A MelanieM Review: Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1) by Pia Foxhall

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

In a world that is still getting used to shifters, where everyone thinks omegas are second class citizens, nature photographer and omega Braden Payne lets everyone think he’s a beta. That way no one gives him a hard time and he doesn’t have to live a repeat of his failed relationship. But when his car breaks down in the remote Blackwood forest in Western Australia, without the medication that lets him hide who he is, he’s faced with what he fears most: an unmated alpha.

Government forest guardian and alpha Coll MacDubhar is tired of illegal loggers, foolish tourists and people who underestimate the wilds of Western Australia. He discovers Braden lost and in need of medical assistance in the forest he protects and knows something’s not right.

But there’s hidden depths to Braden that capture his interest, and no decent alpha would walk away when Braden’s unwelcome past comes to visit

It’s not often that I get to enjoy a story that throws a different light on wolf shifter culture and the aspect of mating but Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1) by Pia Foxhall offered me that and much more. Pia Foxhall is a new author for me but this story guarantees that I’m seeking out not only the others that she releases in this series but anything else written by her as well.

Foxhall did several things extraordinarily well here. She’s familiar with her setting(s) and is deeply appreciative the natural environment, its complexities, the moral decisions being made that emotional and economically divide people/beings out there, and the incredible beauty to be found in its harshness. Through her characters she is able to pull her readers into that forested land, those men and women’s lives and make us feel their tie to the land as well. It will affect you deeply.

That’s an abiding thread throughout this story.

Foxhall has also created a backhistory that I really wanted to know more of for the wolf shifters. Their lineage, , the Sleeping,the great Reawaking when the majority of the shifters got together and revealed themselves to the humans, the ramifications that continue to the present day in this story. I am hoping that further novels enlarge on this past shifter history.

Then the author folds Braden’s past trauma, how it was handled by the police, hospital, and government neatly into an side thread on current treatment of the omegas ,Alpha misuse, human misunderstandings of the wolf physiology. wolf culture, and the lack of real reinforcement of the laws. This is such an important, believable, and downright authentic part of the story that could have overwhelmed the romance, yet never does.

And finally there is the romance that starts off so badly. It’s a rescue that becomes a slow burn by necessity and respect. I loved how it evolved and still is moving forward at the end of the story. They still have some of the path to tread to HEA which is exactly how the author should have ended this story. Rushing things would have been all wrong given the past events in Braden’s life and all the ones that happen during this story that were quite scary. Coll MacDubhar is the perfect partner for Braden and a easy character to love. You will fall in love with this couple so quickly. Also with their friends that surround and support them. I can’ wait for more in this series.

I love being surprised! New elements and new aspects always do that to me and this author gave me plenty to mull over in Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1) by Pia Foxhall. Now to wait and see what the next installment brings! If you love shifters as much as I do, grab this one up and check out Pia Foxhall wolf shifters! I absolutely recommend it.

Cover by Tiferet Designs.. I sort of think this is a miss. So many story elements to choose from and none are represented here.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

Edition, 1st edition, 267 pages
Expected publication: November 23rd 2018 by Pia Foxhall
ASINB07JF61DS1
Edition Language English
Series Perth Shifters #1

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Rabi and Matthew by L.A. Witt

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

A long-term family rivalry between the Hashmis and the Swains forms the crux of this story. They are Democrat vs Republican, Muslim vs Christian, and when Rabi Hashmi falls head-over-heels for Matthew Swain, and vice-versa, readers know there’s going to be heartache and strife. They meet at a frat party and have to hide every moment together—from their first kiss to their eventual trip to a hotel.

What makes their love dangerous is that the strong family rivalry started years ago and erupted into violence in the past. Now that their fathers are running for a single Senate seat, it’s so much worse. Though Matthew’s father is likely to pull the votes from their small, predominately white, homophobic town, Rabi’s father stands a good chance of winning the rest of the state.

The early part of the story features the slow buildup of their relationship with both boys expressing a desire to remain virgins. Later, their feelings deepened and they made love amidst the chaos of trying to keep their relationship secret, even after the election. Actually, it’s more important then because emotions were running hot and heavy between the two families and their supporters. It’s a recipe for disaster, and when Matthew’s brothers head out to hunt for Rabi after Matthew’s father finds out and disowns him, readers will find it hard to put the book down.

