Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay (2nd Edition)

Title: Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together (2nd Edition)

Author: Ari McKay

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Novella (111 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (6th July 2018)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: When a Christmas shopping expedition brings Tomy Peralta into Jason Winters’s yarn store, both men feel an immediate and intense spark of attraction, but dance instructor Tomy intends to propose to his boyfriend, Sean, at Christmas. Unfortunately for Tomy, marriage isn’t on career-minded Sean’s agenda. Heartbroken, Tomy throws himself into his work until his mother convinces him that learning to knit might help take his mind off his failed romance.

Jason falls hard for Tomy, but he knows Tomy needs time to heal and to trust in love again. As Jason teaches Tomy to knit, Tomy teaches him to dance in return. Just when it seems Tomy is ready for a new romance, Sean shows up, wanting Tomy back. Will Tomy give his heart to Sean once more, or will Tomy finally see Sean for who he truly is, and choose the man who helped him knit his heart together again? 

ISBN: 978-1-63533-584-2

Product Link:  Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Review: This was a very sweet and believable love story that incorporated the holiday spirit and the magic of Christmas for an ending that will make you go AWWWW!!!

Jason is an ex NFL player who suffered an injury that put an end to his career early on and destroyed his dreams for the future. In order to heal his broken heart, Jason takes up knitting and comes to love it. He is now the owner of a yarn store; Jason loves to give classes on how to knit to the women and men who are interested.

All Tomy Peralta got for Christmas is a broken heart. His boyfriend not only refused to accept his marriage proposal, but he broke up with him in order to pursue his dreams. Can knitting help Tomy put his broken heart back together like it helped Jason when he needed it?

I don’t know about that, but the relationship and friendship that form between our main characters sure will. Their romance develops slowly and sweetly, in the span of a year and it’s very believable. I liked the knitting and the dancing, and I loved how it brought them close together.

The main characters are likeable and supportive, and overall it was a pretty good story. I would’ve liked some tension and maybe a little bit of angst. This story is a little too sweet for my taste and some parts were downright cheesy, but I still enjoyed reading it.

Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Ari McKay - Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together RTBanner

Hi guys! We have Ari McKay stopping by today with the tour for their newest release Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together, we have great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Aerin’s review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together

by

Ari McKay

When a Christmas shopping expedition brings Tomy Peralta into Jason Winters’s yarn store, both men feel an immediate and intense spark of attraction, but dance instructor Tomy intends to propose to his boyfriend, Sean, at Christmas. Unfortunately for Tomy, marriage isn’t on career-minded Sean’s agenda. Heartbroken, Tomy throws himself into his work until his mother convinces him that learning to knit might help take his mind off his failed romance.

Jason falls hard for Tomy, but he knows Tomy needs time to heal and to trust in love again. As Jason teaches Tomy to knit, Tomy teaches him to dance in return. Just when it seems Tomy is ready for a new romance, Sean shows up, wanting Tomy back. Will Tomy give his heart to Sean once more, or will Tomy finally see Sean for who he truly is, and choose the man who helped him knit his heart together again?

Continue reading “Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Winter Ball by Amy Lane

Title: Winter Ball

Series: Winter Ball 01

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 25th 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Through a miserable adolescence and a lonely adulthood, Skipper Keith has dreamed of nothing but family. The closest he gets is the rec league soccer team he coaches after work—and his star player and best friend, Richie Scoggins.

One brisk night in late October, a postpractice convo in Richie’s car turns into a sexual encounter neither of them expected—nor want to forget. Soon Skip and Richie are living for the weekends and their winter league soccer games—and the games they enjoy off the field. Through broken noses, holiday decorating, and the killer flu, they learn more about each other than they ever dreamed possible. Every new discovery takes them further beyond the boundaries of the soccer field and into the infinite possibilities of the best relationship of Skipper’s life.

Skipper can’t dream of a better family than Richie—but Richie’s got real family entanglements he can’t shake off. Skipper needs to convince Richie to stay with him beyond winter ball so the relationship they started on the field might become their happy future in real life!

ISBN: 1623808987

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Oh no, for the first time EVER, I have to say this wasn’t my favorite Amy Lane book. I’m not sure what happened, maybe I just couldn’t connect with Richie, or maybe the whole friends-to-lovers build-up never happened for me, but there you have it. I liked this book a lot, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t love it, and I TRIED like crazy to get more into it.

Richie and Skipper have been best friends for a couple of years now, and neither of them were able to make a significant connection with any girls they’ve dated throughout their lives, and all of a sudden there was this awareness between them that they acted on in two minutes flat. I wanted to see when the attraction started happening and when they started noticing each other’s bodies. I’m normally all over GFY stories, Amy Lane’s brand especially, but not this time. It all happened too fast, without the build-up I crave.

Richie, unlike Skipper, has a family, but they’re a bunch of assholes that take advantage of him and treat him like crap. Somehow, Richie still lives in the garage on his parent’s property, paying them an outrageous amount of rent, still works for the family business, and still takes all the crap they dish day after day. I was honestly baffled because there was no reason good enough to justify such faithfulness from Richie when it came to his family. What really annoyed and upset me was the fact that Richie put his family above Skipper for the most part of the book, and Skipper deserved better than that. 

To be completely honest, this is the first time I’ve liked a secondary character better than a main one in any of the previous Amy Lane books that I’ve read. Carpenter and Skipper were my favorite dudes, and I liked Mason a lot better than I did Richie as well; hell, I liked the soccer team better than Richie and his martyr-ness. 

This was a nice holiday book, and i definitely look forward to more in the future.

Fire Up My Heart by Asta Idonea

Title: Fire Up My Heart

Author: Asta Idonea

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Short Story (67pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 25th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: London bartender Fane thinks he’s hit the jackpot when he finds a rare and expensive service Bot discarded in a dumpster, and he takes it home to get it working again. The Jo-E brings some much-needed companionship to Fane’s lonely life, but there’s something different about this Bot, as indicated by its odd behavior. Fane’s developing feelings toward Jo-E trouble him, and things go from bad to worse when a robotics engineer arrives on Fane’s doorstep, demanding the return of his property. Fane is forced to choose between a hefty reward and following his heart. Giving in to his forbidden desires might get him killed—or change his life forever.

