Review: Rocky Start (A-List Security Book 4) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 2.5🌈

I’m very fond of many of this author’s series from #gaymers to Portland Heat to her Out of Uniform series, all terrific.

But the men and relationships of the A-List Security have been mostly problematic for me, in multiple ways couple by couple, book by book.

It’s not that the writing has been anything but well done or that the characters haven’t been believable. For the most part, they have.

The issues have been that they aren’t either particularly likable, there’s been little discussion or groundworklaid down for them to have any kind of relationship that’s believable given the crafted personalities and histories. It’s been the odd relationship dynamics (weak, one-sided, off putting) as well as the one dimensional groundwork that’s been used.

As a formula, Albert has started to move them along a game board path and there they go, whether it makes a realistic or narrative sense.

It happens here almost immediately. This story was perilously a DNF almost at 10 percent. Just Albert’s previous books in other series kept me going.

But the character of Avery, his personality, which was at odds with his background as a SEAL and established team member of the A-List Security agency had me putting down the book several times. I have a low threshold for man-toddlers. I question how authors don’t realize they are perceived by their readers.

I can tell you how I perceived him.

By 11% I was throughly tired of Avery. And thinking why am I supposed to enjoy this character? So far his qualities are being clueless, borderline offensive about homosexuality (especially odd given the LGBTQIA agency he works for , a fact which Malik brings up and Avery has a inadequate answer for. To say nothing of the sheer naïveté he exhibits for a character that’s a veteran and a member of the A-List Security. He actually threatens the believability that it’s Malik that’s a new hire instead of an established team player.

I’m starting to zone out. Never a good thing. Only Malik is keeping me moving forward with the story.

From here we jump into a awkward “gay exploration” or worse GFY sex scene, which I abhor, because that’s what you do when you have been talking about homophobia, and laid no foundation for any relationship except a dinner. You jump into gay sex which Avery then uses to make everything awkward, miserable, pick your adjective.

It’s 14 percent and I’m about out the door.

I struggled with trying to get through the remainder of the story and did, barely. It occurred by a style I’d call “reading fidgeting”, haphazardly getting into the storyline until I had to drop it again. Repeat.

Whether it’s my reading preferences, the narrative choices made by Albert with regard to the character of Avery , his decisions with his sexuality, and their relationship, I found this book just didn’t work for me on multiple levels.

Malik was the only bright spot and he wasn’t enough to elevate the novel’s themes or romance to a well rounded storyline. I won’t go into his PTSD because that felt extraneous after the annoyance of Avery. I wanted to pull Malik out of the book and into a story he deserved.

If you’re a fan of the series or author, then I’m sure you’ll already have read or put this on your TBR list. It’s not one I’m recommending.

A-List Security series:

✓ Tough Luck #1

✓ Hard Job #2

✓ Bad Deal #3

✓ Rocky Start #4

Rocky Start: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 4)

Description:

I think I’m falling for my bodyguard co-worker. Now I need protection… from myself.

As a former SEAL intelligence officer, I’m supposed to be smart. Unfortunately, those smarts don’t apply to love. I did a nice thing and took my heartbroken fellow bodyguard out for a Valentine’s dinner. Just us bros. But my plan worked a little too well, and a night that ended with a scorching kiss has turned into the most awkward morning at the office ever. Now we’re working together as bodyguards on a remote mountain movie shoot. And we’re roommates.

I’ve never been attracted to a guy before, but something about Avery calls to every protective instinct I have. We’re not dating, but every night alone together, I fall a little deeper. It’s also Avery’s first time with a guy too, and while we’re both enjoying all sorts of new things together, I worry my heart will be broken when we return to civilization.

No matter how badly this may end, I can’t seem to stop wanting Avery. All of him. I want to see who he’ll become if he ever manages to get out of his own way. I want to be his biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the guy he comes home to. But going from secret hookup to forever after is a big ask. Are we both brave enough to take the leap?

ROCKY START is book four in the A-List Security series. It features TWO highly protective SEAL bodyguards, a double awakening, an exploration of the sexy, lacy kind, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and celebrity clients. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Review: The Barkeep and The Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 4.75 🌈

V.L. Locey’s Campo Royale series is truly a favorite of mine. With every new storyline and couple, it goes into new territory and new relationship dynamics while still playing within the universe Locey has created for the series and characters. That’s the fabulous drag club, the Campo Royale and the Queen Mother, Sitka!

