Hi guys! We have V.L. Locey stopping by today with her new release The Good Green Earth, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The Good Green Earth
(Colors of Love 03)
by
V.L. Locey
After the Syracuse Stallions clinch the championship, Nathan Zinkan, the renowned wild man of the AHL is arrested for a DUI. Again. When a no-nonsense judge adds a heavy dose of community service to an already stiff sentence, Nathan has to forget a summer of partying and slide on a pair of gardening gloves. His entire future now rides on how well he can behave while helping elderly urban gardeners tend to their tomatoes.
Watching local garden center owner Bran Cavanaugh working without his shirt is a benefit he wasn’t expecting. Pity Bran is also the one in charge of the community garden as well as keeping tabs on Nathan’s hours served. The two men are instantly at odds due to Nathan’s rebellious nature and Bran’s icy demeanor. Yet there’s no denying the attraction that begins to build between the hot-headed athlete and the cool as a cucumber master gardener.
Will their attraction grow into something deeper, or will it wither and die on the vine?
Hi guys, we have Eli Easton stopping by today with the tour for her new expanded re-release Puzzle Me This, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!
Puzzle Me This
by
Eli Easton
Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching.
The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.
When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?
New Expanded Third Edition The Expanded Edition features 15K new words and an overall edit
Hi guys! We have André D. Michaels stopping by today with their new release Clueless Cabot, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Clueless Cabot
by
André D. Michaels
Young gay professional Cabot MacCrae has been in love with his sexy best friend, Lloyd, since high school. They’re in perfect sync on almost everything. The only problem is that Lloyd is straight.
Cabot resigned himself long ago to pining hopelessly. Then Lloyd, a roofer, takes a bad fall and injures his collarbone. When he needs some TLC, there’s no question that Cabot will be the one to nurse his friend back to health. But Lloyd’s scantily clad presence in Cabot’s house brings out Cabot’s old longings.
But when Lloyd’s well-meaning mother and aunt fix Cabot up with a blind date, Lloyd reacts like a jealous boyfriend. Lloyd’s reaction makes Cabot wonder if those longings are as unrequited as he’s always assumed. What if Lloyd has been pining for him all these years? Has Cabot just been clueless all along?
Hi guys! We have Jessi Noelle stopping by today with her new transgender MF release Through the Inferno, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Through The Inferno
(The Inferno 01)
by
Jessi Noelle
Firefighter Jason Merone was severely burned and injured when the building he and his best friend were in collapsed as they were rescuing a young child. Depressed and nearly inconsolable, it’s not until his home care nurse, Zoe Calder, spots the telltale signs of severe depression and confronts him that Jason finds the will to live.
A few weeks later, Zoe is sexually assaulted by a man she meets through a dating app, and when he’s caught and her transgender identity is revealed, Jason’s transphobic mother makes sure she loses her job.
Jason and Zoe stay in touch, as they’ve built a close friendship, but when Zoe’s home is torched, she runs for her life, leaving Jason feeling bereft from the loss of what he knows could be a lasting relationship. Jason learns that Zoe’s troubles aren’t over, and he must work to identify who’s behind it all in time to save her.
Warning: Scenes of graphic violence, non-explicit rape, fire tragedy including death of a child, firefighter funeral, suicidal ideation, homophobia, transphobia
Hi guys, we have Rick R. Reed popping in today with his new release The Secrets We Keep, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The Secrets We Keep
by
Rick R. Reed
Jasper Warren is a happy-go-lucky young man in spite of the tragedy that’s marred his life. He’s on a road to nowhere with his roommate, Lacy, whom he adores, and a dead-end retail job in Chicago.
And then everything changes in a single night. Though Jasper doesn’t know it, his road is going somewhere after all. This time when tragedy strikes, it brings with it Lacy’s older, wealthy, sexy uncle Rob. Despite the heart-wrenching circumstances, an immediate connection forms between the two men.
But the secrets between them test their attraction. Will their revelations destroy the bloom of new love… or encourage it to grow?
Hi guys! We have Hailey Turner stopping by with the tour for her new release A Crown of Iron and Silver, we have a great new teaser, a short q&a for you to enjoy and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
A Crown of Iron and Silver
(Soulbound 03)
by
Hailey Turner
Never promise a life that isn’t yours to give.
New York City is decked out for the holidays, and Special Agent Patrick Collins is looking forward to a reunion with his old team when he gets assigned a new case. A human child is missing, and the changeling left in her place causes a prominent witch family to demand justice from the fae.