ISBN: 9781634773331

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review:   “You make me feel so many things, Fane. When I think of you, my cogs clench and my gears grind. Electricity sparks inside me, and power pools in my chest and groin, pulsing there, desperate for release. Do you not experience the same?”

Loved this! Funny and quirky and definitely original, this is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I’m not sure exactly what made such an impression, maybe it was a combination of clever and original characters, a well-executed and well-written plot, or maybe the fact that for a short story, this certainly packs a punch. I was definitely impressed!

It is now the year of 2045; humans live with the help of menagerie bots, who do the cleaning, cooking and all other household duties for them. Fane is a bartender in a gay bar but Fane is not one of those rich people who can afford their own bot. Imagine his surprise and delight when he finds an abandoned bot in a dumpster on his way home from work. Fane takes the bot home and fixes the shorted wire that cause the bot to malfunction. Jo-E comes to life and Fane’s life as he knew it is about to change forever. 

Jo-E isn’t like all the other bots; his old owner ran a series of experiments on him to try to create the world’s first strong AI, experiments which resulted in a short-circuit. Jo-E finds himself able to experience things like a human’s does: he can feel, love, and appreciate beauty in a whole new way. Jo-E is also anatomically correct (read as hung as a horse) and Fane finds himself unable to resist the attraction and chemistry that sparks between them.

When Jo-E’s owner wants him back, Fane and Jo-E have to find a way to escape and be together, away from the danger they are currently in. This book delivered; it was funny, charming, fascinating, packed with action and charm.

I loved it and even though it was short, I didn’t feel like anything was missing, nor did I feel like it needed to be any longer! Fantastic short story!

Tangled Web by S.A. Ozment

Title: Tangled Web

Author: S.A. Ozment

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (56 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 18th 2016)

Heat Level: What’s that? (Nil)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3.25 Hearts

Blurb: By day Ashley Stevens is a dedicated nurse; by night he runs multiple social media sites for his crush and all-time favorite actor, Sebastian Gray. After a particularly grueling day at work, Ashley drinks away his misery while dreaming about being with Sebastian—only to realize it’s no dream when Sebastian actually contacts him.

Sebastian asks him to officially run his sites and Ashley is thrilled—right up until Sebastian makes it clear that he thinks Ashley is a girl. And maybe it’s the wine, or maybe it’s a fear that if Sebastian knew the truth, he wouldn’t want him, but Ashley never sets him straight. But keeping the secret becomes a nightmare as Ashley and Sebastian talk online night after night, forging a true connection. And the longer Ashley waits to tell the truth, the more tangled the lies become.

A plane ticket from Sebastian along with an invitation to meet in New York City for a fan event brings it all to a head. Ashley must face Sebastian and tell all, but he might not be the only one keeping secrets.

ISBN: 9781634772501

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Cute short story about Ashley, an ER nurse who’s fan-girling all over Sebastian Gray, an up and coming actor. Ashley’s very dedicated and has started a few fan pages for Sebastian in order to help him become more famous. When Ashley and Sebastian start talking over Facebook messenger, Ashley is on cloud nine; even though he’s disappointed that Sebastian thinks he’s a woman, he doesn’t bother to correct him and plays along, because this contact with Sebastian is too important to risk by telling the truth.

Ashley and Sebastian become very close; they become friends who confide in each other, who trust each other and develop feelings for each other. When Sebastian wants to meet Ashley in person, Ashley knows his time is up and the truth is about to be revealed. I won’t go into further detail because I don’t want to spoil the story, but let’s just say that this would’ve been perfect as a full length novel. I loved the chats between them and there was real potential to this story if only it wasn’t so short.

Regardless, this was a nice short story with no steam at all, but the cuteness factor is very high.

Five-Sided Heart by Max MacGowan

Title: Five-Sided Heart

Author: Max MacGowan

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (230 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 16th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Noah Trevelyan has lost his moorings. Disowned over his sexuality as a teenager, he hasn’t been back to his home on the Outer Banks since his fisherman father kicked him out. But when he returns for the Old Man’s funeral, he discovers his father left him the house and boat in his will. Noah must choose whether to stay or go, but he won’t be alone. There’s Ian, working to overcome the emotional scars left by a domineering ex-boyfriend, and Ty, a cheerful housekeeper who’s struggling to take care of his Alzheimer’s-stricken aunt. There’s Joshua too, running from the destruction of his old life, and Gabriel, who was once beaten and left for dead, and doesn’t know how to survive on his own.

Will they find in each other the strength and courage to keep living—and learn, together, how to love again? A polyamorous relationship is the last thing any of them expected to find in the Outer Banks, but it might be what they need most, and it might even be their redemption—if they can keep their group from breaking apart under the pressure.

ISBN: 9781634772679

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review:   I never expected to love this book as much as I did because polygamous relationships are not something that I can accept lightly; this was the first book I’ve ever read where five different people make a go of a very unusual relationship. The most I’ve ever dealt with in my reading experience are threesomes, and I can’t tell you how many times the relationship didn’t work for me for different reasons. Maybe I was wrong to start this book thinking it was going to be a fail, but I LOVE when I’m wrong and my mind is blown in the best possible way.

Noah Trevelyan has returned home after ten long years to bury his father; kicked out at a young age for being gay (in order to keep from tainting the whole family), Noah is now trying to make peace with his father’s death and the fact that he never got the chance to fix their relationship. 

Ian has been living next door to Noah’s father for the past seven years and recently being dumped by his long-term asshole boyfriend, he’s still trying to recover from the heartbreak. Ian is a mother-hen, a doer, a caretaker who wants nothing more than to make those he loves feel happy and taken care of. 

Joshua has spent almost a year behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit and even though he’s been acquitted, he ran far away from his hometown in order to start over. Joshua doesn’t think he has much to offer and knows that his past will more than likely put a shadow over any relationship he might form, regardless of his innocence. Joshua is plain and average, but he’s got a calming effect on those around him and he’s great to be around.