I enjoyed the early part of the story when the boys were meeting in cornfields and deserted locations, but I was, nevertheless, anxious, and I kept expecting they’d be interrupted and one of them lynched during the romance scenes. That didn’t happen, thankfully, but what did happen carried the second half of the story and that was truly hair-raising and painful to witness. Exciting, frightening, interesting, scary, and emotional are just a few of the words I’d use. The author wrapped me up in the insanity and didn’t let go. The ending is not the traditional Romeo and Juliet tragic ending, and an author’s note explains why. In this instance, there’s a positive outcome—in more ways than one.

If you love a story with star-crossed lovers, family feuds, homophobia, tension, and ulcer-inducing drama, then you should definitely like this one. One word of caution in case these things are triggers: there is violence, death of a secondary character, and suicidal ideation in this story.

The cover by Christine Coffee is creative and fun. It features half of Rabi’s face and half of Matthew’s. Definitely attention-getting.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 264 pages
Published November 5th 2018 by Riptide Publishing (first published November 3rd 2018)
Original Title Rabi and Matthew
ISBN 139781626498341
Edition Language English

Am Alisa Review: Edge of Living by H.L Day

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Sometimes, death can feel like the only escape.

It’s been a year since Alex stopped living. He exists. He breathes. He pretends to be like everyone else. But, he doesn’t live. Burdened by memories, he dreams of the day when he can finally be free. Until that time comes, he keeps everybody at bay. It’s been easy so far. But he never factored in, meeting a man like Austin.

Hard-working mechanic Austin has always gone for men as muscular as himself. So, it’s a mystery why he’s so bewitched by the slim, quiet man with the soulful brown eyes who works in the library. The magnetic attraction is one thing, but the protective instincts are harder to fathom. Austin’s sure though, that if he can only earn Alex’s trust then the two of them could be perfect together.

A tentative relationship begins. But Alex’s secrets run deep. Far deeper than Austin could ever envisage. Time is ticking. Events are coming to a head, and love is never a magic cure. Oblivious to the extent of Alex’s pain, can Austin discover the truth? Or is he destined to be left alone, only able to piece together the fragments of his boyfriend’s history, once its already too late?

This was a very emotional book. Alex has been basically forcing himself to stay alive in order to get his family the justice they deserved. Austin quickly comes to care for Alex but he continues to keep a part of himself away from Austin.

Austin feels that Alex will come to trust him in time as long as he is patient. As we slowly learn what Alex went through it’s easy to understand how he feels and how detached he is.

We see both of these characters’ points of view which makes it easy to connect with these two. We slowly learn what happened to Alex but it’s easy to see how much he hurts inside. I could see Austin’s desperation to get to Alex when he finally finds out what had happened. I loved Austin’s dedication to Alex even before he knew the full truth. I loved the very end when we see Alex has found the love and happiness he deserves.

I loved the cover art by HL Day and think it’s perfect.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 218 pages

Published: October 26, 2018 by HL Day

Edition Language: English

Release Blitz for Join the Club (Four Kings Security #3) by Charlie Cochet (excerpt)

JOIN THE CLUB

FOUR KINGS SECURITY #3

CHARLIE COCHET

M/M ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/CONTEMPORARY

RELEASE DATE: 11.19.18

Join the Club Cover

COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

BLURB

When the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds.

Eduardo “Lucky” Morales is a fighter, from his childhood days in Cuba to his time as a Special Forces Green Beret. Scarred by the wars of his past, Lucky has learned nothing lasts forever. Guarding his heart is second nature, and getting emotionally involved is not an option. As co-owner of Four Kings Security, Lucky works hard alongside his former brothers-in-arms and fellow Kings, but he also plays hard. Flirting with sexy Texas cowboy and detective, Mason Cooper, is too much fun to resist, until Mason turns the tables on him.

Mason Cooper may not be a soldier, but he’s fought his share of battles as an openly gay cop and now a detective for Major Crimes. Mason has no idea when things changed between him and Lucky, but the gorgeous, fiery Cuban has turned his world upside down. When a mistake leads to his suspension from the force, Mason turns to the least likely person for help: Ward Kingston.

Determined to keep Mason at arms’ length, Lucky is surprised to find the man at Four Kings Security. The Florida nights might be getting cooler, but the heat between Lucky and Mason burns hotter with every passing moment. Working private security can be dangerous and unpredictable, but so can falling in love.

