Secrets of You by Skylar M Cates ~ Audio Review

Title: Secrets of You

Series: Sunshine and Happiness 04

Author: Skylar M Cates

Narrator: Michael Stellman

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 36 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8th March 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: It’s never easy to find redemption.

Carrying scars and regrets, River Darcourt avoids too much intimate contact. Among his friends, he is known as a quiet loner. Forget about love. It’s not something he will consider…until sweet, young, and tempting Morgan Hayes becomes his housemate. River closed his heart long ago, but the attraction is impossible to deny.

Morgan Hayes needs a change. He is moving out of his critical father’s home and in with his friends, including his secret/not-so-secret crush, River. Having feelings for River is a terrible idea. But what is a guy to do when the annoyingly sexy mechanic is just across the hall?

While Morgan has overcome ugliness and is ready for love, he’s just not sure River ever will be. They have both experienced pain in their lives. So Morgan dares River to take a chance, and love will either break their fractured hearts in more pieces or, just possibly, make them whole again.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Secrets of You is the fourth book in Skylar M Cate’s Sunshine and Happiness series. While I think it would probably be best to read the series in order, as there are many overarching stories characters that are present throughout all the books, it isn’t exactly vital to do so as all vital information from previous books is retold for the reader with adequate detail. In fact, I will be the first to admit that despite loving the books I have simply forgotten to get around to reading the first book.

The narration for the by Michael Stellman was truly wonderful. Stellman is a new narrator to me and I was really pleased that I enjoyed every minute of his narration, even through some of the most angst-ridden scenes (I’m not a fan of major angst).

For anyone that has read or heard the audio from any of the previous three books in the series, like me, was probably looking forward to this story. River Darcourt has been present from the start and was front and center for a while in book two, where his dead lover’s long-lost brother came onto the scene. He had popped up again when he had quietly saved a young man from a beating and attempted rape, Morgan Hayes. River has been a very quiet but prominent character who withdrew from the world after the death of his lover, Brandon, a lover who had insisted that they keep their relationship secret. Brandon was just another lot of scars on River’s already damaged soul.

Now we had finally come to the book that gave River his chance for healing and redemption. This book is also the chance for Morgan to heal too, even though his new friends warn him that River is the wrong type of man for him. However, with their housemates sailing off on a cruise to celebrate a wedding, River and Morgan have the house to themselves as neither of them could stay on board the ship beyond the wedding day celebrations. What happens is a whirl wind of exploration of their lives, present and future, and discovering what they need to do in order to make it together for a HEA.

If you like bad boy type stories that involves healing and redemption with the help of a very sweet and truly wonderful heart, this is the book for you.

Running to You by Andrew Grey

Title: Running to You

Author: Andrew Grey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th March 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Home, love, and possibilities he never imagined are waiting for Billy Joe to claim them. But first he needs to escape the horrors of his past.

A twisted act of cruelty and prejudice drives Billy Joe from his Mississippi home, and he makes it as far as Pennsylvania—where his car breaks down just as the year’s first snowstorm blows in. Fortunately, Carlos is there to lend a hand.

Carlos is no stranger to hardship. His family rejected him for being gay, but with determination, he put himself through school and became a librarian. Carlos sees the same willpower in Billy, and he wants to help Billy and his son succeed in a new life that is very different from the one they left behind. With his support, they start to adjust, and before long, both men want more than encouragement from each other. They want the chance for a future together, but their families have other ideas… and Billy’s will stop at nothing to get what they want.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-413-5

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Running to You is a standalone novel by Andrew Grey.

I must start with something that I found intriguing myself. I’ve already heard the audio of this book (I rated it a 4) and often I find that I enjoy the audio narration more (or sometimes the same) than just reading the book myself. Oddly enough, this is a book where I found much more enjoyment and connection to the characters with reading it myself. I’m not sure why, maybe it is because although I enjoyed the narration of the audio I think I projected slightly different emotions when I read the book.

The story is about Billy Joe and Carlos. The story starts with Billy Joe having to sneak off, running away from his white supremacist family, with his much beloved 2-year-old son, Tyler. Tyler is absolutely adorable, by the way. The situation Billy Joe is running away from is pure tragedy. It is no surprise that he feels he must go to the lengths that he does to steal away with his son before his parents could do much more of their monstrous acts with their fellow white supremacist buddies. Billy Joe drives as far as he can before his car breaks down, leaving him stranded in Pennsylvania. He just hopes its far enough away from the horror he left behind in Mississippi.

Billy Joe and Tyler are saved by a good Samaritan, Carlos. Carlos knows what its like to have to run away from an unaccepting family. However, his family situation is nowhere near as frightening Billy Joe’s it’s still a tragedy in itself. Carlos helps Billy Joe and Tyler settle, although it is quickly apparent that the guys have an intense chemistry.

Fans of Andrew Grey will be familiar with his trademark formula (single dad, cute kid meeting a drop dead gorgeous Mr Right). Fans may also love his ability to create and develop characters with deep emotional connections, who are also totally relatable. Suffice to say, if you’re a fan of Grey, you will enjoy this book. Then again, if you love a romance which involves a cute kid and even a dash of suspense, you’ll probably also like to give this one a go.

