Category: MLR Press

A Holiday Book Spotlight for ‘A Christmas Kindness’ by Anna Lee (excerpt and giveaway)

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A Christmas Kindness by Anna Lee
 Release Date: December 4, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: MLR Press
Cover Artist: Lex Valentine

Blurb

David Winters fell for a man at a Christmas masquerade party last year. The only problem? His sister and his niece needed him so instead of pursuing anything, David ran away and didn’t find out who he was. Now, his niece, Jenna wants to organize a toy charity drive at a children’s hospital which leads David to reunite with Officer Stephen Lauer. The sparks fly again and with a little Christmas kindness maybe the two of them can make a few wishes come true… including their own.

 

Pages or Words: 9,800 words/33 pages
 Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, Holiday

 

Excerpt

Chapter One

Debating whether or not he would go to the Christmas masquerade party again this year, David stared at the message on his phone from his friend, Chad. Last year’s party had been amazing, for one reason. A gorgeous man who’d gone by the name of Steve. They’d hooked up, spent the night together, and then parted ways. A regret that surfaced once again. There’d been something about the other man, though it’d only been sex and a brief conversation, it was a lingering feeling that he should’ve taken a chance and found out who the other man really was. If only he hadn’t been a coward, if his life hadn’t been so complicated, maybe he’d actually have someone to share Christmas with this year. He texted Chad back that he’d go, maybe he’d find Steve again. He wouldn’t make the same mistake and run away this time.

“Uncle David,” Jenna said, sitting next to him on the sofa squeezed into the tiny living room of his sister’s apartment, “can you help me?”

David turned toward his eleven-year-old niece. Her hazel eyes were expectant and she gave him that look which pretty much guaranteed he’d do whatever she planned on asking. He saw that she had a journal in her hands with the Harry Potter Gryffindor crest on it. Ah, he remembered getting that for her. Money was tight for his sister—she was barely making ends meet—so David had been indulging Jenna as of late so she wouldn’t know. “Of course, with what?”

“It’s almost Christmas. And I want to do something to help. I heard about Toys for Tots on TV and I wanted to do something like that. You remember how my friend, Meredith, got sick, right?”

“Of course I do.” Meredith had spent the last few Christmases in the hospital fighting leukemia. After two years, she was finally in remission, thank God. She and Jenna were good friends and inseparable. Jenna had even cut all her long locks and donated them so Meredith could have a wig made. She hadn’t wanted her friend to feel bad about herself and she’d said that way they could be like twins. His niece truly had a heart of gold and David loved her more than anything.

“Well, at school today she said it’s really hard for parents to get gifts because they’re so busy taking care of their sick kids in the hospital. And sometimes they can’t afford new toys. I thought we could organize a toy drive this year. Meredith wants to help too. We could take all the toys to the hospital and give them out on Christmas Eve next week. I know Mom can arrange stuff. I want to tell her as soon as she gets home.” She showed him the plans she had written. Then gave him a bright smile. “What do you think?”

David hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head, smoothing down her curly brown hair. “I think we’d better get started.”

She let out a cry of excitement and hugged him back. “Thank you, Uncle David!”

  • § §

David took Jenna to Target and they bought all the supplies they’d need to make flyers for the toy drive. Jenna picked out Christmas stickers, green and red markers, and a few other odds and ends. They went back home and while David started dinner, Jenna set up their workstation at the old oak kitchen table. While the chicken was cooking, he helped Jenna design the flyers.

Awhile later a key clicked in the lock and Jenna jumped up as soon as Caitlyn walked through the door. She hugged her mom. “Hi, Mom!”

“How was work, Caty?” David asked her as she seemed tired.

Caitlyn ran a hand through her messy ponytail. “Long. I swear I ran back and forth at least twenty times for a new patient.”

