Category: M/M Contemporary Fiction

More Sports Romances and Recommendations. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

More Sports Romances and Recommendations

Yes, its officially September and a perfect time to continue our chat about sports and sports in romances.  Football and tailgating, airhorns and goals scored.  Fall just speaks of sports.  Among other things of course.

As I hurried to put in rows of mums, HB was commenting with a wonderful list of sports recommendations.  Here they are below.  This will give me a breather to find my dusty list and add to it.  Where do you put some of your favorites?  What heading do they fall under?

Check them all out below and leave a comment. You never know when a gift cert might pop up!

Sports Romance Story Recommendations by Sport

From our reader, HB:

 

I haven’t read too many sports books but what I can remember seeing and have read in each category are:

Rugby/Soccer.
Ten in the Bin by N.R. Walker
Offside by Ryan Loveless
Ravages by R.A. Padmos
Glasgow Lads series by Avery Cockburn
Pull Me Under by Zarah Detand
Hunted by Liz Powell
More Than the Ball by Brandon Redstone
Balls and Strikes by Sean Michael

Ice Sports:
Frozen Hearts by Teegan Loy
Power Play by J.M. Snyder
The Magic Broom by Teegan Loy
See the Light by Cassandra Carr
Seattle Marauders 1-2 by Riley Shane
Blue Line Hockey 1-9 by Stephani Hecht
Home Ice by Kate Sherwood
How To Quit Playing Hockey by Isa K.
Him 1-2 by Sarina Bowen
Heart in Hand by salifiable
Straight Shooter by Heidi Belleau
Training Season by Leta Blake
Breathing Snow by Dev Bentham
Cold War by Keira Andrews
Winging It by Ashlyn Kane
Crashing the Net by Samantha Wayland
Home and Away by Samantha Wayland
Different Dynamics by Tamir Drake (A/B/O)
City Boy by A.E. Wasp

Noah by Ben Ryder
Enforcing Emory by Mickie B. Ashling

Rodeo:
Bully for You by Catt Ford
Bullheaded by Catt Ford
A Wild Ride by Andrew Grey
After the Sunset (Timing 2) by Mary Calmes
Home of His Own by T.A. Chase

Equestrian (Polo,Jumping, Racing, Dressage):
Polo series by Mickie B. Ashling is the only one I know of and you’ve already mentioned,
Force of Law by Jez Morrow has a small polo scene written in too but is not a sports romance.
One Step Forward by Tia Fielding

Water Sports:
My Hero 1-2 by Max Vos
Riding the Board by Cate Ashwood
Heels Over Head by Elyse Springer
Slow Bloom by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Aquamarine by Sara Bell
Stroke! by M.J. O’Shea
Rocking the Boat by Christopher Koehler
Synchronicity by Keira Andrews
Making It by Louis Stevens

Baseball/Football American NFL:
A Perfect Game by Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine
Deep in the Count by Madison Parker
Four Corners by Kate McMurray
Caught Running by Madeleine Urban
Out in the Field by Kate McMurray
Grand Slam by J.T. Cheyanne
Bromosexual by Daryl Banner
Caught Looking by Kathleen Lee
Southern Scrimmage series (book 1-6) by Mercy Celeste
Playing for Keeps by Lexi Ander
Safety Net by Keiko Kirin
Quarterback Sneak by Pepper Espinoza
Man-to-Man Coverage Series by Nico Jaye (free)
Long Pass Chronicles series by Tara Lain
Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling
Steamroller by Mary Calmes
Fourth and Long by Michele Micheal Rakes
Given the Circumstances by Brad Vance
Sacking the Quarterback by Carol Lynne
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg
Out of Position books by Kyell Gold
Rebound by Remi Ryan

Other:
All for the Game series by Nora Sakavic
Wrestling With Desire by D.H. Starr
Kieran & Drew by L.A. Gilbert
Superhero by Eli Easton
Match Maker by Alan Chin
The Unforgiving Minute by Sarah Granger
Prize Package by Kyle Adams
Overdrive by Ariel Tachna
Pinned by Maris Black
Pool Hall Green by Sara Bell
Fight by Kelly Wyre
The Locker Room by Amy Lane
Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan
Heart of the Race by Mary Calmes
Exposed by Skylar M. Cates
Out of Bounds by T.A. Chase
Jock Dorm series by Bobby Michaels
Volley Balls by Tara Lain
Gearshark series by Cambria Hebert

Dumb Jock Series by Jeff Erno, covers multiple sports.
Out in College 1-3 by Lane Hayes also covers a different sport in each book.
Jock Series by Wade Kelly is another

 

And now for our week ahead…..