This is a real sweet, slow burn type of story. The guys don’t rush into their relationship as this learn how Tyler also fits into their lives, as well as dealing with their baggage. The families of both guys also make an appearance to cause some drama, but through it all, it becomes increasingly clear that these guys belong together.

Mr. September by Bailey Bradford

Title: Mr. September

Series: Calendar Men 09

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Paranormal

Length: Novella (94pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (4th September 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: Summer fades into fall, but the heat isn’t letting up for this calendar man.

Enzo Mueller was glad to help out with the calendar shoot. His little sister, Nat, has been in remission for years and he’d do anything to help find a cure for childhood cancer—even if all he can do is pose for a charity event. That, and work three jobs so he can take care of her since their parents split a long time ago.

But raising a teenager and having a personal life are two things he doesn’t think can coexist. He’s resigned himself to being alone, aside from Nat, until he gets her through college. After all, no man in his right mind would want to deal with Enzo’s crazy work schedule.

Tony met Enzo when he waited on their table. Ever since then, Tony’s had Enzo on his mind, and when he runs into him again, something clicks between them. Tony’s daughter, Ina, finished her last cancer treatments weeks ago and she’s in remission. He’s been focused on her since before she was born, but now, one man is making him wonder if it isn’t possible to have more in life than he’d expected.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-674-9

Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Enzo and Tony have been attracted t each since they met through Hector. I loved Enzo’s hard working determination to make sure his sister is provided for. Tony’s daughter Ina gives Tony the excuse he needs to see Enzo by wanting to eat at the restaurant that Enzo works in.

The chemistry between these two men is hot. When they get together the sparks fly off the pages. Sweet yet sexy this was a great addition to the series.

Fantastic read.

The Tyger King by Shannon West

Title: The Tyger King

Series: Mate of the Tyger Prince 07

Author: Shannon West

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Length: Novel (271 Pages)

Publisher: Painted Hearts Publishing (October 31, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 3 Hearts

Blurb: The fallout from Derrick’s union with Rhaegar and Blake’s aid in his son’s elopement has been intense, to say the least. After a blistering brawl between Blake and Davos, Davos leaves Blake, because he isn’t ready to forgive him, and most shockingly of all, he says he isn’t sure he even wants to.

Blake is frightened and hurt by his actions, but terribly angry. He follows the king back to Tygeria, if only because Davos had the gall to take their two younger children with him when he left. His ship is slower than the king’s, though, and when he arrives back on Tygeria, he finds the king has left again, on a wild chase after his errant son and his pirate mate. Even worse, he makes a unilateral decision to send their son Larz to a faraway planet for military training, against Blake’s express wishes.

When Davos, Derrick and Larz all go suddenly missing, Blake attempts a rescue mission, but encounters a strange wormhole in space, and is flung through it to crash on an unknown planet called Tveir. Strangest of all the planet is populated by Tygerians and their handsome king. Injured and disoriented, Blake begins to feel as if he’s trapped in some crazy story. Except this isn’t any kind of story at all—this is Blake’s life, and the plot has just taken an unexpected, heartbreaking and totally infuriating twist.

ISBN: 978-1-946379-33-7

Product Link: Painted Hearts | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Blake and Davos have one hell of a fight after Blake helped his son escape with Rhaegar. So much so that each man said something horrible, but Davos even more. Then he leaves Blake on one planet and heads home, but of course Blake is going to follow. Especially since Davos took their two youngest back with them. When Blake makes it back home, it is to only find out Davos went to find his son and son’s husband. Blake is pissed and going to get them all back. To bad the trip doesn’t go as plan, think alternate universe.

Too bad Davos and Rhaegar are not the same when they crash. Now it is going to take Blake and Derrick all they have and know to get them all back home. Might not be as easy as one thinks.

This story is a great idea but failed to deliver for me. It was hard to follow especially in the beginning. I knew right off the bat about alternate universe but to think that if they lived there, then the ones that come through the wormhole are basically emerged in to one. With very few memories of the lives they led before they ended in hell. I guess it should be called parallel universe, but still strange. The only reason Blake and Derrick remember all is because they never lived in the new world, so to speak.

I knew why Davos was the way he was, but it made the story drop quite a bit for me. He didn’t make it up when Blake finds out he is pregnant. However in the end he does make up for being an ass. However it was a bit too late for me to even truly like it. I was a bit disappointed in it. I can honestly say that this is not one of those memorable stories. I can also tell you that this is one of those books that I will probably never read again, which was not a good sign for me.

Over all the story is well told, fast paced but also mixed with a slower pace in some parts, danger filled and action packed. It is an entertaining story but was just to much stuff in it that made it dull for me.

Connor’s Storm by D.J. Manly

Title: Connor’s Storm

Author: D. J. Manly

Genre: Futuristic, Science Fiction

Length: Novella (92 pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (November 17, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Both men know the last thing they should do is become lovers, but the attraction between them is hot and instantaneous, and burning totally out of control.

Connor MacMahon, a colonel in the United World Defense, is sent on a top-secret mission to the planet of Sanctum. In his hands is the fate of the Earth.

Storm Varek, the leader of a clandestine resistance group doesn’t intend to watch as his people are slaughtered by their mortal enemy. Storm suspects that the United World Defense League doesn’t care about Sanctum’s inhabitants.

When Connor and Storm meet, there is no misunderstanding about where they stand. They don’t trust each other. The last thing they should do is become lovers but the heat between them is burning out of control.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-1533-4

Product Link: eXtasy Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I did not get that these men were enemies. As soon as they meet they are attracted to one another and shortly begin to have sex. The UWD lied to Connor as his mission was only to protect the ATC and not the inhabitants of Sanctum. I was really glad he disobeyed orders when the Deino came for the inhabitants who were once apart of their community but escaped due to anyone found with the same sex was put to death.

Storm was fearless in his opposition to UWD and their deceit as as the Deino. I think I loved his character the most out of all of them. Fast paced with action, drama and a lot of sex.

Great read.

Nothing Special VI (S.W.A.T Edition): His Hart’s Command by A.E. Via

Title: Nothing Special VI: His Hart’s Command

Series: Nothing Special VI (Swat Edition)

Author: A.E. Via

Genre: Contemporary, Action

Length: Novel (295 Pages)

Publisher: Via Star Wings Publishing (November 30, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Lennox Freeman (Free) is one of the best hackers in the world which has caused him to spend most of his life on the run. Never able to put down roots, he couldn’t trust anyone not to take advantage of him, even his own family. If it wasn’t for his best friend, Tech, shielding him, Free’s father would’ve sold him and his skills to the highest bidding crime family when he was still a student at MIT. Free owed Tech his life; so when his friend called for him to come to Atlanta to work with him, he couldn’t say no. However, he wasn’t expecting the overprotective group of detectives that made up Atlanta PD’s most notorious task force. And he certainly wasn’t prepared for the large-and-in-charge SWAT Captain that was responsible for their safety.

Ivan Hart has lived and bled one creed all of his life: To Serve and Protect. His intense focus and determination in law enforcement has led him to finally commanding his own team. He’d worked hard to put together a squad of badasses capable of backing up a very dangerous team of detectives. Being God and Day’s last line of defense came with a lot of responsibility that he took very seriously.

After his divorce was final Hart turned right around and remarried his job. He had his good friends there in the office with him every day, so it was easier to ignore the few quiet hours he spent at home alone each night. He’d settled well into his new routine and was comfortable with it. Then God decided to disrupt everything by hiring another tech specialist for his department. A man whose brains, trendy looks, and voice would leave Hart tongue-tied and captivated at their first introduction.

Free quickly awakens a passion in Hart that he long thought was dead. An attraction he didn’t know existed. He couldn’t fathom that the sexy cyber genius could be interested in an over-sized, big-bearded brute that served criminals the bottom line for a living. No matter what his best friend, God said.

A future with Hart could be potentially dangerous and often times full of terrifyingly close calls; but little did he know that so could falling for the most hunted hacker in the world. All Lennox Freeman wants in life is security, love and protection… Hart had all that to give and more.

ISBN: B07KX7QF8P

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Len has spent most of his time on the run. His best friend Tech had saved his butt on many occasions and helped him rescue his mom. Tech had even gotten in trouble with the FBI for some of it. Now here they were working for SWAT. With Len being one of the top hackers in the world, he usually got the job done. The only thing he truly wanted was the Captain, Ivan.

Ivan had gotten out of a nasty marriage with barely the tip of his fingers, and let me say she was a piece of work. He didn’t have much of a self esteem but he was working on it. However his eyes were on a sexy young man that was their tech expert. Now he just had to get the guts to tell him, or at least make a move.

First off a guy as big as Ivan who is also a swat leader should have the balls to tell his ex off. The way this was told the man came off as a pushover. Also it just wasn’t believable with Len and his past, being even close to SWAT. The story plot was amazing, but the story itself was drawn out and dull in parts. It had more descriptive junk added in that was not needed. At first I put it down to them getting to know each other and getting the nerve to even hit on each other. But the way it was told was putting me to sleep in parts. Now that is just me.

On the good side, you get action and lots of it. Car chases, shoot outs, and so much more in this book. The guys were great together and complimented each other. I will admit that I liked Len more, because Ivan just didn’t have the strength he should have had. He showed the strength when it come to backing his men, saving people and even when Len had been in trouble. However he was a pushover with the other females and his ex. Not a good sign for me. I liked the secondary characters quite a bit and enjoyed their banter.

Overall I enjoyed the story and the action. It was not one of my favorites but it was pretty good. I can’t say that it will be read more than once but it will be one that will be staying in my library. I did have fun reading it and look forward to seeing what this author has coming next.

