A Stella Review: Healing Hunter’s Heart (A Little Bite of Love #2) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Months after being forced to leave his lover and mate Ari Jannsen behind, Hunter Devin settles into his role as Enforcer for the newly formed Deagan Clan under the rule of his new Alpha and best friend Tristan “Trip” Hagan. Along with Hunter’s brother Boone, their nephews, sister, and mother, Hunter finally has the family he’s always wanted, but without his little rebel Ari, his heart is incomplete.

The Hagan Clan is unable to accept the Deagan Clan’s betrayal for walking away and taking the clan’s pups with them. War looms. As both clans plan their attack, a greater enemy plots against them. But Hunter is determined to get his Ari back. Bonds are put to the test and unexpected alliances are made as Hunter and his clan set out to protect their own and end the spreading heartache.

If you have read my review of An Intrepid Trip Of Love, the first installment in this Charlie Cochet series, you already know how much I loved it. I was so happy to have finally a second book, to revisit Trip and Robbie after so long and most of all to see how Hunter and Ari would get their HEA. Well, I can tell you I was a little disappointed. Of course we are talking about Charlie’s writing so I’m not saying it’s a bad book, I’m almost sure if I had read only , I would have rated it higher. The problem with series is that I tend to compare the book I’m reading with the previous one. So to me this book didn’t measure up with Trip and Boone story.

Charlie showed us how Hunter and Ari meet five years ago, when Ari, 21 years old, finally makes Hunter notice him and Hunter, used to just hookups, realizes he has a mate in the younger man.

Ari has been in love with the fearless and scary shifter for years. His crush helped him be aware of him being gay, even if he couldn’t tell no one. He is so cute and sweet, unfortunately Hunter doesn’t do sweet, no commitments, no virgins. But Ari is every thing he can think of.

[Hunter] “For the life of me, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” […] “I tried to put you out of my head, but all I could think about was the taste of your lips. The feel of your soft skin beneath my fingers. The way your body felt against mine. I’ve never had trouble walking away from a potential mate. Never. Until now.” Hunter gently pushed at Ari’s neck, and Ari followed his lead, lying on his back.

“So don’t walk away,” Ari said softly, pulling Hunter down toward him. “Stay.”

Ari can see through Hunter’s bullshits ad they start seeing each other in secret.

We leave them in love and then meet Hunter five years later, heartbroken, scruffy, living in a new city with the new pack lead by Trip. The price for having left the Hagan Clan was higher for Hunter: leave his mate behind. It was the only way to save himself and his new clan.

Ari sacrificed their happiness to save his lover. Now he’s almost lost his mind, dealing with his mother’s abuses, prisoner in his own home. A mother who use their children to gain more power in the clan, ready to kill whoever is in her path. She already failed with her daughter, she can’t allow Ari to be gay and destroy her plans.

Only the hope to see his mate one day helps Ari through the days, but after all these years being apart it’s finally time for Hunter (with the help of Trip and Boone) to rescue Ari.

Charlie Cochet made a great work on helping us understanding this new world and catching us up on what happened in the previous book, so if you haven’t read An Intrepid Trip To Love, don’t worry, you can still read this one. You are only going to miss the incredible story of Trip, Boone and the little Robbie.

What I really really didn’t like was the use of various POVs. Anyone else’s, apart from the MCs ones, to me is too much. I want to know how the story evolve, every little detail, through my MCs’ voices. There should be no need to listen to other persons. The third (or fourth) POV simply took my attention away from the story between Hunter and Ari.

Healing Hunter’s Heart is absolutely an interesting book, full of characters, some old other new, there is some action, a lot of things going on in the clans’ dynamics. Sometimes all of these moved off the focus so it was a little hard to me to really enjoy my loved couple. I think the parts I really loved were the ones with Trip and Robbie in them, too funny to ignore.

Still, I’m ready for the next book. Misha and Kristoff, please?

Cover art by LC Chase. Nothing to say about it. Almost perfect apart from the models not to be how I pictured Hunter and Ari in my mind. But its well done.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:
Published April 24th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ebook, 200 pages
ISBN13 9781634760201
Edition Language English

A Little Bite Of Love series
An Intrepid Trip To Love #1
The Perfect Valentine’s Day #1,5
Healing Hunter’s Heart #2

SALE LINKS

ARE
AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Hunters-Heart-Little-Bite-ebook/dp/B00WDJURY0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431542983&sr=8-1&keywords=healing+hunter%27s+heart+by+charlie+cochet
DSP

NOH8 and this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Soooo, its Sunday and after a week of birthday and Mother’s Day celebrations (all splendid of course), I’m off to meet up with some M/M Romance friends in DC for a photoshoot, a very special one. It’s for the NOH8 Campaign. I’m sure you have seen the many photos of people with duct tape on the mouth and NOH8 on their cheeks. I have linked to their website above. Check out some of the photos of those that have joined the campaign. Here is the event today:

NOH8 Open Photo Shoot in Washington, D.C.
START DATE: 05/17/2015
END DATE: 05/17/2015

Join the #NOH8Worldwide movement in WASHINGTON, D.C. and add your face to the fight for equal human rights!

WHERE: Bar Dupont in The Dupont Circle Hotel
1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036

DATE: Sunday May 17th, 2015

TIME: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

COST:
Single/Solo Photos: $40
Couple/Group Photos: $25 per person

It a marvelous way to demonstrate your support for equality and help push for acceptance for all everywhere. Here is the missions statement:

The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest.