Meanwhile, continued harassment from the New York City god pack forces Jonothon de Vere to formally establish his own with Patrick. Doing so will mean a civil war within the werecreature community—a war they risk losing from the start without alliances. Making bargains with the fae is never wise, but Patrick and Jono have nothing to lose when a fae lord comes asking for their help.
The Summer Lady has been kidnapped from the Seelie Court, and if they can find her, Patrick and Jono will cement an alliance with the fae. But the clues to her disappearance are found in Tír na nÓg, and the Otherworld has never been kind to mortals.
Venturing past the veil, Patrick and Jono risk losing territory, time, and their very lives while searching for answers. Because the Queen of Air and Darkness knows they are coming—and the ruler of the Unseelie Court has an offer for them they can’t possibly refuse.
A Crown of Iron & Silver is a 107k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to All Souls Near & Nigh. Reading the prior books in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.
Hiya guys, we have Jackie Nacht popping in today with her new release Ride The Whirlwind, we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Ride The Whirlwind
(Love Across Time 04)
by
Jackie North
Soulmates across time. Two hearts, stronger together.
In present day, Maxton is good at finding trouble and bad at everything else. Then he receives a letter from his friend Laurie, who went missing. The letter is dated over one hundred years in the past.
In 1892, Trent Harrington, sheriff of Trinidad, Colorado, cast off by his family, lives a respectable but lonely life, devoid of any closeness. He knows he will be alone forever.
Trying to escape a past that keeps chasing him, Maxton drives south to Mexico. When his car spins off the road, he is swept up in a desert whirlwind, which takes him back in time to the year 1892. There, unused to the laws of the wild west, Maxton gets arrested, and is subject to the terrifying whims of two deputies who can do whatever they want to him.
Sheriff Trent Harrington of Trinidad is tasked with escorting Maxton to Trinidad. The request isn’t unusual, but the young miscreant is. Maxton draws Trent’s heart out of its shell with his flashing green eyes and lush head of hair. It isn’t right. It isn’t natural. It’s illegal. Yet Trent cannot resist the impetuous young man.
As the two men travel through the dry, lonely desert to their destination, will they find in each other the love and companionship they never thought they’d have?
A male/male time travel romance, complete with the scent of desert roses, brilliantly colored sunsets, starlit nights, roast rabbit over an open fire, growing honesty and trust, and true love across time.
Contains references to Honey From the Lion and Wild as the West Texas Wind but can be read on its own.
Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with her new release Romancing The Rough Diamond, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Romancing The Rough Diamond
(Dreamspun Desires 90 / Romancing The… 04)
by
Clare London
Trust is the most precious jewel of all.
When Mayfair jewelers Starsmith Stones wins the commission for a gay royal wedding, CEO Joel Sterling is recommended to the brilliant young designer Matt Barth—only to discover Matt’s the man with whom he shared an anonymous and passionate kiss on the celebration night.
Disenchanted with the commercial jewelry industry, Matt nowadays prefers muddy archaeological digs to designing. Openly resentful of Starsmith’s hostile takeover of his family’s firm, he is horrified at the realization he’ll be working with the man who engineered that deal—but the opportunity to create something fabulous and unique for the royal couple is too tempting to refuse.
Working as a team reignites the spark between Joel and Matt. But when betrayal from within Starsmith threatens both the project and Joel’s confidence, will they have built enough trust to keep their newfound love as precious as the royal jewels?
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (11th April 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Jonathon de Mountford’s visit to Merrychurch village to stay with his uncle Dominic gets off to a bad start when Dominic fails to appear at the railway station. But when Jonathon finds him dead in his study, apparently as the result of a fall, everything changes. For one thing, Jonathon is the next in line to inherit the manor house. For another, he’s not so sure it was an accident, and with the help of Mike Tattersall, the owner of the village pub, Jonathon sets out to prove his theory – if he can concentrate long enough without getting distracted by the handsome Mike.
They discover an increasingly long list of people who had reason to want Dominic dead. And when events take an unexpected turn, the amateur sleuths are left bewildered. It doesn’t help that the police inspector brought in to solve the case is the last person Mike wants to see, espe-cially when they are told to keep their noses out of police business.
Review: Truth Will Out is a standalone novel written by KC Wells – an author I am not familiar with and happy to read or listen to their work without barely reading the blurb. I connect with the writing style and for me that’s about all I need from an author – I am a tart when it comes to books. The audio of this book was performed by Seb Yarrick, a narrator that took me a bit to warm up to but now look forward to, especially when he gives a performance requiring some sort of British or European accent. In short, I looked forward to this book a lot. The fact that it involved the English country side and a Lord of the Manor type of thing and I was all set to be sucked into the story.