Alpha Protection by Marcy Jacks

Title: Alpha Protection

Author: Marcy Jacks

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal

Length: Novella (92pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (27th October 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’– 3 Hearts

Blurb: Rowan Lane feels like he’s been on the run for years. The love of his life, and the man he thought he would spend the rest of his life with, was a shifter. That wasn’t so bad, but when Max bit Rowan without his permission, locking them together for life, Rowan panicked and ran. Now, he’s back. Rowan witnessed a murder. Someone powerful is out to kill him, and Rowan knows Max can protect him.

Max never thought he would see his mate again. The love of his life left, and Max couldn’t blame him. Biting someone against their will and mating with them is considered shameful to his kind. He should have known better.

When Rowan comes back, neither of them can seem to keep their hands off of each other. Max wants to go back to the good old days, but he also wants to keep his mate alive and catch this killer, before the killer catches them.

ISBN: 978-1-64010-722-9

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Rowan shows up on Max’ doorstep years after leaving him du to being freaked out by Max being a shifter. He needs help only Max can give him when someone is out to kill him. Max does not even bat an eyelash at Rowans reasoning. He will do anything to protect his mate.

Though I understood Rowan’s reason for leaving years before I think it was really rude to just show unannounced assuming Max would help him despite what he did in the past. Max for his part was understanding a little too fast for my liking. But then again he is a shifter whereas Rowan is a human.

It was an o.k. read.

Love Wanted by John Inman

Title: Love Wanted

Author: John Inman

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy

Length: Novel (270 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 19, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: When it rains, it pours. Not only has Larry Walls been evicted from his apartment, but his hours have also been cut at the department store where he works, leaving him facing homelessness.

Meanwhile, Bo Lansing, a total stranger to Larry, toils at a dead-end job as a fry cook while attending night classes to become a certified chef. When the school closes its doors without warning, leaving Bo in the lurch for thousands of dollars in tuition, his dream of becoming a chef is shattered and his financial troubles spiral.

Desperate for a new beginning, each man answers an ad for live-in help posted by a wealthy recluse, and wonder of wonders, they are both hired! Just as their lives begin to improve, a young Kumeyaay Indian named Jimmy Blackstone joins the workforce at the Stanhope mansion.

When Mr. Stanhope’s true reason for hiring the young men is discovered by one of the three, a fourth entity makes its presence known.

Greed.

With all these players vying for position in a game of intrigue orchestrated by one lonely old man and a mischievous ghost, can a simple thing like love ever hope to survive the fray?

ISBN: 978-1-63533-4722

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Mr. Stanhope was a very wealthy man and I am not just speaking about money. He had a love that was so strong that it continued even after his one and only passed on. He wanted to give what he has to two that would find the love just as he had. He also had the help of his best friend and employee, not to mention a certain ghost. A ghost that sees all and you can bet your ass will tell his love what is going on.

Larry was about to lose it all, his apartment, his job and more. He was at his wits end, that is until he saw an add in the paper for a live in helper. Bo is a fry cook that wanted to become a chef, but the school where he was at closed and stole all their money. It would look like love might just come bite these two in the ass. Then another young man, Jimmy is hired to do the garden. Three sexy men but one has a twist.

This story when one first starts reading it might think that this story goes in a certain way, but this author throws in a monkey wrench that will leave you wanting to smack someone. It is a very slow paced story that seems to work for this one. It does have its twists and turns to it that kept my attention throughout the whole book. I think the pervy ghost was one hell of a hit with me. He has a twisted sense of humor in his own way, but he sure is protective of his love. There is a happily ever after for two of the young men.

Out of all the characters I think Larry is the one I truly liked best, his heart was so pure. Bo came off good at first but then you can see the disaster in the making. Jimmy was sweet and caring especially with Larry. Roger’s heart was so good that he wanted to be with his love, but wanted to pass that love on to others. His plan was wicked cool and I had a blast with it.

I truly loved this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of his books. I can guarantee that you will love this story as much as I did.

Never by Tara Lain ~ Audio Review

Title: Never

Series: Pennymaker Tales 04

Author: Tara Lain

Narrator: Kale Williams

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 6 hrs, 41 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27th March 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Wendell “Wen” Darling lives in a world of shoulds and musts. Left to care for his brother and sister by his dull drudge of a father and wacko irresponsible mother, he suppresses his creativity, slaving in an ad agency 70 hours a week, letting his no-talent supervisor take the credit.

Then his bosses blow the campaign for their biggest client and Wen gets a chance to shine – but only if he can find the artist who painted a wild, glorious wall of graffiti in the subway. Hiding behind a pillar at 2:00 a.m., Wen comes face-to-face with the scarlet-haired, elven-faced embodiment of his divergent opposite – Peter Panachek, the flighty, live-for-today painter, singer, and leader of the rock group the Lost Boys.

Everything Wen takes seriously, Peter laughs off, but opposites attract, even if their kisses always lead to battles. Peter’s devil-may-care persona hides a world of secrets, self-protection, and hidden fears, until the day a drug dealer, Vadon Hooker, threatens everything Wen holds dear. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Pennymaker, Peter has to choose between facing responsibility or burrowing even deeper into Neverland.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I started listening to the audiobook of Never with mixed feelings. I really do like Tara Lain’s writing and have adored all three previous books in the Pennymaker Tales series. However, I recently had problems and just couldn’t connect to and finish two of Lain’s books in Dreamspun Beyond, so I had worried that perhaps either the author’s writing had changed or there had been a subtle change in what I like to read personally. I mean, the latter can happen at any time and has nothing to do with the author of any book.