Word count: 75,208

AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2QRJgdG

AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2FtBOUN

JtCGraphic3

JtCGraphic4

EXCERPT

This was going to be a long night. Lucky felt it in his bones.

Once they were in downtown Jacksonville, Lucky pulled the truck into the parking lot of the bank across the street from the skyscraper they’d be watching. Jack had acquired the perfect spot near the lot entrance in case they had to move quickly, and a small team of security agents were parked in the Central Station parking lot, waiting for word from Lucky. With the engine turned off, Lucky unbuckled his seat belt and climbed out of his seat at the time Mason did. Lucky reeled back in an effort not to bump into him, the back of his knees hitting the seat. He flailed, throwing an arm out, but he needn’t have worried. Mason wrapped an arm around his waist and caught him, bringing him up against his hard body.

“Easy there, darlin’,” Mason murmured quietly, their lips only inches apart. “Don’t want you hurting yourself.”

Lucky swallowed hard. He felt Mason’s warm breath against his skin. “You’re stepping on my shoe.”

Mason frowned. “You’re worried about your shoe?”

“These boots are Guiseppe Zanotti.”

“Am I supposed to know what that means?” Mason asked, releasing Lucky.

“It means they cost almost a thousand dollars.”

Mason stared at him. “Why the hell are you wearin’ thousand-dollar boots to work surveillance? You know there are kids out there starvin’?”

“Yes, I know,” Lucky spat, pushing Mason away from him. “I was one of them. Now excuse me. We have work to do.”

At least Mason had the decency to look mortified.

“Shit, Lucky, I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

“Forget it,” Lucky muttered, taking a seat behind the console to log into the security system. “I don’t need to explain myself to you. Just sit down and pay attention.”

Mason took a seat beside him, his expression solemn. Thankfully, he didn’t speak. Lucky didn’t need his apologies or his permission. In Cuba he’d spent most of his time barefoot because the shoes given to him were either beyond salvation or he grew out of them so quickly they hurt his feet to the point he couldn’t walk. Now he could afford all the shoes he wanted, and if he wanted to spend money on designer shoes, no one had the right to make him feel like shit for it. He wasn’t stupid. His savings account was solid, and his retirement account was one of the first things he’d set up when he got his first job. He spent a lot of money, but he also saved money because he knew what it was like to have nothing. He was never going back to that again. Never.

CharlieLogo2018Website

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

Blog: http://www.charliecochet.com/blog

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Facebook Author Page: http://facebook.com/authorcharliecochet

Tumblr: http://charliecochet.tumblr.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charliecochet/

Twitter: @charliecochet

Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/charliecochet

In the Spotlight Tour and Giveaway: The Burning Magus by Don Allmon

The Burning Magus (Blue Unicorn #3) by Don Allmon
Riptide Publishing
Cover Art: Simone’

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Don Allmon here today on tour for his latest novel, The Burning Magus. Welcome, Don:

Howdy all! And welcome to the blog tour for book three of the Blue Unicorn trilogy, THE BURNING MAGUS!

THE BURNING MAGUS is a cyberpunk/fantasy Ocean’s 11. Or it would be if Danny and Rusty had been an orc and an elf, they’d been lovers, and the Bellagio casino had been an evil wizard’s tower.

If you’ve been following the series, BURNING MAGUS brings the whole gang together: JT and Austin, Comet and Buzz, the Blue Unicorn and Roan.

It’s the final book in the series where the heroes get their HEA, the villains get their come-uppance, and well… I won’t spoil everything.

To celebrate, we’re gonna have a drawing! The lucky winner gets a hardback copy of BIG GAY ICE CREAM [link: https://biggayicecream.com/] by Bryan Petroff and Douglas Quint. To enter, leave a comment below with your email address, and at the end of the tour I’ll draw a name! Good luck everyone!

About The Burning Magus

Love can make a good crime go bad.

JT was a perfectly happy orc building cars in the Arizona desert until his old friend and sometimes lover Austin showed up and talked him into one last crime. Now “one last crime” has snowballed. With a new team of thieves — a supersoldier, a hacker, a driver, a graffiti artist, and a seafaring wizard — JT and Austin are determined to free an artificial intelligence from the dungeon of the Burning Magus.

For JT, this job is more than a prison break; it’s a do-over of The Job That Went Bad two years ago, the catastrophe in which JT lost his closest friend and then chose to abandon everything, even Austin. Maybe this time no one will die. Maybe this time JT can return to Arizona and bury his old life for good.

