Join Us for the Release Blitz with Excerpt for The Lowest Realm by Amy-Alex Campbell

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: The Lowest Realm

Author: Amy-Alex Campbell

Publisher: AAC Publishing 

Cover Artist: Warren Design 

Release Date: November 9, 2019

Genre/s:  Crossover fantasy, with a dash of MM romance

Trope/s:  Forbidden love / quest to fulfill the great prophecy

Heat Rating: 3  flames

Length: 103 831 words/368 pages

It is a standalone story, although there will be more books.

Add on Goodreads

 

Buy Links

Amazon  US  | Amazon UK  | Amazon AU 

 

Paperback also available from:

 Buy directly from the author’s website

 There is a Paypal button there that includes book price + shipping.

Angus & Robertson

 

Blurb

Life on an offshore oil rig is grueling hard work. For Nika the hard work, isolation and discipline is ideal.

On the eve of flying back to the mainland for a two week break, disaster strikes, and Nika is thrown into darkness.

When he awakes in a strange world, with no memory of his past, he finds himself in the presence of monks, who offer to help, on one condition. Nika must deliver an urgent message to the king, and in return, the mysterious monks will help him recall his memories and find a way home.

Instead, Nika is sent on a long journey with his new friend Freyne, and the spoilt Princess Iryna, to fulfill a prophecy that will restore balance to the world.

Nika must adjust to more than just a new world; as his body undergoes a transformation he does not understand, he must also deal with being hunted, forbidden love, mancery, and gods he’s never heard of.

 

 

Excerpt 

The sound of a gunshot pierced the night, followed by a loud scream. Nika cowered in the linen closet, trying not to make any noise. He could see shadows flickering in the light under the door, and could hear yelling.

“I’m asking you one last time, Monique. Where’s our money, bitch?” Someone demanded, and Nika heard a loud slap and a hiss.

“I told you, we don’t get paid until tomorrow,” Nika’s mother spat back.

“We’re going to need some collateral,” A man said angrily. “Let’s get her kid.”

“Nickolai!” She screeched, but Nika didn’t move.

He heard some heavy footsteps rush past the closet, followed by the sound of his bedroom door being forced open. He opened the closet door a crack, and could see the bad men in his bedroom, looking for him. 

Nika dashed from the closet and ran past his mother as fast as his little legs could carry him. She sat slumped over the coffee table; white powder and needles were scattered amongst empty beer cans. Blood was oozing from the bullet wound in her shoulder.

Nika could hear the bad men shouting behind him. He pulled open the kitchen door and ran into the darkness, and found a place to hide.

There was more yelling, then the house went quiet. Nika watched as the bad men ran from the house, climbed into a car and sped off down the street. Thick black smoke started billowing from the house, and he felt the panic rising from his belly and into his chest. He didn’t know what to do, he felt like he was going to cry.

Nika heard the shatter of glass, and looked to see flames erupting from his bedroom window. He watched with dismay; although he had very few toys and possessions, they were all he had.

His eyes swept back to the door, as his mother staggered from the burning house and into the driveway. Nika took another nervous look around, before leaving his hiding place, and ran back towards her.

She sank to her knees, and Nika watched as she fell to the ground. Her skin was turning blue, and she started convulsing on the ground.

“Mother?” Nika asked, shaking her shoulder gently.

Nika felt sick; she was making gurgling noises, and he didn’t know how to help her. He knew that if his father came home at any time, Nika would be blamed and beaten half to death.

He could hear sirens in the distance, and soon a convoy of emergency vehicles sped up the road, coming to a stop at the burning house. His mother had gone still, and Nika found himself shaking her, but she wouldn’t wake.

 Nika’s seven year old mind couldn’t comprehend what was going on. He felt no love towards his parents; his father constantly beat him, and his mother never made him stop. And yet Nika was afraid to lose them, he didn’t know who would look after him, or where he would go.

A lady in a uniform drew Nika away and wrapped him in a blanket, as firemen started to spray water on the house. He was confused and terrified. He tried not to cry, but the tears fell. The lady put out her arm, and Nika cowered, expecting to be beaten for crying like a girl. 

“Hey, it’s ok little buddy, I’m not going to hurt you,” she said. “Is there anyone else still in the house?”