As for the series itself I really love the concept. It is a contemporary story set against the background of well-known fairytales (ie Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan). There is also something of an urban fantasy element in the language used by Lain for one minor character who is the essence of the entire series, helping the couples to find each other, Carstairs Pennymaker.

As I said, I love all three previous points and I have to say that I was not disappointed with the fourth book, I adored Never. Lain has created a very quirky but relatable and fun world in this story that really did border into urban fantasy. The audio narration by Kale Williams was also fantastic, his naturally soft voice suited both MCs.

Never is the story of Wendell “Wen” Darling and the mysterious Peter Panachek – see the Peter Pan references rush in now. There’s a Hook[er], a Schmee, Tinkerbelle, The Lost Boys and even Neverland. However, being a Blackadder fan, jokes made about Wen’s surname also make me think of Blackadder Goes Forth with Captain Darling, named exactly for the purpose of these jokes. Being that this was based on Peter Pan there are some clear parallels in the plot line of both stories.

Additionally, those that grew up loving the movie Hook will probably find it easier to relate to the modern setting of the movie and reconciling it with the book.

Wen is a struggling advertising worker. He works crazy hours just to keep a shabby roof over the heads of himself, his eleven-year-old brother and sixteen-year-old sister. Wen is in a lot of trouble at work when his job is left on the line after a lazy manager verges on losing the ad agency one of their biggest clients after giving a stale idea for the campaign. Wen’s boss gives him a chance to make it up and it leads Wen on a crazy ride, leading him to Peter Panachek. Wen and Peter are very difficult, yet at the same time with a mysterious past its clear that Peter really isn’t all that dissimilar to Wen. Peter has a bit of a hero complex and despite being afraid that he will be found by his family after running away two years ago, he will help Wen so that he doesn’t lose his job and become unable to feed his siblings.

Both Wen come with a tonne of baggage. Peter doesn’t like the stodgy world that Wen lives in and thinks that he acts like an old man. While, on the other hand, Wen thinks that Peter is too irresponsible and vague, reminding Wen and his siblings of their absent mother.

And, of course, there is the enigmatic Carstairs Pennymaker. A seemingly rich entrepreneur who is ready to help save the day and make sure the couples find a way to see that they truly belong together. This character injects a sense of whimsy that irresistible, albeit you may need to suspend your disbelief just for moment to believe in him.

Nothing Special IV: His Hart’s Command, S.W.A.T. Edition by A.E. Via Blog Tour, Guest Post, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys, we have A.E. Via visiting today with her new release Nothing Special IV: His Hart’s Command, S.W.A.T. Edition, we have a fantastic guest post from A.E., a great exclusive excerpt, and we have a brilliant giveaway where there’s some awesome prizes up for grabs, so check out the post and then enter the giveaway!  ❤ ~Pixie~

His Hart’s Command

(Nothing Special IV: S.W.A.T. Edition)
by

A.E. Via

Lennox Freeman (Free) is one of the best hackers in the world which has caused him to spend most of his life on the run. Never able to put down roots, he couldn’t trust anyone not to take advantage of him, even his own family. If it wasn’t for his best friend, Tech, shielding him, Free’s father would’ve sold him and his skills to the highest bidding crime family when he was still a student at MIT. Free owed Tech his life; so when his friend called for him to come to Atlanta to work with him, he couldn’t say no. However, he wasn’t expecting the overprotective group of detectives that made up Atlanta PD’s most notorious task force. And he certainly wasn’t prepared for the large-and-in-charge SWAT Captain that was responsible for their safety.

Ivan Hart has lived and bled one creed all of his life: To Serve and Protect. His intense focus and determination in law enforcement has led him to finally commanding his own team. He’d worked hard to put together a squad of badasses capable of backing up a very dangerous team of detectives. Being God and Day’s last line of defense came with a lot of responsibility that he took very seriously.

After his divorce was final Hart turned right around and remarried his job. He had his good friends there in the office with him every day, so it was easier to ignore the few quiet hours he spent at home alone each night. He’d settled well into his new routine and was comfortable with it. Then God decided to disrupt everything by hiring another tech specialist for his department. A man whose brains, trendy looks, and voice would leave Hart tongue-tied and captivated at their first introduction.

Free quickly awakens a passion in Hart that he long thought was dead. An attraction he didn’t know existed. He couldn’t fathom that the sexy cyber genius could be interested in an over-sized, big-bearded brute that served criminals the bottom line for a living. No matter what his best friend, God said.

A future with Hart could be potentially dangerous and often times full of terrifyingly close calls; but little did he know that so could falling for the most hunted hacker in the world. All Lennox Freeman wants in life is security, love and protection… Hart had all that to give and more.