Except Austin won’t be buried. After two years alone, Austin knows he wants JT — not just as a partner in crime, but as the lover he always should have been. Maybe this time they won’t make the same mistakes, especially when it comes to each other.

Now available from Riptide Publishing!

About the Blue Unicorn Universe

JT is an orc on the way up. He’s got his own boutique robotics shop, high-end clientele, and deep-pocketed investors. He’s even mentoring an orc teen who reminds him a bit too much of himself back in the day.

Then Austin shows up, and the elf’s got the same hard body and silver tongue as he did two years ago when they used to be friends and might have been more. He’s also got a stolen car to bribe JT to saying yes to one last scheme: stealing the virtual intelligence called Blue Unicorn.

Soon JT’s up to his tusks in trouble, and it ain’t just zombies and Chinese triads threatening to tear his new life apart. Austin wants a second chance with JT — this time as more than just a friend — and even the Blue Unicorn is trying to play matchmaker.

The Blue Unicorn stories can be enjoyed in any order — jump in wherever you’d like!

About Don Allmon

In his night job, Don Allmon writes science fiction, fantasy, and romance. In his day job, he’s an IT drone. He holds a master of arts in English literature from the University of Kansas and wrote his thesis on the influence of royal hunting culture on medieval werewolf stories. He’s a fan of role-playing games, both video and tabletop. He has lived all over from New York to San Francisco, but currently lives on the prairies of Kansas with many animals.

Connect with Don:

Website: www.donallmon.com
Twitter: @dallmon
Pinterest

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Burning Magus one lucky person will win a hardback copy of the cookbook BIG GAY ICE CREAM by Bryan Petroff and Douglas Quint! https://biggayicecream.com/new-page/ Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 24, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

A Stella Review: Accidentally On Purpose by JM Snyder

RATING 3,75 out of 5 stars

One morning before work, Alan Travers accidentally bumps into Detective Jim Garrison at a cafe where both men stop for coffee. The handsome younger man interests Alan, but he misses his chance to get to know the detective better and wonders if he’ll get another.

With the help of his nephew Bryce, Alan concocts a plan to try and get Jim’s attention “accidentally on purpose.” It works, but as things heat up between them, Alan worries what Jim will think if he finds out their getting together was no accident.

Then Bryce goes missing, and Alan’s going to have to come clean. But is he the only one not being truthful?

I picked Accidentally On Purpose by JM Snyder cause I’m a huge fan of grown up main characters and the blurb sounded really interesting and funny. I wasn’t disappointed, this story was hilarious and sweet, but totally believable. Who of us has never tried to catch the attention of another person using silly jokes or stupid behaviours? Well, Alan and his nephew Bryce are the kings of the “accidentally on purpose” game and the results were well deserved, although sometimes a little too over the top.

I have to say I easily fell into these guys romance, I couldn’t wait to know how everything started and would develop. They fought for their happy ending, they took their time getting to know each other. And after some scary moments, they were ready to begin their life together.

I feel to recommend this novel, it is well done and written, it’s funny, cute and real, I read it in one night cause I was too curious.

The cover art is very fitting and nice.

Sales Links: JMS Books LLC | Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 173 pages

Expected publication: November 24th 2018 by JMS Books LLC

ASIN B07JMGFC8L

Edition Language English

An Ashlez Review : Walking In A Winter Wonderland by Claire Castle

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Colton Dawson is miserable this holiday season. Those he’d loved the most are no longer in his life. With one disappointment after another, how can he possibly get into the Christmas spirit? Maybe a change of scenery—a new place to put down roots—is just what he needs for a second chance to find some happiness.

Winterbourne Vale is only too happy to help his much-loved aunt and uncle run their café in Canada while on his short December break—even if it means leaving his home in the United Kingdom. After a defeated-looking Colton walks into the café, Winter is determined to lift his spirits.

Can Colton and Winter’s Christmas happiness continue long after the gifts are unwrapped and the decorations are stowed away?

Walking in a Winter Wonderland is holiday treat filled with special ornaments and glistening snow, hot tea and cold-weather kisses, along with some sexy shenanigans and plenty of holiday cheer.

Overall the book was cute, it started off promising, but I found that the intimate moments were extremely lackluster, I can’t hold it fully against the book even though that’s a part of it, because I did like Colton & Winter.