On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, with many new political and protest organizations being formed in response.

The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska (http://www.bouska.net) and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with “NOH8” painted on one cheek in protest.

Five years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to nearly 33,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more.

While inspired by the passage of Prop 8, the scope of the NOH8 Campaign has grown to stand against discrimination and bullying of all kinds. The message of ‘No Hate’ can be interpreted and applied broadly, and speaks to each person in their own way.

The NOH8 Campaign has received overwhelming support from around the world, and has appeared in various local and national news programs and publications. The images are widely used on various social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the message of equality.

I’m adding my photo to the ever growing number. How about you? Check it out and see if NOH8 is coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

Now for the week ahead at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, May 17:

Our Schedule This Week and NOH8 Open Photo Shoot in DC

Monday, May 18:

Laura Harner’s Cliff’s Edge Book Tour & Contest
A Sammy Review: Apple Polisher by Heidi Belleau
A Stella Review: Healing Hunter’s Heart by Charlie Cochet
A BJ Review: Just a Bit Unhealthy (Straight Guys, #3) by Alessandra Hazard

Tuesday, May 19:

Lee Benoit – Songbook: Paulo & Preston Shorts book blast and giveaway
A BJ Review: The Heracian Affair by Liv Olteano
A MelanieM Review: The Rebuilding Year, Part 2 by Kaje Harper
A Paul B Review: The Exiled Omega (The Exiled Omega #1) by Alex Ashmore

Wednesday, May 20:

Press Spotlight: MCB Quarterly Tour (Mischief Corner Books) and giveaway
Book Spotlight: Jude Sierra ‘Hush‘ Tour and Giveaway
Tour and Contest: Buzz and Blow- Shave and Shimmer- Fade and Fluff by Author: Alex Carreras
Light a Candle by VJ Summers Riptide tour and contest
A BJ Review: Sarge by Bey Decker

Thursday, May 21:

Book Spotlight: Brad Vance ‘Would I Lie To You?’ Tour and Contest
A MelanieM Review: Dead Blind by Havan Fellows (PF2015 #2)
A BJ Review: A Perfect Game by Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine
A Paul B Review: Bound to Brody (Shifters and Lovers #1) by Ali Atwood

Friday, May 22:

Cover Reveal for The Pinch of the Game by Charley Descoteaux (cover reveal and contest)
Cover Reveal for Lissa Kasey ‘Model Citizen’ (cover reveal and contest)
Book Spotlight: NR Walker ‘Cronin’s Key II’ (tour and contest)
A MelanieM Review: Blood and Ghosts by Shira Anthony
A MelanieM Review: Stud Player (PF2015) by Havan Fellows

Saturday, May 23:

A Mika YA Review: The Book of Ethan by Russell J. Sanders

We continue to bring you reviews on books you might never have heard of, new books off your radar, and books by authors you’ve been meaning to get to. Check us and the books out all week long!

An Aurora YA Review: Slaying Isidore’s Dragons by C. Kennedy

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

5 Best friends, 4 Vicious brothers, 3 STD tests, 2 Guys in love, 1 Car bombing & nowhere to run

Follow the burgeoning love of two teens during the worst year of their lives. Irish-born Declan David de Quirke II is the son of two ambassadors, one Irish and one American. He is ‘out’ to his parents but to no one else. French-born Jean Isidore de Sauveterre is also the son of two ambassadors, one Catalan and one Parisian. His four half brothers have been told to cure him of his homosexuality. Both teens have lost a parent in a London car bombing.

5 Weeks of hell, 4 Attempts on their lives, 3 Law enforcement agencies, 2 Dead high school seniors, 1 Jealous friend & a love that won’t be denied

Declan and Isidore meet at the beginning of their senior year at a private academy in the United States. Declan is immediately smitten with Isidore and becomes his knight in shining armor. Isidore wants to keep what is left of his sanity and needs Declan’s love to do it. One is beaten, one is drugged, one is nearly raped, one has been raped. They are harassed by professors and police, and have fights at school, but none of it compares to running for their lives. When the headmaster’s popular son attempts suicide and someone tries to assassinate Declan’s mother, they are thrown headlong into chaos, betrayal, conspiracy, allegations of sexual coercion, even murder. And one of them carries a secret that may get them killed.

5 New family members, 4 BFF’s, 3 Countries, 2 Extraordinary Psychologists, 1 Courageous Mother & a new beginning for two young men in love

I took me a chapter or so to really get into this book, but as soon as I did, I was absolutely hooked. I saw the title, and I saw the cover and I was pretty sure going in that I was going to love it. And I totally did. It was so wonderfully written, I loved the imagery, the characterization, everything. This is, for me, a must-read and a must-recommend. The only criticism that I could possibly come up with is that there were a few parts that were a little bit slow. But this is definitely not enough to bring the quality of the book down or make me enjoy it any less. As soon as I realized for even a second that it had slowed down, it was right back to a fast pace.

I think the author did a good job of using language for the teenage characters that teenagers actually use. There are times when I’m reading books that are aimed toward young adults and they’re really enjoyable, but I just laugh out loud at some of the things the authors have their teenage characters saying. I didn’t find myself questioning the slang terms or language used by teenagers in this book. It really seemed like a couple of friends talking, and I really loved that about it. Even not considering the language aspects, the characters all seemed very real and relateable to me as a teenager, which I love so much in young adult books.