It’s time for Corduroy “Cord” Lopez, the pink haired, adorable, bartender of the Campo Royale, to find love and happiness. He’s been a staple in the other books, and now gets his own romance.

We delve into his personal history to see the stress and tight circumstances under which he’s living in order to provide a stable, happy life for his daughter. A joyful girl, diagnosed with Mosaic Down syndrome, she’s his everything.

Locey’s descriptions and excellent writing brings the characters and father/daughter loving relationship realistically to life. She’s all kid, peanut butter smears , meltdowns, hugs, and all. I love this family unit, including the grandmothers.

Jagger Collins is another terrific character, a haunted man coming off the trauma of an abusive ex husband and the mental breakdown it caused. He’s still in recovery, using the support of a wonderful therapist and friends and his brother to help move forward.

Locey’s portrait of a shattered man in recovery, one learning to trust in himself again, is gentle, and moving. There’s no flashbacks, nothing to act as triggers I think, however, Jagger does remember , verbally, the attack the ended the marriage and put him in the hospital.

Watching Jagger and Cord become close, then take the fragile steps to become lovers, then a family, is so heartwarming and wonderful. It’s moments with Jagger’s scottie who farts …a lot. Or the scenes with Paloma, Cord’s daughter, a heart stealer, who takes a liking to both Jagger and his dog!

I could definitely do with another story to see where they go from the HFN that the note they end on here.

It’s realistic and so great. I definitely want more.

Luckily I believe we will see more of them like we do the others in the new stories to come. I can’t wait!

I’m highly recommending The Barkeep and The Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey .

Campo Royale series:

✓ The Viking and the Drag Queen #1

✓ The Batchelor and the Cherry #2

✓ The Barkeep and The Bookseller #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Barkeep and the Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can two men move past their shattered dreams and create a new future together?

Corduroy Lopez is a hard-working man. He has to be. There really is no alternative. He’s a single father with a beautiful, special needs daughter to support. His mother and grandmother help when they can, but he’s a proud pan man who is determined to make it on his own. When his daughter is accepted into a prestigious developmental education preschool, Cord needs cash and he needs it yesterday. One night, offhandedly, the cute owner of the new bookstore in town mentions wanting to start a drag story hour, Cord leaps at the chance. He’s done drag before. Once. Performing on stage at the Campo hadn’t really been his thing but donning a wig and dress to sing children’s songs while strumming a ukulele should be a much more enjoyable experience. Also, the bookshop owner is adorable, newly single, and spending a great deal of time sitting at Cord’s bar sipping virgin piña coladas after the bookstore closes.

Jagger Collins never meant to end up here. He’d been a happily married man with a swanky job in a Philadelphia bank just two years ago. Then the bottom fell out of his life. His marriage combusted, his job quickly followed, and he found himself with only his dog Hamish, his brother, and half the cash from the home he thought he would be starting a family in. Taking the advice of his elder sibling to heart, he left the big city and bought a small brick building in downtown Wilmington. Trading in ties for tomes, Jagger is now embracing the simpler things in life. Reading, biking, knitting, and admiring the lithe bartender at the Campo Royale. Cord is ticking all the right boxes in a big way, but Jagger’s not sure if he’s ready to put his heart on the line again.

The Barkeep and the Bookseller is a single father guy next door gay romance that features a hard-working dad, a learning-to-love again bookdealer, a precocious preschooler, high heels, a loving family, flashy floral fashions, and a ukulele rich happy-ever-after.

Review: The Boy in the Locked Room (Beyond the Veil #2) by K.M. Avery

Rating: 3.75🌈

The Boy in the Locked Room is a good example of second book syndrome. The first story sets the characters and world building. The second story needs to continue that momentum going, while further developing the storylines (if that’s the format the author’s chosen) as well as allowing for character growth.

It definitely shouldn’t raise more issues than it does contribute towards a bettering a relationship with the characters and the series arc the author’s laying out.

Which is my problem with The Boy in the Locked Room . See full list at the bottom.

At the end of The Ghost in the Hall , a book I loved btw, the MC the medium, Edward Campion, had become paralyzed from the waist down, due to a battle with a evil spirit.

Avery’s descriptions of Ward dealing with his long recovery, his disability and it’s very real impact on every aspect of his life is raw, filled with tears, darkness, and is absolutely believable.