David’s sister, Caitlyn, was a nurse at the hospital. She worked the day shift and David watched Jenna after school until she got home. He walked over and gave his sister a kiss on the forehead. For a second, the happy mask she always wore in front of Jenna slipped. Right then, David really hated her ex-husband, Bruce. Even after a year, his sister was still suffering, still lost. Her bastard of an ex had cheated and then left Caitlyn and Jenna just before Christmas last year. No matter how much he helped Jenna with her homework, made her dinner, took her to dance class, and softball, Caitlyn still seemed depressed and was struggling. He knew she appreciated everything he did. He just wished he could do more. He was so worried about her. They only lived about ten minutes from his apartment but he didn’t see much of it, between work and spending time here, keeping an eye on his family and making sure they got through this.

Before he could say anything, Jenna told Caitlyn, “Mom, I’ve got a great idea.”

“What’s that, honey?” Caitlyn asked as Jenna went with her to the kitchen. She toed off her shoes with a heavy sigh and smiled at David as he popped her dinner in the microwave. “Thanks, Davy.” David shook his head. He disliked his nickname as much as Caitlyn did hers, yet they both fondly used them. No one else was allowed to though.

Jenna excitedly told her mom about the toy drive. “And look!” She dashed to the table and grabbed a flyer that they had made to hand out. David figured he could leave some at work, maybe drop by the police and fire stations, and a little social media wouldn’t hurt either. He could probably even run something in the paper if he got the okay from his executive editor. He was certain she would be willing. It would be a feel-good piece; those always did well. Plus, it was nice to have stories that showed the goodness still in the world, despite how depressing it sometimes seemed.

“Me and Uncle David made these.”

Caitlyn took the flyer. “Wow, this is incredible, Jen.” She seemed as proud of her daughter for thinking of it as David was. “I’ll talk with some of the doctors and the head of pediatrics tomorrow, see what we need to do to make this happen, okay?”

“You’re the best, Mom!” Jenna hugged her again.

Caitlyn gave David a fond look, her hazel eyes so much like his own, except faded, making her appear older than she was. Only three years older than him at thirty-five, she really was too young to be so worn out. “I think that goes to Uncle David for helping you with this.”

“Nah.” David shook his head. “Jenna did all the planning. I’m just the assistant.”

Caitlyn laughed. “Well now you have two of us, Jen. What’s the next step?”

“Gathering up the toys. We’re gonna pass out flyers tomorrow.”

“Right after school,” David added.

“Mom, do you want to watch a movie?” Jenna asked.

“Yeah, let’s continue our Harry Potter marathon,” Caitlyn told her, grabbing a fork and her plate.

“Uncle David?”

“I’ve got work to do, sweetie.” He hugged her. “I’m going to head home and let you and Mom have some fun together, okay?”

“Okay. I love you, Uncle David.”

“Love you too.” David smiled as Jenna ran off to start the movie then he embraced his sister. “And you. Have a good night. Call if you need anything, Caty.”

“I will, Davy.” Caitlyn gently pushed him away then said quietly, “Go on, we’ll be fine. I know you worry but it’s okay. Jenna just reminded me of something.”

“What’s that?”

Caitlyn’s face lit up. “That I may still be hurting, but I’ve got a good life. I’ve got a beautiful little girl and you. And it’s almost Christmas. I’m done being sad. You want to help me decorate and have some fun this weekend? We could go out, maybe drinks.”

“Count me in.” David found his keys and left the apartment after more good-byes. It was chilly outside, a light snow falling. He was glad he’d brought his car. Sometimes he stayed late and while the neighborhood was decent, David had seen one too many crime shows to walk alone in the dark. No, he’d much rather crank up the heat in his car and listen to loud classic rock as he made the short trip home.

He realized that the party Chad had invited him to was this weekend and cursed. Caitlyn hadn’t asked him to do anything in a long time—he couldn’t cancel on her now. Then he had an idea. Maybe she’d go with him. She wanted to do something fun and it would be a good time. A way to forget everything for a while. And Jenna could sleepover at Meredith’s. It could all be worked out if he just got his sister to agree to it. He went into his apartment, showered, slipped on sleep pants, and then tumbled into bed with a hopeful smile. Maybe he’d get a second chance with Steve, that’s all he really wanted this Christmas.