There were a few other annoying moments in the book, I’m all for a sensitive man but this went above and beyond what I would consider “sensitive”. Given the circumstances anyway. and there was no real “climax”, normally there’s a moment in a book where you think, oh, it’s not going to end well, this one didn’t really give me that moment.

Winter’s hobby was amazing though, and I wish I could put into words how I picture what he does for a living, because it’s magical, and I need that in my life.

Overall, though, it was a cute Christmas story.

Cover by Claire Castle: Fitting photo, I can see either of the men in the book fitting on the cover and it works.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 136 pages
Published November 15th 2018
ASINB07JC7FXSH

A Lucy Review: His Christmas Sweater by CM Valencourt

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Owen loves Christmas. From November 1^st to New Year’s Eve, his world is nothing but ugly sweaters, peppermint mochas, and Mariah Carey holiday singles.

Jacob is a bit of a Grinch. Since he’s gotten older, Christmas has never really been what he imagined. The closest he usually gets to festivities is an occasional bottle of peppermint schnapps.

When Owen’s journey to his parents’ house for their famous Christmas celebration gets cut short by the worst blizzard central Colorado has seen in years, he finds himself seeking shelter at the small roadside inn that Jacob manages. With Christmas rapidly approaching, Owen sets out to bring some holiday cheer to the hotel and its grumpy manager. Will Jacob be able to let Owen in before roads clear and Owen drives away forever?

I was so excited to read this book as this author, C.M. Valencourt, wrote my favorite book of 2019, From the Ashes. This one is different, holiday themed and not as deep. This starts with Owen heading back through a storm to get to his family Christmas celebration. They are a very close family who never had much money and all the traditions are very important to Owen. When the snow storm forces closure of the roads Owen has to very reluctantly admit that he’s going to miss at least part of it for the first time ever. He ends up at an inn managed by Jacob, the Grinch, which isn’t even decorated for the holidays. Since there are other guest unhappily stranded as well, Owen pitches in to try to make things better.

The inn does not provide meals, so first off Jacob has to hit the grocery to get things for these stranded holiday travelers. There are only two people running the inn apparently, Jacob and Mandy, the seasonal housekeeper. Owen spearheads a “make it Christmasy” campaign that includes Christmas caroling with hot cocoa, decorating the inn and the rooms, making cookies and whipping up Christmas dinner.

This is something that made me roll my eyes because when Jacob goes to the grocery store it is mentioned that “The kitchen in Elk Terrace wasn’t designed with room service in mind.” There is a single fridge and home range and Jacob got what was there, “…various cans, boxes and the few fresh things…” Jacob “…was more of a frozen dinner and coldcut sandwiches kind of guy, himself.” Despite this Owen was able to do miracles. “They made enough cookie dough to feed an army: two batches of sugar cookie, one snickerdoodle, and one chocolate chip…” They were also able to whip up the special Gramma’s hot cocoa recipe and a huge dinner including more cookies, three whole pies, etc.

A small pet peeve – the use of the term “hungry hole” when having sex.

This is a sweet, suspend belief Christmas story with some insta-love happening. Jacob’s family situation is so different from Owen’s, you get to understand why, for him, Christmas is just another day. Maybe a time to drink some peppermint Schnapps, but otherwise another day. Similarly, you see the love and care that Owen’s family has and why it is so important to him.

I loved the whole wrapping paper idea because that seemed so Jacob.

Cover art, showing Owen and Jacob and a ridiculous Christmas Sweater, fits the theme very well although I wish Owen was smiling because that’s kind of his thing!

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 77 pages
Published November 10th 2018
ASIN B07KDYT48F
Edition Language English
setting Colorado (United States)

Review Tour and Giveaway for Alpha Heat by Leta Blake

Buy Links: Audible US | Audible UK

Narrated By: Michael Ferraiuolo

Length: 15hrs 22 mins

Heat of Love Series

Book #1 – Slow Heat – Audible US | Audible UK

Blurb

A desperate young alpha. An older alpha with a hero complex. A forbidden love that can’t be denied.

Young Xan Heelies knows he can never have what he truly wants: a passionate romance and happy ever after with another alpha. It’s not only forbidden by the prevailing faith of the land, but such acts are illegal.

Urho Chase is a middle-aged alpha with a heartbreaking past. Careful, controlled, and steadfast, his friends dub him old-fashioned and staid. When Urho discovers a dangerous side to Xan’s life that he never imagined, his world is rocked, and he’s consumed by desire. The carefully sewn seams that held him together after the loss of his omega and son come apart – and so does he.