Nika shook his head, unable to speak. 

“Come on, you can sit in the big ambulance, and I’m going to check that you’re ok. Is that alright with you?”

Nika nodded, and followed the nice ambulance lady. He took one last look at his mother, and could see policemen rolling out blue and white checkered tape around the house. The fire was almost out, and a man in a suit was walking towards her with a camera and toolbox.  

She lay on the ground, not moving. Her limbs had spasmed into unnatural angles, and her face was blue, her eyes wide open with a terrifying expression etched into her gaunt face. Nika felt the image burn into his brain, and knew he would never forget that sight for as long as he lived.

 

About the Author 

Amy-Alex Campbell has been an avid reader and writer from a very young age. At just nine years old, she was writing short stories and poetry at a high standard.

At the age of 17, she began world building and writing Death of Thy World. However, after writing a captivating prologue and first chapter, she felt that the story was going to be like any other novel – hero gets the princess and lives happily ever after.

Amy-Alex is anything but cliche, and shelved the project.

Seventeen years later, in April 2019, she revisited the work after reading a meme on social media that reignited her muse. Amy-Alex picked up the proverbial pen, and started writing. 

On July 20, The Lowest Realm was completed. With new plot lines and title, the book received positive reviews from beta readers.

The Lowest Realm will be launched on November 9, 2019.

 

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter: @AmyAlexCampbell 

 

 

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Counter Culture by JL Merrow

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

A delightfully humorous, yet poignant, story about two young men who have a chance meeting late one night when one spots the other removing a coil from an old refrigerator someone has trashed. Odd? Bizarre? Robin Christopher (cruel parents picked that name!) is intrigued enough with Refrigerator Guy to learn more.

Refrigerator Guy turns out to be Archie Levine, an avid steampunker and new father. After the usual “misunderstanding” scenario, Robin learns Archie and the baby’s mother aren’t married and aren’t even in love, so all is clear. Except—Archie’s mother is heading a protest march against the store where Robin works as she and her fellow protestors assume the well-known store took advantage of local homeless persons in their holiday ad campaign. Unfortunately, Robin doesn’t tell Archie where he works; instead, saying he’s an accountant.

The story is long, complex, and full of JL Merrow’s unique style of humor, and of course, Robin’s lies are found out, he and Archie break up, and both are devastated. Will they find their way back to each other? You know it!

What I loved most is the author’s humor and the way the plight of the homeless was portrayed. Readers are subtly presented with the facts through meeting a few of the “rough sleepers” who have their own places in the doorways and alleys surrounding the area. The author doesn’t preach but readers are certainly given food for thought and a nudge toward increased awareness of the problems facing those who live on the street.

MM romance readers who love steampunk should certainly enjoy this story, as would those who simply enjoy a sweet romance between two engaging characters.

The cover by LC Chase features two men: one in steampunk attire, one in a 21st century T-shirt. They are looking at each other in apparent shock—mouths open in surprise. It’s fun, it’s colorful, and it’s spot-on for the story.

Sales Links:   

Riptide Publishing | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

Book Details:

ebook, 344 pages
Published November 4th 2019 by Riptide Publishing
Original Title Counter Culture
ISBN13 9781626499218
Edition Language English

A Chaos Moondrawn Review : The Story of Us By Logan Meredith

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

This is told in the first person POV of Kyle, a 40-year-old construction worker and part-time student. This is meant to be a standard, realistic man meets man romance without cliches, except he falls in love a gay porn star, Lucas, better known to fans as Tommy. Kyle tells the story looking back on how they met, the way people tell something when others ask them at a dinner party, through the lens of entertainment and nostalgia that turns into first person flashbacks so the author can add in all the world-building details for the reader to picture. Their meet cute is almost ruined by a misunderstanding, but Lucas persists. Yet, the porn star issue throws Kyle for a loop and it doesn’t look like this thing is going to sprout wings.