Overall, this was a really cool story and I think was greatly enhanced by listening to the audio. I feel that this is a book that I’ve got more out of it by listening to the audio – and the fabulous performances that brought the characters to life – than I would have reading the book.
There is a definite “British Mystery” feel to it, as in that there’s a murder in the small village but surely “it was nothing but an accident, I’m sure”. I probably have watched too many of said British Mysteries on television, and I’m not ashamed to say that Hot Fuzz is one of my favourite comedy movies. And not to mention that I figured out the plot of the story, mostly because I was thinking, “this reminds of the Doctor Who episode The Unicorn and the Wasp”. Yeah, I’m a nerd and I barely had to think to remember the name of the episode, whatever.
The story starts with Jonathon de Mountford. He goes to visit his uncle, the present Lord de Mountford at the family’s country seat/property. He has a lot of guilt for not seeing his uncle, whom he had been so close to as a kid. But the years and his career as a famous photographer sent him on a whirlwind journey that he has loved. Of course, his father, who heads the family law firm, is disappointed in Jonathon not only because he’s gay but also because he didn’t go into law and sees photography as nothing but a hobby. So clearly the guy has baggage and his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated, first when he meets local bar owner Mike Tattersall, and then goes to find his uncle and ends up finding him dead in his study.
Mike Tattersall moved to the quiet village of Merrychurch in the English countryside after losing his foot ended his career as a police officer in London. Now he owns the village pub (and oh my god! This just makes me think of watching Heartbeat with my mum when I was home sick from school). He moved to be closer to his recently divorced sister and has made something of a life for himself, even if he is lonely. Mike isn’t in the closet, though he doesn’t advertise his sexuality. He was also very much out when he was a policeman, and got his own set of baggage from that as well as dealing with his sister.
Jonathon and Mike have an instant connection. Their chemistry has been written perfectly. The sparks start to fly instantly, but they have a lot of learning to do together before anything can get too serious. On top of that, Jonathon and Mike can’t resist getting involved in the local to mystery, trying to piece together all the clues to solve what happened to Jonathon’s uncle.
I recommend this to anyone that wants a light-hearted romance with a good dose of adventure and mystery.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th April 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Sometimes love takes balls.
Newly retired championship footballer Simon Wood is taking on his next challenge. His plan for a charity to provide funding for underprivileged children to pursue football as a career has passed its first hurdle: he has backers and an executive consultant. Now it’s time to get the ball rolling.
Lucien Morel, heir to the multibillion-euro Morel Corporation, is shocked—and thrilled—to learn his father has volunteered him as consultant to a fledgling football charity. Better yet, the brains behind it all is heartthrob Simon Wood, his teenage idol and crush.
Although Simon and Lucien get off on the wrong foot, it’s not long before they’re getting along like a house on fire—sparks included. But with the charity under public scrutiny, can their romance thrive?
Review: The Athlete and the Aristocrat by Louisa Masters is the author’s most recent contribution to the Dreamspun Desires line by Dreamspinner Press. This is a book that I really enjoyed reading and so loved being able to relax, listening to the audio narration of this book.
Master’s writing is really appealing to me because it is the writing style just takes me in and I feel an instant connection to the characters. Although this book is not part of a series by Masters, we are brought back into the world of European elegance and riches which we first encountered in The Bunny and the Billionaire and even get to check in with three of the characters from that book. For me that was a bit of a thrill.
As for the narration, I really enjoyed it. The narration was performed by Seb Yarrick. To be perfectly honest it’s taken me a few books to fully get on board with Yarrick’s performance, although I wonder if it is just a case of perhaps me not being sold on Yarrick’s suitability for the ones that I didn’t really like. Regardless, I have absolutely no complaints about the narration. I enjoyed the voice he gave to both MCs and I really felt the emotion between the two men come through in the voice and tone.
The story itself is quite simple. A hot, rich, powerful, smart aristocrat and an equally hot, rich, powerful and smart athlete are thrown together when the titular athlete wants to set up a new foundation for children in need who do not have the access to equipment or their parents don’t have the time or money to allow kids to follow their dreams. It’s all noble intentions and I’m a complete sucker for it.