Ty is happiness, joy, cheer, and sunlight. He’s one of those people that everybody loves, who should never be anything but happy and smiling and shining bright. But Ty is dealing with his own problems; his great-aunt Lily, the woman who raised him after the death of his mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Ty’s heart is breaking day after day. 

Gabriel might look like an angel but he’s definitely not one; his risky sexual behavior landed him in a dangerous situation that found him beaten, cut, scarred for life, and left for dead. Gabriel suffers from depression and has plans to take his own life; but why exactly has he traveled so far and how did he end up where he is now? He doesn’t know but plans to stay alive long enough to figure it out.

Five men who are not perfect, who are as different as can be, work together perfectly to get over the obstacles life threw in their path. Everything about them, from the way they met, to the way they interact, how they end up together, EVERYTHING felt as natural as breathing. I expected to feel overwhelmed by their polygamous relationship; I expected this book to feel more pornish than it did considering there are a lot of dicks in one bed; I expected the drama level and maybe the angst to be sky high considering the men’s backgrounds. Pretty much every one of my expectations was blown to dust. What I got were five men who become best friends, who complement each other perfectly. Yes, there’s sex, but the fact that it’s not overly descriptive or crude makes it natural and not overwhelming at all. I loved the support they offered one another, a make-shift family who had each other’s backs and never gave up on each other. I loved this book!

I can’t wait to read more from Max, I think they’re becoming more experienced in their writing; Five-Sided Heart is much better than Taking the Long Way, the writing has a nice even flow and the pace is perfect. Great book!

Shirt by Amy Lane

Title: Shirt *FREE*

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (30pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (18th May 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: After a meet-cute in a bathroom and a whirlwind courtship, Ryan is ready to introduce Scotty to his parents. But a misunderstanding and some stubborn cuff buttons tangle Ryan up in an oxford shirt at a really inopportune time. Can Scotty take this opportunity to teach Ryan one or two more lessons about falling in love?

Previously published in the Curious: A Woman’s Introduction to Gay Romance anthology by Dreamspinner Press, 2010.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-300-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I’m not a big fan of short stories, but Amy Lane managed to give us the cute moment when Ryan and Scotty meet as well as the utterly adorable moments spent together by the established couple a few months down the road.

Ryan is a formerly straight man who finally finds the spark when he meets Scotty at a party. There’s no hesitation on his part, no arguments and debates about gay versus straight, because the connection he has with Scotty is one he would never and could never question.

Ryan and Scotty are very different from each other but they’re absolutely perfect together and the glimpses we get throughout their fast-paces 4 months long relationship are precious, fun, and dirty as hell, complete with rimming, sex, blowjobs and popping the cherry, not exactly in that order.

I loved this short story, it was fluffy and sweet and almost cheesy, such a difference from the angst-laden Amy Lane world, but it was utterly adorable.

Chevalier by Mary Calmes

Title: Chevalier

Series: Sequel to Romanus

Author: Mary Calmes

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novella (118pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 27th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Fireman Mason James thought finding out he is a Romanus—a rare class of gargoyle—would be the surprise of a lifetime, but he’s proven wrong when he discovers he is the son of a comte and goji nobility. But his newly discovered family doesn’t think his gargoyle lover, Luc, is good enough for a goji of Mason’s stature—how could a warrior ever be? But despite the Moreaus’ uncertainty and elitism, they are Mason’s only chance to unravel the mystery behind his mother’s death, find a solution for the class divide that might separate him from Luc, and discover what it truly means to be a Romanus.

ISBN: 9781634772457

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I have a confession to make: I am addicted to Mary Calmes. Her writing is like crack to me, I can’t stay away from it, I simply don’t have the will to say no. Mary’s books tend to be somewhat confusing sometimes, and almost every time, regardless of who the characters are, the guys hug anyone that’s in close enough distance. This seems to be the case here as well and while I find it cute, I’m simply incredulous at the lack of self-preservation the characters display.

It’s been a long time since I read Romanus, but for some reason it stayed with me, even though I remember thinking at the time that it was a wreck. I’m so glad we got the continuation of Luc and Mason’s story because we find out more about the history of Goji and the role Romanus has in this world. But this time around Mason decides he wants a future with Luc dammit, and nobody is going to get in his way and no one messed with his man. That was hot!

There was not even a second for me to get bored because this book is action packed from the beginning to the end. It had some kind of whiplash effect on me because one moment Luc and Mason get all sweet and sentimental with each other, and the next there’s daddy issues (holy fuck that was dramatic), jealous siblings, a murder attempt, a mating, fucking mid-flight (cuz’ bad-ass gargoyles can do that you know), the history of goji and gargoyles is revealed and many more things I simply couldn’t keep up with.

It was all very interesting and engaging, although I’m not sure if Mason’s father is a psychopath, an asshole, or a vile, evil human being. If you’re read Romanus you’re going to want to read this as well because it wraps up the story of Mason and Luc quite nicely. Now……

Can Gabriel get his own story as well??? Pretty Please Mary? And how about Mason’s best friend Finn and Raoul? They deserve their own stories as well.

Medley by Layla Reyne

Title: Medley

Series: Changing Lanes 02

Author: Layla Reyne

Genre: Contemporary 

Length: Novella (152 pages)

Publisher: Layla Reyne (30th April 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Sebastian Stewart was never Mr. Dependable; he was more the good-time guy who only wanted to swim, party, and ink tattoos. Until he cost his team the Olympic gold four years ago. Bas is determined to do right this time around—by his medley relay team and his rookie mentee.

Jacob Burrows is in over his head. The Olympic experience—from the hazing, to the endless practices, to the unrelenting media—makes the shy nineteen-year-old’s head spin. He’s trying to be everything to everyone while trying not to fall for his gorgeous tattooed teammate who just gets him—gets his need to fix things, his dorky pirate quips, and his bisexuality.

When Jacob falters under the stress, threatening his individual races and the medley relay gold, he needs Bas’s help to escape from drowning. Bas, however, fearing a repeat of his mistakes four years ago, pushes Jacob away, sure he’ll only let Jacob down. But the only path to salvaging gold is for Jacob to finally ask for what he needs—the heart of the man he loves—and for Bas to become the dependable one.