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, September 1:

  • Sports Romance and Recommendations
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, September 2:

  • Review Tour – Joanna Chambers – Gentleman Wolf
  • Cover Reveal Angel of Death by MD Neu
  • Book Blitz – Various Authors – Between The Covers
  • MelanieM Review:Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4) by Avon Gale
  • A Stella Review: Gentleman Wolf by Joanna Chambers
  • A Lucy Review The Low Road by Eleanor Harkstead

Tuesday, September 3:

  • Blog Tour Pure by JM Dabney
  • Blog Tour – Just Like Heaven by T.L. Bradford
  • A MelanieM Review: Pure (Trenton Security #4) by J.M. Dabney
  • A Melanie Review Just Like Heaven by T.L. Bradford
  • A Lila Review The Windmines of Bora Bora (Virasana Empire: Sir Yaden Book 2) by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus

Wednesday, September 4:

  • BLITZ Beyond Identity by Karrie Roman
  • Cover Reveal – Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale – V.L. Locey
  • Audio Review Tour – RJ Scott – Single
  • A Stella Review If You’re Going Through Hell Keep Going (Mann of My Dreams #1) by Tinnean
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Art of Death (Lychgate #1) by Bob Appavu
  • A MelanieM Audio Review :Single (Single Dads #1) by R.J. Scott and Sean Crisden (Narrator)

Thursday, September 5

  • Release Blitz – Sam Burns – Wolf Lost
  • An Alisa review Him Improvement by Tanya Chris
  • A MelanieM Review: Dine with Me by Layla Reyne
  • An Alisa Review: Him Improvement by Tanya Chris
  • A MelanieM Review:Drama Dance (Nicky and Noah Mystery #8) by Joe Cosentino

Friday, September 6:

  • Release Blitz Eli Easton – Puzzle Me This
  • DSP PROMO Victoria Sue
  • Blog Tour Resonance by Neve Wilder
  • A Melanie Prerelease Review: Hellion (415 Ink #3) by Rhys Ford
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review:In Safe Keeping (Heroes and Babies #2) by Victoria Sue

Saturday, September 7:

  • A MelanieM Review:Coach’s Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) by Avon Gale

A MelanieM Review:Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4) by Avon Gale

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Spartanburg Spitfires’ goalie and captain Isaac Drake ended last season with an unexpected trip to the playoffs. He’s found a home and family with his coach and mentor, Misha Samarin, and he’s looking forward to making a serious run for the Kelly Cup. But things take an interesting turn when Isaac’s archnemesis, Laurent St. Savoy, is traded to the Spitfires. After Laurent’s despicable behavior in the playoffs last year, Isaac wants nothing to do with him – no matter how gorgeous he is. But that changes when Isaac discovers the reason for Laurent’s attitude.

Laurent St. Savoy grew up the only son of a legendary NHL goalie in a household rife with abuse, constantly treated like a disappointment on and off the ice. When a desperate attempt to escape his father’s tyranny sends him to the Spitfires, the last thing Laurent wants is to make friends. But there’s something about Isaac Drake that he can’t resist, and Laurent has an opportunity to explore his sexuality for the first time, but he’s cracking under end-of-the season pressures. When facing the playoffs and a rivalry turned personal vendetta, Isaac’s not sure he’s enough to hold Laurent—or their relationship—together.

Please be advised: This book does contain some non-graphic references to past childhood physical/emotional abuse as well as issues relating to ED (bulimia and restricted eating, disordered thoughts about eating).

Ah, Belsy. The GM of the Spitfires is always looking for a wild way to promote his team.  If its a bit lurid, so much the better.  As fans and readers of this series know, each story builds upon the other. So Empty Net rests firmly on the foundation of the other stories about the Spitfires, their coaches, and their goalie, Isaac Drake.  We were also afforded a small look at the hated Ravens, their despicable Coach, and his son the goalie Laurent St. Savoy.   Enough to get a feeling that perhaps under all those poisonous words and actions of the Ravens goalie, something deeper lay waiting to be revealed.

As is Avon Gale’s way, the author manages to both focus on the individual, the couple, and the team.  All at the same time, knowing that with hockey, you can’t separate the two, or in this case the three.  Somehow, Avon Gale pulls off a Gordie Howe hat trick of a story.  The author manages to take a character so wounded, so in pain and start to bring him a semblance of healing, love, and the ability to move forward.  For another, Isaac Drake?  More character growth and a depth in personality that’s amazing, to be able to rise and be a winner in aspects he might not have conceived of stories ago. And of course, there’s a fight.  Perhaps, not the one you might expect.  But exceedingly satisfying.

Gale’s characterizations are always exceptional, and Scoring Chances really raises the bar.  In Isaac Drake and Laurent St. “Saint” Savoy, you have two young men damaged by their families, each taking a different path under that emotional and physical abuse.  We have learned much about Drake’s in the past stories.  So in this respect, we get a in depth look at what a father’s hatred can do to a son.  I will mention that if you have a trigger for bulimia or eating disorders, that is an element that is part of Saint’s character and is examined closely here as is his past physical abuse.

His treatment of his son, how the self hatred manifests itself…it is all treated realistically as is getting Saint help.  Your heart will ache for this character and all he’s been through.  And the relationship as Saint learns social skills, not only as a boyfriend,but as a teammate and friend to other players?  Golden moments indeed.  I ended up cherishing this couple, the dialogs, all the scenes.  Some tragic, some remarkable, and yes, some very funny.

All the other teammates are well accounted for as are the two coaches (who I loveO Samarin and Ashford.  Gale never forgets the importance of the team, the place of the players within it, and the teams support of them both.  It’s that rock solid foundation that allows them all to soar.  And Gale to deliver this hat trick!

How I adore this story and series.  A comfort read times 5.  Yes I highly recommend them all.  Read them in the order they were written for the best experience you could wish for.  Another story coming up!

Cover art: Aaron Anderson.  I love these covers, brands the series perfectly and works for each story.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Published September 2nd 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
Original Title Empty Net
ISBN 1634775856 (ISBN13: 9781634775854)
Edition Language English
Series Scoring Chances #4

Scoring Chances Series

Breakaway

Save of the Game

Power Play

Overtime

Empty Net

Coach’s Challenge

A Chaos Moondrawn Review : Hitting Black Ice (Heart and Haven #1) by Heloise West

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

For the first nine chapters, the reader is in Hunter’s POV as he navigates his crush on Shawn, a colleague at the hospital he works at. He is beset by guilt over the death of his boyfriend. Hunter’s drinking and PTSD are a source of worry for his friends and family, who are all in medical services and law enforcement. Life changing events happen fast, allowing Hunter and Shawn to break down some barriers and bond more quickly than would otherwise happen. The reader is thrown into this weird drama because Hunter’s emotions, doubts, and fears are like a roller coaster. Add in Shawn’s PTSD and fear, and neither of them are operating on all cylinders; having said that, the beginning could have flowed more smoothly. I found the dialogue and conversations strange. There are characters thrown in who are underutilized. Luckily, it gets better.

When the magnetic FBI agent Truman shows up, I was intrigued. I don’t think the sexual tension works quite as well as I would have liked to better sell this character. Relying on Hunter as a bit of a cop chaser isn’t enough for this to really shine as it could have. Who doesn’t like a bit of will they, won’t they? By chapter ten when the POV switches to Shawn, aka Alex, I was hooked into the story intellectually and wanted to know the why of everything. The flashback helps make sense of how everyone got to where they are. Between the betrayals, criminals, and dangerous ex-lovers, Hunter and Alex make perfect sense together.

