A Christmas Cabin for Two by K.D. Fisher

K.D. Fisher - A Christmas Cabin For Two Cover 2347yhdTitle: A Christmas Cabin For Two

Series: Dreamspun Desires 93

Author: K.D. Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novels (195 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-334-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5 Nov 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: A match as perfect as cold nights and cozy fireside heat.

Gentle giant Matt Haskell and urbane teacher Mikah Cerullo are as opposite as the Teton Mountains and downtown Manhattan.

Hardworking organic farmer Matt has little time to think about love, but when Mikah, a sexy and snarky New Yorker, arrives at his farm to buy a Christmas tree for the family’s Jackson Hole mansion, the attraction is immediate for both of them, and they agree to share a cozy cabin in the Idaho woods. The clock is ticking on their holiday fling, since Mikah is due to take a teaching position back in the city, but as the holiday magic envelops them, they wonder if their budding romance might withstand their differences.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: A Christmas Cabin for Two is a very sweet standalone Christmas romance by KD Fisher for Dreamspun Desires. Fisher is a new author for me, however, reading the blurb I saw the sweetness that I’ve come to expect from Dreamspun Desires so I was keen to give this a go.

This is a story where opposites truly attract. Matt Haskell is a small town sort of guy, he’s an organic farmer and takes enormous pride in his work. Mikah Cerullo is as equally passionate as Matt, however, he is city guy – a typical New Yorker – through and through and his passion lies with his career as a teacher.

Mikah is with his family in Jackson Hole, where they own a mansion, for Christmas. Mikah has the typical feelings you generally encounter in romance books where a single MC is forced to spend time with family, especially one that is outside of their comfort zone in the big city. Matt is at home minding his own business, literally, running his farm, which during Christmas means that he’s selling Christmas trees. Immediately he comes across as the strong, silent and studious type of person (my type of guy, really). He’s no nonsense, that I believe comes to any character that has a farming background.

When the two men meet when Mikah goes to buy a Christmas tree sparks fly. There isn’t any angst or even angry tension between the two guys. They are two contrasting characters that feel an instant spark of attraction. As they get to know each other and as Mikah gets to know the small town more, the two men have to eventually face what could happen after their idyllic Christmas romance

This is a book that is full of heart and sweetness. If you like a romance in a secluded area and the whole trapped in a cabin in the woods type of story, this is a good book for you.

Winter Quarters by Anna Veriani

Anna Veriani - The Winter Quarters Cover saox0sjmTitle: The Winter Quarters

Series: Dreamspun Desires 92

Author: Anna Veriani

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (242 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-693-6

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Snow, steam, and a second chance.

Reluctant socialite Kai has thirty-five days before his family starts shooting the next season of their reality TV show, revealing a life he’d rather keep private—and one that feels increasingly scripted. Desperately needing a break, Kai escapes to his childhood best friend Hiro Asada’s inn in rural Japan. He finds peace in the thousand-year-old hot springs, but his yearning for Hiro resurfaces at the worst time: Hiro is about to inherit the inn, and his parents expect him to marry within the year.

Hiro’s traditional family loves him for who he is, but they can’t imagine two men running the inn. Meanwhile, Kai has a TV contract his lawyer insists can’t be broken. Hiro and Kai need to think outside the box—and solve their problems before Christmas Day, when Kai’s show shoots its annual holiday special.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Winter Quarters is a standalone Holiday novel by Anna Veriani for Dreamspun Desires. Veriani is a new author for me, however, reading the blurb I saw the sweetness that I’ve come to expect from Dreamspun Desires so I was keen to give this a go.

Kai is a reluctant socialite to say the least. His family have a reality TV show that is somewhat comparable to Keeping Up With the Kardashians where his mother is the self-proclaimed matriarch of the family. And he really doesn’t like the attention or the whole farce of the thing. He only has little over a month before the show starts shooting again, so Kai decides to escape to the one place that had always made him happy as a child, the picturesque inn that is owned and run by his best friend Hiro in rural Japan. Spending time with Hiro leads to revealing a number of untold revelations and leads Kai to finally take the plunge to get out of his hated reality TV show contract.