With the 17 year age difference Kyle is worried that he’s at a different place in his life; he wants marriage, kids, pets, and a home that he’s built. This is Kyle’s POV, so the reader sees his journey to become more open minded, to overcome his doubts, learn to compromise better, and not to care so much about what other people think. Many times when I only have one point of view, I feel like I missed things or that I don’t know the other characters as well–not so here! These characters come alive and feel real. Kyle and Lucas suffer from the same insecurities many of us do. As Kyle and Lucas fall into a relationship, it’s in a bubble, so I was waiting for it to pop which the author acknowledges. This doesn’t feel cliched or full of tropes. It can be difficult to integrate two lives together with work, family, friends, schedules, belongings, hobbies, etc. This doesn’t have manufacturered crises, real life gives all of them plenty; much of the drama in our lives comes from family and friends and trying to navigate to find our own path.

Here’s the thing: porn is a job and actors are people. I have met plenty of people who chose porn as a career. I think this was mostly realistic, if romanticized and less jaded. I have gone to AEE (Adult Entertainment Expo) in Vegas, although I didn’t get to go to the AVN Award Show. At one point Kyle thinks he knows why Lucas does porn and thinks he can fix him. Thankfully he gets over himself, because he’s wrong. Lucas loves his career and he’s not ashamed of what he does for a living. The sex scenes between Kyle and Lucas are not just smoking hot, but intimate. Top, bottom, dominant, submissive, Daddy, vers–these are all just words but Lucas and Kyle make them real by roleplaying and having fun. That’s what trust is. The difference between the porn scenes and the real sex is very clear. The moment when Kyle is all in, is perfect: “I would love him like I’d learned to ride a bike—scared, but reckless, without pads or training wheels. If I crashed, my scars would tell our story.” I smiled so much, my face hurt. I don’t think I’ve read this author before, but I definitely will again. If you support choice and want a story where sex workers are positively depicted with heartwarming, real characters, give this a chance.

The cover art is by Cherith Vaughan and shows a romantic scene from one of their dates.

Sales Links:  Pride Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 233 pages
Published September 17th 2019 by Pride Publishing
ASINB07W57MLFC

An Alisa Review: Studying the Teacher by Sarah Hadley Brook

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Without a supportive family when he was a teenager, Charlie’s Tourette syndrome and anxiety had become too overwhelming and he ended up dropping out of school. He always promised himself he’d earn his GED before he turned thirty, and now he’s running out of time.

With only four months to go, he gathers his courage and enrolls in a night class for adults. He knows it isn’t going to be easy, but he certainly didn’t expect to fall for his teacher.

Owen Talbot is everything Charlie’s looking for, but he needs to focus on passing the test, not studying the teacher, no matter how much he wants the man. When Owen offers Charlie a personal tutoring session, he isn’t sure it’s a good idea but he takes the teacher up on the offer, anyway. Spending one-on-one time with his sexy teacher won’t be a problem, right?

I really enjoyed this story.  All Charlie really needed was someone to love him unconditionally and not judge him which is seems most have done for him.  Owen was perfect for him and wouldn’t let anyone hurt Charlie’s feelings and hurt his chances of completing his GED.

I liked how they connected so easily and the how laid back their time was together.  I know Charlie would start to over think things but I loved that Owen’s presence helped him to relax.  This was a perfect short sweet story and I didn’t feel like I needed more of the story in the end.

The cover art by Written Ink Designs is nice and works well for the story.

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 23,465 words

Published: September 28, 2019 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781646560899

Edition Language: English

In The Spotlight Tour and Giveaway:Counter Culture by JL Merrow.

Counter Culture by J.L. Merrow

Riptide Publishing
Published November 4th 2019

Cover Art: LC Chase

Sales Links:   Riptide Publishing | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

 

Hi, I’m JL Merrow, and I’m delighted to be here today to celebrate the release of my new rom-com, Counter Culture, which features a clash of cultures between a socially conscious steampunk and a stressed-out department store retail worker.

About Counter Culture

Customer service has never been this personal.

Robin Christopher, beleaguered retail worker, isn’t having an easy November. His boss is raising stress levels planning a Black Friday to end all Black Fridays, his family doesn’t understand him, and his best friend thinks his new crush is a hallucination brought on by watching too many episodes of Doctor Who.

Archie Levine dresses in Victorian style and divides his time between caring for his young son and creating weird and wacky steampunk gadgets from bits of old junk—when he’s not looking after his mum and trying to keep on good terms with his ex. The last thing he’s got time for is a relationship, but the flustered young man he met while disembowelling a fridge is proving very tempting.