The Athlete and the Aristocrat introduces us to retired professional footballer Simon Wood and billionaire of the highly influential Morel family and their corporation, Lucien Morel. The little bit of cuteness in their background is that Lucien secretly had a crush on Simon while Simon was playing soccer and in fact convinced his father that Simon’s proposal for a charity had just as much merit as a charity for education and food for kids from struggling families. However, these guys have a bumpy road to their HEA, which is what kept me intrigued with this story. There is no doubting the attraction between Simon and Lucien, however, they did need to take time to get to know each other before taking the risk of mixing business with pleasure.
I think this story has a series of popular themes which will satisfy anyone who is attracted to these types of romances that include the whole fairy-tale ending for the brooding rich guy and the kind-hearted guy that steps into his life.
Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction, Space Opera, MPreg
Publisher: C.W. Gray (August 29,2019)
Length: Novel (235 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: Draif Ando started life as a slave on Vextonar. When he was fifteen, he met his best friend, Leti Ando, and life got a lot better. Now he’s a Charybdis Station captain and works closely with the Lord Admiral of the Station. He is a free man, finally has a purpose of his own, and has the the best lieutenant in the galaxy by his side. If he’s so content, why does he yearn for more, and why is he suddenly picturing children with his eyes and Lucas’ ears and tail?
Lucas Meluth knew that Draif was his life mate from the moment they met. He also knew that Draif was demisexual and wasn’t attracted to Lucas. Not at first. Now, Lucas notices the way Draif’s eyes follow him and the way Draif’s innocent touches are suddenly not so innocent. Has the time come for their friendship to turn into more?
Draif and Lucas may finally be figuring their relationship out, but their enemies are approaching and it’s time to protect Charybdis Station and rid the galaxy of Humans First, once and for all.
Review:Each book in the collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Draif had been a slave for most of his life but now thanks to his best friend Leti he is free. He had been fifteen when he was sold to Leti’s father, but Leti did not want him as a bed-slave. Leti had just wanted him as a friend and brother. Now he was completely free. Draif was demisexual and it took him time to fall in love. The one time he had tried it, the man had betrayed him. Now he realizes just what Lucas means to him.
Lucas knew Draif was his lifemate but also knew that he had to give the man time. Now he has seen Draif’s eyes follow him but wasn’t too sure what to expect. Their relationship is heading into the best direction. On top of that they were going to destroy the Queen and Human First group. It is going to be the fight of their lives.
This story runs right along with the fifth book in this series. It is written a bit different that I am used to but it really does work. It is action packed and the excitement is felt throughout the whole book. I love that even though it has a serious tone to it, there is so much humor mixed in. The war that we have waited on has come and damn if it doesn’t rock. I loved the characters and their quirky attitudes.
I hope that there are many more books in this series. They are stories that will be read many times over. I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to read them over.
I loved it and can’t wait for this authors next book.
Blurb: Starving artist Riley Burke refuses to be dependent on his rich older boyfriend—hence his second job as a nude model at the local art school. When the famous artist Coliaro requests him for a private modeling session, he jumps at the chance to earn some real cash.
But then Westwood, a mysterious stranger, warns him to steer clear—it’s said Coliaro is undead. That his worshippers perform rituals to fill him with life energy. That every time he paints a male nude, the painting transforms to depict a gruesome murder. And that shortly after, a young man turns up dead.
Riley dismisses the rumors—until they start to play out before his eyes. When he becomes a target, Westwood comes to his aid. But Westwood is secretive and dangerous himself… which just makes him more attractive to Riley. Riley is in over his head, and even his tenuous alliance with Westwood might not save him.
Review: Riley is a mess. He’s having trouble in his relationship with his boyfriend Nick, he struggles with having sex, he’s also depressed still grieving over his brother Andrew’s suicide ten years earlier. There is a lot on his plate. He is a nude model for a college to earn money and with that is invited to pose for a famous painter named Coliaro. He meets a strange man who warns him off the painting. Then stumbles on talk of the undead.
I must say I was impressed with how well thought and descriptive this story was. There were twists and turns throughout that I never saw coming. I like when I’m taken by surprise in a story as opposed to figuring out what will happen before it does.
This book had me on the edge of my seat as I immersed myself in the story. I was enthralled with the dangerous quality of some of the characters and the sweetness of others. I really felt for Riley as he struggled with his personal life.
I loved everything about this story an am looking forward to reading more in this intriguing series and learning more about the undead and those that police them.