Ward isn’t thinking about the boy who needs saving. And still visits him nightly, albeit rarely in the beginning of the book. Ward is rightfully concerned with his own personal issues. His business, which is taking a hit because of his recovery. He’s depressed and feeling too dependent on others, like his orc Professor boyfriend, Mason . They’ve moved in together but even that’s feeling out of sync. The adjustment isn’t going smoothly.

This is where I’m conflicted because Avery does an incredible job with Ward in this situation , once having made the decision to injure Ward so severely in the story. However, it now becomes so much a part of the current story that any other subjects or threads are relegated to a lesser narrative status.

Including the boy in the locked room.

What comes next in the high percentage of scenes after the turmoil of Ward adjusting to his disability and new reality is his sex life. Or rather his and Mason’s. This does dovetail into how both parties are relating to each other physically and emotionally after Ward’s trauma.

But, there’s so many that just as we start with a scene or storyline that’s connected to Rayn, the tormented boy that’s dream walking, and crying out for help, it’s stopped. And we’re back to yet another sex scene.

The entire subject of the book’s title is given very little space until the story is halfway finished which is a shame because the horror and mystery is a excellent idea, but truly not given the depth or details it needs.

So where did the space go to? Chapter 19. A chapter the author themselves states, in a Dear Readers note within the book , can be skipped over because it includes,“an attempted sexual assault in Chapter 19. Readers who have survived similar experiences may be more comfortable skipping ahead to Chapter 20.” Avery has written a raw, graphic scene that’s hard to read, where a vulnerable person is being sexually assaulted. This includes a suspenseful build up as well as the scene itself. It’s the entire chapter.

This also includes a trip to the hospital, rape kit scene, and police investigation. Raw and brutal, as it would be.

There’s one impactful magical element that’s of note. It could be referenced or brought into this story another way outside of this chapter.

So my issue and question is, if a full chapter and entire major aspect of a plot and character storyline be skipped over, is it really necessary to begin with? Especially one that’s so traumatic, carries with it triggers, and deep emotional pain ?

Was it just needed to bring that one magical development to light?

That’s a chapter that could have been used to further the complicated history and horror that’s Rayn. Or any of the other ghosts or families asking Ward and Mason for assistance. Some including Sylvia are fantastic.

And let’s not forget the fantastic elf Detective Hart. His role here was enlarged, remarkable, and again makes me want a series just for him.

So for me? The Boy in the Locked Room (Beyond the Veil #2) by K.M. Avery suffered from :

✓ too many sex scenes, which leads to

✓ a lack of concentration on the actual title subject matter,

✓ the fact it contains an entire chapter devoted to a brutal attempted sexual assault that the author said could be skipped . So is it really necessary?

Final question. If a book has wonderful characters, great ideas, and moments where it seems to come together but just didn’t because of every reason I just stated, would you be recommending it?

I’ll leave you to decide the final answer.

Beyond The Veil series:

✓ The Ghost in the Hall #1

✓ The Boy in the Locked Room #2

◦ The Skeleton Under the Stairs #3

https://www.amazon.com › Locked-…The Boy in the Locked Room (Beyond the Veil Book 2) Kindle Edition – Amazon.com

Synopsis:

Sometimes dreams aren’t just dreams…

The boy begging for help in my nightmares is very real. He’s trapped, and it’s up to me and Mason to get him out. The trouble is, we have to find him first.

It would be a lot easier if we weren’t also trying to solve a series of magical murders and deal with my horrible ex-boyfriend at the same time.

Oh, and on top of that, I’m trying to make this relationship work, but that’s not the easiest thing to do when you’re a magnet for ghosts and murderers, your ex is a complete narcissist, and your boyfriend is an orc witch.

As they say, when it rains, it pours.

A HFN, M/M Paranormal Romance—book two in Mason and Ward’s story.

Book Two of Beyond the Veil.

Book One: The Ghost in the Hall

(TW: Attempted on page graphic sexual assault)

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Broken In by B.A. Tortuga

Rating: 5🌈

Broken In, B.A. Tortuga’s new release , is definitely my favorite of all her most recent stories.

It’s got all the elements I expect from a B.A. Tortuga tale, but elevated into well developed, beautifully defined book, where every aspect of the story and all the characters damaged past histories flow smoothly into a believable reunion and grounded heartfelt loving future.