When his mum’s social conscience is roused by a local store with a cavalier attitude to the homeless, former rough sleeper Archie shares her anger. Little does he know that Robin works for that same store. When Archie finds out he’s sleeping with the enemy, things could cut up very rough indeed.

Available now from Riptide Publishing!

 

 

About JL Merrow

JL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea.  She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. 

She writes (mostly) contemporary gay romance and mysteries, and is frequently accused of humour.  Two of her novels have won Rainbow Awards for Romantic Comedy (Slam!, 2013 and Spun!, 2017) and several of her books have been EPIC Awards finalists, including Muscling Through, Relief Valve (the Plumber’s Mate Mysteries) and To Love a Traitor.

JL Merrow is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Verulam Writers and the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.

Find JL Merrow online at: https://jlmerrow.com/, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow

 

 

Giveaway

To celebrate this release, one lucky person will win a $10 gift card to Riptide. Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 9, 2019. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info! 

Cover Reveal for Unbreakable (a Heaven and Hell Club prequel) by Colette Davison

 

 

 

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Unbreakable (a Heaven and Hell Club prequel)

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Independently published

Cover Artist: Colette Davison

Release Date: November 14, 2019

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Fake boyfriend

Themes: Self-belief, stronger together, faithfulness, friendship

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 65 000 words

It’s a prequel to Broken, but can be read as a standalone.

Add on Goodreads

 

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |   Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

 

From fake, to real, to unbreakable.

Blurb

Mac’s life isn’t perfect, but he likes it the way it is: safe and predictable.

Mac works in a struggling pole dancing club at night, and a gym during the day. He’s tired and cash strapped, but content, until a confident twink walks into the club and turns his life upside down. It’s hard to resist when Russel asks him to be his fake boyfriend for one night, in return for double his normal take-home pay.

One date turns into more, as Mac helps Russel get an exclusive that will secure him the job he’s always wanted. But the rich playboy who holds Russel’s career in his hands isn’t going to give him the scoop so easily.

As Mac and Russel spend more time together, the lines between fake and real begin to get blurred, but can their relationship become strong enough to be unbreakable in the face of adversity?

 Unbreakable is a fake boyfriend MM romance, with a buff pole dancer who swears like a trooper, a twink who likes to take charge, some spanking, light bondage, and a happy ever after. It’s a prequel story to Broken, but can be read as a standalone romance.

 

Excerpt 

“I’ve been invited to a very exclusive party on Saturday, but it’s couples only. And, horror of horrors, I can’t find a date.”

Mac laughed loudly. “So you thought you’d ask me?”

Russel shrugged in an attempt to appear nonplussed. “Why not? You’re sexy and we’d make a hot couple.” He flicked his gaze up and down Mac’s body. “You do have some nice clothes, don’t you?” When Mac’s eyes widened, he shook his head. “Never mind. I can take you shopping.”

Mac put his hands on his hips, shaking his head. “You can’t be serious?”

“Handsome, I’m deadly serious.”

“Let me get this straight: you want me—a total stranger—to be your date for some posh party?”

Russel nodded. “That about sums it up.” He wagged his finger. “Except you need to pretend to be my boyfriend. Like I said, it’s couples only.”

Mac stared at him, jaw slack and eyes wide.

“I’ll pay you.”

Mac jerked his chin up a little. “Huh.”

“Whatever you’d earn here on a Saturday night, I’ll double it.”

“You know I could just give you some bullshit figure, right?”

Russel nodded. “I’m aware.”

Mac scratched his chin. “You’re nuts and your time’s pretty much up.”

Russel took thirty pounds out of his pocket, stood, and put it in the money jar on Mac’s behalf. “Now I’ve got three more minutes.” He sat down again. “So, are you going to pretend to be my boyfriend on Saturday night, or are you going to make me beg?”

“You really are serious, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

Mac threw his hands up. “What the hell. Why not? It could be a laugh.”

 

About the Author 

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

 

 

Social Media Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub

Goodreads

Instagram

Mailing List

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

A MelanieM Review: The Necromancer’s Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2) by S.J. Himes

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

Even love can die without trust.

Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begin to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?

Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.

The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family.

Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.