Blurb: Former Army Ranger turned government assassin Álvaro Montero and CIA Officer Caiden Cardosa crossed paths two years ago in Vienna, where their encounter ended less than amicably—despite the explosive sexual chemistry between them.
Now Caiden is riding a desk at Langley after his cover is blown. And Álvaro—who was “killed”—has a new identity and purpose as Delta/D, an operative for the Locke and Keyes Agency, under the leadership of the mysterious Alpha Orion.
When D and Caiden team up in a deadly black ops mission, the urge to kill each other will have to take a back seat to the desire for revenge against the man who betrayed them both. Surviving the mission won’t be easy. Resisting the passion between them—that might be impossible.
Review: Alvaro had once been a military man turned assassin, that is until he was betrayed and killed. Although in truth he was now known as Delta working for Locke and Keyes Agency. An agency that was ran by a man they never met. Two years ago he had risked everything and it came to bite him in the ass. Now the past was standing before him.
Caiden had always wanted to be a spook and had gotten what he wanted. Then one phone call ruined his life. He was set up and his cover was blown. Now a second chance to find out who destroyed his life, brought him right into the path of a man he had thought was dead.
These guys working together, well they would either kill each other or sleep together. The way they talk to each other, you can tell they would be burning the sheets up. I just loved the way the guys could joke back and forth, and the chemistry was definitely there. Although I do think parts of the story came a bit too fast, lets just say it was worth it.
This is one of those stories by an author that will always keep you entertained and laughing at parts of the story. The guys are just adorable and you will fall in love with them all. Even the alpha is a crack pot, which was a kick. Now there were parts of the story that were a bit to close to a tv show, but it still rocked. A leader never seen just heard, men who kill, danger and excitement, action packed and some definitely hot sex is just a bit of what you get in this story.
This is a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. It was a great read that kept my attention through out the whole story. I had a blast reading this and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: Lord Morgorth is a dark mage on the planet Karishian. He’s considered a villain by his peers and relishes the title, having embraced the role early in his life. However, not all of his actions are necessarily villainous.
Despite owning several of the Stones of Power—gemstones infused with powerful magick—he doesn’t use them, preferring to keep them hidden away and out of destructive, power-hungry hands. He hates them more than anything. So when a sorcerer gets a hold of a major stone, Morgorth has no choice but to go after him. But, to his irritation, he is not alone. Aishe is a dialen whose tribe was massacred by the sorcerer, and is now on a mission of vengeance. The attraction is instant between them, but Morgorth keeps his distance. Because of a traumatic childhood and a deadly destiny, he has no desire for emotional complications. But Aishe’s very presence challenges Morgorth’s resolve.
Not only does Morgorth admire Aishe’s strength and intelligence, but he begins to see Aishe as a friend. As their hunt continues and their time together lengthens, their bond deepens, as does Morgorth’s fear. If he becomes the monster that destiny claims he will be, will he hurt Aishe? Will he harm the one person who sees right through him? Who accepts him wholeheartedly? Determined to not let that happen, Morgorth keeps Aishe at a distance. But when Aishe is kidnapped by the sorcerer, what will Morgorth do to get him back?
Review: I really enjoyed this action packed adventure about two men who are on the hunt for a mage who has stolen a stone of power and killed many to get it. Morgorth is a dark mage with an abusive past that owns five stones. He does not use them nut keeps them safe from anyone else using them.
I loved the details of this world. The creatures were terrifying in their descriptions, the people were unique and interesting. Aishe is a Dialen, fierce and proud. I admired his determination in seeing justice done for his tribe.
Morgorth learns much about himself in this story. Aishe was good for him in that he brought out a different side of him that he did not know existed. These two faced many dangers throughout and sometimes ended up hurt. I was curious about when Aishe hinted they had met before but the story did not elaborate when or where.
Series: Connected to Fates, Mates and Apple Turnovers, and Cupid’s Valentine
Author: Dani Gray
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Publisher: Dani Gray (August 1, 2019)
Length: Short Story (66 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Blurb: While heading to work, Harvey Ames followed the most amazing scent to the local park and stopped to give a small bunny a piece of an apple turnover that his brother had freshly made that morning. Imagine his surprise when the bunny shifted into the cutest man Harvey had ever met, one who the Fates had decided would make the perfect mate for him.
Trevor Murphy had been running after having escaped a kidnapping attempt and getting his leg broken in a trap while in his rabbit form. His family was missing and he had no idea where they were, or if they were even alive.
Working together to try and find Trevor’s missing family, the men discovered that the family they were building was just as important as the one they were born with.