The start doesn’t reflect the depth the story and characters will achieve as the story unfolds. First it’s a bit of the men’s combined past, their failure as Greyson Hayden is asked to leave his home and his lover of many years due to his alcoholism. Kyler Lassiter has packed up Greyson’s bags and told him to get help, get sober. Because he doesn’t love Kyler enough to do it together.

It’s a heartbreaking scene for all it’s shortness.

Fast forward to a successful now sober Greyson Hayden who’s returning to the small town he left as a drunk and the ex who asked him to leave.

Tortuga doesn’t shy away from the very human mixed bag of emotions Hayden is bringing with him to town. Tortuga writes believable people, and that means that they come with feelings and thoughts that aren’t always very admirable.

It’s all Greyson to begin with in the narrative. He’s been through the program, he’s got a sponsor he’s working with (we meet him later), he’s realistic about being a alcoholic. But he’s also someone who’s still hurting over the past. Right or wrong.

And just when the reader wants to give him a kick in the conscience about who’s to blame for his actions, Greyson himself gives himself a mental talking to, and corrects course.

Because he’s become a responsible adult. He’s grown up. And just like that , human foibles and all, you are in this man’s corner.

Which is exactly what the story and character needs when the reunion happens.

I won’t spoil Kyler Lassiter for you and his part of the story. It’s huge. It’s so emotional. It’s also realistic in keeping with the character and the setting. But how I love that man. He might be one of Tortuga’s finest characters.

I’ll leave it at that.

Showcased here at the highest level are the following elements:

⁃ The author’s ability to fully explore with grace and sensitivity important topics such as alcoholism and disabilities within the framework of her characters.

⁃ Tortuga’s regional knowledge of the land and culture to enrich the story and characters by creating a foundation so real it’s never in doubt.

⁃ This extended to the love of horses as well as bulls here. The horses were a living, breathing part of this book. I felt them as much as the people. Same went for Snow.

⁃ Food. Enchiladas, breakfast burritos, stuffed sopapillas, tacos, “Christmas flat enchiladas with an egg”, stuffed sopapilla with ground beef, guac, and Christmas”, and just like that my mouth is watering and I need to have a seat in that restaurant with them! Then honey and fried bread. Hmmmm.

⁃ Tortuga’s cellular level talent with colloquialisms. There’s the familiar Lord have mercy and God help me, but also the perfect

“Pie crust promises.”

Broken In by BA Tortuga

If that doesn’t describe a promise that’s temporary I don’t know what does.

I found a new one here, asking for Christmas as in:

““Do you want green, red, or Christmas?” “Christmas, please.” Ky beamed at him. “I love both types of chile.””

— Broken In by BA Tortuga

Again, don’t you just want to go ask for some of whatever they are having just to say that?

The author’s ability to craft dialogue that’s grounded in the region, as well as the people is outstanding. It contributes to pulling us into their lives, the universe, and all the emotions playing out in the situations they find themselves in.

One last thing. The realism as it pertains to the medical aspects of this story. That’s a raw deal for so many people who live in area like the ranches here where care is so spread out that what’s offered is almost nonexistent. It’s a reality faced here inside the story and for many in real life.

Combined with all the other elements here, it makes Broken In by BA Tortuga one of the most amazing contemporary romances I’ve read lately.

I’m highly recommending this. It went very quickly, including that wonderful epilogue.

Add this to your list of books to read!

https://www.goodreads.com › showBroken In by B.A. Tortuga – Goodreads

Greyson Hayden wants to prove to his ex that he’s made it. He’s a successful stock contractor with a couple of million dollar bulls, a ranch owner with more acres than he can count, and he stopped drinking when Kyler kicked him out. He’s had a lot to prove, but now he’s back in town to show Kyler that he has. And maybe rub it in.

The hardest thing Kyler Lassiter ever did was let Greyson go, and he’s lost a lot in his life, right up to his legs in a terrible accident. He’s willing to let Greyson one up him if it makes the man feel better, but when fate throws them together again in the most bizarre way, Ky isn’t sure he’ll survive it, or having to lose Greyson again when it’s all said and done.
Can these two hardheaded cowboys learn to forgive each other, and themselves in time to find something lasting, or are they more broken than broken in?

This is a MM cowboy romance with tough love, tough luck, and lots of learning to be something new.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: The Infidelity Clause by Lisa Oliver

Rating: 2.5🌈

I was looking forward to this book based on the blurb and some of the reviews, but it was definitely not the story I anticipated. Btw, spoilers ahead.

