Hi peeps! We have Jim Austen visiting today with the cover to his new release Murder At Oakschott Hall, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Murder At Oakschott Hall
by
Jim Austen
They have eyes for each other. But someone is eyeing them for murder. An erotic gay romance mystery.
In the Junior students’ dormitory at Oakschott Hall, a heavy gaslight falls from the ceiling, crushing the head of a student sleeping beneath it. Was it simply a tragic accident? To avoid publicity, the Headmaster asks Colin Revell, a young Oxford University graduate and former Oakschott student, to quietly investigate.
While interviewing the faculty and staff, Colin meets Max Lambourne, a handsome don who was wounded and gassed in WWI. When Colin tries to help Max overcome his trauma and depression, the two men fall in love and begin an erotic affair.
But when another student dies—diving at night into an empty swimming pool—murder is suspected. Students and faculty all come under suspicion, and rumors proliferate when Scotland Yard intervenes. Meanwhile, during all this confusion and wild theories, the murderer sees Colin and Max as threats. Unbeknownst to the two lovers, their lives are now in danger.
Hi guys, we have D.J. Jamison stopping by today with her new release Rapid Response, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Rapid Response
(Hearts & Health 08)
by
D.J. Jamison
A confused straight guy and a gay hookup artist walk into a bar …
Firefighter Sean Connolly is straight — until one impulsive night changes everything. He tries to dismiss it as a fluke, but when a fire rescue leads him back to the guy who blew his mind, he’s thrown into a chaos of confusion and want. He gives in to curiosity, exploring a new side to himself — not just his attraction to a man, but his desperate need to please.
Paramedic Jace Gillespie is a hookup pro, never letting anyone get too close. When he meets Sean, though, he feels a connection right away. An ill-advised threesome seems to kill a friendship in the making, but when they’re thrown together by work, it doesn’t take long for passion to reignite. Sean calls to something in Jace he never knew was there, and together, they explore a dynamic that fulfills them both.
But as feelings deepen, doubts surface. Sean is in the closet, and Jace struggles to trust his promise that it won’t last forever. With family conflict and his career in the balance, Sean finds it difficult to picture his life without secrecy, but if he doesn’t find a way, he may lose the one person he most wants to please.
Rapid Response is the longest novel of the Hearts and Health series at approximately 92,000 words! It can be read as a standalone.
Hi guys! We have Anna Martin popping in today with her new release Helix, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Helix
by
Anna Martin
When high school student James has trouble with his truck, Dylan, who is studying to be a mechanic, comes to the rescue. James thinks he hides his immediate attraction well, but is happy to be wrong when Dylan asks for his number. Since James is new to romance, they take things slowly, and because Dylan is in college, James keeps the budding relationship secret from his overprotective dad.
Across town, Mark, a teacher and single father to James and his sister, Frankie, meets Steve at a bar for what both believe will be a quick hookup. Mark doesn’t see any reason to tell his kids about Steve or press Steve for details about Steve’s adopted son…. It’s just sex between them. Isn’t it?
Two very different love stories grow side by side, each hidden from the other. But all of that changes at a family barbecue, when Mark decides it’s time for his kids to meet Steve and for him to meet James’s boyfriend, who none of them realize is Steve’s son, Dylan. The inevitable explosion means the two couples have some explaining to do to soothe the hurt feelings of their families—and lovers.
Genre: Various – Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Paranormal
Length: Novella bundle (978 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25 Sept 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: Hit author John Inman presents five novels of romance, from tongue in cheek to seriously chic
—Shy: Funny what a couple of guys can accomplish when they’re crazy about each other. Not even nine hundred chickens can stand in the way of true love.
—Loving Hector: Hector’s evil ex is dead set on holding on—even if it means kidnapping Hector to keep him from Dill forever! Now Dill has to pull an army together to rescue Hector, and just where the hell is he supposed to find an army? Gads, if only Dill could write books this interesting!
—Hobbled: Danny had plans to come out this summer—maybe even get laid! He doesn’t have time for ankle monitors and serial killers! Then ginger-haired Luke Jamison moves in next door. Gee. If Danny can survive it, this summer might not be so bad after all.