Buy the book:

Amazon | All Romance (ARe)

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Meet the Author

Anna Lee graduated from the University of California Riverside with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing. Living with a disability, she has overcome many challenges and puts her passion for life and love into her writing. She lives with her family and dogs and enjoys writing late into the night. When she isn’t writing, Anna enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew or chatting with her friends about her favorite books and TV shows.

You can contact Anna at her website: http://www.storiesbyannalee.com. Or you can tweet her.@Annalee59

 

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog, Jessie G. Books, TTC Books and More, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Happily Ever Chapter, 3 Chicks After Dark, The Hat Party, Bayou Book Junkie, Velvet Panic, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Elin Gregory, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Alpha Book Club, Book Lovers 4Ever

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘A Christmas Kindness’ by Anna Lee.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

 

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Paranormal Shifter Dentists are Back in Jackie Nacht: ‘Hot on a Chipmunk’s Tail’ (excerpt and giveaway)

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 Hot On A Chipmunk’s Tail
(Paranormal Dentistry For The Fanged and Friendly #5) by Jackie Nacht
 Release Date: November 20, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: MLR Press
Cover Artist: Winterheart Designs

Banner300x250

Blurb

This mountain lion is out to chase his skittish chipmunk down.

Jason has always lived under the protection of his twenty brothers and sisters. Even though he cares for his neighbor, Will, when a chance to leave the home he’s lived in forever, Jason takes the chance and runs to White Pine. Unfortunately, some of his brothers are coming along for the ride.

Will can’t believe his shy chipmunk just up and moved. Through the meddling of Jason’s sisters and a best friend who lives in White Pine, Will chases Jason to White Pine. Will they be able find the connection in White Pine where they couldn’t at home?

Pages or Words: 13,000
 Categories: Humor, M/M Romance, Paranormal, Romance

Excerpt

Chapter One

This absolutely, positively sucks, Jason thought as he stood in front of Livingston’s tiny rental with his three brothers. The snow was coming down heavy and he tucked his chin into his jacket to keep his face from freezing. If he didn’t have to meet this Livingston person for the first time, he would have shifted and saved himself the pain. Someone had to be civil for this introduction; it sure as hell wasn’t going to be his brothers.

A few minutes later, Jason saw a man running the last few yards before he got to the snow-covered sidewalk near them on the porch. The guy wasn’t paying attention in the least because he almost ran face-first into Nikko. Damn, this guy was going to have to grow a better set of eyes if he was willing to open his home to his brothers.

“Shit, Nikko, sorry about that.” Livingston stared down at his friend, then over at the chipmunks sitting on each of Nikko’s shoulders. Jason cringed, anticipating some antic from his brothers. They were… well, they were… hell, he just hoped White Pine didn’t have a prison or Winslow and Sparks would have a frequent flyer card there.

“Where are you running to so fast?” Nikko chuckled…and why was he acting so damn nervous? Did Nikko not tell his friend who he was saddling him with? Jason’s eyes widened. The hell he didn’t. This was an epic party foul in the making.

“Just… cold. Who are these guys?” Livingston leaned toward one of the chipmunks, reaching for one with his index finger when the little sucker hissed and spread out his tiny arms at him. Jason smacked his forehead. Oh hell… here it comes.

“What the…?” Livingston shouted, jumping back, nearly falling on his ass. “He almost bit my damn finger off!”

The chipmunk started making little squeaking noises before it fell off and shifted in midair. Sparks lay naked on the ground before Livingston, laughing his ass off, holding his stomach.

“Oh shit! It’s cold. Did you see him? Scared the fuck out of him.” Sparks cackled like a deranged man. Jason shook his head. There was no way this was going to work.

Nikko pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re naked in the snow. Nice first impression, Sparks.”

Sparks didn’t give a damn. Everyone knew that as he continued to chuckle, then stood up before sauntering up the steps. “Damn, I love me some nuts, but mine are moving up into my body. It’s freezing here.”

The other chipmunk, Winslow, squeaked on Nikko’s shoulder, and Jason could tell his damn brother was laughing.

