Tag: Amy Jo Cousins

Glass Tidings by Amy Jo Cousins

Amy Jo Cousins - Glass Tidings CoverTitle: Glass Tidings

Author: Amy Jo Cousins

Genre: Holiday, Contemporary

Length: Novel (226 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (December 5th 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Eddie Rodrigues doesn’t stay in one place long enough to get attached. The only time he broke that rule, things went south fast. Now he’s on the road again, with barely enough cash in his pocket to hop a bus south after his (sort-of-stolen) car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Midwest, USA.

He’s fine. He’ll manage. Until he watches that girl get hit by a car and left to die.

Local shop owner Grayson Croft isn’t in the habit of doing people any favors. But even a recluse can’t avoid everyone in a town as small as Clear Lake. And when the cop who played Juliet to your Romeo in the high school play asks you to put up her key witness for the night, you say yes.

Now Gray’s got a grouchy glass artist stomping around his big, empty house, and it turns out that he . . . maybe . . . kind of . . . likes the company.

But Eddie Rodrigues never sticks around.

Unless a Christmas shop owner who hates the season can show an orphan what it means to have family for the holidays.

ISBN: 9781626495234

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/glass-tidings

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Ohhh, this story was so beautiful, with just the perfect amount of angst and holiday spirit! Without any doubt, I consider this Amy’s best writing to date.

Eddie Rodriquez had been through many foster homes in his life, so many in fact, that he’s learned not to get attached and to always rely on nobody else but himself. He doesn’t own anything he can’t carry with him anywhere he goes, and drifts from state to state, working Renaissance Fairs to sell his beautiful glass creations. After witnessing a hit and run one night on his way to Texas, Eddie is stuck for a while since he’s the only witness and police want to question him.

Grayson Croft has lived in his small town all his life. After being abandoned by his lover years ago, Gray became a recluse who hates socializing with people, and he spends all his time keeping his Shoppe open and restoring his house. After volunteering to host Eddie for the time he needs to stay in town, Gray starts to realize how lonely he is. Listening to someone else’s footsteps in his house makes it seem more like a home again, and as much as he finds himself attracted to Eddie physically, he craves his company even more.

What was supposed to be a couple of days at the most turned into an open ended invitation for Eddie to stay and work with Gray for as long as he wants. The initial awkwardness between them turns into a reluctant friendship, and both Gray and Eddie realize how much they love each other’s company and how well matched they are. Gray doesn’t get his hopes up that young and beautiful Eddie would want to settle down with him, while Eddie has a foot out the door the entire time, preparing himself for the moment Gray gets tired of him.

I loved seeing how both Gray and Eddie became emotionally vulnerable to each other, despite the big age difference between them, which turned out to not be a problem at all. Eddie’s past experiences that taught him to never rely on anyone and that he’s not good enough to make people stay; those are the real issues. Despite how frustrating Eddie was at times, I thought he was very realistic and easy to relate to. Gray on the other hand made it real hard to warm up to; I never understood why it took him so long to get over his ex leaving him to move to a big city. It’s been YEARS since the breakup, and I didn’t like the idea that he needed someone to move in with him in order to move on with his life, because that screams pathetic to me. Gray is not a child; he’s a mature man in his 40’s, although at times he didn’t read as such.

This is a beautiful about finding love and trusting that for some people you mean everything. It’s about learning to rely on others and believing that despite a horrible past, you can be happy and deserve to be so. It’s about realizing that there are good people in this world, who want to help without expecting anything in return. Lovely ending!

Glass Tidings by Amy Jo Cousins Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

A.J. Cousins - Glass Tidings Banner

Hi peeps, we have Amy Jo Cousins popping in today with her new release Glass Tidings, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Amy Jo Cousins - Glass Tidings Cover

Glass Tidings

by

Amy Jo Cousins

Eddie Rodrigues doesn’t stay in one place long enough to get attached. The only time he broke that rule, things went south fast. Now he’s on the road again, with barely enough cash in his pocket to hop a bus to Texas after his (sort-of-stolen) car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Midwest, USA.

He’s fine. He’ll manage. Until he watches that girl get hit by a car and left to die.

Local shop owner Grayson Croft isn’t in the habit of doing people any favors. But even a recluse can’t avoid everyone in a town as small as Clear Lake. And when the cop who played Juliet to your Romeo in the high school play asks you to put up her key witness for the night, you say yes.

Now Gray’s got a grouchy glass artist stomping around his big, empty house, and it turns out that he . . . maybe . . . kind of . . . likes the company.

But Eddie Rodrigues never sticks around.

Unless a Christmas shop owner who hates the season can show an orphan what it means to have family for the holidays.

Continue reading “Glass Tidings by Amy Jo Cousins Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Hard Candy by Amy Jo Cousins

hard-candyTitle: Hard Candy
Series: Bend or Break, #7
Author: Amy Jo Cousins
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 133 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (March 22nd 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: How to get over someone? Get under someone else—as soon as possible.