—Serenading Stanley: Welcome to the Belladonna Arms, a rundown little apartment building perched atop a hill in downtown San Diego, home to the city’s lost and lovelorn. While Roger tries to batter down Stanley’s defenses, Stanley turns to his new neighbors to learn about love.
—Spirit: Toss a murder, a hot young stud, an unexpected love affair, and a spooky-ass ghost with a weird sense of humor into Jason’s summer plans, and you’ve got the makings for one hell of a ride.
Review: This is the best hits collection bundle for John Inman and I have to say, this is truly a collection of brilliant book from an assortment of genres. I’ve read maybe one or two other John Inman books but to be quite honest, these ones have completely blown me away. I’ve rated this overall 5 out 5 – however, I am just going to make note that I also rate all of the featured novellas 5 as well.
All these stories are in the first person but brilliantly written – not once did I wonder what the other MC was thinking while reading all of these stories. The bonus is that they are all set in San Diego and I absolutely adore that city!
There are 5 stories featured, which are as follows:
Shy: 💖💖💖💖💖5 Hearts
The story is told by Tom – he is a mild mannered banker with a debilitating case of shyness. At an ex’s part he meets Frank – who also shares the same social anxiety. What ensues is a comedy of errors as the two guys overcome their anxiety and get to know each other.
This is funny and irreverent. The guys share a wonderful attraction which is over and above their shared disorder. Throw in a hilarious Chihuahua with a mind of its own and you got the start of a great relationship. Both Tom and Frank some bad apples in their lives but they can overcome any obstacle. I had kind of guessed the ending – at least part of it – but it is a tad gruesome and had me thinking of the TV show Deadwood. (Any fan of Deadwood will know what I mean when I say pigs!).
Loving Hector: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
The person telling this story is Dillard Brown – he has a nutty family including a mother who insists he’s straight and a grandfather whose sexuality seems to be fluid. He finds a stray dog – which he saves – and affectionately names it Chester while he half heartedly tries to track down the owner. Then enter, Hector, owner of said dog and actually made a brief (albeit nameless) appearance before the dog came onto the scene!
This book is nothing short of hilarious. Chester is on one escapade to another and quickly attaches himself to Dill after being returned to Hector. Dill and Hector’s relationship is nothing but bumpy but the attraction between the guys and their personalities – they are made for each other (quite literally). Then there are the minor characters, Dill’s boss’s and his grandfather take the prize for hilarity while his parents are simply nutty. His mother is completely adorable even if she is in her own little world. Then there is Hector’s ex (Valdemaro, though I kept thinking Voldemorte), the only thing not funny about this book: it was a good storyline though and brought the characters together wonderfully.
Hobbled: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
This is basically Rear Window re-told (which had been re-told as the movie Disturbia, too) with two young nineteen year old gay guys who happen to be developing a romantic relationship on the side. The narrator is Danny – he had something of a tantrum at work and now has not only a cast one leg from the incident but he also has a police ankle device from the judge after his ex-boss pressed charges.
So we have a bored teenager alone because his father has to go away for work and there are reports of a serial killer on the rampage after young guys. I don’t want to give away the back story because I think the whole “Rear Window” thing is a big give away. When a new neighbour moves in and Danny meets with some precocious young boys the drama and the mystery escalates rapidly. I will admit that it took me some time to figure things out but I will admit the side story with Danny’s father I had figured out as soon as the first clue was handed out.
Luke and Danny are really sweet together and their story is a great ride!
Serenading Stanley: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
This is book 1 of John Inman’s series Belladonna Arms and after reading Serenading Stanley I definitely want to (need to) read the rest of the series. Shy archaeology student, Stanley, moves into the fairly cheap Belladonna Arms so that he could be closer to uni (against the wishes of his mother who lives in the city). There he meets the hot and newly graduated nurse, Roger. Stanley is very reticent when it comes to Roger’s advances and so Roger has no choice but to woo the man.
This is another funny story (though still did not laugh as much as I did in Shy and Loving Hector). Besides Stanley and Roger, there are a whole host of quirky characters including transgender, transvestite queens, and just a few oddball gay men that all call the Belladonna Arms home. This is a lot of fun and very sexy.
Spirit:💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Time for a bit of a spooky story! Again, this is another book where I had elements of the story figured out where it comes to the ghost. I don’t want to go into too much details because it is a really interesting story that you will enjoy – even if, like me, you have figured out some of the major parts of the big picture, the smaller details are really great.
The story is told from the POV of Jason, who has been left as the carer of his nephew, Timmy, for a month while his sister and her less than stellar boyfriend go off on a holiday. Immediately Timmy starts talking about the man in the walls of his uncle’s house. Then Jason runs into the brother of his sister’s ex-husband, Sam. Sam and his family have not seen Timmy since his brother disappeared. That is where the true mystery starts. It also helps that there was a definite spark of attraction the moment that the two guys met.
There is some drama, romance, mystery, some of the hysterical one liners that I now come to expect with John’s writing and add into that a dash of horror. This is one spectacularly spooky story! It is so damn creepy that I love it!
Blurb: Berk Surkov hadn’t wanted to move to Milson Valley. He loved Prague. It was his home.
And he wasn’t a fan of change. He liked to take his time, think things through, and fly helicopters. They said he’d get used to it, he disagreed. He had to admit Milson Valley had some good points though, like his mate, Ignacio Hebert.
Iggy hadn’t been to a ball before, but he was happy to go along, chat, and give away copies of his e-books, especially as it was for a good cause. He didn’t expect to meet a hot gargoyle with unusual eyes, adorable curls, and a brooding attitude, but Iggy happily accepted his mate!
He could see Berk needed time to get used to the idea they were mates, and to Iggy’s chatter, so Iggy would wait until Berk was ready. Unfortunately Iggy may not have the opportunity to win his gargoyle over for soon after they meet, he is attacked.
Review: Iggy, a paranormal gay romance writer, meets Berk, a gargoyle at a charity event he’s invited to attend by Urian Starters. Iggy is a likable guy and enjoys talking to everyone he’s also adventurous. Berk gets into trouble at times with his stunts so the two were well matched. A fae tries to hurt Iggy at the request of a group but Noel is just a teenager with a unique ability that has no where to turn when the group threatens him to do their bidding.
I liked the story but wanted more information about Noel and what exactly happened to him. Iggy and Berk were likable characters that I enjoyed reading about.
Blurb: Nor O’Brien spends his days in sunny Key West caring for and rehabilitating sea turtles. He doesn’t need anything else in life, expect maybe a significant other to cuddle with after a long day. But recent heartbreak has left Nor salty, and he’s not in the mood for anything, Christmas included.
Then Eugene Montgomery walks into Turtle R&R, claiming to have found a clutch of eggs in distress. Nor is smitten with the tourist at first sight, and at the suggestion of his screwball colleagues, indulges in some no-strings-attached fun. Nor and Eugene are quick to get along, happily enjoy each other’s company, and take in the island’s unique holiday pleasures together.
But Nor would never leave his turtles, not for any man. So when his rebound fling turns into strong romantic feelings for Eugene, it’ll take a Christmas miracle to keep the two together forever in Key West.
Review:Nor relationship has broken up and lets face it, he is a bit of a grump. That is until he meets Eugene. When Eugene comes into the rescue to report some turtle eggs, lets just say Nor is all on it. Not the only thing he will be all on.
It is cute, sweet and just plain fun to read. The characters were quirky and quite interesting. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more from this author. The story was a bit too short for me though and I hope it turns into a full size novel.
Lorne Austen—on the very day his alpha’s youngest children were fifteen—was told to pack his bags and leave the only real home he had ever known. Heartbroken and alone he takes shelter from the snowstorm with other stranded travelers, miles away from the family he had always considered his.
Doctor Jonathan Owens has personal reasons for never wanting to mate an omega, but all his good intentions are tested to the limit when he meets Lorne. After spending the night together he is devastated to find Lorne has vanished without a trace.
Soon enough, Lorne discovers the impossible has happened and he is pregnant. But the law says unmated omegas cannot keep the babies they give birth to. Eventually, realizing something is badly wrong with his pregnancy, he goes to the clinic and comes face to face with Jonathan again.
All Lorne has wanted is a family he won’t lose. Jonathan has spent years making sure he never needed one. Faced with the real danger that the babies won’t even survive long enough to be born, can these two find love and the strength they need in each other or will their differences always pull them apart?
Review: I absolutely loved this story about Johnathan and Lorne. Lorne’s situation broke my heart yet at the same time I had hope for these two. I realize Lorne was leery of trusting anyone but he should have asked Johnathan about certain things instead of just believing a conniving woman’s word.
These two struggle with a dangerous pregnancy as well as those who would cause trouble between them. Still it was a wonderful story of hope and love in a world where doubts are prevalent. I do want to know more about Cal and Shay and how their lives turn out considering their situations.
Blurb: Love is in the air, and what says ‘romance’ more than a Valentine’s Day wedding? Anston “Ace” Sharpe’s is down in South Florida for his cousin’s wedding, and with his boyfriend Colton accompanying him, Ace has some Valentine’s Day plans of his own. Surrounded by his huge Cuban family, his brothers-in-arms from Four Kings Security, and a groom with a penchant for chaos, what could possibly go wrong?
Review: To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Spencer and Quinn are getting married and the guys are going to have a blast. A few surprises and it looks like Colton is going to be the one with the biggest surprise, or maybe King is going to be.
I always get a kick out of Ace. He is a blast to read about. I would love to read Quinn and Spencer’s story and hope that Charlie will write soon. As for this story it was a blast and I loved the little twists that it had going on. I can’t wait to read the next story by this amazing author.
Title: The Darkling’s Kiss: Part Three: On a Nightmare’s Wing
Series: The Daemon’s Descendants 03
Author: Charlie Richards
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Length: Novella (105pgs)
Publisher: Gargoyle Expressions, Inc. (January 7, 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: For decades Philippe has lived the life of a thief, keeping apart from society. He steals items for customers…for a fee, of course, which has earned him wealth enough for several lifetimes. Due to his mixed heritage, a volatile mixture of human, angel, and daemon blood—a creature called a darkling—his job is his solace. After a disastrous encounter with a wizard, Philippe has a choice to make—live the rest of his life on the run or commit to a single task to gain a clean slate. Either way, his thieving days are over. Philippe accepts the Council of Wizard’s terms.
He finds himself traveling with Kalylle, a wizard of the second order. Their task is to clear up a disagreement between the dwarf and elven nations, as a war between their peoples would tear Fidelia apart. To Philippe’s surprise, he discovers an unexpected kinship with Kalylle—an attraction that offers both danger to their mission and hope for a future. Except as they run up against one obstacle after another, it becomes clear that a third party is involved, someone with powerful magical resources. Can Philippe overcome the urges of his daemonic heritage so he can complete his quest with Kalylle, or will the machinations of rogue wizards cause him to lose himself to the daemon living inside him?
Warnings: This is part three of a three-part epic fantasy adventure. It is highly recommended that the parts be read in order. This story includes wizards, magic, men learning to have a sense of humor while overcoming dark elements, and a HFN ending. There are erotic m/m scenes suitable for adults only.
Review: This is part three and the continuation of the Darkling’s Kiss. Philippe and Kaylelle both suffer multiple injuries due to different battles in their quest to find the Dwarves blade and the culprit who wants a war between the elves and Dwarves.
While I truly enjoyed the adventure, action and danger of the story I was disappointed that it ends with Philippe accepting an assignment from the council in tracking down the main culprit who got away.
I assume there will be another book as this story is unresolved. Aside from that it was a fantastic edge of your seat journey with plenty of passion to go around.
Blurb: The past few years have been a bit chaotic for Cougars new associate coach, Lancaster Hart. After an amiable divorce he began living his life as the gay man he’d kept closeted for far too long. With the recent move to Cayuga, he’s away from his support system and properly made sweet tea. Despite a roster filled with new friends and associates, he’s spending his nights alone.