First of all there is no solid world building here. The Infidelity Clause by Lisa Olivier was lacking in a consistent foundation for its storylines. It’s missing huge parts of its universe, especially anything relatable to a magical element. That was almost a nonexistent item here, although supposedly it was a major factor in the health of the peoples, education , and foundation of the kingdoms.

Oliver’s plot veered between the “whimsical” historical comedy the blurb referenced and a realistic drama that factors in people with pasts that contain sexual assault, suicide, family abuse, and abandonment. More about the abundance of plot elements later.

The story revolves around a marriage clause called a Infidelity Clause referred to by the characters as a “piss off “ clause repeatedly. Why? Because if broken, one of the partners of the contract can, well, you guess it.

The intention here is that the marriage was going to be a temporary contract. It all starts off so lightly. A way faring Prince, will wed a ne’er do well “loves to party”prince in a comedy of errors! Sounds fab!

The author has chosen names of the countries and neighboring kingdoms along the lines of Gumflumple, ( actually Gunkermal) with a actual heir , a stepbrother, to a throne called Paragon. Not the main characters. So I figured this was not a story I was supposed to take seriously.

It was if Oliver started out writing a broad comedy, then because she couldn’t decide where to take the characterizations, so she moved them and the storylines all over the place. From light fun which then took a dark turn into stark murderous drama!

Broad comedy, sex and sexual awakening, drama, murder mystery, murder attempts, action suspense, romance, pirates and sea battles, a pinch of steampunk and a scoosch of tiny magical doings too . Oh and a character with disabilities and mentions of several past sexual assaults to others. The entire kitchen of narrative elements was absolutely tossed into the book here . I believe I’ve left out some. Like the smh names of some people and items.

I liked the characters, but the story they are running around in is a mess. Main elements have no foundation. Small characters play a big part , then several mentions, then disappear. Pop back in. Gone again.

It’s got the feeling of a grab bag of narrative elements that just keep getting thrown in without the necessary exposition to glue it together.

But the worst? The way it was ended.

“Which was why, when the knocking at the door started, he ignored it, and encouraged Caspian to ignore it too.

To Be Continued.”

— The Infidelity Clause: One of those MM crown princes, arranged marriages books by Lisa Oliver

The author excuses herself by saying she’s decided to write another book, so she’s leaving them here.

Like that absolves her of the decision to complete a book a person has paid for and has the expectation of getting a finished , polished product.

Which, imo, this is not.

So read it if you’re a fan of the author. Or if the blurb intrigues you. I’m giving the next book a pass.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Infidelity Clause by Lisa Oliver – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What are you talking about? Marry another man?”

Caspian, fourth son and yet still a Crown Prince of Gunkermal knew he was a party to a marriage contract. Arranged marriages were common in his family, and he expected the contract would cement various trade or security agreements with another country. He just didn’t realize the other party to his contract was a full-grown man, who stepped off his ship and into Caspian’s life as if he owned it.

How much is this marriage worth to our king again?

Nikolas, Crown Prince and only heir of Westland, arrived in Gunkermal to fulfill his part of a marriage contract that was six months in the making. He was under no illusions about his prospective spouse. By all accounts, his intended was a womanizer, a lay about, and was likely someone who fussed if Nikolas should use a wrong fork at dinner. That’s why Nikolas insisted their marriage contract have an infidelity clause. He figured his spouse would invoke what was known as the “piss-off” clause before Christmas and he’d be free.

It’s far better to marry someone whose weaknesses we’re already aware of.

One man went into his marriage contract blindly. The other thought he knew everything there was to know about his intended spouse. When circumstances suggested that neither man knew what was actually going on, was there a possibility the marriage could work after all? And what did a pirate captain have to do with anything at all.

The Infidelity Clause is a whimsical story that is the result of the author’s muse taking a holiday. If you are a fan of MM arranged marriage stories, set in a land with a dash of magic, and a double dose of humor, you might enjoy this one. The main characters in this story are adults, so intimate situations are described. Please store your e-book content responsibly.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Silent Knight (Blackhaven Manor #7) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

Silent Knight was totally charming. Low angst, sweet, and huge on holiday spirit. It should make everyone’s holiday seasonal reading list.

Simon Russell has been a staple in these stories for a while. But what type of being or who he exactly is has never been stated. He’s always been the sunny guy who hangs around the receptionist desk, or goes off to handle whatever requests have been handed out by the Manor’s guests or it’s Owners. He’s a good natured, gorgeous guy.