Vincent Lim always assumed his best friend (and occasional hookup) Austin would be waiting for him—that eventually they’d end up together. But now that Austin’s in love with another man, Vinnie is at a loss.

After the world’s most awkward one-night stand with a dance major, Vinnie knows the drill. Minimize the embarrassment by pretending they’ve never met. Yet Bryan’s vibrant spirit and calm center lure Vinnie like a shelter from an emotional storm.

But Vinnie’s thrown off his game by the rest of Bryan’s total package. Vinnie’s a rowing jock with a single-minded focus on living up to his parents’ academic and social expectations. Bryan might as well be outfitted with glittery butterfly wings—with plenty of pride to match. Vinnie’s haphazard attention to a lover won’t cut it this time.

Physically, they can match each other stroke for booty pop. But for the lovers to meet on common ground, they’ll have to find a way to get moving in the same direction.

Warning: Contains one uptight rower, a dancer who can rock a skirt like nobody’s business, yoga lessons, and the benefits of being very bendy.

ISBN: 9781619234468

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5749/hard-candy

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad that this series is over, I have somewhat mixed feelings. I kind of want to celebrate its over because it was time to end this and I think this book is a nice strong end to this series.

I though Vinnie and Austin will get their happy ending together, but it wasn’t meant to be. I wasn’t very disappointed and I’m not sure that’s a good thing or not, but I’d like to think I just rolled with the punches. If Vinnie and Austin didn’t want to be together, who am I to force them?

Vinnie is this serious guy, all intense and focused in his studies to the point of obsession. He’s very proper, all slacks and khakis and button down shirts. Vinnie isn’t a very sexual being; in fact, the only times he has sex with Austin is when he’s had a lot to drink. Vinnie made me very sad, for him and in general, although I can’t figure out the exact reason why. What Vinnie needs is someone who’s the exact opposite of him, someone who can shake up his very monotonous life.

The person Vinnie needs is none other than flamboyant, effeminate Bryan, a dancer and yoga advocate. Bryan knows he stands out but doesn’t give a shit what people think about him. He doesn’t like to tone it down, even though Vinnie would very much like him to. He wears hot pink shirts and high-heeled boots, and if Vinnie is ashamed of him, then he can go to hell. Bryan doesn’t like to let other get close to him, because he’s been hurt and abandoned by the very people who were supposed to love him unconditionally.

Vinnie and Bryan’s relationship is more about enjoying each other’s company and genuinely liking to spend time together. They do yoga together, study together, make out and sensually explore each other’s bodies.

Neither Vinnie nor Bryan are too crazy about penetrative sex, but that works for them and makes them even more perfect for each other. Their sexual relationship is more sensual and intimate rather than steamy and dirty. I prefer a mixture of both, but in this case I though the lack of steam was fitting.

Their relationship isn’t perfect, because they have to deal with a homophobic parent and some homophobic douche bags who are students at the same campus. Problems arise, some more dramatic than others, but as long as Vinnie and Bryan focus on what’s important and don’t lose faith in one another they should be fine.

It’s been nice hanging out with these guys and their significant others, I wish them the best! And I’m certainly looking forward to Amy’s future stories, so let’s hope we won’t have to wait too long.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Love Me Like a Rock by Amy Jo Cousins

love-me-like-a-rockTitle: Love Me Like a Rock
Series: Bend or Break, #6
Author: Amy Jo Cousins
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 154 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (March 22nd 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: In art and in love, it’s the rough edges that make things interesting.

Having grown up with artistic implements always in hand, there’s almost nothing Austin can’t make real. Except for one thing—an official relationship with his best friend, rowing teammate and occasional hookup, Vinnie.

The combination of emotional and sexual frustration fuels a spark between Austin and the nude model in his drawing class. Austin isn’t used to having trouble focusing; models are merely challenging subjects to be rendered on paper. But the geology TA’s direct blue gaze is powerful enough to drag Austin’s focus away from his physique.

After a quick and very dirty post-class encounter, all the reasons that Austin has been waiting for his best friend go fuzzy in his mind. Sean is nothing like Vinnie. Sean is persistent, pays attention, and makes it clear he wants to be together.

But if Austin can’t get his head and his heart on the same page, he could lose his friend, or his lover. Or both.

Warning: Contains rock geeks, tent sex, a dictatorial cox whose idea of a good time is drawing naked dudes, plus one naked dude who wants to be more than a good time.

ISBN:9781619234451

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5748/love-me-like-a-rock

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I feel like jumping with joy and doing cartwheels and all that crazy stuff that shows I’m happy with this book! After the disaster that Rafi’s book was (Real World wasn’t that great either) I was cautiously optimistic that Austin’s story would be a lot better. I wanted the same quality writing I got used to getting from Amy and not even the fact that Austin and Vinnie weren’t going to be happy together didn’t deter me from giving this book a try.