Both Kai and Hiro are sweet characters, and while not overly developed I found it so easy to connect to their emotions. The romance was really sweet and satisfying.

This is a book that is full of heart and sweetness and very little angst. For people that like friends to lovers storylines, this is a book I recommend for you. I also recommend this book for people that like the glitz and glamour of a socialite family.

Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades Blog Tour & Excerpt!

Kilby Blades - Adam Bomb Tour Banner

Hi guys! We have Kilby Blades stopping by today with the tour for her new release Adam Bomb, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Kilby Blades - Adam Bomb Cover chwdb6g

Adam Bomb

(Moguls, Royals, and Rogues 01)
by

Kilby Blades

Levi’s best friend, Adam, has always been larger than life: a smoking-hot billionaire hotelier with imposing charm. When Manhattan stops being big enough for both of them—at least if Levi ever wants to fall out of love with Adam—Levi accepts a job in in San Francisco.

But when Adam pulls an Adam—upending Levi’s calm new life with a plea to lend his photography talent to a worthy cause—Levi is helpless to resist. Adam will be the first Fortune 100 CEO to come out of the closet in grand fashion. He needs a trusted ally on his PR team. And the job will only last three weeks.

Levi accepts on one hidden condition: he’ll keep his new friends away from Adam, certain that if they get a whiff, they’ll fall under Adam’s spell. Bent on keeping his two lives separate, Levi barely makes it through the first two weeks unscathed. Then, Adam drops another bomb….

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

Continue reading “Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades Blog Tour & Excerpt!”

Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Kilby Blades - Adam Bomb RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Kilby Blades stopping by today with her new release Adam Bomb, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Kilby Blades - Adam Bomb Cover chwdb6g

Adam Bomb

(Moguls, Royals, and Rogues 01)
by

Kilby Blades

Levi’s best friend, Adam, has always been larger than life: a smoking-hot billionaire hotelier with imposing charm. When Manhattan stops being big enough for both of them—at least if Levi ever wants to fall out of love with Adam—Levi accepts a job in in San Francisco.

But when Adam pulls an Adam—upending Levi’s calm new life with a plea to lend his photography talent to a worthy cause—Levi is helpless to resist. Adam will be the first Fortune 100 CEO to come out of the closet in grand fashion. He needs a trusted ally on his PR team. And the job will only last three weeks.

Levi accepts on one hidden condition: he’ll keep his new friends away from Adam, certain that if they get a whiff, they’ll fall under Adam’s spell. Bent on keeping his two lives separate, Levi barely makes it through the first two weeks unscathed. Then, Adam drops another bomb….

Release date 21st January 2020
Pre-order:
.•.•.**
❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Interpretive Hearts by Amanda Meuwissen

Amanda Meuwissen - Interpretive Hearts Cover nds6h8Title: Interpretive Hearts

Series: Dreamspun Desires 94

Author: Amanda Meuwissen

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (197 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-740-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19 Nov 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Love is easy once you learn the steps.

In the competitive world of dance, Teddy was a flawless performer and hardass choreographer who students feared and admired in equal measure. But hip surgery ended the glamour and drama, and now Teddy is recovering at his beach house, lost and listless.

Until he meets Finn, his neighbor, who is too perfect, gorgeous, and kind to exist—but very ill timed. In a seaside town as small as theirs, they can’t avoid each other, especially since Finn is also Teddy’s new physical therapist. But Teddy isn’t the man he used to be, and though Finn flirts shamelessly with him, Teddy can’t believe a has-been dancer is worthy of someone so young and full of life.
Finn’s sunny smile is also hiding heartache. Pursuing Teddy challenges both his professionalism and his self-preservation, but if he can convince Teddy to trust him, maybe they both can heal.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Interpretive Hearts is a standalone romance by Amanda Meuwissen for the house line Dreamspun Desires. I didn’t really know what to expect, to be perfectly honest. I’ve read only one other book by the author in the past and I really couldn’t remember it from the top of my head. However, the blurb grabbed and add in that Dreamspun Desires is something of a guilty pleasure for me, then I was ready to give it a go.