There could be a debate about cheating in this book. It’s something I know some people can’t stand, so I’m warning you. In my opinion, it is all completely understandable: they weren’t really together yet (maybe), and they were on a break (sort of). It made sense for the character as written because that’s one of his coping mechanisms. One of the best things about this book is that the three major characters are complex. They make good and bad decisions; they do good and bad things.

Even with the unexpected turns, this whole book is careening towards a final confrontation. Here is where everything would have been more intense if Hunter’s family had been completely fleshed out beforehand. Also, the feeble attempt at any sort of redemption for the bad guy (he did this awful thing, but he had a really good reason) didn’t work for me. I am happy it was just a sentence thrown in and not given legs. This is still where I became more emotionally hooked into the story for Hunter and Alex. I would call this a HFN. Everyone is changed by the events and I would like to see what happens next with these characters.

The cover art by Natasha Snow fits the story well. I am going to assume this is Truman.

Sales Links:  NineStar Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Published August 19th 2019 by NineStar Press (first published December 1st 2014)
ISBN 139781951057145
Edition Language English
Series Heart and Haven #1

Check Out the Audio Blitz and Giveaway for Dirty Mind by Roe Horvat and Vance Bastian (Narrator)

 

Buy Links: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
Narrated By: Vance Bastian
 
Length: 5hrs 10mins
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Blurb
 

Alexander Popescu is a university lecturer in a quiet German town. He’s a respectable man in his thirties who stays fit, has a decent career, and travels alone – his only vice is an occasional greasy meal. And beer. And violent computer games. Nobody has to know about the other Alex – the acclaimed porn writer. His ingenious erotic fantasies earn him good money and keep his capricious mind harmlessly entertained.


When his young friend and protégé Christian transfers to Freiburg for medical school, Alex is overjoyed…and terrified that Christian will find out about Alex’s indecent alter ego. The time they spend together, as lovely as it is, could overturn Alex’s carefully balanced life. Suddenly, the writing is not good enough, his hair seems to be thinning, his careful hookups leave him unfulfilled, and his dreams are haunted by the innocent young man he’s vowed to protect.


However, Christian is not a boy anymore. He’s a grown man of 21, clever, and deadly attractive. And he’s hiding some secrets of his own.

 

About the Author


Queer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the post-communist wasteland of former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, pale ale, and daiquiri, with equal passion. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.


More about the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roe.horvat.98
Twitter: @roehorvat
Website: roehorvat.com
Publisher: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/?n1=authors&id=107

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Don’t Miss Out on the Release Blitz Dominated but not Subdued by JP Sayle (excerpt)

Dominated but not Subdued RDB Banner

Dominated But Not Subdued

La Trattoria Di Amore series

JP Sayle

Genre: M/M Romance/BDSM/Daddy Kink/Age Gap

Release Date: 08.30.19

ebook cover

Blurb

Why does he want to be a “boy” to a man twenty years his senior? A man who is so much more than big and burly. Is he a Daddy or a Dom?

Adam Grainger learnt the hard way that coming from an affluent family does not guarantee love or affection. It makes him doubt anyone could ever love him.

That is until Carl.

Carl showing him the darker pleasures in life leaves Adam revelling in the true meaning of letting go.

Carl standing up for him allows Adam’s need for a “Daddy” to surface.

But too many secrets and a driving force to not submit might prevent Adam from gaining what he never knew he craved: a Dom Daddy.

Dominated but not Subdued is the second book in the La Trattoria Di Amore series and can be read as a standalone. It is M/M romance with Daddy kink, aspects of BDSM play, an age gap, and a Dom Daddy who needs a strong boy to keep him on his toes.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07W6Z8Q7R

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6Z8Q7R

t3

t5

t4

Excerpt

Carl fiddled with the papers in front of him, though his brooding gaze never left Adam.

An hour later, Carl was desperate for a moment alone. Adam’s herby-scented aftershave was doing a number on him, and he was finding it harder and harder to concentrate as the minutes ticked by. He willed Seb to wrap things up.

“I think that answers all our questions,” Seb stated, flicking a glance at Carl for confirmation.

Carl nodded.

Seb carried on, “Once we’ve reviewed all the applicants, we’ll give you a ring. It should be later today, and if not, it will be tomorrow. Unless you have anything else you want to add, you’re free to go.”