ISBN: 9781732088337

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes | Kobo | B&N

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Nothing gets a rise out of me more than a character who’s spending the better part of the book having a big ol’ pity party, and that’s exactly what Sebastian did. Why I never really saw this coming I’m still not sure, but the Bas we got in the first book was nothing like the Bas we got in Medley.

Medley picks up pretty much exactly where Relay stopped, and we see Jacob the newbie get his tattoo from Bas. I liked the chemistry between these two, their story was definitely a promising one; unfortunately Bas spent more time pushing Jacob away rather than setting the sheets on fire. Doesn’t the whole “trust me to know what’s good for you, and that’s not ME!” thing drive you completely CRAZY? Because towards the end there I wanted to rage like a lunatic!

I liked this book but I didn’t love it, for reasons stated above. That being said, I still loved the writing and I still believe Layla Reyne is a very talented new author. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Soul To Keep by Garrett Leigh Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Garrett Leigh - Soul To Keep RTBanner

Hi peeps, we have Garrett Leigh popping in today with the tour for her new release Soul To Keep, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Aerin’s review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Soul to Keep

(Rented Heart 02)
by

Garrett Leigh

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

Ex-Army medic Marc Ramsey is recovering from life-changing combat injuries while pulling nights as a trauma specialist at the local hospital. Keeping busy is a habit he can’t quit, but when Jamie—so wild and beautiful—bursts into his life, working himself into the ground isn’t as compelling as it used to be.

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

Continue reading “Soul To Keep by Garrett Leigh Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Once Upon A Wolf by Rhys Ford

Title: Once Upon a Wolf

Series: Wayward Wolves 01

Author: Rhys Ford

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (96pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th February 2018)

ISBN: 978-1-64080-514-9

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Two lonely men. One perfect family.

Aiden Lake adopted his institutionalized sister’s two daughters, and he’s a good dad. He works nights on websites and gets in his adult time twice a week at the Roasty Bean, where he meets with other single gay parents.

Devon Smithson wants to be a good dad now that his 16-year-old sister asked him to babysit her newborn…three months ago. But he’s overwhelmed with the colicky baby. An invitation to the daddy-and-kid gatherings at the café is a godsend. The pot is sweetened when his friendship with Aiden develops into more – maybe even something that can last.

But the mother who kicked Dev out for being gay wants to get her claws into the baby, and she doesn’t care if she tears Dev, Aiden, and everything they’re building apart in the process.

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I’ve always hoped Rhys Ford would write a shifter book, because no one can do savage and murderous better than her. I finally got my wish….kind of. Once Upon A Wolf wasn’t exactly what I expected, and while Rhys pulled me into the book with her amazing gift of storytelling, I feel like something was missing.

Once Upon A Wolf feels to me more like the introduction to Ellis and the prequel to his book, rather than the love story of Zach and Gibson. Their budding relationship took second place to Ellis’s recovery, and that’s perfectly fine, except this book was supposed to be more about Gibson and Zach.

Gibson is a wolf shifter who has spent the last 2 years of his life caring for his older brother Ellis, whose body refuses to shift back to human after the horrors of war. Ellis’s torment and slow recovery is beautifully done! I love Ellis! The problem is that I don’t feel like I got to know as much about Gibson, since the focus wasn’t exactly on him.

Zach survived a horrible crash that should’ve left him dead, and after a painful and long recovery, this city boy turned his life around and bought an old inn in the middle of nowhere. Getting lost while walking through the woods, he finds himself chased by Ellis’s wolf, and then rescued from a certain death by Gibson. Finding out that wolf shifters exist blows his mind, but Zach immediately feels at home in the company of Gibson and Ellis.

The romance between Zach and Gibson is veeeery slow burn, and that’s mostly because the focus is simply not on their relationship. We are told that they spend a lot of time together, but we don’t really witness any of those times. I expected more, but this doesn’t make this book bad by any means.

One thing is for sure…. I might not have gotten what I wanted in terms of Zach and Gibson, but I definitely can’t wait to read Ellis’s book! There’s so much mystery surrounding him still! I’m looking forward to it!

On Duty by A.R. Barley

Title: On Duty

Series: Smoke & Bullets 01

Author: A.R. Barley

Genre: Contemporary 

Length: Novel (245pgs)

ISBN: 9781488079221

Publisher: Carina Press (December 18 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: Number one rule for a firefighter: never take your eyes off the flame. Male/male author A.R. Barley is back with a new contemporary romance series.

Former marine and seasoned firefighter Troy Barnes has always kept his sex life on the down low, until he takes back-to-back hits: physically injured in a suspicious warehouse explosion and emotionally blindsided when he’s ditched by his boyfriend. When a flirty young paramedic offers him a place to crash, Troy’s not so willing to give in. He’s never needed help before. But if anyone can break through his tough-guy act, it’s Alex Tate.

Alex has crushed on Troy since the minute he saw him. Now here he is, stripped of his turnout gear and recuperating in Alex’s bed. The tattooed hero may be a fantasy-come-true, but Alex wants more than rebound sex—and he’s not sure Troy’s ex is gone or forgotten.

As each night brings them closer together, Troy realizes there’s more to Alex than he’d ever imagined. And with an arsonist loose in Manhattan, neither he nor Alex realizes just how combustible things are going to get.

Purchase Link: Carina Press | Kobo | Amazon USAmazon UK

Review: I loved this book even though I went in it totally blind and had no idea what to expect. When I requested this book for review, there was no summary available, no genre, no cover, nothing but a title! I’m not that brave usually, but I thought I should give this book a chance, and I’m so happy that I did!

So….. do you (like me) love FIREFIGHTERS and PARAMEDICS in your books, especially when there’s a romance happening between the two? If yes, then you should definitely read this book, because it’s really good!