Another thing about the book that I loved is just that Declan is so cool. Not to say that he’s without flaws or anything, but it’s so nice to read a book where I just feel like I would have so much fun hanging out with the main character. He’s really well written, he has a lot of depth, he’s very interesting as a character. And all of the characters are. But Declan, especially, seems like such a good and interesting person, beyond just being a great character. I feel like a lot of teenagers who are reading this book will empathize with him because in a lot of ways he and his friends are just normal teenagers with is really refreshing to read. Sometimes young adult books just write teenagers as small adults which they aren’t, exactly, and it’s nice to see a teenage character with depth and a personality without it being ignored that he is a teenager.

This book was really well written, really enjoyable from start to finish, and I loved reading it. I think teens will really relate to the characters and feel at home reading it. Personally, I loved it, it’s been one of my favorite books to review. If you have a chance, at least read the first two chapters and I can almost guarantee that you won’t be able to put this book down.

This cover by Reese Dante is so nice. It draws the eyes straight away with the orange in the foreground and then the blue background is really smooth and lovely. It’s very easy on the eyes and then as you look at it a little more there’s more details that you understand as you read through the book. If I saw this cover I would definitely pick it up in a book store.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon – /

Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 443 pages, also in paperback
Published April 9th 2015 by Harmony Ink Press (a DSP press)
original titleSlaying Isidore’s Dragons
ISBN139781634760034
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.harmonyinkpress.com
author’s website: C. Kennedy (read the 1st chapter here)

In the Book Spotlight: Love Complicated by Teegan Loy (interview and giveaway)

Love Complicated by Teegan Loy

Release Date: May 11, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Christy Caughie

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press

Life is all about making choices. Some are complicated. Some are simple. But for eighteen-year-old Jalen Marten, none are easy. Jalen has managed to stay invisible for his entire high school career. He has a small group of friends, and it’s enough for him. He doesn’t want or crave attention from his peers. All Jalen wants is to survive high school.

Austin Suter is the hot, talented tennis player who has the entire school bowing at his feet. Girls routinely throw themselves at him, and boys like Jalen stay the hell out of his way. Austin is destined for greatness on the world stage of professional tennis.

The kiss between them wasn’t supposed to happen. Falling in love definitely hadn’t been part of Jalen’s plan.
And when Austin turns pro, Jalen begins to realize that the choices he makes will affect Austin’s life. One wrong choice and Austin’s career could be over before it really begins. Jalen is not sure where he fits, or even if he fits at all in Austin’s life. But the more complicated things become, the less the idea of being apart appeals. Love should simplify things, not complicate them.

Pages or Words: 280 pages

Categories: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

The locker room reeked of socks that hadn’t seen the inside of a washing machine since the beginning of the semester. This place was the second worst part of my day in high school. The first was walking through the front door.

But gym class was its own private hell. I didn’t dislike sports; I just wasn’t any good at them. The kids loved to humiliate me on the court, in the water, on the field, or wherever the teacher had us. I’d been smashed in the face with a basketball, volleyball, soccer ball, and every other ball invented by humans.

Today my class was playing tennis, which was worse, because not only was there a ball, but also a racket. It increased my chances of getting hurt by tenfold. And I really wanted to survive my final year of high school and not die from embarrassment in gym class. I’d made it through the first sport of the year, soccer, by sticking to the sidelines and pretending to participate by running away from the ball.

This morning my mom came home from work as I was leaving for school, and I begged her to write me some sort of note to excuse me from tennis. She declined and told me to get more involved at school. What good was having a surgical nurse for a mother if she wouldn’t help her only kid out of a jam? And what did participating in gym class have to do with getting involved at school? I couldn’t get involved if I was in a coma or dead.

I started to argue with her, but the dark circles under her eyes and the heavy sigh that fell from her lips made me ease off. I kissed her on the cheek and told her to get some rest.

So now my only hope of not playing tennis was a freak rainstorm, and from the way the sun was shining, I knew it wasn’t going to happen. I had no choice but to change, hide among my classmates, and hope Mr. Tames, my sadistic gym teacher, didn’t pick me to play.

Most of the kids were excited to be outside and acted like monkeys just released from their cages. They jumped on one another and hollered all the way out to the courts.

I hoped my quiet demeanor would help me blend into the background. Unfortunately my stellar plan didn’t work. Mr. Tames handed me a tennis racket and paired me with a hockey player named Kasey. Our first opponents were another music nerd and a regular kid. I stayed out of Kasey’s way as he raced around the court, destroying them. We won the match, and Kasey high-fived me by smacking me on the forehead. I scowled at him, because if we had lost, I could have sat down and celebrated getting out of gym class unscathed.

Our next match was against a soccer player and Austin Suter, who had been pegged as the next Wimbledon champion. At least that’s what he told everyone.

He was a pretty boy with full lips and light brown wavy hair that brushed his shoulders. Girls routinely threw themselves at him, and boys like me stayed the hell out of his way. One smoldering look from him and I’d have to walk around school with a book in front of my crotch. Admiring him from afar was the best I could manage.

“Hey, Austin,” my partner shouted across the net. “I’m going to shove this ball down your throat.”