Adam shook his head. “No, I think you answered all my questions.” He stood, giving a toothy smile. “Thank you for your time and your consideration for this post.”

Carl felt the weight of his sea-green eyes.

“I’d just like to say I know I’m young, but you won’t find anyone more dedicated or committed. When I put my mind to something, I always make it work.” He paused, looking at both men. “I’d work my backside off to make sure your business runs smoothly and efficiently.”

Carl imagined said backside doing more than running the restaurant. Instead he’d be bent over Carl’s spanking bench, which would be a more apt place for the gorgeous man. The vivid thoughts ran wild in Carl’s head, and he was reluctant to touch the offered hand as Adam leant over the table towards him and Seb.

He let out a relieved breath when Adam thanked them again for their time. He felt Adam’s final flirty grin all the way down to his toes. Adam spun around, hips swaying, as he walked with confidence across the room and out of sight, not once looking back.

The moment his pert backside disappeared around the partition wall, Carl slumped against the booth and rubbed his sweaty palms down his baggy black chef’s trousers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Jayne and I recently decided that writing was going to be my new career. I have spent most st of my life in the caring profession and I currently work as a nurse manager out of hours, managing a hospital site at night. I have always wanted to write and as I got more disheartened by my role at the time it gave me the impetus to change and live my dream. I am happily married and have been for 25 years. I have a beautiful daughter and currently one grandchild. I’m an identical twin, so if you see me, check first it’s me. I live on a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea and I’m what is known as a amand person. I love reading as much as writing and am an avid yoga fan

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/39039955-jayne-p-sayle Goodreads

https://jaysayle.tumblr.com/ Tumblr

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-p-sayle Bookbub

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

https://twitter.com/JPSayle69 Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JaynePSayle?ref=bookmarks Facebook

http://jpsayle.com/ Website address

https://www.facebook.com/JPSayle69/ Facebook Author page

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An Alisa Audio Review: In Safe Hands (Heroes and Babies #1) by Victoria Sue and Michael Pauley (Narrator)

Rating:  3 stars out of 5

Former helicopter pilot Maverick Delgardo’s injuries ended his Air Force career, leaving him bitter and one drink away from becoming an alcoholic. When his sister asks for his help on a private protection case to babysit a disgraced pop star, Mav reluctantly agrees.

Deacon Daniels, onetime lead singer and idol to his teenage fans, saw his career and reputation ruined when a reporter’s exposé led to a devastating scandal. Without money or a job, a heartbroken Deacon has lost custody of his baby niece. And just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse, a stalker’s threatening messages escalate to murder.

Mav only agreed to one meeting, but his protective instincts kick in, along with an attraction to Deacon. When the body count increases, however, Mav is unsure he is up to the task of protecting Deacon from a killer. But it is too late for Mav to step away, now that he’s lost his heart, and he must find the strength to reassure Deacon and his niece that they are in safe hands no matter the cost.

This story just pulled me in right away and I enjoyed it so much.  Mav has pretty much been living in the bottom of a bottle for a while, not really getting on with life when he has to fill in for his sister to speak with a possible client.  Deacon is in a bad spot and he knows something is happening and it becomes even more apparent just after Mav agrees to help him.

Mav just feels so broken and I loved that Deacon was the catalyst to get him living again, though I’ll have to say that how quickly he gave up alcohol and how easily he resisted the minimal temptation he had was a little unrealistic.  Deacon is such a sweetheart and seeing him with his niece just proves that and Molly is absolutely adorable.  I loved how they both wanted what was best for the other and supported each other in their own ways, it wasn’t just Mav looking after Deacon but Deacon also saw Mav for who he is and gave him the courage he needed to take his next steps.

Michael Pauley did a great job narrating this story.  I think he captured these characters and their emotions wonderfully.  I had no trouble keeping track of the story, which I seem to be having trouble with on audiobooks lately.

I like the cover art by Tiferet Design and think it works well for the story.