This novel is a part of a series and contains previously mentioned characters, but CAN BE read as a standalone. No cliffhangers.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Nothing Special IV: His Hart’s Command, S.W.A.T. Edition by A.E. Via Blog Tour, Guest Post, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Accounting for It All by R.R. Campbell Blog Tour, Guest Post w/Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have R.R. Campbell stopping by today with the tour for his new release Accounting for It All, we have a great guest post w/excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Accounting for It All

by

R.R. Campbell

Former porn-star Robin Whethers has skated by as Pornucopia’s do-nothing accountant for years. And who can blame her? Her supervisor has only encouraged her dillydallying, and it’s given her oodles of time to do what she loves most: coach the talent at her mentor’s all-female pornography studio.

But then the IRS comes knocking. With her supervisor unable to bail her out, Robin can either come clean and risk her friendships and career, or buck up and find another way to skirt the system. No matter how she chooses, along the way she’ll have to confront both her blossoming feelings for the man she’s enlisted to teach her accounting and the return of the woman she’s always loved, who’s finally ready to try to make things work.

This lighthearted yet evocative tale of one woman’s quest for self-actualization is sure to please anyone who’s ever made the wrong choice for the right reasons.

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

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All I Want Is You by D.J. Jamison Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have D.J. Jamison stopping by today with her new release All I Want Is You, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $25 Amazon Giftcard giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

All I Want Is You

by

D.J. Jamison

One kiss under the mistletoe destroyed a friendship. Will another Christmas kiss remake it into something better?

Eli hasn’t been home since he left at eighteen with a heart aching from his best friend’s rejection and his father’s intolerance. But when his father reaches out, Eli figures it’s time to make peace with his family. He doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with Turner too — or to learn that the straight friend he’d foolishly loved is actually bisexual — but once the shock wears off, he knows exactly what he wants for Christmas.

Turner’s life isn’t everything he’d once planned, but he’s happy to be the shoulder his loved ones lean on. They keep him busy, which is just as well since none of his dates have really clicked. He hasn’t been able to connect with anyone the way he did with his former best friend. When Eli shows up for the holidays after years away, Turner doesn’t know what hit him. But he knows one thing: This time, he wants to give Eli a reason to stay.

All I Want Is You is a friends to lovers, second-chance romance with an HEA.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Beat of Their Own Drum by K.M. Neuhold Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have K.M. Neuhold stopping by today with the tour for their new release Beat of Their Own Drum, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $5 Amazon Gift Card giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Beat of Their Own Drum

(Replay 03)
by

K.M. Neuhold

Jude

Every rock band needs their bad boy. Hookers, drugs, DUIs— been there, done that. I’m in a Downward Spiral and proud of it (see what I did there?). When the band manager, Archer, hires Bennett to keep me from screwing up while the band is on hiatus, I may have finally met someone who won’t take my attitude lying down. With the three of us cooped up together for weeks on end, I have a feeling things might get interesting.

Archer

Downward Spiral is my baby. Not only am I the band manager, I discovered them ten years ago when they were nothing but a bunch of high school kids playing in a hole in the wall bar on the weekends. But it’s obvious I haven’t done a great job because they’re falling apart. If the lead singer isn’t trying to kill himself, it’s the bass player telling me he can’t write any new songs. And no one gets under my skin more than Jude, who seems determined to snort and drink himself into an early grave. There’s only one man I can think of who might be able to get Jude back on the right track, Bennett Schmitt. Unfortunately, he’s also the man I let get away sixteen years ago and haven’t gotten over since.

Bennett

If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s take control of a situation. In fact, control is kind of my thing. Which is probably why I’m the best in the business when it comes to getting out of control celebrities back on track. When my ex calls and tells me he’s desperate for my help, I can’t turn him down. Between the infuriatingly sexy drummer with no idea what kind of trouble he’s asking for, and my ex looking better than ever, there’s no way this isn’t about to get messy.

* This is an MMM romance with D/s play and mild daddy kink (NO age play)

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Leta Blake: Alpha Heat ~ Audio Review

Layered, passionate, and exciting!

Title: Alpha Heat

Series: Heat of Love Book 02

Author: Leta Blake

Narrator: Michael Ferraiuolo

Genre: Non-shifter Omegaverse

Length: 15 hours and 22 minutes

Publisher: Leta Blake Books (22nd October 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

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

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

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

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

This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the second in the Slow Heat universe. It’s 130,000 words, with a strong happy ending and a well-crafted, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. No cheating. Content warning for brief sexual violence. 

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: A deeper read than I thought. I started with this audiobook not having read the first in the series. I’m very impressed with Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration, he delivers the right amount of passion, a variety of voices/characterizations and good tempo.

There are lots of layers to this story, set in a non-shifter Omegaverse. The world the story is set in involves status/social positions of Omega, Beta, and Alpha, and an interesting concept of being unmanned, which is what I came to learn of as “gay” for an Alpha, to be in the submissive position.
Readers are reintroduced to other couples from book one, and we get a good feel for the fact that all of the relationships in this series somehow intersect or overlap.

My favorite character, and the strongest by far is Urho. As a doctor he cares for all the characters, being wounded from loss of his spouse and son, he builds up protections around his heart. He wants Xan but denies himself until he sees that Xan is putting his life in danger and nothing other than taking him in hand, and heart, will protect him.

Caleb is an interesting balance to the trio. As an asexual Omega, Caleb nonetheless loves Xan and feels safe in their relationship, knowing Xan will not pressure him sexually but will be there to help with his heat. When Caleb sees Xan’s interest in Urho he encourages it, and fears that Xan will wind up dead if left to fill his needs with dangerous dominant alpha’s who only enjoy his pain.

The trio come together through care of friends, exile to a house out of town, and make a pact to help Caleb through his heat when the time comes.

When the story reaches its crescendo and all hell breaks loose, I wasn’t sure if my favorite character Urho could pull it off, it was intense, nail biting and exciting! You’ll know what I mean when you get there, it’s almost absurd how everything develops but there’s an HEA, don’t fret!

The sexual scenes are steamy for sure! The narrator does a good job adding passion to the worlds. I just wish I had read book one first. I recommend you read/listen in order. Looking forward to the next book!

Quenched in Blood by Ari McKay

Title: Quenched in Blood

Series: Asheville Arcana 03 / Dreamspun Desire 32

Author: Ari McKay

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (228 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20th November 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Will love mean rebirth… or death?

In the course of his work with the Asheville Paranormal Council, reclusive three-hundred-year-old vampire Julian Schaden discovers young Thomas Carter, the heir to a long line of demon hunters—a legacy Thomas knows nothing about.

He also knows nothing about the supernatural world or the danger he’s in. As Julian convinces him and later agrees to train Thomas to use his abilities, he struggles against unexpected feelings. Thomas is too young and innocent to become involved with Julian, but opposites attract, and this is one battle Julian is fated to lose….

Julian and Thomas grow closer as the demonic menace advances. A prophecy from a dying mage comes with a bleak warning: to save Thomas’s life, Julian might have to give up the only man he’s ever loved.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-944-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Quenched in Blood is the third book in Ari McKay’s Asheville Aracana series. If you’ve not read the previous books in this series, you won’t be able to follow with a great deal of the plot, as it is an ongoing story that started way back in book 1. To be honest I had to go back and reacquaint myself with the previous books as I had forgotten some of the details and found myself a little muddled at first.

I was really looking forward to this book, after falling in love with Eli and Arden and then with Whimsy and Harlan

I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Arden and Whimsey’s best friend, Julian.

Julian is your typical brooding, loner vampire. He is best friends with Arden, who has known him 300 years, and who later introduced Julian to Whimsy. They were not only Julian’s only true friends, aside from the people that he knew professionally in the business of demon hunting (which obviously has a high mortality rate), but they were also his lovers when he needed physical touch and pleasure. However, that all changed when Arden, a half elf, and Whimsy, a mage, found their mates. In their individual stories, both friends worried for Julian and his loneliness.

The ongoing story of this series is the rise in possessed shifters and demons being summoned to earth, which could be apocalyptic unless the small group of paranormals in Arcana figure out how to find the artifact that could save them all. The only problem is that this could mean the death of some much loved characters. Julian who knows more than a thing or two about what’s they are dealing with, meets Thomas in the pursuit for clues.

Thomas comes from a long line of demon hunters who descended from an angel. However, he had no clue about any of this. His parents had died and recently his grandfather had died as well. When Julian arrives at the failing family farm where Thomas lives, Thomas’ entire world had changed. Now Thomas dives into a world of demons and training to fight demons. Julian is his teacher and the two of the find that they have some pretty hot chemistry quite quickly. Julian is reticent to let Thomas is but that is all part of his charm and is half the drama of the story.

That was a wonderful end (pretty sure it’s the end) to the series. Julian has shaped up into a fantastic character, who is so much deeper than the brooding vampire that he had first presented. He has a lot on his mind and is wicked intelligence. Thomas is also a great guy to get to know, the only thing is that his character didn’t develop quite so deeply as I had hoped he would. However, together both guys are dynamite. I really loved reading this story, fans of paranormal fiction, those that have read this series will love this story.

Santa Daddy by Keira Andrews Release Blast & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Keira Andrews stopping by today with her new release Santa Daddy, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Santa Daddy

by

Keira Andrews

Mall Santas aren’t supposed to be hot.

Hunter Adams is hopelessly adrift after college. He’s still a virgin, can’t find a real job, and has no clue what to do with his life. In desperation, he returns to his humiliating old job as an elf at the Santa’s Village in his hometown’s dying mall. The Santa on the job is an unexpectedly sexy lumberjack, twice Hunter’s size and age. He makes Hunter feel very naughty—too bad he’s grumpy and intimidating.

Years after the tragic death of his partner, Nick Spini has his beagle and long, hard days on his Christmas tree farm. That’s plenty. But he can’t refuse a loyal friend’s plea for help and finds himself filling in as Santa at the local mall. Despite Nick’s attempt to stay aloof, the beautiful, anxious young man playing elf brings out his long-dormant daddy instincts.