As his team gears up to make a run at the Calder Cup, Lancaster discovers that not everything in upstate New York is wine, woodlands, and chilly conservative ideals. At a summer music festival, he first lays eyes on Townsend Harris, folksy/blues singer by night and mayoral office assistant by day. Lancaster is enraptured with the man’s powerful sultry voice. Also, Town just might be the most beautiful man he has seen in all his forty-one years.
The two hit it off at an informal meet and greet after the show, where they spend the night talking and sipping wine. One evening of conversation and an incendiary goodbye kiss leads them into a scorching love affair that might be exactly what Lancaster has been searching for his whole life. Can his team pull off professionally what he’s hoping to do privately as well? Or will capturing their dream evade both the Cougars and Lancaster?
Review: One on One is the fifth and final book in VL Locey’s series Cayuga Cougars, I love a good MM hockey romance and I particularly love Locey’s own brand of style when it comes to romance between these awesome alpha male athletes she creates. I don’t want to go too much into things, because this was awesome end to a completely wonderful and somewhat surprising series for me. Surprising in the way that I had never thought to completely love the series, as well as a certain character (cough Vic you lovable, unlovable rogue).
This series has had a roller coaster of emotions, particularly when it comes to the characters Dan and Vic who we met at the start. And while we do get to check in on them and their little family again (and there will be more books around these guys separate to the series), I really loved the sweet romance as we were introduced to Townsend and Lancaster. While you can probably get away with not reading the entire series, I think it’s an injustice to you as the reader as well as to the author to not appreciate the full scope of the characters. All characters, including the newest couple, are really well fleshed out and were very relatable.
One on One is a very sweet, low key and low drama romance that shows two ordinary guys find their own happily ever after. Lancaster Hart is the new associate coach for the Cayuga Cougars ice hockey team and moving to the new team is just the start of things. He’s newly out of the closet and being divorced means he can finally live as the real version of himself. He is still friends with his ex-wife as well as her partner, which is totally nice, I’m over the usual trope of a vengeful ex who hates the fact her ex is gay and becomes some sort of harpy. Lancaster is down to earth and I felt an instant connection to his character, I wanted him to find the man of his dreams from the get-go.
A chance meeting after a concert with Townsend Harris, folk musician by night and mayoral assistant by day, sets the scene as we begin to explore Lancaster’s journey to be the man that he is. In a way, this is gently guiding us to not only get to know Townsend, but to realize that Townsend is the man that Lancaster needs in his life and in his bed. They don’t just fall into bed and then into love in the space of two minutes, instead they get to know each other.
The story is told completely from Lancaster’s POV, but I don’t feel that I lost anything in terms of getting to know Townsend. I keep using the word gentle to describe this story, but it truly is. A beautifully sweet and gentle romance that just happens to be set with some fast pace hockey and wonderful secondary characters we’ve known all along for the most part.
Hi guys! We have A.L. Lester popping in today with the cover for her upcoming release Shadows On The Border, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway , so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Shadows On The Border
(sequel to Lost In Time)
by
A.L. Lester
Newspaper reporter Lew Tyler and his lover, Detective Alec Carter, are working out the parameters of their new relationship. Meanwhile, time traveler Lew is trying to decide whether he wants to stay in the 1920s or find a way to get back to 2016, and Alec doesn’t know if he can bear the vulnerability of being in love with someone who uses such dangerous magic.
Fenn is a Hunter from the Outlands, come through the Border to search for the murderous Creature and its offspring at the behest of the Ternants, who maintain the balance between Fenn’s world and ours. Fenn strikes a bond with Sergeant Will Grant, Alec’s second in command, who is keen to learn more about his own magical abilities. As time goes on, Will grows keen to learn more about Fenn, as well.
Fenn has their own painful secret, and when they appear to have betrayed the team and goes missing in London, Will is devastated. He has to choose between following his heart or following his duty.
Moving through the contrasting rich and poor areas of post-First World War London from West End hotels to the London docklands, the men need to work together to capture the Creature … and choose who – and what — is important enough to hold on to and what they may need to give up to make that happen.
Release date: 9th March 2018
Pre-order: .•.•.**❣️ JMS Books ❣️**.•.•.