“You’re going to be eating yours,” Austin shot back. His partner gave him a fist bump. Kasey and Austin exchanged a few more verbal warnings. I fiddled with the strings on my racket, and pretended to listen to Kasey’s game plan. Austin’s partner dutifully held his racket while Austin pulled his hair into a ponytail.

“Gentlemen,” Mr. Tames warned. “Enough trash talk. Start the game.”

I groaned and resisted raising my hand to ask to be dismissed. They spun a racket to see who served first. Austin sneered and Kasey growled.

It was supposed to be a friendly game, but the testosterone roared, and the game quickly turned cutthroat. I managed to stay out of Kasey’s way and every ball hit in my direction. I even accidentally returned one. The shot startled Austin and he missed. Mr. Tames whooped and pumped his fist. I should have taken the moment to demand an A.

“Lucky shot, blondie,” Austin shouted at me.

Kasey flipped him off and got yelled at by Mr. Tames again. The students surrounding the court yelled for someone’s head on a platter. I was pretty sure it was me they wanted served up for lunch.

The intensity of the game increased with each returned ball and I started to fear for my life when one zinged by my ear.

“Take it easy, Austin,” Mr. Tames shouted when Austin tried to nail Kasey in the balls. “Jalen, you don’t move this well when you’re playing dodgeball. The point of this game is to actually make contact with the ball. At least attempt to use your racket.”

I rolled my eyes and readied for the next point. Austin served to Kasey, who somehow got his racket on the ball and it popped over the net. The ball seemed to hover in the air, giving me time to figure out I had a bull’s-eye painted on my forehead. Austin raised his racket and connected with the ball, which connected with my face. Who knew a tennis ball felt like a giant rock when smashed into your eye socket. My racket clattered to the ground, and I covered my face to make sure my eyeball didn’t actually fall out.

Austin must have hurdled the net, because he was suddenly kneeling next to me and breathing down my neck. I tried to crawl away from him and his stupid apologies, but he caught me and helped me to my feet. Tames barked orders to set me on the bench while he went for medical supplies. Austin put his arm around my waist and I limped to the bench. The other guys hooted and hollered at me until Austin shot a scowl at them and quieted the entire gym class.

“Is your ankle okay?” Austin asked.

“My ankle is fine,” I snarled and sat down. “Limping makes my eye feel better.”

About the author: Teegan Loy began writing a long time ago. Notebooks filled with ideas were stacked around the house. One day, she sat down with renewed ambition and something fantastic happened; she completed a story. (unbelievable, but true) Now most of her time is spent writing, but she takes an occasional break to go to the movies, where she imagines her stories on the big screen. She also enjoy watching hockey (love, love hockey) filling her iPod with music, and driving her daughter around town (amended…around the country) to various activites.
Where to find the author:

Facebook.com/teegan.loy
Twitter.com/teeganloy
Teeganloy.wordpress.com

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: A book from Teegan’s backlist. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Dates & Stops:

11-May

Amanda C. Stone

Because Two Men Are Better Than One

12-May

BFD Book Blog

13-May

Inked Rainbow Reads

14-May

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

Carly’s Book Reviews

15-May

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Mikky’s World of Books

Bayou Book Junkie

18-May

As The Pages Turn

Boys on the Brink Reviews

19-May

Rainbow Gold Reviews

The Novel Approach

Bike Book Reviews

20-May

Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My

Cate Ashwood

21-May

Divine Magazine

MM Good Book Reviews

22-May

Love Bytes

Prism Book Alliance

Chris McHart

Molly Lolly

Hearts on Fire

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Just Desserts (Tales of the Curious Cookbook) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5:

When Scott Wren meets Boone Walton, he knows that this man is going to be an important part of his life, but since Boone seems aloof and uninterested in him sexually, he pursues friendship as the way to Boone’s heart instead.

Scott is a chef and has his own restaurant, which Boone helps him decorate and create the perfect ambience for dining in style. Boone owns an art gallery in New Orleans, and he’s renovated and decorated the building it’s in, the gallery itself, and his upstairs apartment with his own two hands. He knows what he’s doing. At least, he knows what he’s doing when it comes to business, but when it comes to Scott, he flounders.

Boone seems to be the only one who doesn’t realize that Scott has come to mean more to him than just a friend. He knows he’s attracted to Scott sexually, but is afraid to make a move because Scott sheds lovers like other men change clothes, and Boone couldn’t bear to lose him.

It isn’t until Scott tries out a new recipe for chocolate mousse from “Recipes for the Heart: Mystical Meals and Dangerous Desserts” by Granny B, that “things get sorted” as the cookbook stated they would. Scott and Boone are the only ones who enjoy the taste of the mousse. Scott’s boyfriend and Boone’s blind date think it tastes lousy. It doesn’t help that the ghost who haunts Scott’s apartment keeps flicking the lights on and off and filling the apartment with malodorous scents which are definite appetite suppressors.

They manage to get through dinner and afterward, at Scott’s request, when Boone removes his shirt to show the others his tattoos Scott suddenly realizes he’s jealous and loses his temper with both his boyfriend and Boone’s date. They need to get their hands off Boone! He literally kicks them out of the apartment, and it’s then that Scott and Boone realize that everything has been sorted, and they belong together.