Nikko snorted.

Not you too, Nikko. It’s all fun and games, Nikko, until we live with you in that tiny fucking den of yours. Dallas will kill the lot of us!

“I’m… Jason,” Jason said quietly. There was no need to add to the bizarreness of the situation. Best to be like always, go unnoticed.

However, someone had noticed him once. And he’d run. Fucking ran, terrified, and now his chance at being with that special person was lost. Jason glanced down at his boots as he toed the cold snow. He wasn’t used to seeing so much of the stuff and wondered if he made the right decision. After Christmas, he’d had a chance to move up there with his brothers. Jason had been confused about Will and confessed it all to Nikko. Nikko’s suggestion rang clear in his head, Take a break and see other places. If you miss him, you can move back home. You need to figure it out and make a decision. We all know that Will has feelings for you, but do you have feelings for him?

God, he did, but saying that to Will, the mountain lion shifter, was a whole other story.

How could Jason tell his brother he missed Will before they even got on the plane to Michigan? It was just that Will… was so much. Every time the guy tried to talk to him, Jason clammed up, locked down, and then fucking ran, hauling ass for the family barn.

Fuck, he was confused, and he needed to figure everything out. He could go back. He could see Will again. Hell, he should be paying attention to see if his brothers were going to cause more shit.

Livingston jumped to and ran to open the door, only to stumble as the other chipmunk zipped past him. Jason ran up the steps and held out his arms as if he was going to catch the deer but was five feet behind Livingston. He ended up following Livingston in, trailed by Nikko. Livingston began removing his gloves, then dropped a backpack. Winslow shifted and, Jesus, stood face to face in front of everyone with his naked twin brother. Jason blinked, then blinked again before shuddering. This was disastrous.

Now, it was pretty typical to shift and be naked, but his brothers just stood there, no hiding, no shielding, and letting it all hang out so to speak. Right in front of Livingston! Someone they didn’t know!

Livingston murmured to Nikko, “I know I’m damn shy, but even now I’m trying everything I can not to look south and make sure they aren’t absolutely identical in all things.”

Jason’s jaw dropped. Oh hell… the deer was just as nuts!

“Winslow and Sparks, here are your clothes,” Nikko said as he pulled out two pairs of jeans from the backpack.

The twins dressed before walking, shirtless, into the living room.

No fucking way. His twin brothers walked right into Livingston’s living room and put their feet on his coffee table, grabbed a remote, and then turned on the television. Just like that, they made themselves quite comfortable.

“Nikko, can I talk to you in the kitchen?” Livingston’s eyes widened as he stared at Nikko and Jason.

Livingston grabbed Nikko by the arm and pulled him into the kitchen area, and Jason followed behind, leaning in the entryway door. Nikko had the audacity to look guilty. Nikko never felt guilt. He was an evil chipmunk that shared his plots with Livingston here and with Theresa when he was back home. Sure, Nikko, just let your buddy the deer here know he’s about to be a victim of one of your devilish plans.

Nikko leaned his ass against the island. “I need a favor from you. Well, Philip and I need a favor from you.”

“Does it…” Livingston paused as Winslow walked in and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out the milk carton, drank from it, and put it back in the refrigerator where he’d gotten it. Winslow left with a milk mustache on his face and a shit-eating grin. Winslow even winked at him as he left.

“What the hell was that?” Livingston pointed his finger past Jason. “I just bought that milk, dammit!”

“That’s Winslow, my brother. Ugh… he always does that. Look…” Nikko began. Jesus, Nikko was really struggling here. “Wow, this is harder than I thought.”

“What?” Livingston asked. Was Nikko finally going to come clean? Ha!

“I have this problem…” Nikko covered his mouth with his hand as he mumbled something.

“Buddy, look, I know you’re a hoarder and I still love you.” Livingston went over to hug his friend.

Nikko pushed him away. “I am not a hoarder. I store, dammit.”

Says every damn chipmunk in our hoarding family.