When a surprise blizzard traps them alone in Nick’s isolated forest home, their attraction burns even brighter. Will they surrender to the sizzling connection between them and find the release and comfort they crave?

Santa Daddy is a holiday gay romance from Keira Andrews featuring an age gap, steamy m/m first times, daddy role-playing and light spanking, Christmas romance feels, and of course a happy ending.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

About Keira!

After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal fiction and — although she loves delicious angst along the way — Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said:

“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub

Giveaway!

Win a Backlist Ebook From Keira Andrews!

Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert Blog Tour & Excerpt!

Hi guys! We have Annabeth Albert popping in today with the tour for her new release Better Not Pout, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for our review coming soon!

Better Not Pout

by

Annabeth Albert

One hard-nosed military police officer.

One overly enthusiastic elf.

One poorly timed snowstorm.

Is it a recipe for disaster? Or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for holiday romance?

Teddy MacNally loves Christmas and everything that goes along with it. When he plays an elf for his charity’s events, he never expects to be paired with a Scrooge masquerading as Santa Claus. His new mission: make the holiday-hating soldier believe he was born to say ho-ho-ho.

Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki doesn’t do Santa, but he’s army to his blood. When his CO asks an unusual favor, Nick of course obliges. The elf to his Kris Kringle? Tempting. Too tempting—Nick’s only in town for another month, and Teddy’s too young, too cheerful and too nice for a one-night stand.

The slow, sexy make-out sessions while Teddy and Nick are alone and snowbound, though, feel like anything but a quick hookup. As a stress-free holiday fling turns into Christmas all year round, Teddy can’t imagine his life without Nick. And Nick’s days on the base may be coming to a close, but he doesn’t plan on leaving anything, or anyone, behind.

.•.•.**❣️ Publisher  | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Old Acquaintance by Annabelle Jacobs Release Blast & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Annabella Jacobs popping in today with her new release Old Acquaintance, we have a brilliant giveaway where you could win a $10 Amazon Gift Card or a backlist ebook from Annabelle Jacobs, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Old Acquaintance

by

Annabelle Jacobs

There are two sides to every story, even those buried in the past.

When Sam spots the hot guy moving in next door, he’s all for going round to introduce himself. That soon changes when it turns out his new neighbour is in fact an old school acquaintance, Charles Whitmore. Sam didn’t like him back then, and fifteen years haven’t altered that.

Splitting up from his long-term boyfriend means a move across the city for Charlie. As luck would have it, his immediate neighbour is a guy he went to school with, Sam Gellar. While Sam is less than welcoming, his best mate is more than happy to invite Charlie into their social circle. Whatever problem Sam has with Charlie, Charlie resolves to get to the bottom of it, because, frosty beginnings aside, Charlie likes him.

With Christmas just around the corner, fate thrusts them together, and they get on so much better than they ever did at school. Despite his efforts not to, Sam develops feelings for Charlie, and they appear to be reciprocated. If Sam wants to take things further he needs to either confront Charlie about their past–a past Charlie seems to have forgotten entirely–or let it go and move on. Sam knows deep down that he can’t let it go, but it never seems the right time to bring it up. Until it is.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh by Jess Moore Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Jess Moore stopping by today with her new release The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Evolution of Jeremy Warsh

by

Jess Moore

Jeremy Warsh has been in off-mode ever since his grandpa’s death a couple years ago. He set aside their shared passion, comic art, and hasn’t looked back. As an introvert from the other side of town, he fully expects to spend his boring life bagging groceries until, maybe one day, he’s promoted to store manager.

Yet, his two best friends, Kasey and Stuart, are different. They’re not afraid to demand more out of everyone. When Kasey comes out, Jeremy’s inspired. He picks up his colored pencils and starts drawing comics again, creating a no-nonsense, truth-talking character named Penny Kind. Who speaks to him. Literally.

The friend-group sets in motion Stuart’s plans for a huge Homecoming prank, and if they can get Penny’s comic trending, they might be able to pull it off. Could this be a stepping-stone to a future Jeremy’s only dreamed of? And after he kisses a boy at a college party, will Jeremy finally face what he’s been hiding from?

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

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Crossroads by Garrett Leigh Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Hi peeps, we have Garrett Leigh stopping by today with the tour for her new release Crossroads, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for our review coming soon!

Crossroads

(Skins 04)
by

Garrett Leigh

Angelo Giordano and Dylan Hart are more in love than ever, but their reality is far from ideal. With Dylan working in London, and Angelo recovering from chronic illness in Cornwall, they rarely spend more than few nights under the same sky.

Dylan is struggling. Being apart from Angelo is killing him, and he’s at the end of his rope. Angelo can’t live in London anymore, but can Dylan give up his whole life and move to a place that often feels like the end of the world?

As the end of a tough year approaches, they reach a crossroads. Dylan returns to Cornwall for Christmas and Angelo can’t imagine watching him leave again. Can the love that surrounds them on Whisper Farm show them the way home?

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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