The first thing that convinced me this was a turn in the right direction was the use of a ginger character. I just LOVE gingers! Apparently, Austin does as well. Because even though he’s still hoping for a relationship with his long-time friend Vinnie, he doesn’t lose the opportunity to ogle Sean. The model in his art class. Or rather, he doesn’t exactly ogle Sean per se, because Austin can’t take his eyes off of Sean’s dick.

This book was humorous, and I liked the vibe and chemistry I got from Austin and Sean. Those two couldn’t keep their hands off each other and had sex pretty much whenever the need struck them.

There isn’t much angst. But the difference between the expectations those two had when it came to their relationship created enough intensity to keep things interesting. Sean wants something serious from Austin, and he doesn’t fail to let Austin know.

Even though Austin is still hung up on Vinnie, he can’t help but start to see how much better Sean is. How much more alike they are. Austin isn’t used to being wanted, but has always dreamed about it. So little by little, he starts to see Sean for who he really is… a devoted, dedicated man. One who always makes Austin feel wanted and feel certain he’s got Sean’s attention at all times.

I would’ve really liked to have Sean’s POV as well (the story is told in Austin POV only). But, I appreciate how well written and powerful Sean’s character is. He is easy to understand and connect with, and his personality comes through loud and clear. The dialog was so well written, at times I felt like I was seeing things through Sean’s POV, especially during their first camping trip.

You see, Austin NEEDS that first cup of coffee at the beginning of each day, only coffee makes him poop. Austin knows nothing about pooping in nature, so when told he needs to dig his own hole, he’s horrified. For Austin, digging his own poop hole is akin to digging his own grave, at least that’s what I got from the whole thing. That’s some seriously hilarious shit (no pun intended) you don’t want to skip on.

This was awesome, and I almost wanted to give if 5 stars, but it wasn’t quite there. I wanted it to be longer and maybe see some resolution between Vinnie and Austin. I know we’ll probably get that in the next book, but I’m not good at waiting.

Great book!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Off Campus by Amy Jo Cousins

off-campusTitle: Off Campus
Series: Bend or Break
Author: Amy Jo Cousins
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: Novel (317 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (December 30th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Everyone’s got secrets. Some are just harder to hide.

With his father’s Ponzi scheme assets frozen, Tom Worthington believes finishing college is impossible unless he can pay his own way. After months sleeping in his car and gypsy cabbing for cash, he’s ready to do just that.

But his new, older-student housing comes with an unapologetically gay roommate. Tom doesn’t ask why Reese Anders has been separated from the rest of the student population. He’s just happy to be sleeping in a bed.

Reese isn’t about to share his brutal story with his gruff new roommate. You’ve seen one homophobic jock, you’ve seen ’em all. He plans to drag every twink on campus into his bed until Tom moves out. But soon it becomes clear Tom isn’t budging.

Tom isn’t going to let some late-night sex noise scare him off, especially when it’s turning him on. But he doesn’t want any drama either. He’ll keep his hands, if not his eyes, to himself. Boundaries have a way of blurring when you start sharing truths, though. And if Tom and Reese cross too many lines, they may need to find out just how far they can bend…before they break.

Warning: This book contains cranky roommates who vacillate between lashing out and licking, some male/male voyeurism, emotional baggage that neither guy wants to unpack, and the definitive proof that sound carries in college housing.

ISBN: 9781619223936
Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5287/off-campus
Reviewer: Tina
Review: This is a really complex and, at times, a slow and long book. It is an extremely intelligent book – the writing was just smart. I liked it a lot…it just seemed a little bit too slow and too long at times. There were several issues conquered in this story – the fears of coming out in college, the brutality and effects of the selfishness of a parent, bullying, sexual assault, the normal fears and issues with becoming an adult. Which for these two, meant completely losing and rebuilding themselves.

Both the main characters have major issues to work through. Tom is a mess. He’s really lived both extremes – wealth and poverty – and he’s learned from both of them. With the fallout from his father’s mess, he’s discovered that he really wasn’t a great person and he didn’t have any real friends (he later finds out he did have one. He feels completely isolated and alone and basically shuts himself off from the world.

He basically became agoraphobic trying to stay away from the press of his father. He does what he has to for survival – which means living out of his car at one point. He’s lost all confidence in himself and is a shell of what he used to be. When he finally does what he needs to go back to school, he pretty much wants to stay off the radar and get done.

Then he meets Reese.

Reese has a whole other set of issues he’s dealing with. (Not going include the spoiler) His defense mechanisms make Tom crazy – in a couple of different ways. He is also closed off but hides it better. Tom sees through his charade pretty quickly and the two forge a relationship – albeit not one of total trust and honesty. Reese is really more forgiving and giving in their relationship and really becomes a crutch for Tom.

The story is told from Tom’s POV so his issues seem to overshadow Reese’s.

While I liked both of these characters, Cash was my favorite. He is the honest, somewhat obnoxious, best friend of Tom that you cannot help but LOVE! He absolutely made the book for me and I cannot wait to read his story.
Book 2 is about a character that is hated in this book so I’m anxious to see how that plays out.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *