vacation. He’s not entirely sure that he’s made up his mind yet. Either way, traveling from England, to the arid desert of Arizona isn’t exactly a picnic, particularly with the doubts and worries he takes with him. He’s turned even the worst of companies around, but faced with the challenge of improving the reputation of a hockey team that everyone seems to hate, he knows his work is cut out for him.

Focus is key, but that is easier said than done when Seb is sent into a tailspin by the intriguing Alejandro. Seb’s entire marketing plan hinges on making Alex a poster boy for equality and fair play. But with Alex’s utter dedication to the game, and his dark secretive eyes, the gorgeous Alex is stubborn, opinionated, doesn’t want any part of being the team focus, and worst of all, doesn’t appear to like Seb at all. It takes everything that Seb has to keep his hands off of Alex, but things get out of hand and Seb’s life might never be the same again.

Alejandro Garcia has had to work hard to get where he’s at. Born to Mexican immigrants, his siblings and himself have never had it easy in this new country their parents dreamed of calling home. A native son of Arizona, Alex has always been the odd man out on the ice but he’s not going to let a stupid thing like his heritage get in the way of his dreams. He’s now a Raptor and he plans to put all that training and collegiate hockey experience to good use. Working hard comes naturally to him. It’s something his parents have instilled in him from the time he was a toddler. Being one of a handful of Latino hockey players makes him strive for success with even more determination. His first pro season has had some ups but a lot more downs, but Alex is one stubborn young man and failure is not an option.

As the Raptors struggle to rebuild not only their team but their core values, Alex finds himself drawn to one of the owner’s friends, a tall, lanky Brit with the face of an angel and an accent and attitude that bewitches and befuddles him. Sebastian is everything he thought he would never be attracted to but he can’t push the sexy, older, fun-loving man out of his thoughts. If ever there were a man he would not be able to take home to his parents – not that he can bring a man home since he is deeply closeted – it’s Sebastian, but desire knows no socioeconomic, age, or international borders. The heart wants what the heart wants and Alejandro’s wants Sebastian.

The second novel in the Arizona Raptors series, Across the Pond is a sweet, contemporary romance that will leave you wanting the next installment and asking questions about the new story threads the authors introduce here. I really liked the new characters. That would be Sebastian “Seb” Brown. called in by his friend and part owner of the team to help them pull the Raptors together out of the detritus team they were. Seb is great as the Brit walking into an unknown situation with a sport he knows little about. I liked him instantly. Of perhaps deeper import, here and later on, for the team and series, is Alejandro Garcia. I say that for several reasons. He seems to represent a building tension here within the series and team. Or should I say regional area and the team. One that is both racist and homophobic in nature. References are made repeatedly to how slurs are hurled against him, not even knowing his sexuality, but because of his heritage. It’s a theme or thread that the authors seem to be building upon and not one that is resolved here.

Same goes for how homosexuality is viewed in this area. It’s a far cry from the world of the Harrisburg Railers and the outlook is as harsh and hard as the climate. From the machismo in the Latin culture to the outright hostility to those who are Hispanic, I will be fascinated to see where the authors take this explosive aspect of the series and how it develops.

Within the relationship between Seb and Alex, who deal with Alex’s demons with his culture, religion, and sport, and given the length of this story, a realistic HFN approach is exactly what is called for. This is all too complex to solve within one story. I hope to see it carried out over the series and given the treatment it deserves.

In the meantime, enjoy meeting this couple, look for a couple of our already favorites, and know that Henry’s story is coming.

Oh yes, another addictive hockey series from this pair of authors. How I love it. And recommend it.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell is of course perfect for both characters.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 193 pages
Published November 10th 2019 by Love Lane Books Ltd
ASINB07ZY53R98
Edition Language English
Series Arizona Raptors #2

Length: 57,600 words approx.

Arizona Raptors Series

Book #1 – Coast to Coast – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

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Roxy’s Recovery is Out Now!

This healing and heartwarming story will make you believe in the power of kindness and love again.

Excerpt:

More from Kim Breyon:

Check out Kim’s Against All Odds Series.

Back To You (Against All Odds, Book 1) By Kim Breyon

And Then You (Against All Odds, Book 2) By Kim Breyon

About the author:

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