ARC Review: On Davis Row by N.R. Walker

Blurb:

Nearing the end of a suspended jail sentence should unlock a brighter future for CJ Davis, only the chip on his shoulder is as hard to shift as his bad reputation. Born into a family of career criminals who live down Davis Road, an address the cops have dubbed Davis Row, his name alone is like a rap sheet that makes optimism impossible.

Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance.

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they're not that different at all.

Jewel's rating:



On Davis Row is a beautifully written, heartwarming story about second chances and learning that you are more than your family name. In fact, your family doesn't have to be those that are blood related, at all. That particular theme is one of my favorites, because most of the people I consider my family aren't blood related to me, but I know they have my back and I have theirs. That's what family really means.

CJ Davis was dealt a rotten hand in life. All four of his older brothers and his father are no good criminals, all in prison. CJ's only relative that is worth anything is Pops, who raised him the best he could. Now CJ cares for Pops, who is getting up there in age and is chronically ill. Even still, "everyone" knows that those Davis men are no good, so no matter how hard CJ tries to do the right thing -- and he succeeds, dammit -- he still gets lumped in with his brothers and father, because CJ made a mistake a couple years ago and is now on parole.

Blogtour: Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren

NEW BOOK RELEASE !!

From award winning author Kaylin McFarren

TWISTED THREADS

Kaylin McFarren

Series: Threads Book 4
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing LLC
Publication Date: November 20, 2017

The only thing sweeter than a secret is revenge

A family becomes an assassin's target after a crime lord's sister is brutally murdered in Kaylin McFarren's latest erotic, psychological thriller, Twisted Threads.

Akira Hamada, a beautiful Japanese geisha, failed at killing Kaito Mitsui two years ago - the same yakuza gang leader who destroyed her lover and forced her to become an assassin. Now, with his sister's murderer traveling to the Caribbean on a cruise ship, Akira has ten days at sea to identify her target and complete her assignment as her penance, or face her own death.

Devon Lyons, unaware that his aunt and uncle could be singled out and murdered, brings Akira into their lives. In searching for evidence to justify Mitsui's revenge, she soon discovers that no one is who they seem to be. All the while, Devon is drawn into the mystery of mounting deaths on board the ship, putting his own life at risk.

With killers on the loose and no avenue for escape, tension is ratcheted to a breaking point, forcing everyone to choose between love and loyalty - or deeply held honor - in order to survive.

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Purchase Links

Available on Amazon.com

Excerpt

Excerpt One: Chapter One - Killing Time

Blood streamed down the side of Akira’s face at an alarming rate, mixing bright red against the white porcelain tub. As the showerhead splayed hot water over her body, she watched it with strange fascination, circling and disappearing through tiny holes in the drain. She picked up a white washcloth and mindlessly scrubbed against her narrow waist until her skin turned bright pink. Then she lowered the coarse cloth and rubbed longer than usual at the triangle of black hair between her legs and upper thighs, stopping only when it became painful. At least on the outside she felt cleaner, but inside was a different matter.

The consequences of her actions could not be remedied, nor could they be wiped away. Yet despite her resolve for this justified killing, she remained lost in a sea of hopelessness—incapable of seeing a way out.

Then why are you still here? Pick up your sword and end it now. The words echoed in her mind, taunting and teasing. She didn’t care about anything—or anyone. Why should she? Mitsui had insisted all ties be cut with the people she had once loved, including the Buddhist monk she might have married.

Release Blitz: In Case Of Emergency by Keira Andrews

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 32,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Dar Albert @ Wicked Smart Designs

Blurb

Former stepbrothers find Christmas romance under the tree.

After years alone, Daniel Diaz is finally ready to shake up his orderly, solitary life. He's about to leave for a cozy Christmas getaway with his new man when he gets the call from the ER that his former stepbrother has been admitted with a concussion and a broken hand—and Cole put him down as his emergency contact. Why the hell would he do that? Daniel barely knows the guy. After all, their parents' marriage lasted less than a year and it was a decade ago!

But Cole has no one else to look after him and strict doctor's orders not to be left alone. So fine, Daniel will bring him along on vacation to make sure he doesn't starve or fall into a coma. This is supposed to be Daniel's chance to explore romance again after locking down his feelings for too long—except it turns out his could-be boyfriend is more interested in partying and being an obnoxious jerk. Daniel sends him packing, and now he's stuck with a virtual stranger in an isolated mountain cabin.

Cole Smith crushed hard on cranky Daniel when they were teenagers. Alone with him in a romantic winter wonderland, those feelings roar back to life. Glimpsing the caring, vulnerable man under Daniel's frosty shell, he yearns to get closer. Christmas is a time for surprises, and Daniel and Cole discover a scorching connection that just might melt their hearts.

This fluffy gay Christmas romance from Keira Andrews features former stepbrothers reconnecting as adults, sexy hot-tub shenanigans, cuddling by the fire, and of course a happy ending.