As the Manor gets ready for its holiday season, it also prepares for the arrival of its latest employee, Snow leopard shifter,Archer Knight.

Archer was part of the Guardians seen briefly in Grin and Bear it. Now Archer’s been forcibly retired from the Guardians due to physical disabilities caused on the job. He’s been hired by the Maddox siblings to work security at the Manor.

Archer is one of the great characters in this series. A magical attack left him without the ability to verbally communicate and with a heavily scarred visage. Archer communicates with ASL. His background is not a happy one and is best left to the story.

Having his fated mate be Simon Russell , who comes from a large, loving family is perfect. And makes for a romantic relationship you’re going to love to read about.

The reveal about Simon’s true nature is part of their mating bond. One more terrific element.

Silent Knight, a reference to the mute Guardian Archer once was is a lovely book about finding love and family when you least expect it.

Blackhaven Manor is a series of short romances that keeps surprising me with the wonderful stories and great couples.

I’m highly recommending you look into the series if you’re not familiar with them already.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

✓ Pixie Little Liar #5

✓ Dead Over Heals #6

✓ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showSilent Knight (Blackhaven Manor #7) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Being part siren isn’t exactly a secret, but it’s not something Simon Russel likes to advertise, either. He’s not ashamed of who he is or anything so dramatic as that. But people tend to treat him differently once they realize he can manipulate their emotions. Just once, he wishes someone could see him and not the demon within.

Enter Archer Knight, a former Enforcer and the newest guard at Blackhaven Manor.

Forced into retirement after a poorly executed mission leaves him damaged and disfigured, Archer figures he has a right to be a little bitter. With his scarred face and surly attitude, he’s not going to win any popularity contests, which suits him just fine, or so he tells himself.

Until he meets Simon.

Mix one not-so-chance encounter, a heap of holiday cheer, and a dash of misguided but well-meaning intentions in this recipe for Christmas magic. Season with love and serve with a side of awkward family get-togethers.

Don’t forget the marshmallows.

Review: Switch – Hitter (Hit and Run #1) by E.M. Lindsey

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Switch-Hitter is the first book in a new sports series by E.M. Lindsey. It exists , per the author’s forward, within a universe where in MLB out athletes are accepted as are those with various disabilities .

Wouldn’t that be a lovely place? And indeed it is, for the characters in Switch-Hitter and readers who will enjoy as I did.

Lindsey incorporates a number of elements that definitely make their characters more multidimensional.

Pietro Bassani, baseball player for the Denver Vikings, is also a man with his own personal issues. He’s ADHD, late in life diagnosed, and he’s hiding it from his team and teammates. He feels guilty that his beloved barely older brother , Gabe, who was just as talented a ball player as Pietro, was injured by a car crash and lost the one thing they thought they’d be doing together. At times he’s just a mess. That doesn’t begin to cover his ex, Herve’ and that damage.

Pietro is one mess of a kind man. Someone the reader relates and roots for , no matter what else is happening. He’s one well crafted character.

Thierry Bourget is his equal. He’s also someone who started off as his enemy. Which makes this enemies to lovers romance even more fascinating. The author takes the path of both men , once they start communicating which is immediately, as people who recognize the toxicity of the person who connected them. It gives the author and the men moments to reflect on what elements made those relationships toxic, and the positive ways they’ve both changed. Just terrific.

The story and the romance, the men, all come across as adult. Each also has to deal with the ongoing issues that stem from Thierry’s physical semi paralysis.

That’s a lot to unpack in one story but it’s done so beautifully here . From exactly how Thierry’s recovery is going, through rehabilitation, and every bit of painful injury both men undergo, it’s believable, well written, and emotional.

Herve’ was the only aspect that felt a tad unresolved. He was too much a tenacious creature to just disappear. I wonder if he’s going to make a reappearance somewhere in another book.

I absolutely enjoyed Switch-Hitter and look forward to more in this series.

If you love contemporary romances and sport’s love stories, put this on your must have list!

I’m highly recommending it.

Hit and Run series:

Switch-Hitter #1

Line Drive #2 – out July 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showSwitch-Hitter (Hit and Run, #1) by E.M. Lindsey | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Get a personal chef, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.

And then Thierry shows up and Pietro realizes his mistake. Because he knows Thierry. A little too well.

Thierry is the man who told his ex to leave him.
Thierry is the man who punched Pietro and ran.
Thierry… is his ex-boyfriend’s best friend.