Review: Harvey has found his mate. He was just enjoying the park as he walked to work, when he smelled the best scent. The scent led him straight to a little bunny. When the bunny shifted into a very sexy young man, well you can imagine Harvey’s shock.
Trevor had been kidnapped but managed to escape. His family was still missing as well as those from his troupe. He had however broken his leg in his escape. He had not expected his mate to find him.
Harvey is a special type of shifter and very unique. I always love those types. This story is actually connected to another story so I would suggest starting with it. The name of that story is Fates, Mates and Apple Turnovers. This is part of what I would call a series but so far they are listed alone.
For such a short story there is quite a it there. I would definitely say that this is one of those stories that will be read many times over, it is just that cute. It is a very cute little story with just a bit of danger in it.
Blurb: Four couples, four different stories — and one spicy Recipe for Romance from author Ari McKay!
Welcome to Montgomery House, Charleston’s finest restaurant. When you walk in the front doors of the stately former mansion, you’ll be surrounded by true Southern charm. Owner Rhys Montgomery will personally welcome you, while the tantalizing scents of Executive Chef Stephen Pierce’s latest culinary masterpiece linger in the air. Enjoy a walk in the gardens or an elegant meal in the dining room, as you watch the love stories play out around you…
Bay Leaves and Bachelors — Clay Turner’s heart was broken by a wealthy man who said he was boring. When rich, outgoing restaurateur Rhys Montgomery sets his sights on the quiet academic, drawn in by Clay’s intelligence and sex appeal, he finds he has an uphill battle to win Clay’s trust. Can Rhys burrow his way into Clay’s heart, or will Clay’s insecurity become a wall between them that not even true love can break down?
Fennel and Forgiveness — Seven years ago, Max Boyd broke Darius Cooper’s heart. Darius wanted a commitment, and Max wanted to focus on his career in Georgia’s television industry. Their ten year difference in age and experience tore them apart, but fate throws them back together when Max arrives at the Montgomery House, where Darius now works. Will Southern Wedding Belles bring them a second chance for love or is Darius’s trust too shattered for Max to heal?
Ginger and Gentlemen — Ian Pierce has lived in his older brother Stephen’s shadow his entire life, always feeling second best. His best friend, Matt Davis, is the only person he trusts to be on his side. Despite being in dire financial straits, Ian wants to refuse Stephen’s request to film an episode of Mouth of the South at Ian’s restaurant, but the bonus money offered in the contract is too much to resist. He accepts without knowing the hefty bonus comes from Matt, not the production company. Will Ian feel betrayed by the one person he trusts above all others when he finds out, or will Matt’s desire to help Ian succeed even at his own financial risk take them from friends to lovers at last?
Cinnamon and Seduction — Chef Stephen Pierce has talent and a determination to succeed that is matched only by his fierce temper and prickly personality. Yet his long-suffering personal assistant, Robert Logan, has carried a torch for Stephen since the day they met. Everyone around Montgomery House knows Robert is in love with Stephen — everyone, that is, except Stephen himself. Can Rhys, Clay, Darius, Max, Ian, and Matt find a way to make Stephen see that Robert is the perfect man for him, or will even Robert’s legendary talent for matchmaking fail to win him the man he loves?
Review: Recipe for Romance is a collection of the novellas that make up Ari McKay’s self-published series, Recipe for Romance. Set in the world of Montgomery House, Charlestown’s finest restaurant, which is run by some of the strongest, and maybe temperamental, men in the business. This is a successful establishment that owner Rhys prides for being authentic from the building to the food.
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable series filled with passionate and relatable characters, who have their hearts on their sleeves and have great chemistry with their significant others. Since this is a collection of four stories, I’m going to do a brief review of each.
Bay Leaves and Bachelors
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Bay Leaves and Bachelors is the story of Clay Turner and Rhys Montgomery. Clay is a quiet and reserved man for the most part, he is passionate about history, though. He is a respected historian in Charlestown and is impressed with what he sees when he goes to historic Montgomery House. Rhys Montgomery, the owner and is just as concerned about fine food as he is about keeping the heart of the historic building. The sparks between the men are instant but Rhys has to work hard to show Clay that he isn’t just a spoiled rich guy who is just going to use him.
Clay has a lot of walls built up around his heart but there is so much about Rhys to love. I found it so easy to relate to both characters, in the world of old money they are totally relatable guys.