The first character we are introduced to is Teddy. He’s a professional dancer – a skilled performer and as he got older he stepped with ease into the role of an equally skilled choreographer. He has the admiration of various members of the dancing community, as well as his very own enemy that seems to delight in rubbing in the fact that he now had Teddy’s job after surgery has changed Teddy’s whole life. Teddy, as with every other dancer, knew that that the performing part of his career was limited, and unfortunately the same is true for choreography. Vital hip surgery has left Teddy confused and is happy to keep to himself in his beachside condo. The physical part of recovery is difficult, but he had never realised that the mental side of recovery was just as difficult.

Things begin to change when Teddy bumps into one of his neighbours, Finn. Teddy feels an instant spark of attraction but because of the surgery he holds himself back. Especially when he feels humiliated when Finn needs to help him inside to his home after a minor setback. The complications continue when it turns out that Finn is also Teddy’s physical therapist, helping him with his rehab. Because now Finn, who also felt the attraction, is torn because Teddy is now his patient and therefore off limits for any personal relationships.

There is angst as Teddy works through his recovery and Finn comes to terms with his attraction to a patient. Overall, it is really enjoyable and the characters took on a really nice depth that made their romance feel realistic. Fans of romances that involve professional in the arts will like this one. This is the a sweet story of one character on his journey to recovery and the man that becomes important to him for multiple reasons.

Santa’s Last Gift by Sandine Tomas Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Sandine Tomas - Santa's Last Gift RBBANNER-131

Hi guys! We have Sandine Tomas popping in today with her new release Santa’s Last Gift, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Sandine Tomas - Santa's Last Gift Cover tnfc8sk

Santa’s Last Gift

(Dreamspun Desires 95)
by

Sandine Tomas

The greatest gift might be what they already have.

After years away building his career, event planner Sebastian Chesnut returns to his small hometown of Fir Falls to reconnect with his mother, sister, and young nieces before his job takes him to London.

He doesn’t expect to find his high school boyfriend, Matty, has become a virtual member of Seb’s family. Back then, Matty only offered a casual relationship, but Seb fell hard, and history is soon repeating itself. Seb’s afraid to hope for a second chance, no matter how much they’ve grown and despite the family they share. Instead, he focuses on creating a last perfect holiday, which won’t be easy with his sister’s ex planning to take the girls over Christmas.

Seb and Matty might not know what to do about their feelings for each other, but one thing’s for sure—it won’t be Christmas without the kids. Can these star-crossed lovers pull off a holiday miracle?

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

Continue reading “Santa’s Last Gift by Sandine Tomas Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble ~ Audio Review

Elizabeth Noble - Whiskey and Moonshine Audio Cover lwe024Title: Whiskey and Moonshine

Series: Dreamspun Desires

Author: Elizabeth Noble

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 6 hrs, 51 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20th June 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Like a well-aged whiskey, master distiller and old-money entrepreneur Malone Kensington is elegant and refined. Unfortunately he’s also a perfectionist who is more dedicated to the suc-cess of his generations-old company than his own love life.

That company needs a public spokesman.

What Colton Hale lacks in sophistication, he more than makes up for with the charisma that’s al-lowed him to survive on the street from a young age and charm his way into the lucrative – if overwhelming – public position at the Kensington Distillery. When Mal takes Colt under his wing, hoping to polish off his rough edges, opposites attract and a passionate romance blossoms de-spite the differences in age and background. But can it survive a Kensington Board of Directors who believe Colt is nothing but a gold digger and a kidnapper determined to profit from the love of Mal’s life – dead or alive?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Whiskey and Moonshine is standalone romance set in Tennessee, obviously amongst whiskey and moonshine stills by Elizabeth Noble. This was published as part of Dreamspun Desires, which is always a plus for me. The fact that John Solo is the narrator is another plus for me.