Author Bio

ARC Review: Archangel's Assassin by Barbara Elsborg

Blurb:

He wants to forget

West is an archangel’s assassin delivering justice to supernatural creatures who break the law. Not a straightforward job because he also has to absorb the memories of those he kills. Even worse, West is breaking the law himself in an attempt to free his brother from hell. If he doesn’t succeed before his archangel boss finds out, West will be joining his sibling.

He wants to remember

A young guy wakes in a London park with his memories gone. He has no idea who he is, or where he comes from. A bracelet engraved with the single word Tao is the only clue to his identity. With no sign of his memory returning, he drifts into a life on the streets. Begging is his only way to survive.

Two worlds collide

When Tao returns West’s stolen wallet, West offers to buy him a coffee. Tao delights in the chance to sit down with a good-looking guy until his instincts tell him to run away. Fast. West is surprised when Tao flees, considering how much he’d been mentally urging him to stay. Is he losing his touch or is Tao more than a scruffy young man down on his luck?

Only one way to find out.

Jewel's rating:



Archangel's Assassin was almost perfect. I do love Barbara Elsborg's paranormal novels. I like her mix of fairies, demons, and angels and her storytelling is so engaging, I could hardly put this one down.

West is an assassin, working for the Archangel Raphael. West is kind of bitter, but does his job because he's good at killing and and it gives his anger an outlet. Besides, it's better than being in Hell, right? He was a Special Forces sniper, when he was alive and in the military, and he killed whom he was told and learned to live with it, or at least that's what he told himself. Personally, I have my doubts. I think he just didn't let himself think about it. West doesn't think he's a good guy. He feels like he let his mother down and he feels like he failed his brother. Which is why he's moonlighting for the demon that promised to release his brother from Hell, if only he delivers enough souls. Ah, West...

Tao doesn't know who he is. He remembers nothing past two months ago when he awakened on a park bench. His only clue as to what his name was was a bracelet with "Tao" engraved on it. It's close enough to a name, anyway, so he took it. Living rough is hard when your soul isn't tough. Tao just wants to live and be happy. Begging for money is soul-sucking and so he only does what he must. But there is more to Tao than what you see. He knows pretty much any flower by name (including the Latin), and he can occasionally make things appear.

ARC Review: On Davis Row by N.R. Walker

Blurb:

Nearing the end of a suspended jail sentence should unlock a brighter future for CJ Davis, only the chip on his shoulder is as hard to shift as his bad reputation. Born into a family of career criminals who live down Davis Road, an address the cops have dubbed Davis Row, his name alone is like a rap sheet that makes optimism impossible.

Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance.

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they're not that different at all.

Dani's rating:

Davis Row is nothing but a dirt road leading to a broken-down house where several generations of Davis men have come and gone. And everyone knows you can't trust a Davis; they're nothin' but druggies, criminals, and losers.

CJ Davis works part-time at an auto shop, where he helps the elderly owner, Mr. Barese, any way he can. He also takes care of his Pops, who has emphysema. CJ is on probation but keeps his head down. He has no dreams for the future; he takes it day by day.

Then a new parole officer shows up. Noah is young and idealistic. He isn't jaded and truly wants to make a difference.

But CJ is having none of that. CJ knows better than to trust anyone, particularly someone like Noah, with his fancy suits, big vocabulary, and sharp cheekbones.

ARC Review: Desperately Seeking Santa by Eli Easton

From The Blurb:

Journalism student Gabe Martin gets his first professional assignment—to write about a Christmas charity dinner that benefits a children’s home. It sounds like a total snooze-fest until Gabe learns that the event’s Santa is a mystery man. He shows up in costume and no one has a clue who he is. Uncovering Santa’s identity sounds like the perfect angle to turn a fluff piece into serious journalism. 

Mack “The Mountain” McDonall, at 6’10”, is University of Wisconsin-Madison’s enormous star wrestler. When Gabe first claps eyes on him at a wrestling match, it’s lust at first sight. Gabe’s friend, Jordan, sets up the pair on a date. But when Gabe chatters on about his plans for outing Santa, Mack goes cold, and their first meeting becomes an epic fail. 

As Gabe researches the children’s home, he learns that Mack has secrets a guy famous for being a brute wouldn’t want the world to know. Can Gabe find his holiday spirit, write a killer article, win the heart of a surly giant, and give everyone a very merry Christmas? 

NOTE: This 50,000 word short novel features a new couple but includes Jordan and Owen, from the author’s book “Superhero”. It can be read as a stand-alone.

Karen's rating:

When Gabe Martin's friend, Jordan, finally convinces him to go to a college wrestling match with him to cheer for their team but more importantly Jordan's boyfriend Owen, whom, those who have read Ms. Easton's book 'Superheroes', will recognize as the MCs from that story but if you're like me and you haven't read 'Superheroes' yet you  can read this story without worry.