Of course, nothing runs smoothly, and when Boone is visited by his former Japanese lover’s father, a man Boone both hates and fears, it looks like he may not live long enough to be with Scott after all.

I really enjoyed this story. There is so much drama, love, and heartache packed into this hundred plus pages that it’s unbelievable. I always enjoy Mary Calmes’s stories, with her clueless males, loved by others but unable to see how cute they are and how much they mean to others. This one, in a way, is stereotypical, in other ways it is not. The backstory on Boone was incredible, with his involvement in the Japanese mob, actively and inactively, his Japanese lover, and his survival of torture and imprisonment. The characters were well-developed, the plot plausible, and the ghost charming.

If you enjoy this series, don’t miss this one. It’s the best so far. It can certainly be read as a standalone and would make the perfect story to read at the beach or in front of a cozy fire on a cold day.
~~~~~
Cover art by Reese Dante features the same color-themed background with cookbook as others in the series, with the addition of two servings of chocolate mousse complete with spoons. This is the dessert around which this story is built so the cover suits the story perfectly.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 102 pages
Published April 29th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
original titleJust Desserts
ISBN139781632168610
edition languageEnglish
seriesTales of the Curious Cookbook

Tales of the Curious Cookbook series:

6 works, 5 primary works.
Five fun and fanciful stories about a rather curious cookbook!

Authors and Their Stories:

RJ Scott – For a Rainy Afternoon (Tales of the Curious Cookbook) by R.J. Scott
Amy Lane – Food for Thought (Tales of the Curious Cookbook) by Amy Lane
Marie Sexton – Lost Along the Way (Tales of the Curious Cookbook) by Marie Sexton
Amber Kell – Cookies for Courting (Tales of the Curious Cookbook) by Amber Kell
Mary Calmes – Just Desserts (Tales of the Curious Cookbook) by Mary Calmes
RJ Scott – Tales of the Curious Cookbook by R.J. Scott

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review –Cookies for Courting by Amber Kell

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Cookies for Courting by Amber Kell is another installment in the Tales of the Curious Cookbook series, each is by a different author, and each features a different recipe which is guaranteed to be a catalyst for an emotional response. The cookies featured in this story will bring about true love, in other words they facilitate good old-fashioned courting.

Marshall Hunter gained custody of his niece, Alice, when her mother, a single parent, was killed last month. At a loss as to how to cope with the child’s grief, he decides to have a mural painted on the wall of her bedroom in the hopes that it will cheer her up. A financial advisor, Marshall has been very successful in his career, but not so much in his love life. Single and without a clue about being a parent, he’s hired a nanny for afterschool care for Alice and has a full time housekeeper named Ilona who helps in whatever way she can, though she is aging and can’t care for the child herself.

On the morning he’s scheduled to interview the three artists who were recommended for the mural job, he meets a stunning young blond man in the elevator on the way to his office. Pace Barton is that young man, and is an artist with an impressive professional portfolio and the face of an angel. Marshall and Pace are immediately attracted to each other, but Marshall puts on the brakes because he won’t get involved with an employee.

When Pace meets Alice, he’s engaged by her personality, by her need to get through her grief, and by how much she reminds him of her stunning uncle. He gets the job, but just as he’s getting ready to start the mural, Marshall decides to buy a house so that Alice can have a yard and a dog and all the things kids her age need. Pace is disappointed, but understanding. Unfortunately, he feels that they won’t get to be together because Marshall will be moving too far away.

A misunderstanding then leads to a definite breakup, but a tragedy brings them back together, and then nothing will stop Marshall’s pursuit of this wonderful young man. And oh, by the way, he also bakes the best cookies!

This is a cute story, fairly short, but with enough excitement packed in to equal a longer book. What I liked best about this story were the MCs. Both men were characters I would love to get to know, especially Pace. I can’t pin down why they were so remarkable, other than to say the author did a great job bringing them to life. I felt like I was “watching”, rather than “reading” their story.

I recommend this one to those who like a simple, minimal-angst story, with great characterization and, of course, a sweet happy ending. In fact, the entire series is well-worth reading. I’m looking forward to the next installment.

~~~~~
Cover art by Reese Dante features the same color-themed background with cookbook as others in the series, with the addition of artist’s brushes and a stack of cookies, both symbolic of this story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 68 pages
Published April 22nd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC
original titleCookies for Courting
ISBN139781632168948
edition languageEnglish
seriesTales of the Curious Cookbook

Tales of the Curious Cookbook Series:

6 works, 5 primary works.

Five fun and fanciful stories about a rather curious cookbook!

Authors and Their Stories:

Karen Stivali’s Moments in Time Series is Back with Moments of Clarity (excerpt and giveaway)

Moment of Clarity (Moments in Time #3) by Karen Stivali
Release Date: May 6, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska

Sales Links: Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Dreamspinner Press

All Romance (ARe) – Google Play – Kobo

(Should be read in order)
Individual e-books available or paperback collection of all three titles

Blurb for MOMENT OF CLARITY:

Spending the summer together on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, challenges confront them at every turn.