Sales Links:  Audible | Amazon 

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 7hrs 31mins
Published: June 27, 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Heroes and Babies #1

A Lucy Review : Temporary Insanity (Temporary #2) by H.L. Day

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Sleeping with the enemy never felt so good.
When Paul Davenport comes face to face with the man he caught in bed with his boyfriend years before, it’s hate at first sight. Well, second sight. Indy should be apologizing, not flirting. Except the gorgeous barman is completely oblivious to their paths ever having crossed before. 

Despite his feelings, Paul’s powerless to resist the full-on charm offensive that follows. It’s fine though. It’s just sex. No emotions. No getting to know each other. Just a bout of temporary insanity that’s sure to run its course once the simmering passion starts to wear off.

Only what if it’s not? Indy’s nothing like the man Paul expected him to be from his past actions. What if they’re perfect for each other and Paul’s just too stubborn to see it? Forging a relationship with him would require an emotional U-turn Paul might not be capable of making.

There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Paul’s about to discover just how thin it really is. He can’t possibly be falling for the man that ruined his life. Can he?

What could be more awkward than accidentally running into the guy who cheated with your boyfriend and ruined your relationship?  How about if said guy has no idea who you are?  I was cringing for Paul when he walked up to the bar and realized why the guy looked familiar.  Except, of course, the last time he saw the man he was riding Paul’s ex-boyfriend.  Awkward.

Paul waits for “…guilt, followed by a string of abject apologies.”   Except Indy likes the look of Paul and flirts but doesn’t remember him, other than a “You know, it’s weird, sometimes I think you look slightly familiar. Have we met before?”  I could sympathize with Paul – it was a life-changing event and Indy doesn’t even remember.  “Just over three years ago, I came home to find you in bed with my boyfriend.  His name is Stephen, in case it happens to you a lot and you can’t remember which one it was.  So that’s probably why I seem so familiar.”   While Indy gives a “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry”, I was super irritated that he was pretty blasé about it.  “…three years is a long time. Can’t we put it behind us and move on?”

I very nearly gave this book three stars because I couldn’t figure out why Indy kept pursuing Paul in the wake of their past and Paul’s rudeness to him.  Glutton for punishment?  “Because you don’t like me and you can’t forgive me for making a stupid mistake years ago.”   I had to step back, though, and consider that Indy was not the guilty party in that affair.  The ex was. 

With the advice of Paul’s new friend, Gabrielle, he goes on a hunt for hate sex with Indy.  Which, I should say, he’s really bad at.  Especially since there are times when he does wonder if Indy and Stephen did the things he and Indy were doing.  “So how did I compare to my ex?”   Indy isn’t having it though, “Can’t we forget about it: Or at least find some way to move past it? We’re good together.”

We get a lot of denial on Paul’s part.  It is sex only, no feelings, he doesn’t like Indy, his tattoos, his attitude, nothing.  Umm, hmmm.   “I didn’t want to see him that way though. That was the path to madness, to feelings I couldn’t entertain.” 

There is a secondary plot woven here regarding Paul’s friend, Dom, and the boss of the company, Tristan.  They have a book, completely focusing on them, Temporary Situation which I haven’t read.  I don’t think you need to in order to enjoy this book, as it appears both stories are happening at the same time.  I will now go back and read Temporary Situation.

It was entertaining to me how he was giving advice to Dom and considering him stubborn for his treatment of Tristan and he was so blind to his own situation. Indy gives so many opportunities for Paul to admit they have more than sex but he is twice as stubborn as Dom. Even when Indy gives up, he gives Paul a chance to make it right.  Paul, of course, flubs it entirely and makes everything so much worse.

The side characters, Gabrielle, Paul’s virgin friend Russell, Dom, Tristan and Paul’s family play important roles here and are fully fleshed out characters.  Paul’s issues with his family seem real and so frustrating. Being forced to attend lavish parties, attending holidays where he really isn’t wanted and doesn’t want to be there, having the whole family not listen or understand what he wants.  It added to the story and to understanding Paul.  Getting to know more about Indy’s past  added depth to his character.  And the elephants?  Just made everything better.

The book sets up the next one in the series, obviously going to focus on Russell, shy, virginal Russell.  “You’re never going to believe what he’s been up to and who with.”  Teaser successful, because I want to know what he’s been up to and who with!  I thoroughly enjoyed the humor in this book and the writing really worked for me.