But to love each other and make a life together, Xan and Urho risk utter ruin. With the acceptance and support of Caleb, Xan’s asexual and aromantic omega and dear friend, they must find the strength to embrace danger and build the family they deserve.

This gay-romance novel by Leta Blake is the second in the Slow Heat universe. It has a strong, happy ending and a well-crafted non-shifter omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. No cheating. Content warning for brief sexual violence.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/293826951

Alpha Heat Sample 1 from Leta Blake on Vimeo.

Read Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review here.

Author Bio

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

Patreon | Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Blog Tour for Broken Halos (Queen City Rogues #1) by Aimee Nicole Walker (excerpt and giveaway)

BROKEN HALOS

Queen City Rogues, Book 1

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 11.07.18

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wander Aguiar

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

MODEL: Bijan

http://mybook.to/BrokenHalos

BLURB

Oliver Knight’s past is shrouded by sorrow and tragedy, but instead of hiding from it, Ollie owns his truth and uses his experiences to uplift others. As an out and proud pastor, he provides a safe place for LGBTQ Christians to gather and worship, and as a recovering addict, he counsels those pursuing sobriety. Ollie’s life is fulfilling but also a little lonely. He may not have a hard time meeting men, but he does have a hard time getting them to stick around once they discover his vocation.

Archie White is a former drag queen who hung up his stilettos to start an HIV transition home in the memory of someone he held near and dear to his heart. All work and no play has made Archie a very dull man, but he thinks his luck is about to change when a friend introduces him to a dark-eyed stranger. That is until he learns the man is a pastor. Archie detests anything to do with religion, and for very good reasons.

Archie’s gut tells him to run, and Ollie’s heart tells him to pursue. What can a pastor and a sometimes-queen possibly have in common? A desire to find unconditional love with someone who truly sees them. What happens next is the poignant, sweet, and sexy journey for two resilient hearts. Ollie and Archie’s halos might be battered and a little tarnished, but they’re definitely not broken.

Broken Halos is a charming story with heart, heat, and humor. Warning: these characters and their quirky sidekicks may take up permanent residence in your heart, so proceed with caution. Each book in the Queen City Rogues series can be read as part of the series or as a standalone novel. This book contains sexually explicit material and colorful language intended for adults 18 and older.

Broken Halos Teaser 2

Broken Halos Teaser 3

EXCERPT

It wasn’t my first time walking into a bowling alley, but it was the first time I showed up on a league night. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t what I found when I strolled through the alley looking for Ollie’s team. There was trash talking going on between the lanes, and each team wore customized shirts with their team name embroidered on the back with a logo and their first names stitched on the front. The color and style of shirts varied from bold and brash to ugly and boring.

Ollie’s team was easy to spot due to Andy’s enormous height. Their shirts were a silky black button-up with the name Broken Halos embroidered on the back in gold with a crooked halo hanging over the “o”in halo. I had no doubt Ollie came up with the team name and design. I had to admit it was adorable, but not more adorable than the pastor who filled it out so nicely. The silk shirt draped over his shoulders and caressed his pecs. The hem of it ended above the curve of his denim-covered ass. I should’ve turned around and left as soon as my mouth started watering, except Ollie turned just then and spotted me. The smile spreading across his face was equal parts welcoming and wolfish and too fucking hard to resist.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, Golden Boy,”I said in greeting. “I’m just here to offer Milo cuddles when he makes a fool of himself.”

The remark got a snort out of Ollie, an eye roll from Andy, and knee-slapping laughs out of the Frat Boys, as Milo called them. Milo himself just looked at me with disappointment for a few seconds before he crooked his finger for me to follow him. He only went far enough to get us out of earshot which wasn’t hard to do since there was more noise inside this bowling alley than the last Pride parade I attended in NYC.

“What are you doing here?”Milo asked firmly. “Don’t give me any bullshit about supporting me and my pitiful bowling because I’m most likely the best bowler in this building.”

“Milo, come now,”I said, smiling sweetly at him. “I love your confidence, but there are times it’s misplaced.”

“I guess you’ll watch and see won’t you,”he said cheekily. “Don’t fuck Ollie over, Archie. He’s missed you like fucking crazy this past month, but he’d eventually get over his attraction to you.”

Aimee Nicole Walker Logo

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy

who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js