Fennel and Forgiveness
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
Fennel and Forgiveness is a story about second chances. Some years ago, Max Boyd broke up with Darius Cooper. Cooper saw his happily ever after with Max, but Max wasn’t ready and instead wanted to focus on his career in the TV industry. But life has a funny way of throwing people together and after seven years they are pulled together when Max’s job on a reality TV show brings him back to Charlestown and Montgomery House, where Darius works.
These guys have a lot of chemistry and they have a lot going on between them. I was instantly pulled into their story as I hoped that they got the second chance that they deserved.
Ginger and Gentlemen
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
In Ginger and Gentlemen we meet the brother of one of the characters I’ve become most intrigued by, Stephen the head chef of Montgomery House and Ian Pierce his brother. Ian has been compared to Stephen his whole life and he resents everything about Stephen. Matt Davis, Ian’s best friend, has always been by Ian’s side and has helped him in his own business. However, unlike his big brother Ian is struggling and he needs to put aside his pride when his brother Stephen wants to film an episode of his new TV show at Ian’s place. Add onto that Matt has a bit of a knight in shining armour thing going on, he will do anything to help Ian and make him happy.
It’s not surprising that things begin to change between them. It’s a relationship that works really well, though I found Ian a little annoying and hard-headed at times, he learnt to let go.
Cinnamon and Seduction
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Cinnamon and Seduction is the story of Chef Stephen Pierce and his personal assistant Robert Logan. This has been the story that I’ve seen coming and was waiting for when I got about halfway through the first story in this series. Stephen, who has the reputation of being a hard-nosed head chef, hasn’t really had time for romance and hasn’t noticed that Robert, the man he depends on for so much in his life, is actually falling in love with him. Everyone at Montgomery House has a soft spot for Robert, after all the guy is a hopeless romantic who had a hand in the romances of his friends in the first three books of this series. The trick is showing Stephen, who has now taken off as a celebrity chef and has always taken pride in his work, that Robert is so much more to him than a personal assistant.
I was not disappointed by Stephen’s and Robert’s story and it was a wonderful way to end the story. Both characters are quite complex, having been present throughout the series. This is by far my most favourite book in the series.
Blurb: Kelly Cannon is satisfied with his life. He has friends, a wonderful family, and a great job. But his love life has reached a new level of pitiful. Why? Well, his heart decided to break all the rules. Don’t fall in love with a straight guy. And definitely don’t fall in love with your best friend.
NFL standout Britton “Blue” Montgomery has pressure coming at him from all sides: from his father, who’s only interested in Blue’s football career; from his coaches, who just want him to play without getting injured again; from the fans; from his agent; and from his mother, who has popped up on the radar after leaving his family years before. And now his relationship with Kelly is on shaky ground, and that frightens Blue more than anything.
When Kelly admits he’s in love with Blue, bonds are tested, and Blue has to decide what’s really important. He doesn’t want to lose the number-one person in his life, but the cost to keep Kelly close might be more than he’s willing to pay. It’s a good thing his nickname is the Blueprint – it’s time to draft a new set of plans.
Review: The Blueprint is the first book in SE Harmon’s series, Rules of Possession. I am sort of familiar with Harmon’s work but right at this moment, other than knowing that Harmon’s work doesn’t stick out in my mind as an author whose work I haven’t enjoyed in the past that was it. For me I was attracted to the fact that this was a professional sport MM romance, which I’m a sucker for.
The story starts with Kelly Cannon. He is happy with his life, except when it comes to his romantic life, because things are just not going right for him there. He can’t keep a relationship going and he knows exactly why, as do his exes. He has a boyfriend and while they are good together, he doesn’t see the man as his happily ever after, he already knows that the man tries to control him and doesn’t listen to him either. Things come to a head when Kelly is proposed to for the whole world to see and Kelly feels that he can only say yes, only to have the difficult conversation on their way home. And so, once again facing life as a single man and after an argument with the man who had so briefly been his finance, Kelly once more has to face the fact that he is in love with his best friend, a very straight NFL player. Kelly knows he needs to change his life because he knew that he would end up lonely and miserable if he keeps pining for a man that could never want him, ever. However, when he tries to make distance between himself and Blue, something in Blue snaps and he too makes some decisions about his life and Kelly’s place in it.
Blue, real name Britton Montgomery, is nicknamed Blue because his college football coach called him “The Blueprint” of the team. He is an amazing football player and even though he is getting older, he still has some years ahead of him. He is, in short, living the dream. But that changes when one night when he sees that Kelly’s boyfriend proposes to him very publicly and instead of congratulating his friend, he is left very worried about the man. Pushing himself back into Kelly’s lift starts a roller coaster that could end up very rewarding for both men, or it could the undoing of the men, professionally and/or personally.