Now back to Gabe accompanying his friend Jordan to a wrestling match where they cheer not only for Owen but where Gabe first lays eyes on the 6' 10", 285 lb. Mack McDonall star of the wrestling team and for Gabe the stuff of his fantasies...very, very steamy fantasies. Add to this the fact that journalism student...Gabe gets his first assignment from the local newspaper that he interns with...two events that seem totally unrelated but are anything but.

I enjoyed...wait scratch that I loved! everything about this story both of the MCs were absolutely adorable...Gabe with his outgoing nature and offbeat sense of humor...both what came out of his mouth and his internal monologues, his open and friendly demeanor and then there's Mack...quiet, intelligent, solid, dependable, stoic Mack who cautiously guarded his heart as carefully as his past but once you got past his barriers...you were held there safe, secure and loved.

Blogtour: No Limits by Nora Phoenix

No Limit

No Shame Series Book 2

Nora Phoenix

M/M Romance

November 26, 2017

Cover Design: Sloan Johnson/Sloan J Design

BUY LINK: myBook.to/NoLimits

BLURB

Josh is convinced he’ll never find someone who’ll love him the way he is. He’s not exactly a catch with his PTSD, which has transformed him into a homebody most of the times. Sweet, maybe, but also boring as hell. Plus, there’s that submissive tendency he recently discovered and is dying to explore. When Connor shows interest in him, he can’t believe the sexy cop would look at him twice, let alone make an effort to get to know him. When he does, Josh discovers theyb have more in common than he’d ever thought possible.

Connor had survived the ordeal that left his best friend and fellow Marine dead, but that survival came at a price. He’s a robot, going through the motions, but barely alive. Until fate intervenes when he meets Josh. The vulnerable man triggers all kinds of protective and dominant urges in Connor, but what would a cute guy like Josh want with an inexperienced, closed-off, bossy steamroller like him?

When Connor discovers his past endangers Indy, all hope for a future between him and Josh seems lost. After all, there’s no way Josh will ever choose Connor over Indy’s safety and Noah’s lifelong friendship. When a crisis hits, can Connor prove he’s strong enough to deal with everything that’s thrown his way?

No Limits is a steamy M/M romance that ends with a HFN, but has a continuing storyline as well. It’s the second book in the No Shame Series, and is not a standalone novel, so make sure to read the first book (No Filter) first. It contains hot sex, a little BDSM kink for beginners, more hot sex, and a beautiful friendship that transcends labels. Also: trigger warning for mentions of sexual abuse.

EXCERPT

Connor needed to know. “But you are gay, though?”

“I am.”

“That’s good,” Connor said, then cleared his throat. So far for playing it cool. Oh, fuck it, that ship sailed long ago. You might as well go all in. “Look, before we continue this conversation, can you at least say something?”

Josh tilted his head to the side, his nose crumpling, making him look adorably cute. “About what?”

Connor threw his hands up in the air. “About whether or not you like me back. You still haven’t said a damn thing on how you feel about me, if you like me or not.”

This time, Josh's answer came wicked fast. “You’re hot and damn sexy, but I don’t know you well enough yet to decide whether I like you or not.”

Connor’s mouth dropped open slightly. “You think I’m sexy?”

ARC Review: Desperately Seeking Santa by Eli Easton

Blurb:

Journalism student Gabe Martin gets his first professional assignment—to write about a Christmas charity dinner that benefits a children’s home. It sounds like a total snooze-fest until Gabe learns that the event’s Santa is a mystery man. He shows up in costume and no one has a clue who he is. Uncovering Santa’s identity sounds like the perfect angle to turn a fluff piece into serious journalism.

Mack “The Mountain” McDonall, at 6’10”, is University of Wisconsin-Madison’s enormous star wrestler. When Gabe first claps eyes on him at a wrestling match, it’s lust at first sight. Gabe’s friend, Jordan, sets up the pair on a date. But when Gabe chatters on about his plans for outing Santa, Mack goes cold, and their first meeting becomes an epic fail.

As Gabe researches the children’s home, he learns that Mack has secrets a guy famous for being a brute wouldn’t want the world to know. Can Gabe find his holiday spirit, write a killer article, win the heart of a surly giant, and give everyone a very merry Christmas?

NOTE: This 50,000 word short novel features a new couple but includes Jordan and Owen, from the author’s book “Superhero”. It can be read as a stand-alone.

Jewel's rating:



Sometimes Christmas wishes do come true...

Desperately Seeking Santa was a heartwarming and feel-good Christmas story -- just how I like them. While I'm one that prefers a fair amount of angst in my books, one exception would be Christmas stories where I really want people to just get with the happy program. I mean, it's Christmas! Eli Easton does not disappoint.

Gabe Martin has been assigned to cover a story for the local newspaper where he interns. He's disappointed in the 'feel-good' fluff nature of it and yearns to stretch his journalistic wings with something more juicy. I mean, how exciting can a Christmas benefit at an Elk Lodge be? So Gabe has to be creative and when he stumbles on something he might be able to use, he is itching to go.