As they search for their new normal in their old environment, Collin’s brother Sean surprises them with help when they need it most. But when word about their relationship gets out, trouble erupts with friends and family. When Collin’s relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother’s custody battle, and Tanner struggles with his feelings for a heartbroken Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone he cares about would be better off without him in the picture. In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear to Collin that their love for each other is all that matters.
MOMENTS IN TIME Books 1-3 (available in paperback)

Moment of Impact
Beyond Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room, the students of his conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who’d disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Tanner wants to show the world how much he loves Collin, but Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

Moment of Truth
Collin expected to spend another summer fixing cars and working at the college pizzeria. Instead, he’s living in a beach house on Fire Island, and for the first time, he and Tanner can publicly be known as boyfriends. Being “out” takes some getting used to, and doubt and jealousy threaten their happiness. Collin and Tanner must confront the truth or risk losing it all.

Moment of Clarity
Spending the summer on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, new challenges confront them.

When Collin’s relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother’s custody battle and Tanner struggles with feelings for his heartbroken friend Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone would be better off without him. In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear his love for Collin is all that matters.
Pages or Words: 145 pages (38,000 words)

Categories: M/M Romance, Gay Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Excerpt from MOMENT OF IMPACT (Book 1 of the Moments In Time Series by Karen Stivali)

Don’t blow this. Not now. Not when he’s right here. So close. So… Forcing myself to move, I reached out and clutched at his shoulder. His skin was smooth, warm. I pressed my fingers into his flesh with enough force, he flinched. His gaze darted to mine, wary.

Swallowing hard, I willed myself to maintain eye contact. “I didn’t think I wanted that, until I met you.”

Tanner’s gaze raced back and forth between my hand, which was still gripping his shoulder, and my eyes, which felt like they were about to bulge out of my skull. I couldn’t blink. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Do something. Say something.
Then his mouth crashed into mine.

I like kissing. I always have. Even though I wasn’t super into any of the girls I’d been with, kissing was the one thing I still enjoyed. Warm mouths, wet tongues, moving together. It felt good. I seriously thought I’d done some decent kissing in my life.

I was wrong. Tanner’s mouth on mine for one fucking second proved to me that what I’d done before might have looked like kissing, might have felt like kissing, but was like the frozen french bread pizza version of kissing. Nothing like the real thing.

Nothing like this.

His tongue swept into my mouth, hot and velvety. His hand gripped the back of my neck, tugging me upright. Everything fell away. Disappeared. The whole world was this one kiss. I could have drowned in it and died happy.

Tanner pulled away, breathing hard, his forehead pressed to mine. The room spun like a carnival ride.

“You okay?”

His voice sounded lower than usual. Deep and gravelly. I gave a shaky nod, and he tipped his head back, looking at me.

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” My heart beat double time as I realized he still had his hands on me. And he was still naked. And I was probably harder than I’d ever been in my entire life. Jesus.

“We can stop.”

“No.” That wasn’t what I wanted. Not at all. “I just… I mean… we’re roommates. What if this doesn’t work out?”

Tanner’s lips pulled into a grin so sexy my brain turned to oatmeal. He rubbed the back of my neck. “So, one kiss and you’re already thinking about what happens if we break up?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

“Let’s see how we feel after another kiss.”

Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men. She’s also the multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romances. She writes novels about love…like real life, only hotter.

Karen’s lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen’s novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex—all the best things in life.

When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don’t hesitate to contact/follow/like her at the links below.

A special note from the author: “I just signed two new contracts with Dreamspinner Press. These new titles will be continuations of the Moments In Time series, but will star secondary characters from the series rather than Collin and Tanner. MOMENT OF SILENCE will feature Quinn (Collin’s oldest brother) and Jason (Collin’s Fire Island co-worker who developed a crush on him) and MOMENT OF FATE will be Bryan’s story (Bryan was the musician housemate from Moment Of Truth). I’m very excited about both projects. I also have a m/f New Adult book that will be released from Bloomsbury in late 2015. Lots of books on the horizon!”

Find the author here at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenstivali
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenstivali
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karenstivali/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5170527.Karen_Stivali
Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/KarenStivali
Blog: http://karenstivali.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/KarenStivaliAuthor?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $20 Gift Card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Dates & Stops:

6-May

Molly Lolly

Love Bytes

7-May

Joyfully Jay

Hearts on Fire

Bike Book Reviews

8-May

Inked Rainbow Reads

Amanda C. Stone

11-May

Bayou Book Junkie

BFD Book Blog

12-May

MM Good Book Reviews

My Fiction Nook

13-May

Prism Book Alliance

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

A MelanieM Review: Chasing the Swallows by John Inman

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Sometimes an entire lifetime can be spent in the arms and heart of one person. It is not so with imaginations, for they go anywhere they wish.

David Ayres and Arthur Smith are about to find that out. When they meet as young men within the garden walls of the Mission of San Juan Capistrano, one man from one continent, one from another, an uncontrollable attraction brings them together. But it is something stronger than attraction that holds them there. It is love. Pure and simple.

After forty years, when the fabric of their existence together finally begins to fray because of David’s imaginary infidelities, it is with humor and commitment that they strive to remain in each other’s heart.

And turning fantasy into reality, they find, is the best way to do it.

I love John Inman’s writings. His comedic novels (and the few mysteries I have read) have always been grounded in the pain and gritty reality of life, an element which made the humorous sections feel authentic and precious when they happen. But lately I’m finding it harder to connect with his stories and its left me wondering if it’s my expectations that are at fault instead of his actual writing.