I’ve left the narration to the end of the review on purpose. I really liked the production and the performances of this audiobook. Alexander Cendese, who I am not familiar with, narrated chapters from Kelly’s POV, while Sean Crisden, who I adore, narrated Kelly’s chapters. Both narrators did a fantastic job. Their voice and tones were matched perfectly to their characters and I happily listened to their performance all day at work. Cendese captured Kelly’s warring emotions as he tries to get himself together before things with Kelly start to change. Crisden then did an equally excellent job with the chopping emotions of Blue as he reassess himself as he comes to certain realisation regarding Kelly and how much he knows he did not want to lose Kelly from his life.
Overall, I really loved the book. It was fun, it was sexy and loved the chemistry between Blue and Kelly. I really felt the emotion and particularly felt connected to Kelly as he tries to navigate his way through love and facing the fact that he is in love with his straight best friend, before that changes once more. Yet I also felt Blue’s emotion as he is forced to reassess his personal beliefs about himself as a person. This wasn’t particularly intense or angsty, but I love how the characters have to traverse a somewhat rocky path before their happy for now ending. I look forward to the continuation of these two characters in the second book of the series.
This isn’t a gay for you book, per se, however, if you like a friends to lovers type of story, as well as the professional sports setting, this would be a great series to start.
Hi guys! We have C.B. Lewis stopping by today with her new release Time Turns, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Time Turns
(Out of Time 04)
by
C.B. Lewis
As a consultant analyst for the most technologically advanced firms in the country, Danny Ferguson knows he’s seen a lot of crazy stuff, but nothing comes close to his newest position at the Temporal Research Institute, the world’s foremost time travel organisation.
The corrupted piece of code Ferguson found on the TRI’s closed network is a serious concern for Lysander O’Donohue, the director of the TRI. Unable to trust his own people—any one of whom might be the source—he’s forced to put all his trust in Danny to solve the mystery of the corrupt code and find the identity of the enemy within.
But when an unexpected temporal gate opens, a straightforward code analysis becomes something a lot more complicated.
Hiya Peeps! We have Layla Reyne popping in today with her new release Dine With Me, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Dine With Me
by
Layla Reyne
Life never tasted so good.
Miller Sykes’s meteoric rise to award-winning chef is the stuff of culinary dreams, but it’s all crashing down around him. He’s been given a diagnosis that could cost him something even more precious than his life: his sense of taste. Rather than risk the very thing that defines him, Miller embarks on a last tour of his favorite meals while he still can.
But there’s a catch: he needs a financial backer to make it happen, and he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s sick.
Dr. Clancy Rhodes has two weeks to come to terms with putting aside oncology to work at his father’s thriving plastic surgery practice. When the opportunity to travel with a Michelin-starred chef presents itself, the foodie in him can’t believe it. It doesn’t hurt that Miller’s rugged good looks are exactly Clancy’s cuppa joe.
As Clancy and Miller travel from coast to coast and indulge in everything from dive bars to the most decadent of culinary experiences, they’re suddenly sharing a lot more than delicious meals. Sparks fly as they bond over their love of flavors and the pressures of great expectations. But when Miller’s health takes a turn for the worse, Clancy must convince him he’s more—so much more—than just his taste buds. And that together, they can win a battle that once seemed hopeless.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Hi guys! We have Thea McAlistair stopping by today with her new release No Good Men, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
No Good Men
(The Caro Mysteries 01)
by
Thea McAlistair
In 1934, almost everyone struggles to pay the rent, and Alex Dawson is no exception. To support his writing habit, he moonlights with his mentor Donnie as a bodyguard for the mayor. It’s dull work, until the night a handsome, golden-eyed stranger catches his eye–and both his boss and his mentor are killed when his back is turned.
Jobless and emotionally adrift, Alex vows to find the murderer before the corrupt police can pin the blame on him. But he soon discovers he’s in over his head. The golden-eyed stranger turns out to be a mob boss’s cousin, and a suspicious stack of money in Donnie’s dresser leads Alex to discover that his mentor and the mayor were involved in something more crooked than fundraising dinners and campaign speeches. As the death count rises amid corruption, mob politics, and anarchist plots, Alex realizes that the murders aren’t political or even business. This is the work of a spree killer, and Alex and his new boyfriend are the only ones who can stop them.