Hi guys! We have Tash McAdam popping in today with her new release We Are The Catalyst, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
We Are The Catalyst
(The Psionics 02)
by
Tash McAdam
Kidnapped and imprisoned, telepathic children are forced to gather military intelligence. Repeatedly stripped of their memories, they live in ignorance of the world above. You can’t tell anyone a secret if you don’t remember it. It’s not child abuse if no one knows you exist.
Epsilon 17 appears to be just another mindless tool, empty of thought. But it’s a lie. The carefully constructed shell she hides behind protects her from their mind wipes. One day she will destroy the Institute. All she needs is a chance.
That chance could be Toby, if he doesn’t die first. He should never have left the safety of the suburbs, but cornered in an alley by a gang, he’s out of options. Of course, if he realized he had superpowers, he probably wouldn’t have been so worried. Unfortunately, they come at the cost of a finger, and his old life. Injured and panicked, he would have stayed on the dirty ground until the Institute came for him, if it wasn’t for Serena. Name-taking, ass-kicking Serena. She can punch through walls and practically fly, surely she can keep him safe…
But the Institute is sending Epsilon 17 to hunt him down, and she’s never lost a trail.
Can ARC, the mysterious group Serena works for, protect him? He has to get his powers in order, fast. It’s time for Toby to stand up for himself. An underground war is raging, and Toby’s just been drafted.
Warning: scenes of violence; death of a principal character, child abduction, memory wipes, depictions of PTSD, depictions of disassociation, suicidal ideation
Hi guys, we have V.L. Locey popping by today with her new release Touch of a Yellow Sun, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Touch of a Yellow Sun
(Colors of Love 02)
by
V.L. Locey
It’s been a rough couple of years for Marek Hafer, roaming hockey protagonist and pugilistic expert. Ending up in Berger Lake, Pennsylvania, on a financially unstable minor league team might just be the ending his wretched career deserves. On the other side of thirty, Marek knows his time on skates is dwindling. His goal now is to spend a few quiet years playing for the Berger Lake Badgers, knock a few helmets together as needed, and then call it quits before his salty personality gets him booted out of hockey permanently.
After a bloody encounter his first night on the ice, the Badgers coach suggests that Marek find a way to lower his violent tendencies before he’s sent packing yet again. That decree leads Marek to knock on the door of his next-door neighbor, Shey Pierson, the owner of Sun Touch Yoga Studio. Shey ticks every box Marek has with his soft blue eyes, flowing golden hair, and long limber legs. The only problem is that Shey is yin to Marek’s yang.
Can a man famed for throwing punches find serenity in the arms of a man known for his tranquil ways?
Hi guys! We have Bru Baker stopping by today with her upcoming release Stealing His Heart, we have a brilliant guest post from Bru, a great excerpt and a comment giveaway where you can win a copy of one of the previous books in the Camp H.O.W.L. series, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway!! ❤ ~Pixie~
Danny’s parents raised him to believe his wolf was a curse. He’s part of the wealthy and powerful Connoll Pack, but only nominally. He abandoned that world to volunteer with supernatural kids, and he isn’t looking for a mate….
Max is a shifter who is also a detective. He’s working a case that could make or break his career. Danny’s caught up in the case he’s on, and he’s also irresistible. They’re a bad match—Max, an Alpha having trouble with his new powers and Danny, who trusts Alphas as far as he could throw one. But they can’t get enough of each other, and they might bond before they even see it coming.
They could be amazing together, but they have to get past a few obstacles—especially since someone close to Danny might be involved in the thefts Max is investigating.
Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with the blitz for her audio release Out in the Offense, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Out in the Offense
(Out In College 03)
Narrated by Michael Pauley
by
Lane Hayes
Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.
Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.
Hi peeps! We have Amanda Meuwissen popping in today with her upcoming release A Model Escort, we have a brilliant guest post where Amanda shares her 5 Tips for a Successful Author Convention, and we have a great excerpt. So peeps check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~
A Model Escort
(Dreamspun Desires 77)
by
Amanda Meuwissen
What’s the value of love?
Shy data scientist Owen Quinn is brilliant at predictive models but clueless at romance. Fortunately, a new career allows him to start over hundreds of miles from the ex he would rather forget. But the opportunity might go to waste since this isn’t the kind of problem he knows how to solve. The truth is, he’s terrible at making the first move and wishes a connection didn’t have to revolve around sex.
Cal Mercer works for the Nick of Time Escort Service. He’s picky about his clients and has never accepted a regular who is looking for companionship over sex—but can the right client change his mind? And can real feelings develop while money is changing hands? Owen and Cal might get to the root of their true feelings… if their pasts don’t interfere.
Blurb: When opposite worlds collide, it’s anyone’s game.
Proud geek and comic book artist Morris Proctor wants nothing more than to live in semiseclusion with his devil cat and gamer friends. Despite what his well-meaning family thinks, he’s perfectly content with his status quo. The last thing he needs is to date another nongeek hell-bent on changing him.
Then he meets his adorkable new neighbor, Theo Boarman, who doesn’t know Star Trek from Star Wars, but who tempts him like no other.
Theo has spent the last year recovering from the loss of his parents and trying to play both roles for his teenage brother, while working to keep the family restaurant afloat. Dating is the last thing on the menu, especially with a man who thinks the height of dining is shoving a packaged meal into the microwave.
But if Morris gives him one more shy smile or flaunts that kilt he wears so well, Theo will be forced to convince him that a hot summer fling is just the recipe to let off a little steam. When that fling gets serious fast, Morris has to decide if he’s willing to give his heart to Theo on the chance that they’re a perfect mix.
Review: A Little Side of Geek is the first book in Marguerite Labbe’s series The Geek Life. Being something of a geek I was instantly attracted this novel (cue the mental image of the Willem Dafoe meme of “You know, I’m something of a scientist). No, I can’t say that I am of the comic book/graphic novel set, although I do dabble, I’m more of a science nerd. However, it’s nice when “nerd culture” is portrayed properly; I sometimes find the science type books unbearable because I know the life of a scientist in both commercial or academic settings.
Look, it’s difficult to explain, let’s just go back to its nice when things are portrayed with a decent amount of realism, which therefore makes the characters that bit more relatable. All this is because Labbe herself is part of the comic book culture and her insights are obvious because of how well written this book is. On top of that, her characters are excellent and well fleshed out. I don’t think that I’ve read anything else by Labbe in the past, although I have heard of her. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did and so I went into this book not knowing what to expect.
The story is about somewhat reclusive comic artist, Morris Proctor. He has his work, his cat, his sister and niece, and his gamer friends that keep him from being a complete hermit. He’s happy with the life he has, despite the fact that his sister especially loves to worry about Morris social life.
It is at this point that we meet Morris’s neighbor, Theo Boarman. Theo is completely different to Morris, mostly because he doesn’t do the whole geek thing, but he tries for the sake of the teenage brother, Lincoln. Theo’s responsibilities don’t make him more mature than Morris, it just makes him different. Theo’s parents died recently and so not only does he take on the responsibility of raising his underage brother, he also takes on most of the responsibility of running his family’s restaurant. Two of his siblings don’t appear interested in the restaurant, and his sister Jill is heavily pregnant and so Theo plays the protective brother to her as well. The restaurant as well as the comic convention circuit is key settings in this book, because this is where we get to know the guys, and partly where they get to know each other.
Morris’s family, his geeky friends (who I’m sure will get their own stories) and Theo’s baby brother Lincoln make this little world more colorful. I love the atmosphere that added to the lives of the MCs. They are well throughout characters that do justice to the overall storyline of Morris and Theo’s romance. I can’t wait to get read more from this series, I might even investigate more of Labbe’s work.
Blurb: Rival archaeologists Will and Jude slept together a year ago, on the night of the Summer Solstice at a dig in Stonehenge. But they were both wearing masks, so Jude has no idea it was Will he slept with, and Will’s been harboring a powerful, one-sided crush ever since.
Now they’re in Egypt, competing to find the lost tomb of Queen Nefertiti. Jude falls through a crack in the cave floor, and when Will reluctantly climbs down to help him, they find themselves in Nefertiti’s tomb, surrounded by archaeological treasures—where they must spend Christmas stranded by a sandstorm.