“Oh,” Livingston murmured. “Are you sure, because when we lived together, you had the left side of the cupboard stuffed top to bottom full of every kind of nut and peanut butter you could imagine. Hell, some even seemed to tip on my side, which continually got smaller and smaller the longer we lived together.” Livingston held up his hands in defense as Nikko growled. “Not that I minded.”

Jason mumbled, “He minded. Give the man his space. Walk away, Nikko. Walk away.”

“Jason,” Nikko chided. “He’s a true friend and well… you know I’m moving in with Dallas.” Nikko rubbed the back of his head.

“Yeah,” Livingston frowned.

“I think I found someone to cover my side of the rent. Well… if they can find jobs.” Nikko chuckled nervously.

Anyone would be out of their fucking minds to hire them.

“Wait.” Livingston’s eyes bulged as he pointed to the living room, “Them? As in all of them? No way.”

“No… uh… just the twins.” Nikko shoved his finger through his unruly hair. Unfortunately, Nikko had nothing on him when it came to crazy looking hair; he lived with hair that looked like he stuck his finger in a light socket.

Sparks walked in at that very moment and opened a cupboard. He spotted a jar of peanut butter, unscrewed it, then dipped his finger in. He brought the scoop to his mouth and sucked on it slowly while eyeing Livingston. Was he hitting on the guy? Was that supposed to be sexy? It wasn’t. Not. At. All.

Livingston opened a drawer near him and pulled out a spoon, then handed it to Sparks.

“What? You don’t like peanut butter?” Sparks winked.

“Sparks,” Jason groaned.

“I… eww.” Livingston eyed Sparks like he had lost his mind.

Jason was in some damn nightmare.

“What do you mean eww?” Sparks acted insulted. It would go a long way if he didn’t have a smudge of peanut butter on the corner of his mouth.

“I mean, your hands were just on the ground. Did you run here in shifter form? Did you wash your hands? You contaminated that whole jar.” Livingston waved his hand at the peanut butter.

“Oh that’s the chefy prep guy in you.” Sparks chuckled as he walked by and patted Livingston on the ass like he was some damn teammate instead of a stranger. Jason cringed as he noticed a smudge of peanut butter on Livingston’s jeans.

“Chefy guy? Is he for real?” Livingston asked Nikko.

“They take some getting used to, but you’ll never be bored,” Nikko chuckled.

“I can’t live with those guys,” Livingston hissed. “Why can’t I have him?” Livingston pointed to Jason.

Jason jumped and pointed to his chest. “Me?”

“Yeah, you… you seem… well, quiet.” Livingston waved at him.

Jason glanced over at Nikko as he began to tremble a little. Livingston seemed like a nice enough guy but being removed from all his family would be all kinds of hell for him.

“You can’t have Jason. He’s… well, he needs to be close to his family. Jason’s going to live with Gunner and Phillip.”

I believe the word you are looking for, dear brother, is introverted.

Nikko actually appeared a bit sheepish before continuing. “It won’t be that long, I promise. We just need a bit of time until something in town opens up.”

Livingston’s mouth dropped open. “That could be months. Why don’t they live with you and Dallas?”

“They can’t. You know why. It’s only one bedroom, we have no room. Look, I know you’re looking for a roommate and need the help with the other half of rent. They’re a bit crazy, but I promise you they are nice guys. You’ll fall in love with Winslow and Sparks.” Nikko approached him and hugged him. “Plus I don’t like you living here all alone.”

Livingston sighed. “I do hate living here alone. I’m talking to the walls, and it hasn’t even been that long. You know me. You think this will be good for me?”

“Just try it. If they become too much trouble for you, I’ll talk to Phillip and Gunner. I think in time they’ll settle and you three will get along. They’ve never been outside of Atlanta and well… well, never mind. They’ll be hellish,” Nikko murmured.

“You were trouble, and I liked living with you.” Livingston sighed as he hugged Nikko.

Jason watched. It was clear that Livingston and Nikko were best friends, that his brother had developed a lasting friendship in this town. He hadn’t seen any of his family interact with other shifters, outside their mates at Christmas. Is this what it was going to be like living in White Pine? Jason’s body trembled. God, he wanted a friend, but the idea of approaching new people about made his heart jump out of his chest.

Nikko chuckled, breaking Jason’s thoughts. “Yep, and they’re me times two. You’ll be good for them too. Hey, look what came out of us living together.” Nikko winked at him.

“Okay, I’ll give them a try,” Livingston breathed out.

Livingston pulled back and smiled at Nikko just as the twins came scurrying by in chipmunk form. They ran around all their legs a couple of times. One took off while the other stopped, patted Livingston on the leg with his tiny paw, and zipped back out.

Jason laughed. “Nikko, you better make sure to start looking fast.”

It certainly was going to be interesting. Now Jason just had to figure out where he was going to fit in this town.

Buy the book: MLR | Amazon | All Romance (ARe)

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Meet the Author

Short, sexy and sweet—where a little love goes a long way.

That’s the best way to describe Jackie Nacht’s stories. She was introduced to M/M Romance through her sister, Stephani, and read it for years. Then, she thought it was time to put her own stories on paper. Jackie began writing short and sweet stories that ended with a happily ever after.

Thinking back to her own book addiction, where there were many nights Jackie stayed up way too late so she could read just one more chapter—yeah, right—Jackie decided to write short romances for young adults as well as adults. Hopefully, they will give high school and college students, or working men and women something they can read during their lunch hour, in between classes or just when they want to briefly get away from the daily stresses of everyday life.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

BFD Book Blog, Jessie G. Books, Divine Magazine, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, Happily Ever Chapter,

SiK Reviews, Havan Fellows, MM Good Book Reviews, Wake Up Your Wild Side, The Hat Party, Bayou Book Junkie, Velvet Panic, Open Skye Book Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

2-Dec

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Parker Williams

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $25 Amazon gift card.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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A MelanieM Review: A Gentle Kind of Strength by Kendall McKenna

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

A Gentle Kind of StrengthA police K9 handler believes he’s lucky when a romance starts with the local veterinarian, but then his canine partner is injured in the line of duty.

Sergeant Ray Lerner is a veteran sheriff’s department K9 handler. Damien Federov is the veterinarian caring for Harley, Ray’s canine partner. When taking a man as a lover, Ray’s always been confident. Around Damien, Ray becomes uncharacteristically shy and tongue-tied. When Damien begins their romance, Ray knows he’s lucky.

His obsession with a past tragedy blinds Ray to everything he has with Damien. When Harley is injured on duty, his life is in Damien’s hands. As Ray sits vigil, he has one final chance to allow Damien in all the way, or risk losing everything important, in a single night.

In A Gentle Kind of Strength Kendall McKenna once again demonstrates her knowledge and ability to bring a former soldier realistically to life on a page. This time its not a alternate universe of werewolves and marines but Ray Lerner, a dog handler in the Army and now a K9 police handler in San Diego.  Although its not completely apparent here, if you have read her other series, The Tameness of the Wolf, her descriptions of battle and her understanding of the military on display in those stories give Ray Lerner a sense of depth and grit that comes through in the story.   Its in the ring of isolation Ray has created around himself, one that only his canine partner, Harley, is allowed inside of, and its apparent in Ray’s  obliviousness to the effect he has on those around him, a sort of closed off aloofness born of self protection.  While the reader doesn’t yet pinpoint the source, we know it has to do with his past and the emotional scars he still carries from his tour as a soldier.

Another beautiful element here?  Ray’s love of his job as a K-9 officer and his deep connection to his partner, Harley.  That relationship is so strong and powerful, even when seen through stories being told about previous missions, the bond and love between man and dog is beautiful and believable.  McKenna also has done her homework in the instructions and teamwork a K-9 officer and his partner are trained in and work through.  Its exactly right that Harley should be front and center on the cover of the story.  He shines here as a major moving character, one the reader commits to immediately and with love.

Damien Federov, Doctor D as his patients call him is also a believable character.  I found him realistic as a vet, loved the camaraderie with the other officers and kept waiting for the magic to happen between Ray and Damien, for this book to start to click, the only missing element for me here.