But Pietro also knows the man needs a job. An injury destroyed his former career and Pietro is nothing if not a bleeding heart. Besides, he doesn’t have time to search for a new chef, not with the World Series looming and his team ready to go all the way.

Life gets more complicated, though, when he and Thierry cross a line one night after a lot of wine and several bad jokes. And while hooking up is one thing, Pietro knows the last thing in the world he needs is for his heart to get involved.

Too bad it tends to make decisions without him.

Switch-Hitter is the first book in a fictional MLB series featuring a lonely baseball player with a chip on his shoulder and hope in his heart, a team ready to win no matter what it takes, a grumpy French chef who will defend escargot to the death, and a few bottles of dry red wine leading to the sweetest happily ever after. Each book in the Hit and Run Series stands alone, contains no cheating, and has a happily ever after.

Andrew Grey on His Wonderful Book Covers and new release Heart Unbroken (Hearts Entwined #4) ~ author guest blog and excerpt

Heart Unbroken (Hearts Entwined #4) by Andrew Grey

Dreamspinner Press
Published August 6th 2019
Cover Art: L.C.Chase

Sales Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Dreamspinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Andrew Grey back again to talk about the next novel in his Hearts Entwined series, Heart Unbroken. Welcome, Andrew.

❤️

I get asked a lot of questions, but one of the most is about my covers. Dreamspinner has an amazing Art Department and I work with the cover artists to develop a cover for each story. Sometimes it takes some back and forth in order to come up with the cover for a story and other times it happens so very quickly. The cover for Heart Unbroken came about relatively quickly.

Since it was the fourth in the series and because of the auto restoration in the story, the elements I wanted on the cover were pretty easy to figure. However, it was the two guys that took a little doing. I really wanted to men together because touch and closeness mean so much in this story with Lee’s blindness and L C Chase came though in a huge way.

Blurb/Synopsis:

Car restorer Dean Milford knows how to make damaged things beautiful again. Only, after a bad breakup, he loses sight of who he is, playing the field and distracting himself with any man he comes across. But now there’s only one guy who really matters to him. And maybe with his latest restoration job—a vintage Cobra—he’ll get the chance to let him know.

Losing his sight wasn’t the worst thing to happen to Lee Studer—losing his independence was. It’s taken a while, but he’s finally found his place in the world—in a garage. Funny enough, his acute hearing allows him to pinpoint engine problems just by listening. And even better, he’s going to have a chance to help his long-time crush, Dean, rebuild his fantasy car.

As the restoration comes together, so do Lee and Dean, building a friendship that quickly turns into so much more. But before they can think about a future together, they have to deal with the past. Only that turns out to be more dangerous than either one ever dreamed….

Excerpt

“What the fuck?” Scott swore next to him. “Everything is messed up.” He pulled back his hand, and Lee listened as each drawer in the chest was opened and closed. “They all are. Shit, I’m going to kill whoever did this.” Scott turned and shouted for Brent to come over.

“What’s going on?’ Brent asked in his deep but kind of soothing voice. He must have been signing as he spoke, because Scott answered right away.

“Everything in Lee’s drawer is messed up. He needs his tools in the right place so he can find them easily.”

Lee stood to the side, his arms around his own chest. It seemed stupid, but the thought that someone had been in his things and messed everything up on purpose just about killed him. He’d probably have felt better if they’d just stolen them. That was impersonal. But messing everything up—that was close, intimate. They knew exactly what would upset him most.

Before losing his sight five years earlier, Lee had been a real slob. His mom had been forever asking him to clean his room. But once he couldn’t see, he’d learned from James that he needed to be organized and precise if he was going to be able to navigate his blindness in a sighted world.

Scott moved to stand right next to him, then hugged him tightly. “Scott, can you and Lee spend some time fixing his tools? I’m going to get the car for you and drive it into the bay. We’ll try to figure out who did this. Was the box locked?”

“Yes. I saw Lee unlock it. Someone just tipped the entire box on its side to mess it up.” He was angry and as pissed off as Lee was. “The bastards.”

“I’ll get to the bottom of it, but I don’t understand,” Brent said.

Lee didn’t either. As far as he knew, he was friends with everyone at work. All of the other guys had always been nice to him. They even helped him and offered to guide him if Scott wasn’t there. He trusted all of them. That’s what really hurt.