Will a few sultry hours stripped almost bare from the heat and sharing a bottle of whiskey sort out who should get credit for the discovery—and the real reason for the tension between them?
Review:Jude and Will had a great night together but they didn’t know that it was with each other. They are not exactly enemies but they are not friends either. They were searching for the same thing, but one small accident leads them to something they realize they should have been searching for, each other.
I was amazed that I had not read this author before but this was one fantastic read, for such a short story. I can’t say that I truly liked it but it was still pretty good. I liked the guys attitudes and lets face it, who wants a romance with not a bit of trouble. Feisty is one word for it.
Title: The Darkling’s Kiss Part Two: The Daemon Unleashed
Series: The Daemon’s Descendants 02
Author: Charlie Richards
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Length: Novella (109pgs)
Publisher: Gargoyle Expressions, Inc. (January 7, 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: For decades Philippe has lived the life of a thief, keeping apart from society. He steals items for customers…for a fee, of course, which has earned him wealth enough for several lifetimes. Due to his mixed heritage, a volatile mixture of human, angel, and daemon blood—a creature called a darkling—his job is his solace. After a disastrous encounter with a wizard, Philippe has a choice to make—live the rest of his life on the run or commit to a single task to gain a clean slate. Either way, his thieving days are over. Philippe accepts the Council of Wizard’s terms.
He finds himself traveling with Kalylle, a wizard of the second order. Their task is to clear up a disagreement between the dwarf and elven nations, as a war between their peoples would tear Fidelia apart. To Philippe’s surprise, he discovers an unexpected kinship with Kalylle—an attraction that offers both danger to their mission and hope for a future. Except as they run up against one obstacle after another, it becomes clear that a third party is involved, someone with powerful magical resources. Can Philippe overcome the urges of his daemonic heritage so he can complete his quest with Kalylle, or will the machinations of rogue wizards cause him to lose himself to the daemon living inside him?
Warnings: This is part two of a three-part epic fantasy adventure. It is highly recommended that the parts be read in order. This story includes wizards, magic, men learning to have a sense of humor while overcoming dark elements, and a HFN ending. There are erotic m/m scenes suitable for adults only.
Review: Philippe runs into trouble in Croo and has a piece of his soul taken. In the aftermath he struggles to reign in his daemonic half without his angel half. It seems that whoever wants a war is trying to make sure Philippe is taken out of the investigation. With Kaylelle’s help Philippe finds some measure of control as the continue their investigation of the missing blade and the culprit wizard trying to start a war.
I loved this story. Adventure and mystery surround Philippe and Kaylelle as the two grow closer. I like the way the investigation is coming together as the pieces are aligning slowly pointing to whoever is behind everything.
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (February 7, 2019)
Heat level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb:Lany
Life doesn’t always ask us what we want. I knew that was true when Sal announced he wanted a divorce. I was devastated, especially considering I had no idea why, and he refused to speak to me except through his lawyer. When my world continued to go to hell, I had to wonder if someone had it out for me.
Salvador
Life doesn’t always ask us what we want. I knew this was true when someone sent me undeniable proof that Lany had been sleeping around on me. I was devastated, especially considering I had the proof on video. When my world continued to go to hell, I had to wonder if someone had it out for me.
Review:This is one of those series that must be read in order.
Lany and Sal are the perfect couple, loving, gentle and just plain sexy together. They almost have enough kids to start their own basketball team. But when Sal comes home demanding a divorce it pretty much destroys Lany. He has no clue what is going on and lets face it when he does he is going to hand Sal his balls for breakfast.
Sal is loosing his mind. He has received letters, pictures and video of his sweet sexy man cheating on him. In his eyes that is betrayal and divorce. However he needs better eyes considering he is SWAT or he would have seen the truth.
This is one of the only series that are connected with the same main characters that I truly love. The characters are truly a sight to be seen and you can’t help but love the quirky guys. This story has quite a bit of heart ache in it and I wanted to beat the tar out of Sal. There is some pretty awesome twists and turns that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
I had a blast reading this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