Unfortunately, that never happened, for me at least.  I never felt the spark between the characters, a spark I know McKenna can write.  There was a realistic friendship, an authentic professionalism to Damien’s efforts as a vet, and several scenes that were raw and painful, but romantic and loving?  Not really. And there are lots of sex scenes, still I just didn’t feel a “connection”  between them. I just felt that the most believable relationship here was the one between Ray and Harley, not the romantic one between  Ray and Damien.  But so many of the other elements are so strong, so moving that it almost made me want to overlook the rest.

But then again maybe its me and other readers will find Ray and Damien work just perfectly together.  For me I need that spark!  Read it and decide for yourself.

Cover art by Jared Rackler is perfection.  That is Harley in the middle.  I couldn’t ask for more.  Great job.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 182 pages
Published by MLR Press
ISBN139781608209958
other editions (1)
A Gentle Kind of Strength

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Boyfriend Forever (Boyfriend #2) by Diana DeRicci

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Boyfriend Forever coverSeven years after leaving his boyfriend Jayden, Nash Vargas has reached his emotional limit.  Not because he’s left Jayden behind, but because his sister, whom he loves more than he’d ever have imagined possible, is dying from cancer, and Nash will be left to raise her nine-year-old daughter, Lupe, alone.

After Jayden sent him off to finish his degree, Nash did very well in college and rolled right into a master’s degree program, but his sister had problems with a deadbeat father, and Nash seemed to be the only family member willing to help.  He moved in with her and Lupe, and when they were stunned by her diagnosis of cancer, he became caretaker for both of them.  Now, operating on barely any sleep, Nash is caring for Lupe while trying to make his sister’s last days comfortable.

In the meantime, contrary to the advice of his friends, Jayden hasn’t moved forward. He’s never forgotten Nash, nor given up hope for his return. However, with all of Nash’s moves, Jayden doesn’t know where he is and no longer has his phone number.  Could Jayden find it if he searched hard enough? Yes, but he figures Nash has moved on, and he refuses to go begging.

Two stubborn men = one messed-up relationship = good plot bunny.

Fortunately, Nash’s cousin Bill and his partner Tim know where Nash is, and they plan to bring both men together at their own wedding, having separately asked both Nash and Jayden to be their best men. But even before that happens, Nash’s sister dies, and Bill and Tim convince him to bring Lupe back to Arbor Heights and move in with them.

I’m sure anyone reading this review can now guess that Jayden and Nash do get back together, but the fun is watching them fumble and bumble along.  Neither has had a relationship since they broke up because they considered each other the love of their lives.  I found this a bit hard to believe on an intellectual level. After all, young men in their twenties and thirties going seven years without even having casual sex feels a bit farfetched, but the romantic in me was happy to hear it.

I finished book one, Boyfriend for the Weekend, about six weeks ago.  I loved them in that story and was happy to find out there was a sequel.  However, when I read the blurb, I felt very disappointed that the men had lost touch, seven years had already gone by, and they were still not together, so I put off reading the sequel.  I shouldn’t have done that.  This book was a very satisfying ending to the series.  The men were as charming and sweet as before, with an added layer of maturity and experience to make their lives as a couple that much richer.

I recommend this to those who have read the first book. I would not recommend this as a standalone as it’s setup as a continuation of the first.  It’s a sweet contemporary romance with two likeable characters who finally move forward on the road to their HEA.

~~~~~

Cover art by Melody Pond depicts the torsos of two casually dressed men, with arms around each other, in the top panel of the cover, with a script-style title across the center and a scenic view of the mountains across the lower panel. Closely linked to the style of the cover of the first book, this one shows the men in light-colored casual wear more indicative of men comfortable with each other as is the case in this story.

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

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 101 pages
Published September 20th 2015 by MLR Press
ASINB015NHSXSU
edition languageEnglish
Boyfriend Series

Boyfriend For The Weekend (Boyfriend #1)
Boyfriend Forever (Boyfriend #2)