Nothing exemplifies my confusion with his recent novels better than his latest story, Chasing the Swallows. It was a story where I absolutely detested some elements while others left me sobbing and emptying a box of tissues. I loved one character, disliked another (both came across as throughly believable and real). And throughout the entire story, Inman’s style of writing felt concise, well organized and it brought the story to it’s heartbreaking/heartwarming conclusion. But I wouldn’t read it again and hesitate to recommend it to others. *head desk*

My issues with the story started from page one. The reader is dumped into the pornographic daydream of David Ayers, one half of a couple that’s been together for approximately 40 years after meeting in their early 20’s. Its like reading/watching a bad porn movie unrolling before you with the (insert stock character like pool boy, gardener here) as a participant. It’s only when the daydream is interrupted by Arthur, his partner, that we realize what has happened. And the reality is both brief and painful for the reader and Arthur who realizes that his lover’s pornographic fantasies occupy more of David’s time and emotions then Arthur does. We feel his pain and confusion over their situation and it drags the reader over immediately to Arthur’s side, where at least I stayed for two thirds of the story.

Over and over again, David and Arthur’s present day life (and David’s remembrances of their past together) is abruptly halted by David’s erotic dreaming, no matter the time of day. We are just getting settled into finding out how they met or learning about their life together then…bam….it’s David and his sexual hookups with whatever hottie is in front of him. Grocery store, church, no male or location was free of David’s promiscuous musings. And yeah, Jimmy Carter’s famous line about “I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times..” did jump to mind, and not favorably.

It’s not that the daydreams that bother me (ok, not true, they did) but also that these pages of porn take me away from the characters and out of the narrative. Just as I suspect the author designed it to. Those very same pornographic musings are taking David away from Arthur and their life together just as its removing the reader from their story. It’s a familiar refrain heard from couples where one has become obsessed by the porn on the computer to the point where they do little else. I get it, really I do. But this literary device works too well. It pulled me out of the narrative so completely (and made me detest David so throughly) that I kept putting down the story and going on to another. Sometime it took me days to bring myself to pick up this story once more. Only to repeat the process.

David is the narrator of their life together, past and present. But its Arthur who grabs at our hearts while David is obsessing over his age and sex life. Arthur is funny, fragile, and living in the moment…unlike his lover David. And Arthur is fully aware of how far they’ve traveled from the two young men so very much in love. He’s being neglected, perhaps completely. It hurts, and it feels almost unbearably painful for him and the reader. Forty years together will do that…for some. Not all…most definitely not all.

But this is a realistic look at a long term relationships that has wavered and faltered. It’s so well written, its descriptions so starkly believable and filled with hurt feelings that I never once doubted the raw, immediate lives John Inman was laying out before us. This includes David’s missed opportunities, ones he was aware of, to make it “right” that helped serve to highlight those areas that I felt severed me from their story. That it will take a tragedy to bring David back into his relationship may be authentic and realistic but further highlights the long delay it took to make the connection to David happen, at least for me. Yes, towards the end I liked the “new” outlook that David found but that’s not the man I (and Arthur) lived with for most of the book. That David was selfish, mean, obsessive over his looks and sex life. In short, he was a jerk. And the one we had to listen to for pages and pages of his self involved outlook. Having David as the narrator was probably better, for if the roles had been reversed and we “saw” their life from Arthur’s perspective, than I don’t know that I could ever have found any affection for David, and that’s needed in order to buy into their long lived love affair. Just one more issue I had with this story, my utter dislike of one of the main characters, no matter how well written the character.

David feels like a real human being, that’s great writing. Still, it doesn’t make me want to spend time with him. Only the sections from their past show a couple we could love and understand a little why they were drawn together. For me, that just wasn’t enough to overcome the issues that bothered me.

Finally, yes, that last chapters of the story had me in tears. It unfolded so vividly that I felt as though I was there on this journey with them. The writing is beautiful, the feelings it engendered so tender and loving towards both Arthur and David that I can feel the tears starting to form again just remembering these passages.

These pages made me want to rearrange and re edit this story, throwing whole sections away, leaving the parts that speak of love,the passage of time, and the possibility that it might be found once more before its too late. But that’s not what John Inman wrote or what he intended to say in his story. That’s the story you have to read and review.

So is it me? Or is it this story? Chasing the Swallows by John Inman still has me so conflicted. And I suspect that this viewpoint will be felt by many readers out there. Some, probably those less judgmental than myself, will find David less objectionable than I did and that feeling will make them view this story in a completely different light. For me, like the swallows of the story (an amazing element that I adored), I will be finding my way home to another John Inman story…one that feels more like me, or at least more like a place I love spending time in. Does this sound like a story for you? The choice, as always, is up to you.