“Okay,” Scott said, then started opening the drawers. He set to work, the tools banging against the metal dividers as Scott set them back in place.

Lee stood out of the way and let Scott help him. He could identify his tools by their feel, but he needed them in their own places if he was going to find them easily.

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

Review Tour and Giveaway for Soul To Keep (Rented Hearts #2) by Garrett Leigh

Universal Buy Link

Length: 62,000 words

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

Rented Heart Series

Rented Heart (Book #1) – Universal Buy Link

Blurb

Recovering addict Jamie Yorke has returned to England from California. With no home or family to speak of, he sticks a pin in a map and finds a small town in the Derbyshire Peak District. Matlock Bath is a quiet placeóhe just needs to get there, keep his head down, and stay clean. Simple, right? Until a chance meeting on the flight home alters the course of his so-called life forever.

Ex-Army medic Marc Ramsey is recovering from life-changing combat injuries while pulling nights as a trauma specialist at the local hospital. Keeping busy is a habit he canít quit, but when Jamieóso wild and beautifulóbursts into his life, working himself into the ground isnít as compelling as it used to be.

?Marc falls hard, but chaos lurks behind Jamieís fragile facade. Heís winning his battle against addiction, but another old foe is slowly consuming him. Both men have weathered many storms, but the path to the peace they deserve might prove the roughest ride yet.

April 2 – Joyfully Jay, Lost In Love Book Blog, Foxylutely, Sinfully

April 3 – The Novel Approach

April 4 – Love Bytes, Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, Kiss Like A Girl, Katie’s Book Corner

April 6 – Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Mikku-chan, Mainely Stories, Gay Media Reviews

April 9 – My Fiction Nook

April 11 – We Three Queens, Mirrigold, Love Unchained, Open Mind for a Different View

April 13 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Geekery Book Review, MM Good Book Reviews, Diverse Reader, Sexy Erotic Xciting

April 16 – OMG Reads

April 18 – Love Bites & Silk Ties, Wicked Faeries Tales, Making It Happen

April 20 – Bayou Book Junkie, Reading In Sarah’s Corner, The Way She Reads, Jim’s Reading Room, Au Boudoir Ecarlate

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with photographer Dan Burgess.

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A Paul B Release Day Review: Running Blind by Kim Fielding and Verona Keyes

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

running-blind-by-kim-fielding-and-venona-keys Kyle Green is a successful voice actor with a partner of ten years. Finishing up the latest season of the hit anime Ecos, Kyle feels a bit tired. He wakes up in the hospital having suffered a stroke at forty. His motor functions seem to be fine but he finds out that he is blind. This will make it impossible for his to continue his work with the animated series. When his partner Matt informs him that he just received a grant to work on Native American ruins for the next five years, Kyle insists that he go. Kyle reasons that the spark in the relationship was lost years ago and he should not stand in the way of Matt’s research.

With the help of his sister Lily, Kyle starts to learn how to live as a blind man. When Kyle sees spots of light while moving, Matt arranges for Kyle to see a neurologist. Kyle is experiencing Riddoch syndrome, where previously sighted people can see some things when in motion. He decides to try running. As he runs, he begins to see things in motion but is tripped up by a child’s tricycle. He is helped by Seth Caplan, a man who recently moved by to Chicago to help his mother. Seth offers to help Kyle home. He suggests Kyle finding a volunteer to run with. Kyle contacts the local advocacy agency who sets things up. Who should call Kyle but Seth? The men are definitely attracted to each other but each has what they consider baggage that they carry into the possible relationship.

I really enjoyed this book. Kyle seems to have everything at the beginning and loses it all within the first couple of chapters. Kyle, while upset he may never be able to anime again, he rebounds by doing audiobooks and commercials, which do not require synchronization with video. Seth is a lawyer who quit a large firm to work with a tech company which develops apps for adaptive technology. He came back to Chicago to help out with his mother who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Kyle does not want to be a burden due to his blindness while Seth has something in his past he feels guilty about and has not been in a relationship in a while. The end is definitely a foreseeable happily ever after.

The cover by Anna Sikorska is perfect for this book. It has what appear to be two runners, bound by tether at the wrist. It could be from a scene right out of the book.

Sales Links

Book Details

ebook, 200 pages
Expected publication: November 7th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634778928 (ISBN13: 9781634778923)
Edition LanguageEnglish

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Heart Unbroken (Hearts Entwined #4) by Andrew Grey

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