Troy and Alex both work at the same fire station, Alex as a paramedic and Troy as a firefighter, but that’s all the connection these two have with each other. Troy is pretty much closeted at work and in a secret relationship/friends-with-benefits situation with his best friend and police officer Ian. Alex is out and proud and has been crushing on Troy for a long time, but he knows better than to hit on straight guys.

After battling a dangerous wearhouse fire and rescuing a teenager by taking a dangerous jump out of a window, Troy is beat up all to hell and wants nothing more than a relaxing night at home with Ian. But Ian has a nasty little surprise in store for Troy, and Troy finds himself homeless and without a boyfriend. Alex offers to let Troy crash at his place (with no ulterior motives except maybe ogling tha’ ass) and a beautiful friendship is born between these two.

Troy is determined to include Alex in his group of friends because he truly likes Alex as a person. The chemistry between them is the real deal and once they make it in bed together….phew! So hawt! But Troy is not looking for another friends with benefits relationship, and Alex wants nothing to do with serious relationships after being burned in the past. Something’s gotta give!

There’s lots of action happening in this book, and there’s a sense of mystery to the story due to an arsonist who’s determined to hurt Troy’s team. There’s no dull moment and there’s no disbelieving factor about this story, which is great. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that Troy constantly got hurt. I know it comes with the job, but did he always have to be the only one from the whole team to be constantly beat-up and cut-up (not to mention shot)? There’s only so much a guy can take and I felt like Troy was punished by the author for some unknown reason.

I’m so happy I chose to read this book, it really is a well written story! And…… FIREFIGHTERS!!!! I can’t wait for the next book!

Junkyard Heart by Garrett Leigh

Title: Junkyard Heart

Series: Porthkennack 07

Author: Garrett Leigh

Genre: Contemporary 

Length: Novel (195pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-62649-549-4

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (4th December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: Tired of the London rat race and the heartbreak that comes with it, photographer Jas Manning returns to Porthkennack, the Cornish seaside town where he spent every childhood summer on his father’s farm. Resigned to year-round rain, wind, and homemade jam, he’s sorely unprepared for the impact that artsy carpenter Kim Penrose has on his heart.

Kim’s free-loving reputation precedes him, and he’s as generous with his inked-up body as he is with his time. The sex is hot, the easy friendship even better, and Jas’s time with him building his family’s new farmhouse canteen is everything Jas was missing in his empty city life.

But Kim’s carefree existence isn’t as simple as it appears. He’s worked hard to vanquish his demons and build his dreams, but the devil on his shoulder is ruthless, and when it comes to call, their happy bubble bursts like it was never there at all. The canteen opening looms, but Kim is gone in more ways than one, and it’s down to Jas to shore up Kim’s soul and convince him that he deserves his place in Jas’s heart.

Purchase Link: Riptide Publishing 

Review: I’ve admitted long ago that Garrett Leigh is like crack to me, but unlike some addicts, I don’t have any desire to get clean. I love Leigh’s brand of angst, love how it rips my heart and makes me bleed, love feeling the angst like a physical blow while I fear it at the same time. Junkyard Heart is definitely Leigh’s creation and I feel like I could tell who wrote it even if I had to guess.

We know Kim from the previous Porthkennack book written by Garrett Leigh. Kim is a bisexual man whose open relationship with his long-time girlfriend made me skeptical about reading his book. Kim is battling his own demons in the form of alcohol addiction and a sometimes fragile mental health. His need for Jas runs bone-deep; Jas a that one person that Kim needs to have in his life in whatever way possible.

Jas has been a player all his life, a serial cheater who has always dated both men and women at the same time. That is until karma caught up to him, and the person Jas fell in love with and has dedicated 5 years of his life to was revealed as a married man. Jai’s broken heart drove him all the way to Porthkennack, where his father, step-mother and brothers all live. Jas believes he’s no relationship material and he’s done falling in love with men or women both, but his chemistry with Kim turns his world upside down. Staying away from Kim is simply not possible, no matter how complicated their relationship is.

I loved Jas and Kim together, their relationship and chemistry is intense and passionate, pretty much everything I could hope for. What didn’t work for me, and the real reason this book only gets 4 hearts from me, is Lena and the weird part she plays in Jas and Kim’s relationship. I get who she is to Kim, I understand their friendship, but…. why the fuck would Jas desire to see Lena and Kim fuck? I didn’t feel like Jas and Kim’s relationship had any room for a third, even if that third person is only hypothetical. I disliked that Lena watched Jas and Kim fuck, and it creeped me out that she kissed Jas’s head in the middle of it. I was half expecting her to guide his dick as well! *Lena did not have any actual sex with either of them and there was no cheating!*

Aside from the awkwardness that is Lena, I love everything about this book! Great read!

Junkyard Heart by Garrett Leigh Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Garrett Leigh - Junkyard Heart TourBanner

Hiya peeps! We have Garrett Leigh visiting today with her new release Junkyard Heart, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Aerin’s review, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Junkyard Heart

(Porthkennack 07)
by

Garrett Leigh

Tired of the London rat race and the heartbreak that comes with it, photographer Jas Manning returns to Porthkennack, the Cornish seaside town where he spent every childhood summer on his father’s farm. Resigned to year-round rain, wind, and homemade jam, he’s sorely unprepared for the impact that artsy carpenter Kim Penrose has on his heart.

Kim’s free-loving reputation precedes him, and he’s as generous with his inked-up body as he is with his time. The sex is hot, the easy friendship even better, and Jas’s time with him building his family’s new farmhouse canteen is everything Jas was missing in his empty city life.

But Kim’s carefree existence isn’t as simple as it appears. He’s worked hard to vanquish his demons and build his dreams, but the devil on his shoulder is ruthless, and when it comes to call, their happy bubble bursts like it was never there at all. The canteen opening looms, but Kim is gone in more ways than one, and it’s down to Jas to shore up Kim’s soul and convince him that he deserves his place in Jas’s heart.