Cover art by Maria Fanning is probably one of my favorite covers for the month and perhaps the year. The subtle figures in the background enhance the picture of the swallow in the foreground. Just beautiful. Faded love and immediate beauty.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Published April 17th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC
ISBN139781632169181
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

In the Book Spotlight: J.E. Birk’s Depending On You (Dating in Denver #1) (excerpt and giveaway)

Depending On You (Dating In Denver #1) by J.E. Birk
(This is the prequel story to the short that appeared in the Grand Adventures Anthology)

Release Date: February 4, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press – Amazon – Barnes and Noble – All Romance (ARe)

It all started with a diabetic kid who wouldn’t stop eating cookies. And a best friend who’d just announced his bisexuality and hit on everything that moved. And a kind pediatric nurse with an amazing rack, a lying ex-boyfriend, and a nasty case of the chicken pox.    But mostly, it started at table 42.   When Benjy Moreland almost collapses during his restaurant shift, Dr. Kyle Penners wants nothing more than to take care of him… but if there’s one thing former foster kid Benjy values, it’s his independence. A dying man and a sick little boy force Kyle and Benjy to work together, and both of them have to make some important choices about what it means to depend on someone.
Pages or Words: 103 pages

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance

YEARS LATER, when people would ask Benjy and Kyle how they ended up together, Benjy would usually say this: “Oh, he came into my restaurant one night, and I thought he was cute, so I dumped beer all over him. Saw it in a romantic comedy once, so it seemed like a good idea.” People always laughed at that, and Kyle always rolled his eyes. And then they’d slyly smile at each other, and maybe Kyle would wink a little bit, because, as Benjy was fond of telling him, he liked winking way too much, and both of them would think about how there was so much more to the story than that.

Like a diabetic kid who wouldn’t stop eating cookies.

And a best friend who’d just announced his bisexuality and was intent on hitting on everything that moved.

And a kind pediatric nurse and her amazing rack.

And a lying ex-boyfriend.

And most of all, a nasty case of the chicken pox.

But before all that, it had started with Benjy dumping beer all over Kyle—and before that, it had really started with Benjy, a twenty-two-year old college senior, waking up with a horrible taste in his mouth.

About the author:

J.E. Birk has been telling stories since she could talk and writing them since she was introduced to the alphabet. She hails from Colorado, where you can usually find her skiing, training for a 5k she won’t end up running, or trying to figure out why a good strong housecleaning never lasts longer than two days.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jebirk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jebirkwrites

Contest. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and Prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions. Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Depending On You’ by J.E. Birk.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Tour Dates & Stops:

13-Apr

BFD Book Blog

20-Apr

Inked Rainbow Reads

27-Apr

Hearts on Fire

4-May

Molly Lolly

11-May

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Happy Mother’s Day to All Mothers Everywhere and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Thou art thy mother’s glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.
William Shakespeare
Sonnets

Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s Mother’s Day today and I’m off to deliver card and present to my mother this morning. It’s time to celebrate those who raised us and loved us and helped us forward into adulthood. The Mothers who bore us, chose us, and made us their children. Time to give thanks for their words, their silence support when needed, and their boundless encouragement.

For that reason, and others on this warm day, our Sunday post will be short.

Here is Our Schedule This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, May 10:

Happy Mother’s Day and Our Schedule This Week

Monday, May 11:

Light in Endless Darkness by Huston Piner – Book Blast and giveaway
In the Book Spotlight: Depending On You by J.E. Birk (excerpt and contest)
A Paul B Review: Rock Star Baby (Bad Oak Boys #1) by Erin M. Leaf
A Barb The Zany Old Lady Review: Wedding Favors by Anne Tenino

Tuesday, May 12:

In the Spotlight: Get Off My Case by Lisa Oliver (excerpt and giveaway)
A Stella Review: Caught! (The Shamwell Tales #1) by J.L. Merrow
A MelanieM Review: Catching the Swallow by John Inman

Wednesday, May 13:

Katey Hawthorne’s latest Superpowered Love Giveaway and Guest Post
Karen Stivali Moment of Clarity (Book 3 of the series) excerpt and giveaway
A BJ Review: Straight Boy by Alessandra Hazard
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Cookies for Courting by Amber Kell

Thursday, May 14:

Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore’s “Peripheral People” Tour and Giveaway
REV re-cover celebreation with Heidi Belleau (except and contest)
A BJ Review: Peripheral People by Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Just Desserts by Mary Calmes
A MelanieM Review: My Cowboy Promises by ZA Maxfield

Friday, May 15:

Teegan Loy’s Love Complicated Book Tour and Contest
A Stella Review: Played! by JL Merrow
A MelanieM Review: Keep The Stars Running Anthology
A BJ Review: Just a Bit Obsessed by Alessandra Hazard

Saturday, May 16:

An Aurora YA Review: Slaying Isidore’s Dragons by C. Kennedy

Share this:

Now for the week ahead at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, May 17:

Monday, May 18:

Tuesday, May 19:

Wednesday, May 20:

Thursday, May 21:

Friday, May 22:

Saturday, May 23:

Share this:

Share this:

Love Complicated by Teegan Loy

Release Date: May 11, 2015

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Moment of Clarity (Moments in Time #3) by Karen Stivali Release Date: May 6, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska

(Should be read in order) Individual e-books available or paperback collection of all three titles

Share this:

Share this:

Depending On You (Dating In Denver #1) by J.E. Birk (This is the prequel story to the short that appeared in the Grand Adventures Anthology)

Release Date: February 4, 2015

Share this:

Here is Our Schedule This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, May 10:

Monday, May 11:

Tuesday, May 12:

Wednesday, May 13:

Thursday, May 14:

Friday, May 15:

Saturday, May 16:

Share this:

Moment of Clarity (Moments in Time #3) by Karen Stivali
Release Date: May 6, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska

(Should be read in order)
Individual e-books available or paperback collection of all three titles

Depending On You (Dating In Denver #1) by J.E. Birk
(This is the prequel story to the short that appeared in the Grand Adventures Anthology)