Mack McDonall is a wrestling champion at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He's a giant of a man, and very private. He's smart, passionate about things (and people) he cares about and he wants to make a difference. Mack is quiet, not exactly shy, and does not trust easily. He's got plenty of reason to keep things close and he's determined to succeed in life. I really admire Mack. He was handed a difficult life, but he doesn't let it define him.

Review Tour: Not Just For Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 48,000 words approx

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Blurb

Ben has Christmas, cats, and mistletoe on his side…. Jason doesn’t stand a chance


For Ben Slater, moving back to Bristol means being closer to his family, living with his best mate, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. But there’s also Jason, his best mate’s eldest brother. Ben’s had a crush on Jason for as long as he can remember, but the eleven-year age gap has always seemed insurmountable.

Jason Armitage works as a vet at his uncle’s practice. He owns a cute cottage on the outskirts of the city, and a loving dog. The one thing missing is someone to share it all with. His brother’s best friend seems a bad choice, but Jason can’t help taking a second look. Ben’s changed a lot since Jason last saw him; both in appearance and attitude. Gone is the shy young boy, replaced with a confident, twenty-four-year-old man.

In the run up to Christmas, the festive period gives Ben the ideal opportunity to show Jason what he has to offer. But concerns for his brother’s feelings hold Jason back. If they have any chance of making this work, Ben must convince Jason that he’s old enough to know what he wants, and Jason needs to believe that a relationship with his brother’s best friend won’t ruin their friendship.

Dani's review:




Ben has been in love with his best friend Liam's older brother, Jason, for ages. Jason is eleven years Ben's senior and used to babysit him and Liam; he's cleaned up Ben's vomit and watched him screwing around like the kid he was.

But Ben is 24 now, done with university, and no longer a child. He has muscles in all the right places, a good heart, and just one wish for Christmas.

A sprig of mistletoe leads the way! Ben's kiss sends Jason into a tailspin. He worries Liam will mind. He worries things will be awkward.

What can Ben do to convince Jason there’s nothing to worry about because they belong together?

Blogtour: Infamous by Jenny Holiday

Please say hello to Jenny Holiday and 

Infamous 

Hello! I’m Jenny and I’m happy to be here to celebrate the release of Infamous. Infamous is book two in the Famous series, which mixes m/f and m/m romance. (And mixes famous musicians and regular people!) In Infamous, Jesse, our resident bad-boy rock star has to decide if he’s willing to risk his career to be with Hunter, a doctor he’s rapidly falling for. I hope you enjoy it!

Blurb:

All that up-and-coming musician Jesse Jamison has ever wanted is to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. When a gossip website nearly catches him kissing someone who isn’t his famous girlfriend—and also isn’t a girl—he considers the near miss a wake-up call. There’s a lot riding on his image as the super-straight rocker, and if he wants to realize his dreams, he’ll need to toe the line. Luckily, he’s into women too. Problem solved.

After a decade pretending to be his ex’s roommate, pediatrician Hunter Wyatt is done hiding. He might not know how to date in the Grindr world, how to make friends in a strange city, or whether his new job in Toronto is a mistake. But he does know that no one is worth the closet. Not even the world’s sexiest rock star.

As Jesse’s charity work at Hunter’s hospital brings the two closer together, a bromance develops. Soon, Hunter is all Jesse can think about. But when it comes down to a choice between Hunter and his career, he’s not sure he’s brave enough to follow his heart.

Get the book:

In Praise of Ramen—the best “worst date food”

Jenny Holiday

You know how they tell you not to eat messy foods like spaghetti on dates? In that vein, ramen is probably horrible date food, but it’s the go-to cuisine for the Hunter and Jesse, the heroes of Infamous. (We’re talking about actual ramen from an actual Japanese restaurant, not the “ramen noodles” that you may have subsisted on in college, though those are delightful in their own right.)

Their friendship starts with Jesse showing Hunter, who is new to Toronto, where the book takes place, around the city. Things escalate (you know, plot, angst…stuff happens…), and before they know it they find themselves in a ramen shop late at night, wearing tuxedos because they’ve just come from a charity gala to benefit the hospital Hunter works at. Jesse takes him there because he knows ramen is Hunter’s favorite food, and even though he can’t say what’s in his heart (for, you know, reasons…plot, angst, stuff that happens…) he’s a master of small, thoughtful gestures.

So they roll up to the ramen shop, sit at the counter, and slurp broth in their party clothes while it’s storming outside. I thought it was a pretty romantic image, partly because of the juxtaposition.

They say to write what you know. I personally do not know ramen. Not for a decade or more at least, thanks to a pretty severe gluten intolerance. Sometimes people ask me if I ever get swoony over my own books. Maybe I did when I was writing them, but by the time they’re published, so much work has gone into them that I’m mostly over it. But I have to say, I do get swoony about the tuxedoed ramen scene in Infamous.

But I think that has more to do with the ramen I can’t have than the sexual and romantic tension between the tuxedoed gentlemen.

About the author:

ARC Review: Desperately Seeking Santa by Eli Easton

Blurb:

Journalism student Gabe Martin gets his first professional assignment—to write about a Christmas charity dinner that benefits a children’s home. It sounds like a total snooze-fest until Gabe learns that the event’s Santa is a mystery man. He shows up in costume and no one has a clue who he is. Uncovering Santa’s identity sounds like the perfect angle to turn a fluff piece into serious journalism.

Mack “The Mountain” McDonall, at 6’10”, is University of Wisconsin-Madison’s enormous star wrestler. When Gabe first claps eyes on him at a wrestling match, it’s lust at first sight. Gabe’s friend, Jordan, sets up the pair on a date. But when Gabe chatters on about his plans for outing Santa, Mack goes cold, and their first meeting becomes an epic fail.

As Gabe researches the children’s home, he learns that Mack has secrets a guy famous for being a brute wouldn’t want the world to know. Can Gabe find his holiday spirit, write a killer article, win the heart of a surly giant, and give everyone a very merry Christmas?

Todd's rating:

Senior journalism student Gabe was impatient to get his first investigative assignment, but was given a feel-good, Holiday fluff piece on a children's home benefit, instead. He just knew it would be a snooze-fest, until he got wind of a mystery surrounding the event's Santa.

Senior engineering student Mack was the undefeated 285 pound wrestler at the University of Wisconsin, but "The Mountain" persona only paid for his college fees, it wasn't who Mack really was at heart.

So when Gabe was convinced by his best friend Jordan to go to one of Owen's college wrestling meets (both were MC's in Easton's "Superhero") and Gabe got one look at Mack, in all of his 6'10", singlet-wearing glory, it was completely and totally game over. We're talking slack-jawed drooling here, folks.

There was a huge mystery regarding Mack's past, one which was also closely tied to Gabe's reporting assignment, so the majority of the drama was unraveling that bit of secrecy, which Mack wished to remain hidden at all costs. Even if that meant pushing Gabe away.

This was a fun read, with a lot of walking on egg shells on Gabe's part, while he tried to do both his job *and* work on winning Mack's affections. Not an easy task.

ARC Review: Secret Santa by Jay Northcote

Blurb:

Theo hardly has time to date. Between work and caring for his four-year-old son there aren’t many hours left over. He’s lonely though, so he joins a hook-up app and starts chatting to a guy called Luke. Luke seems friendly and they arrange to meet. Theo doesn’t mention that he has a child. It’s early days and he’s worried about putting Luke off before they get to know each other.

Luke is currently working as Santa at the local shopping mall. He figures Theo never has to know. Christmas will be over soon and Luke will move on to a new, less embarrassing job. He’s surprised when Theo and a little boy visit Santa one afternoon. Theo doesn’t recognise Luke, and Luke realises he’s not the only one with a secret.

Despite misgivings on both sides, they start dating, and the chemistry is amazing. But as Christmas approaches their secrets pile up like colourful packages under the tree. If they’re not careful, they’ll lose the best gift of all—each other.

Dani's rating:

NO:

- drama

- Big Misunderstanding

- reindeer games

YES:

- two guys hoping they find more than a quick shag through a hookup app

- cute kid

- candy cane dildo

Santa likes the naughty boys too, and Luke has high hopes for the Geeky Guy he meets on Grindr.

When Luke realizes Theo is keeping a secret, he decides to let Theo tell him when he's ready. Unfortunately, small deceptions spiral out of control, and Santa is outed by a dinosaur!

ARC Review: Gemini Keeps Capricorn (Signs of Love #3) by Anyta Sunday

Blurb:

Sometimes, one stubborn Capricorn is all it takes… to drive Wesley Hidaka to crazy, flirtatious lengths.

Wesley loves annoying his RA, Lloyd Reynolds. He just can’t help it. Lloyd is focused, decisive, grounded. He has this amusing ability to follow rules.  Of course Wesley wants Lloyd to break one… or three hundred.

Sometimes, one smirking Gemini is all it takes… to have Lloyd laying down the law and marching Wesley straight back to his dorm room.

It doesn’t stop Wesley teasing again. And again. And again…  But damn. Lloyd doesn’t crack easily. He’s full of principles. He’s unshakable.

He’s the perfect friend to have when Wesley needs help. Like with his truant brother and his old high school principal.

Sometimes, one little lie is all it takes… to find Wesley fake-engaged to his off-limits RA.

What can he say? It seemed like a good idea at the time…

Todd's rating:

This third installment of Anyta's "Signs of Love" series was all about feel-good fun and the oooooooh so slow burn.

Wesley Hidaka was a law student, with almost zero passion for the law, but a burning passion for annoying his dorm's resident assistant, which knew no bounds. If there were rules to be broken, he was the first in line with a raised hand all but screaming, "Pick me, pick me!"

Lloyd Reynolds was studying advanced mathematics, in hopes of becoming a math teacher and, eventually, a high school principal, which was a complete fit for his serious, rule-following demeanor. If there were rules about to be broken, he was the first in line with a palm raised actually screaming, "Do NOT even think about it!"

Aaaaah, yes, a match made in heaven, right?

Yet, somehow, Wesley and Lloyd helped balance one another out and they actually, against all odds, worked. Mostly.

I adored the playfulness of this story, which reminded me more of the first book in this series dynamic-wise than the second book. Wesley lived to get under Lloyd's skin, but not in a malicious way.

Lloyd was a master at not letting his affection for Wesley show, mainly due to the university's policy against RA-resident trysts, which could have gotten him fired and given his rather nasty piece of work Aunt Tabitha more ammo to use against his loving mother.

So bring on the insanely slow burn, which was right up there with my all-time favorite Anyta story, "rock".

Although the relationship progress here sped forward at a fairly glacial pace, I was never bored, as Wesley and his brother, Caleb, were both such handfuls, losing interest was never on the table here.

Blogtour: The Remaking Of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish

Please say hello to Roan Parrish and 

The Remaking Of Corbin Wale 

Blurb:

Last month, Alex Barrow’s whole life imploded—partner, home, job, all gone in forty-eight hours. But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.

Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.

When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.

Get the book:

About the 2017 Holiday Charity Collection

20% of all proceeds from this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

Each year, Riptide Publishing releases a holiday collection in support of an LGBTQ charity. Twenty percent of the proceeds from this year’s collection will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.

The Russian LGBT network was founded in April 2006. It is an interregional, non-governmental human rights organization that promotes equal rights and respect for human dignity, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. They unite and develop regional initiatives, advocacy groups (at both national and international levels), and provide social and legal services.

To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website: https://lgbtnet.org/en.

This collection would not be possible without the talent and generosity of its authors, who have brought us the following holiday stories:

• Cecilia Tan, Watch Point
• Roan Parrish, The Remaking of Corbin Wale
• Katie Porter, Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Buy all three in the collection and save!

About the author:

ARC Review: Secret Santa by Jay Northcote

Blurb:

Keeping secrets is never a good way to start a relationship

Theo hardly has time to date. Between work and caring for his four-year-old son there aren’t many hours left over. He’s lonely though, so he joins a hook-up app and starts chatting to a guy called Luke. Luke seems friendly and they arrange to meet. Theo doesn’t mention that he has a child. It’s early days and he’s worried about putting Luke off before they get to know each other.

Luke is currently working as Santa at the local shopping mall. He figures Theo never has to know. Christmas will be over soon and Luke will move on to a new, less embarrassing job. He’s surprised when Theo and a little boy visit Santa one afternoon. Theo doesn’t recognise Luke, and Luke realises he’s not the only one with a secret.

Despite misgivings on both sides, they start dating, and the chemistry is amazing. But as Christmas approaches their secrets pile up like colourful packages under the tree. If they’re not careful, they’ll lose the best gift of all—each other.

Jewel's rating:



Secret Santa conjures images of mistletoe, presents, and being merry -- ho ho ho!!! Jay Northcote gifts us all with a low angst Christmas story about getting a boyfriend for Christmas. The holiday just wouldn't be same without Jay's style of feel-good cheer!

Luke and Theo both have secrets. Not huge secrets, but it's enough to make things awkward for a bit there once things are in the open.

You see, Theo is a single dad. He co-parents with his friend Caroline, and has his son, Archie, for three days a week. Dating has been an issue, for Theo, who has found that many men his age don't seem to want to date a guy with a kid. So Theo keeps mum about his son when he goes out with Luke.

Audio Review: Tramps and Thieves by Rhys Ford

From The Blurb:

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins 

Whoever said blood was thicker than water never stood in a pool of it. 

Retiring from stealing priceless treasures seemed like a surefire way for Rook Stevens to stay on the right side of the law. The only cop in his life should have been his probably-boyfriend, Los Angeles Detective Dante Montoya, but that’s not how life—his life—is turning out. Instead, Rook ends up not only standing in a puddle of his cousin Harold’s blood but also being accused of Harold’s murder…and sleeping with Harold’s wife. 

For Dante, loving the former thief means his once-normal life is now a sea of chaos, especially since Rook seems incapable of staying out of trouble—or keeping trouble from following him home. When Rook is tagged as a murder suspect by a narrow-focused West L.A. detective, Dante steps in to pull his lover out of the quagmire Rook’s landed in. 

When the complicated investigation twists around on them, the dead begin to stack up, forcing the lovers to work together. Time isn’t on their side, and if they don’t find the killer before another murder, Dante will be visiting Rook in his prison cell—or at his grave.

Karen's rating:

You know it's a good story when...

You love it every bit as much the second time around as you did the first and that was the case with this audio book. I actually reviewed this book back in September when it was released and I loved it, so when the audio book narrated by Greg Tremblay was released there was zero doubt in my mind that I'd be doing this again. Not only did I enjoy it just as much but I can honestly say I'm already looking forward to listening to it again...right after I re-play the first book 'Murder and Mayhem'.

One of the things that I commented on in my original review was how much I enjoyed Greg Tremblay's narration of 'Murder and Mayhem' and that when I started reading 'Tramps and Thieves' in my head it was Greg Tremblay reading it to me...so you can safely assume that I was squealing with delight to enjoy just that...Greg Tremblay reading 'Tramps and Thieves' to me giving voice to the characters and bringing this wonderful story to life and if you want to see more from that review, here's the link...
Review: Tramps & Thieves

Audio book Review: Fool of Main Beach by Tara Lain

From The Blurb:

Merle Justice wants to reach for the stars, but it’s tough to get respect when playing a teenybopper vampire on TV. Then he meets a famous director anxious to give him all he thinks he wants—and maybe a bit more. Everything’s looking up until a life-threatening encounter with some homophobes on Main Beach puts Merle face-to-face with a Sasquatch-sized hero in a pink puffer coat. 

Tom Henry defies description. As unsophisticated and simple as an angel, he walks through life content with who he is and asking for very little except to care for his sister, Lily, and the dogs he loves. Then he meets Merle, the embodiment of dreams he barely knows he has. Merle knows the people who hold his future in their hands might love Tom—but they’ll never understand Merle and Tom together. Tom knows it too. With lives this far apart, who’s really the fool of Main Beach? 

9 hrs 17 min

Karen's rating:

'Love in Laguna' has definitely been a hit and miss series for me. The first four books have garnered anything between 2 and even 5 stars as a rating from me.

'Fool of Main Beach' just had too many things that appealed to me, so when the chance came along to check out the audio book and the narrator was an 'almost' new to me narrator...K. C. Kelly, whom I've only heard narrate one other audio book. I decided I needed to go for it...so we're heading for Laguna Beach and the men who live there.

So let's start with what I love... 

First off this is one of those series where we get a different couple for each book but we also get to re-visit the men from the previous books so the new and the familiar...one of my favorite things.

Dogs...lots and lots of dogs...come on we all know dogs make everything better and this one has dogs in spades.

Totally unlikely MCs...I love it when an author takes 2 characters who on paper are just never going to happen...they have nothing in common, their connection defies the obvious.

Diverse and interesting secondary characters...this one has those in spades from the collection of acting industry people to Merle's family to Tom's family and let's not forget the men from the previous stories.

ARC Review: The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish

Blurb:

Last month, Alex Barrow’s whole life imploded—partner, home, job, all gone in forty-eight hours. But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.

Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.

When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.

Jewel's rating:

"You remake the world a hundred times a day.

The Remaking of Corbin Wale is a story made of magic. It's roots steeped in metaphor and fashioned and baked with love. I savored every delicious word.

Corbin Wale is cursed, or so he believes, anyway. Everyone treats him like he's a freak and Corbin believes they're right. Corbin has led such a solitary life, it just broke me. He believes that he can't get close to anyone. That everything he touches is tainted. Wrong. But Corbin has such a huge heart and his imagination is vast, so he took to drawing to keep him company. Many of the characters he drew became his friends and companions, and he wouldn't let himself hope for more. Until Alex.

Alex Barrow just moved back to Ann Arbor to regroup after losing his job in New York and having his relationship end all within a space of 48 hours. It was like the fates were telling him he needed to take a step back and reevaluate his life. So he did. He moved back home and took over the family run cafe and turned it into a bakery. Alex finally feels right again, especially when he meets Corbin Wale. Alex needs to be needed and he's never found that. He's protective of those he cares about and Corbin activates that instinct in him unlike anyone ever has.

Audio Review: Michael Reinvented by Diana Copland

From The Blurb:

Cute hipster and interior designer Michael doesn’t do love—not after his ex screwed him over. Sex is a different story, though, and the gentle giant who’s painting the mural in the old mansion they’re restoring might be perfect hookup material. Gil is just Michael’s type with his solid muscle, wicked sense of humor, and the hazel eyes that seem to see into Michael’s soul. 

Trouble is, Gil does do love. He wants romance and forever, and he’s set his sights firmly on Michael. Michael’s not going there again. 

Yet when Michael is the victim of a vandal who’s been plaguing the men working for Delta Restoration, Renovation, and Design, Gil is the first person he tells. No matter how he fights it, it’s becoming harder and harder to deny he’s crazy about the guy—even if that thought terrifies him. But the true fear sets in when the criminal behavior escalates, and Michael realizes he might have lost the chance to tell Gil how he feels—forever. 