Continue reading “Junkyard Heart by Garrett Leigh Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Wheels Up by Annabeth Albert

Title: Wheels Up

Series: Out of Uniform 04

Author: Annabeth Albert

Genre: Contemporary, Military 

Length: Novel (304 pgs)

ISBN: 9781488030727

Publisher: Carina Press (6th November 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: Their love is forbidden, but their hearts aren’t listening to rules and regulations…

Lieutenant Dustin Strauss is a reformed man. No longer a twentysomething hell-raiser, he’s his SEAL team’s new XO—and a man with a secret. Or seven. He’s kept his bisexual identity under wraps for years, along with his kinky side and a fondness for the military-themed semianonymous hookup website Joe4Joe. His latest chat buddy is more than a sexy online distraction—they’re taking their very not-safe-for-work relationship into real time.

Petty Officer Wes Lowe has a smart mouth, a take-charge attitude and an uncanny ability for making things go boom. The life of an enlisted man isn’t always enough to satisfy him, but one wild, no-questions-asked weekend with his online love comes close. When a transfer order comes in, Wes feels ready and centered. He’ll make a good impression on his new SEAL team and keep his growing feelings for Dustin on the down low.

But as they log more time online and some very real emotions surface, Dustin and Wes struggle to pretend they’re just a harmless fling. And when his commander introduces Dustin to his team’s newest member, they’re in for the shock of a lifetime…and a crushing disappointment: their difference in ranks means even a friendship without sexual contact could end their navy careers for good.

With their hearts on the line, Dustin and Wes may not survive their next mission, let alone find a way toward a future together.

Purchase Link: Carina Press | Amazon USAmazon UK

Review: What a deliciously, delightfully dirty book!!! I was dying to read Dustin’s story and while it didn’t disappoint, I have to admit it wasn’t what I was expecting either.

Dustin is Dylan’s brother, a closeted bisexual who is not ready for the world to know the truth about him. While coming to terms with his bisexuality, Dustin has been spending his free time having virtual sex with Wes, an East Coast man who’s far enough from Dustin that he doesn’t have to worry about being found out. A work trip to Washington DC and Wes’s proposal they meet in person sounds too good to pass on, despite Dustin’s hesitation.

Wes is enlisted as a SEAL in the military , and he knows Dustin is in the military as well, but can’t imagine how that would be a problem. Dustin is perfect for Wes and he check every one of his boxes: hot, sexy, submissive, loves to take orders and play innocent little mind games! Meeting Dustin in person would be a great opportunity to figure out if their chemistry is as strong in person as it is on the web. It is! Sweet baby Jesus but these men will have sex hot enough to melt your panties/boxer briefs or whatever the hell you’re wearing! Whew! Dustin loves to be told what to do and Wes loves giving orders… perfect match!

When Wes is given orders to move to the West Coast and join a different SEAL team as an explosions specialist, he comes to the shocking realization that any form of relationship/fraternization with Dustin is totally forbidden. There’s a lot of sorrow and angst both Dustin and Wes had to face because the heart wants what it wants and there’s nothing they could do about that. They try to stay away from each other as much as they can, but they still end up risking their careers for a few stolen moments. What I wasn’t thrilled with was the CONSTANT reminder that ‘we can’t do this’ or ‘this will never happen again’, followed by ‘this is goodbye’. I mean once they realized they need to be with each other, couldn’t they accept they’re going to illegally screw each other’s brains?

This was a very good book that I couldn’t put down! I loved many things about it, including Wes’s close relationship with his family, especially his younger sister. And Apollo and Dylan hot hitched, so all’s good in my world. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!

Scorpio Hates Virgo by Anyta Sunday

Title: Scorpio Hates Virgo

Series: Signs of Love 02

Author: Anyta Sunday

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (284pgs)

ISBN: B0758764SL

Publisher: Anyta Sunday (August 30, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: This year is all about healing the heart, Scorpio. It’s time to leave negative attitudes and stoic facades at the door and let others see the real, more vulnerable you.

Percy Freedman is not grieving. Absolutely not, take that back at once. No, he’s entirely sure that selling his dead aunt’s home and leaving the neighbors he’s known for years is the sane thing to do. Who in their right mind would keep the house that smells like all the hugs he’ll never have again?

Nobody, that’s who.

Well, except his cul-de-sac neighbors. They all seem to think some paint and new furniture will clean the emotional slate. They all want him to stay.

Even his nemesis, Callaghan Glover.

Especially his nemesis, Callaghan Glover.

Lured into a game of Sherlock Gnomes, Percy finds himself hanging out with his neighbors more than might be considered healthy. Along with juggling new and surprising verbal grenades from Cal, and his burgeoning friendship with Gnomber9, Percy is starting to wonder if selling might have been the grief talking after all . . .

That’s right, Scorpio. With a little patience, heartbreak might be a thing of the past . . .

* ~* ~* ~*

“Scorpio Hates Virgo” contains sarcasm, sexual content, a slightly sappy HEA, and an unhealthy obsession with dinosaurs.
It can be read as a standalone.

Purchase Link: Amazon USAmazon UK

Review: I loved EVERYTHING about this story, the heartache, the humor, the sarcasm, the ‘frenemies’ motive…I even loved the way each chapter started with a definition! Such a charming book! My only complaint is that it ended, because I could’ve kept reading about this wonderful cul-de-sac forever and ever!

Percy Freedman is hurting after losing his dear aunt, the one who gave him a home when his parents threw him out. Coming back to her home to clear the rest of her things and put it on the market is breaking his heart, but Percy is not letting himself grieve properly. Grieving his aunt means he has to accept that she’s truly gone, and he’s not ready for that. Playing ‘frenemies’ with his neighbor and the person Percy lusts after is exactly what he needs to get his mind off things.

Callaghan Glover is Percy’s long time nemesis, but Callaghan wants more than anything to be Percy’s friend. Both Percy and Cal enjoy their verbal sparring too much to quit any time soon, but their frenemies status turns into a beautiful friendship. Percy has been lusting after Cal for a very long time, but it takes Cal quite a while to figure out his feelings for Percy, and even longer to feel sexually attracted to him. Cal’s demi-sexuality is subtly introduced to the story and integrated in a way that it made Cal’s behavior and feelings towards Percy make sense. Everything tied together in a seamless way, and I loved that more than I can say.