One element I have always loved to find in my stories is the “found family”, a family cobbled together not of blood relatives (although some may be related) but by those of the heart and loyalty and friendship.  Connections made so strong that overtime those people and beings in that group have formed a tight-knit bond that is family. Such a “found family is starting to form here in The Necromancer’s Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2) by S.J. Himes.  The basic foundation is the remnants of the powerful Salvatore family, two magical brothers, all that was left of the massacre of the last Blood War in Boston.  There was the necromancer Angel who brought about the end of the Blood Wars by a mighty spell that killed those who destroyed his family and all the assassin vampires and associated family.  And there was young traumatized Isaac Salvatore, the youngest brother who denied his magic and ran from his past.  Right into a bottle.

What incredible, believable and haunted characters.

What a foundation!

Attached to Angel, starting in The Necromancer’s Dance, is one of the Elders of the City, Vampire Simeon.  Simeon comes with his own family, including the complex Master of the City,  Constantine Batiste. who figures largely in every story and overall arc.  There’s Dame Mildred ‘Milly’ Fontaine, Angel’s best friend and fellow teacher of the magical arts (and formidable personage) and now we add Daniel Macavoy and of course Eroch, Angel’s familiar. Lord Cian Brennan, the fae will follow.  Slowly and surely a family is being built, relationships and bonds, found, ,  moved toward, strengthened and interwoven.  Honestly, each book is better than the last.

Here we have a continuation of Angel and Simeon’s relationship.  They continue to figure out who they are to each other, how the bond works, and more about the roles each plays within the city and the dynamics upon their own romance.  It’s fascinating as Angel has little patience for answers and little time with all the mysteries and murder needing his attention.  There is also Daniel who he considers family and needs his attention along with Isaac.

Himes builds the anguish and suspense up skillfully, there’s humor but then it’s on to the main story thread and plot points that have you up reading all night to get to the end.  And oh what an end.  Yes,a bit of a cliffhanger.  Luckily I had book 3,The Necromancer’s Reckoning already in hand, and just kept on going.  What a jaw-dropping series!  I couldn’t sleep my head was full of characters and thoughts and wth was Himes doing ! lol I love this series so!

If you love urban fantasy, mystery, romance, magic, even dragons and vampires, well, this is the series for you.  I love it and absolutely recommend this and all the stories which should be read in the order they were written.  Well written, amazing characters, outstanding plots, and over the top suspense and romance!  Don’t miss out!

Cover art is good and brands the series.  Just wish for something a little more magical.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 213 pages
Published July 1st 2016 by SJ Himes
Original TitleThe Necromancer’s Dilemma
Edition Language English
SeriesThe Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2
settingBoston, Massachusetts (United States)
Massachusetts (United States)

The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series – Goodreads links

The Necromancer’s Dance

The Necromancer’s Dilemma

The Necromancer’s Reckoning

A History of Trouble

Mastering the Flames

Untitled – Daniel’s Tale coming in 2020

A Stella Review: Pumpkin Rolls and Porn Sounds by Kris T. Bethke

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

Will Grant only attends the PFLAG meeting because his mother guilts him into it. But the instant he hears the night’s speaker, Will is glad he showed up. Joshua Rhinehardt is dynamic and engaging. Although Joshua isn’t physically Will’s type, Will can’t get the man out of his head.

Joshua may be comfortable in his own skin, but it isn’t often men like Will are attracted to him, and he’s not comfortable changing for someone else. He wants to make a life with Will, but his own insecurities keep getting in the way.

Will’s unwavering acceptance helps Joshua see that when two people connect, physical appearance just might not matter at all.

I loved this  story, I already read other titles by this author and always had a good time with them. Pumpkin Rolls and Porn Sounds is a very sweet and lovely short, Will and Joshua are two young men interesting, busy with their jobs, but ready to be supportive and active with PFLAG meetings. They meet and soon something strong seems to be born between them, but Joshua wants to take his time to know Will, especially since he’s not the exactly Will’s type.

I liked the pace of the story, the narration wasn’t rushed as often happens with titles short like this one. I fully enjoyed the amazing characters, their times together. I loved how both Will and Joshua felt real to me, with their dreams, but most of all with their insecurities and fault.

I feel to recommend this story by Kris T. Bethke, it’s easy and simple, a joy to read.