Listening Time: 8 hrs 20 min

Karen's rating:

Ok, it's official... 

 I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to re-reading it's not something I'm prone to doing but let me read a book and then listen to it on audio and I'ma happy, happy girl.

Normally for me to want to re-read a book it's got to be something that's totally beyond even 5 stars and while there have been a few...it's truly something that's far and few between. However, what I have discovered since I've started listening to audio books is that if I've read a book I love being able to enjoy the story over again through the audio version and truthfully I've listened to more than a few of them more than once. It's become a pretty routine thing for me if I'm going to be quilting or doing some other craft to get myself set up and then pick an audio book to listen to. It's like having the best of all possible worlds since I love to do crafts but I also really love my books and 'Michael Reinvented' is going to be another one of those books that I can happily see myself enjoying over and over again as I indulge my creative side with one of my needlework projects.

I loved reading this story and finding seeing how Michael and Gil move from friendly antagonist to friends and lovers. Michael Pauley is once again the narrator for this installment in the 'Delta Restorations' series and I really enjoyed listening to his narration...to the point that when it got to that part in the story that had my in tears when I read it once again I had to pause and reach for a tissue because there the tears were there and I was every bit as moved as I had been the first time around. Of course I also found myself laughing out loud when Michael met Gil's cat.

ARC Review: Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins

From the blurb:

One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back. 

Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There's only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn't necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments. 

With a tough islander mother who's always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter--a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was--Nora has her work cut out for her if she's going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.
But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. 

Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise...and the chance to begin again.

Heather's rating:





I'm a huge, HUGE Kristan Higgins fan, and I think she does that middle ground between women's fiction and romance like no other. Now That You Mention It was another wonderful, nuanced, lovely book in that style, and a great offering for long-time Higgins devotees and newcomers alike.

I connected with Now That You Mention It immediately. First of all, it gives MAJOR props to my alma mater, Tufts University (what, what!) and takes place in a little island off the coast of Maine, where I spent all of my childhood summers. Also, the MC in the book is a doctor, and although I'm a dentist and not a physician, the hospital setting and the medical terminology made me feel right at home.

Audio book Review: Riding Cowboy Flats by Julia Talbot

From The Blurb:

Riding Cowboy Flats Collection 

Saddle up and hit the trail with three beloved tales of passion in the great Southwest. From the ranch to the bunkhouse, it's easy to see why everybody loves a cowboy - and these cowboys are ready to ride off into the sunset with that special guy. 

Jackass Flats 

Thirty-something Tate feels like nothing more than an old cowboy with his best years behind him - until a young soldier from the nearby base reminds him how it feels to really live. But when news of their relationship gets out, staying together might mean taking on the entire army. 

Just a Cowboy 

Herschel's just an old-fashioned cowboy who believes everyone deserves a second chance - and nobody needs a fresh start more than Dalton. On the run from a dark past, Dalton is convinced he is beyond redemption. If Herschel can't prove him wrong, they'll both end up alone. 

Riding the Circuit 

When rodeo cowboy Frost Barton brings his itchy feet home to Southern New Mexico after his father's death, he meets and falls for horse trainer Matt Morales. They might have something special, but Frost isn't sure he's ready to give up the circuit, and Matt wants a lot more than an eight-second ride. 

Listening Length: 8 hours and 8 minutes

Karen's rating:

Yipee, ki yay, mutherf...oops, my bad that's Bruce Willis and this is... 

COWBOYS!

'Riding Cowboy Flats' is a compilation of three stories all by Julia Talbot all of which are narrated by Adam Gold...who might I say has an awesome cowboy voice...no seriously I know I'm stereo-typing here but this narrator has that wonderful slow, lazy, drawl that I totally associate with cowboys and yes, I know not all cowboys sound alike but listening to Adam Gold narrate this book I had no problem imagining cowboys and I loved that.

So first I'm going to just chat a bit about how much I enjoyed this narrator. I loved that he was able to so richly set the tone for these stories with his voice and yet at the same time he also gave each man their own distinct voice...yep, he ticked all my 'things I look for in an audio book' boxes. I have zero doubt that I will be listening to this audio book again just so I can get a cowboy fix. Now as for the stories, let's talk about them one at a time...

Jackass Flats...4 stars
Tate's only in his thirties but he's feeling like he's just a washed up cowboy...until a certain young soldier, named Dave, enters his life and shows him that he's still got a lot to offer and when things start to go wrong for Dave. It's Tate who's got his back and gives him shelter from the storm.

I loved this one. Tate was honest and straightforward with Dave about things and while he and Dave didn't get off to the best start they still both saw something in the other that kept them wanting more. It wasn't insta-love by any means. From their rocky start to their happy ending Tate and Dave were a sweet and fun pairing. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their banter and seeing them go from strangers to acquaintances, to friends and ultimately loves and all without angst and drama.