The secondary characters were amazing, especially Cal’s family and Theo’s mother. But to be totally honest I loved them all, and I adored the gnome games and everything else that made the neighborly/community spirit come shining through.

This book made me swoony and there’s nothing better than that!

Sightlines by Santino Hassell

Title: Sightlines

Series: The Community 03

Author: Santino Hassell

Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (257pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-62649-509-8

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (9th October 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: Chase Payne is a walking contradiction. He’s the most powerful psychic in the Community, but the least respected. He’s the son of the Community’s founder, but with his tattoo sleeves and abrasive attitude, he’s nothing like his charismatic family. No one knows what to make of him, which is how he wound up locked in a cell on the Farm yet again. But this time, the only man he’s ever loved is there too.

Elijah Estrella was used to being the sassy sidekick who fooled around with Chase for fun. But that was before he realized the Community wasn’t the haven he’d believed in and Chase was the only person who’d ever truly tried to protect him. Now they’re surrounded by people who want to turn them against their friends, and the only way out is to pretend the brainwashing works.

With Chase playing the role of a tyrant’s second-in-command, and Elijah acting like Chase’s mindless sex toy, they risk everything by plotting a daring escape. In the end, it’s only their psychic abilities, fueled by their growing love for each other, that will allow them to take the Community down once and for all.

Purchase Link: Riptide Publishing | Amazon USAmazon UK

Review: Not sure what I was expecting when it comes to Chase’s story, but I’m not sure I’m satisfied with what I got. There was too much happening at all times and I felt like the romance between Elijah and Chase was left on the back burner to simmer all by itself. I wanted them to be at the front and center, I needed them to be the focal point of this story! Instead, thinking back on it, I remember more the sickening feeling I got when Will’s twisted mind was focused on raping Elijah. Will was certainly a creepy individual, right up there with the fucked up Jasper and his despicable, torturous ways! Yuck!

There was too much happening in this book, too much angst and horror! Too much uncertainty, distrust, and pain. I felt like I never really got to believe in Elijah and Chase as a couple. Chase loves Elijah more than anything, would do absolutely anything to keep him safe! And Elijah adores Chase, despite Chases’s doubts when it comes to Elijah’s feelings. BUT… I needed more intimacy, more opportunities for Chase and Elijah to cement their relationship and prove they can and will stay together no matter what. I needed some romance to counteract the viciousness, and I didn’t get nearly enough.

This is my least favorite book in the series, but Santino’s talent still shines through. I’m not sure if this is the last book of the series, but I feel like we need some closure and a glimpse into the future. Here’s to hoping for one more!

Oversight by Santino Hassell

Title: Oversight

Series: The Community 02

Author: Santino Hassell

Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (245pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-62649-508-1

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (26th June 2017)

Heat Level: Hot

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Aerin

Blurb: Spoiler Alert! The following blurb contains spoilers for Insight, book one of The Community.

Holden Payne has it all . . . or so he thinks. As heir to the founder of the Community—an organization that finds, protects, and manages psychics—he’s rich, powerful, and treated like royalty. But after a series of disappearances and murders rock the Community, he’s branded the fall guy for the scandal and saddled with a babysitter.

Sixtus Rossi is a broad-shouldered, tattooed lumbersexual with a man bun and a steely gaze. He’s also an invulnerable—supposedly impervious to both psychic abilities and Holden’s charms. It’s a claim Holden takes as a challenge. Especially if sleeping with Six may help him learn whether the Community had more to do with the disappearances than they claimed.

As Holden uncovers the truth, he also finds himself getting in deep with the man sent to watch him. His plan to seduce Six for information leads to a connection so intense that some of Six’s shields come crashing down. And with that comes a frightening realization: Holden has to either stand by the Community that has given him everything, or abandon his old life to protect the people he loves.

Purchase Link: Riptide Publishing | Amazon USAmazon UK

Review: So yeah, I think I’ve developed a little bit of a crush on Six…. over 6 feet of muscles, rocking a beard and a manbun, confident, socially awkward and a virgin. YES, I SAID VIRGIN! *thud!*

Sixtus stands out in a community dominated by psychics for his invulnerability; Sixtus cannot be controlled, cannot be manipulated, cannot be influenced and cannot be read. He’s an ‘ordinary’ man who was born with a natural mind shield that keeps him protected from the psychics in the Community and keeps him safe from those who mean to harm him. Six has never known his parents and grew up on The Farm, where psychic after psychic tried to break him and force him to follow realignment. Six has witnessed the true horror that the Community really is.

While his shield keeps him protected from enquiring minds, it also makes Six unable to grasp sarcasm and to read emotions other people might feel. His social awkwardness is endearing and his gift forces him to be brutally honest and blunt. What’s not to love, right?

So I suppose we all remember Holden from the previous book because he stood out for his skills in man-whoring. Holden pretty much liked to fuck everything that moved, and came across as a privileged rich brat. But if I had his empath abilities that would create a loop-feedback from others during sex (fuck and be fucked at the same time!!!) I’d become the biggest slut on earth, so I’m not judging him at all!

There’s a lot more to Holden than meets the eye (thankfully)…. Holden is vulnerable and doesn’t have the confidence he likes to project. He’s relied on his empath abilities when dealing with people his entire life, so when Six comes along, Holden has to rely on his 5 normal senses, which proves to be more complicated than he’d like.

Things between Six and Holden starts out pretty tense, because Holden thinks Six is nothing more than a cyborg who’s loyalty belongs to Holden’s father. But grudging acceptance turns into grudging sexual friendship. Yes, the sex is HAWT! Trust is earned and new feelings come into play, and slowly, the true reality of what The Community really is comes to light. There’s a lot happening from here on out and it’s totally fast paced and fascinating. The world building is so well done, I’ve started to actually believe in it!

I can’t wait for Chase and Elijah’s story even while I dread it; the partial cliffhanger concerning these two is making me wary and impatient at the same time. This book was great, my only complaint (which isn’t really a complaint) is that I wanted more private moments between Six and Holden. Fantastic series!