The cover art by lovely and fitting, I like it a lot

SALE LINKS JMS Books LLC | Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 53 pages

Published September 21st 2019 by JMS Books LLC (first published February 11th 2015)

ASIN B07XLZQ4R7

Edition Language English

A Lucy Review: Irises in the Snow by Isabelle Adler

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

It’s Christmas, and Justin’s life is fraying at the edges. The family business he took over instead of going to art school is bleeding money, and his boyfriend of seven months cheated on him. Under these circumstances, family gatherings can be rough, but Justin believes he has everything under control. That is, until Elliot, his former best friend (and the first guy to ever break his heart) unexpectedly shows up at the holiday dinner party.

With both of them still nursing the wounds of the past, it might take a real Christmas miracle for Justin and Elliot to learn to appreciate the art of second chances.

Justin is the best of sons, to the detriment of himself sometimes.  He has been trying his best to make his family’s hardware store a success but the arrival of a Big Box store (Tool Depot) just a little way from their store has hit the finances hard.  He doesn’t want to spoil the holidays so he puts on his best faux happy face. Add into this his boyfriend Mark was caught “I literally walked in on you with your pants around your ankles and some guy’s mouth around your d**k” and, well, it’s a rough holiday season.

For the icing on the cake he walks into his parent’s holiday dinner to find Elliot, the boy who had been his best friend and the man who had broken his heart, is there on visit from California, where he runs a successful art gallery.  He and Justin were supposed to go to art school together but when Justin’s father was diagnosed with cancer Justin stayed and Elliott left.

I was thoroughly in like with Justin but Elliott brought my rating down somewhat.  I understand continuing to follow your dream even when your boyfriend can’t, but to cut him off completely?  If nothing else, they had been best friends for years and Justin deserved better.  “It was selfish of me, I know.  I got everything I wanted, and I took it.”   I get that, but “You never called or responded to any of my messages. You ignored me on social media…”  He did that on purpose, “I thought it’d be easier that way…I figured at some point you’d give up.”  Do you do that to a friend?  Even if you want out of the romantic angle, do you just cut off your best friend who’s father is going through cancer treatment? When Elliott’s parents are killed in an accident and Justin tries to reach out, again, “The truth is, I was avoiding you.”  I’m not sure how we are supposed to view Elliott but I’ll be honest – I thought Justin deserved to be treated better.   

I very much appreciated they didn’t fall immediately into bed and the magic penis solved all problems.  The ex-boyfriend showing up helped with that but Justin himself didn’t think it was the best idea and I agreed. Elliott’s ham-handed attempt at a second chance just made me want to shake him.  “Mark’s betrayal had stung but this breach of trust cut so much deeper.” I am a fan of second chance stories and I was very glad Justin gets to have his HEA but I’m never going to be a fangirl of Elliott. 

This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the writing very much.  Characters were well fleshed out, even given the short length of the story (74 pages).  The connection between the story and the title was perfection.

The cover by Natasha Snow, two men facing each other as background to a single vibrant iris, fits the story perfectly.

Sales Links:

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Book Details:

ebook
Published November 4th 2019 by Nine Star Press
ISBN 139781951057695
URL https://ninestarpress.com/product/irises-in-the-snow/

A Lila Review: About Time by Carol Holland March

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Lou is married, in the closet, and facing bankruptcy in Carmel, California. It’s Christmas Eve and he must sell his house to pay his debts while he tries to cope with the mysterious voice in his head telling him it’s time to go home. He has no idea what that means, but he’s pretty sure the voice is a symptom of stress. His wife has left him for her longtime lover and when he goes to his favorite bar on Christmas Eve, all he’s hoping for is a friendly face to help him forget his problems.

About Time is a mix-match short story. The premise was interesting, even the pickup scene at the bar seemed promising. But in the end, this wasn’t enough to carry the book.

I had a hard trying to connect with Lou to begin with. I like his hesitation and enjoyed George persistence.

In the end, it lacks a cohesive plot with relatable characters. The fantasy part has no explanation for many details, including what changes after Lou’s return home. In the end, it was disappointing.

The cover by Written Ink Designs has some elements from the story, buy it felt too juvenile.

Sale Links: JMSAmazon | Nook

Book Details:
ebook, 100 pages
ISBN: 9781646561360
Published: October 9, 2019, by JMS Books
Edition Language: English