The cover, showing Indy with his tattoos set against the city backdrop, is pretty close to showing how I visualized him. 

Sales Link:  Amazon

Book Details:

book
Expected publication: August 29th 2019
Edition Language English
Series Temporary #2

A Lila Review: Soul on Fire by Tal Bauer

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

A deadly virus burns through the jungle, leaving nothing but corpses in its wake. Everyone flees from the outbreak—except for the terrorists intent on weaponizing the catastrophe.

Lieutenant Elliot Davis, US Navy SEAL, is sent to rescue CIA officers from their clandestine base in Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and evacuate them out of the country. What they’ve uncovered sends Elliot back to the Congo, trying to prevent an attack that could spark a global pandemic.

Dr. Ikolo Ngondu runs a refugee hospital caught between the advancing rebels intent on slaughtering everyone in their path and Elliot’s mission to find and capture their leader. In the chaos of a surprise attack, Elliot’s target slips away, and the only way to find him is to plunge into the Congo’s dark, dangerous, and fevered forest with Ikolo as his guide.

Together they track a burning shadow through Africa’s broken heart, and Elliot struggles to reconcile the world he finds with the life he’s lived as a black man in the West. He looks to Ikolo for answers and finds a man with a core so bright and fierce he scorches Elliot’s soul.

Even as they race against time, Elliot and Ikolo have no idea what’s been set in motion with their mission: a dark secret lies at the center, one that leaves billions of lives hovering between life and death.

And through it all, a question burns inside Elliot, one that only Ikolo may hold the answer to.

Soul On Fire is more than an MM Romance.  It’s a piece of fiction that crosses the edge into non-fiction. The characters could be any two men searching for the meaning of selflessness in many forgotten parts of the world. The essence of the story can take place anywhere from Africa, Latin America to the Middle East.

As always, Tal Bauer delivers a complex story. Full of descriptions, some not too pretty, but very realistic; mix with a touch of unbelievable events and fantasy tidbits. The combination creates an interesting read.

There’s romance present but isn’t the main focus. Elliott’s self-discovery, the world around them, and Ikolo’s strength take priority. The love between them becomes organic and a consequence of their actions, not something that consumed them. Their souls are one by the end, only after their slice of world is placed back to rights.

The only drawback for me were the extensive descriptions, necessary as they were. I wanted it to move faster in some areas as slower in others. The resolution came out swiftly and from a separate source. I simply needed something else. In the end, the balance may work for other readers.

The cover by Ampersand Book Designs goes well with other covers by this author. It has a sense of belonging to the story even when it’s a bit generic. It’s central to the book’s main premise.

Sale Links: Kindle Unlimited

Book Details:
ebook, 280 pages
ASIN: B07VLWSNNM
Published: July 27, 2019, by Tal Bauer
Edition Language: English

An Alisa Review: Heel (Working Out the Kinks #2) by KM Neuhold

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

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

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

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

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

This was a great story.  Adrian and Vale have been in each other’s lives for years with Adrian carrying a torch for Vale and Vale doing his best to deny his own attraction.  Adrian’s pup is totally a Diva (though so is Adrian to an extent), I just wish we would have gotten to see his pup a little more.

I love the combination of Daddy kink and puppy play.  Vale is the typical Daddy in that he just wants to take care of and protect Adrian and dote on him at the same time.  Adrian is definitely an excitable pup but also needs the tender love and care of a Daddy outside of that.

I liked Adrian and was very glad that being with Vale gave him the confidence to take more control of his life but also use the degree he went to school for by helping out with Vale’s business, it looked like he was just keeping the status quo with his previous Dom.  Vale had the break through the wall he built around his feeling for Adrian but once he made that decision he was all in.  There was the little bit of violence with Adrian’s previous Dom but I felt that was really just back story and to add a little bit of suspense to the story, its main focus was on Vale and Adrian’s relationship.

The cover art by K.M. Neuhold is great and I love Diva’s collar.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 235 pages

Published: August 2, 2019

Edition Language: English

Series: Working Out the Kinks #2