Insight by Santino Hassell

Title: Insight

Series: The Community 01

Author: Santino Hassell

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery

Length: Novel (331pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (March 13th 2017)

Heat Level: HOT

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 hearts

Blurb: Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.

Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.

Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.

ISBN: 9781626495067

Product Link: Riptide Publishing | Amazon USAmazon UK

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Holy shit, this book was EVERYTHING I could hope for and worlds more than I expected. I love a good mystery book, and while I’m very picky when it comes to the paranormal genre, Psy stuff is right up my alley! It’s like Santino read my mind and wrote the PERFECT book just for me! (Let me be delusional a little while longer!)

Nate Black came from a family of inbred psychics with a long history of mental illness and suicidal tendencies. When Nate’s estranged twin is found dead and his death is rules as a suicide, Nate has a hard time believing it. Sudden ‘dreams’ that allow him to see and feel his brother’s murder make Nate determined to go to New York and try to find his brother’s killer. Hitch-hiking is not a good idea and Nate rapidly realizes that his poorly developed empath abilities can be a blessing as much as a curse.

Narrowly escaping climbing into the wrong car, Nate is fortunate enough to be offered a ride by Trent, a young engineer whose honesty and sarcasm comes across as brash and somewhat insulting. The heat and chemistry that sparks between them is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. Can you imagine what happens when a psychic empath finds his soul mate, the one and only person who he can trust with his feelings and his secrets? Delve into this story and you’ll find a chemistry unlike any other, sex so hot it’s hard to wrap your head around it; a circuit of emotions and lust and pleasure that feeds off both men and loops from Nate to Trent and back until explosive orgasms will blow the reader’s mind right off. I’ve never felt dizzy after a sex scene before but I’m happy this book was my first.

Once arrived to New York, Nate discovers the existence of the Community and meets other people with psychic powers of all kinds. Elijah is a very flirty young man who used to be very good friends with Nate’s twin brother; Holden is a very lonely club owner who’s a good man at heart but who doesn’t think twice about using his persuasive powers to try to get into Nate’s pants; Chase is the most powerful of them all and my absolute favorite secondary character. I suspected Beck wasn’t as close to a void as she led them all to believe, and she was my least favorite of them all (that Bitch!).

This book is full of mystery and suspense and will most certainly keep you on edge. There’s never a dull moment, but the series of events never become overwhelming, they just flow naturally until this beautiful, crazy, suspenseful story is created. I loved everything about it!!! THAT EPILOGUE THOUGH… I loved seeing Trent and Nate happily together in California, but setup for the next book made me lose my damn mind. I need the second book right NOW!

Trust With A Chaser by Annabeth Albert

Title: Trust with a Chaser

Series: Rainbow Cove #1

Author: Annabeth Albert

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (255 pages)

Publisher: Annabeth Albert (August 1 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: One hot cop. One bar owner out for redemption. One smoking-hot summer fling destined to leave scorch marks…

Mason Hanks has returned to Rainbow Cove, Oregon with one goal in mind: turn the struggling coastal community into a thriving LGBTQ tourism destination. Step one is transforming an old bar and grill into a gay-friendly eatery. Step two? Don’t piss off Nash Flint, the very hot, very stern chief of police who’s not so sure he’s on board with Mason’s big plans.

Nash Flint just wants to keep his community safe and enjoy the occasional burger in peace. He’s not big on change nor is he a fan of Mason’s troublemaking family, especially his rowdy older brothers. But Mason slowly wins him over with fantastic cooking and the sort of friendship Nash has been starving for.

When their unlikely friendship takes a turn for the sexy, both men try to steer clear of trouble. Nash believes he’s too set in his ways for Mason, and Mason worries that his family’s reputation will ruin any future with Nash. Burning up the sheets in secret is a surefire way to crash and burn, and discovery forces a heart-wrenching decision—is love worth the risk of losing everything?

Trust with a Chaser is a 75,000 word stand-alone gay romance with a May/December theme, a hot law-enforcement hero, opposites attract, plenty of sexy times, and one hard-fought, guaranteed happy ending with no cliffhangers.

ISBN: B073VPJX56

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: This new series from Annabeth Albert is going to be great judging by this first book, which I liked A LOT! In fact, if it wasn’t for some little niggling sore spots that bothered me at times, I might’ve loved this book!

Nash Flint, aka ‘Sherriff Sexy’, is the 40 year old town sheriff who followed in his late father’s footsteps to become the lawman in their little town. Everyone respects Nash, but that’s because they don’t know Nash’s closet is deeper than anyone else’s, and he loves hiding his true self in there. Nash is so afraid of discovery that he’s paranoid and constantly on guard about hiding his sexuality. Aside from his two closest friends and his mother, nobody knows the true Nash.

Mason Hanks has returned to his little town of Rainbow Cove and opened a LGBT-friendly eatery with the hopes of making the little town more progressive and turn the community into a coveted LGBT destination. Rainbow Cove is in desperate need of a boost in tourism, but the citizens are not know to be very progressive in thinking, so Mason knows the road ahead is a bumpy one.

I loved Mason so much because he’s such a hardworking man who’s trying to show everyone that being a Hanks does not mean he’s just like his family. The Hanks are trouble and have a long and rich history of getting in trouble with the law, and Mason’s deadbeat brother makes things very complicated for Mason.

I loved the romance and chemistry between Mason and Nash, I thought the age difference was done well, and their relationship was sweet and CUTE! But Nash’s constant paranoia about being found out and his total refusal to come out of the closet was ridiculous. I understand people have reasons to not come out and this whole process is very personal, so I was trying not be too judgy. I think I failed a little bit at the judgy part.

The other thing that bothered me is the stigma that is attached to the Hanks name; I get that Mason’s father and his brothers have done nothing but get in trouble with the law their whole lives, but Mason has NEVER gotten in any trouble at all, so shouldn’t he get the benefit of the doubt? I hated how people refused to see his true potential and didn’t appreciate this hardworking young man just because of his last name. But even old dogs can learn new tricks, so I loved how they all came together at the end to support Mason when he needed it most.

Aside from those two sore points, I liked everything about this book and I’m looking forward to the next one. I can’t wait!