I really haven’t heard too many books narrated by John Solo lately. However, it is always awesome to hear the man perform. He is one of those narrators that has a voice that suits so many different genres of romances and different types of characters. I love how Solo manages to convey the emotions of both Mal and Colt, the two MCs. I always enjoy his performances and this is no different. It enhanced my experience and my enjoyment of the book. Overall, an excellent narration that I cannot fault.

This is a completely charming and sweet romance. The story focuses on the Kensington Distillery which produces whiskey and moonshine, and the very sexy man who is dedicated to his family’s company and making it more accessible for the younger generations that is the focus of this story. To do this it is decided that they need to employ a young, passionate person to be the PR face of the company.

The story opens with Colton Hale, he’s twenty-four and has been living on the streets of Toledo since he was fifteen. The most recent run in with violent thugs has Colton ready to make a new start, so he gets the first bus that will get him out and his new adventure starts. The bus ride brings him to the Kensington family’s whiskey distillery. They’re a rich and hugely successful distillery in Tennessee. Colt manages to get himself a job and just six weeks later shows his ingenuity and passion for his work that leads him to another job for the company.

Mal, the head of the Kensington family company which had been previously run by his mother, sees a lot of potential in Colton. There’s the potential Colton has to help sell the whiskey brand on social media and help the company branch out, but he has to hold back his attraction for the man, even though he knows Colt’s shady past. The two men work well together and Mal decides to use the age gap between them as the excuse he needs to mentally force himself from pining for his social media face of the company.

I’ve read this story before and while I remember liking it, I forgot about the awesomeness that was multiple references to the Joss Whedon TV showed Firefly. Because I’m a nerd and a browncoat and the fact that it features so prominently in a book I enjoyed was shiny. I’m a total sucker for Firefly. Because of that I see the name Mal and I think Captain Malcolm Reynolds – though I can never say I was disappointed to realise that this Mal is short for Malone. But it is sweet and smart Colt, who hasn’t had the best 9 or so years of his life getting into Firefly into the book that got to me. I really enjoyed the imagery conjured when Colt mentions the last line in the theme song, relating it to the backdrop of the rambling Kensington distillery/estate. But the best part, when everything seems to be falling apart Colt uses a Firefly reference to get Mal to help him.

This was a really enjoyable story. The characters were relatable and felt accessible to the reader, or at least to me. Again, the Firefly fan in me was totally appeased. While this isn’t actually set in a boardroom this is still at heart a story about a powerful CEO finding love in an unexpected place. So, I suppose if you like any romance set around vineyards and in boardrooms then this is one to enjoy. There is also an interesting celebrity element, where Colt navigates the world of social media and gains fame as the face of the Kensington brand. Others may also enjoy Colt’s storyline which is very much a rags to riches tale.

Him Improvement by Tanya Chris

Tanya Chris - Him Improvement Cover 45hngf7tTitle: Him Improvement

Series: Dreamspun Desires 89

Author: Tanya Chris

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (227 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-539-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: The course of true love runs through every neighborhood….

Only one thing stands between Gregory MacPherson II and his dream revitalization project for the gritty neighborhood of Ball’s End: a rinky-dink, run-down used bookstore called Hailey’s Comic. But when master negotiator Mac shows up to make a deal with the owner, he comes face-to-face with quirky, colorful Hailey—unexpectedly good-humored about Mac’s attempted eviction and, also unexpectedly, a hot guy.

Hailey won’t give up his lease, no matter how much money Mac offers. When it comes to consummating their mutual attraction, though, he’s a lot more flexible. Soon Mac has as hard a time prying himself out of Hailey’s bed as he does prying Hailey out of the building. But Hailey doubts Mac’s plans serve Ball’s End’s best interests, and he insists Mac give him a chance to prove his case. If they’re going to build a happy ever after, one of them will have to be remade….

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Him Improvement is a standalone contemporary romance by Tanya Chris. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, as Chris is a completely new author to me. However, since this is published as part of Dreamspun Desires, I was keen to give it a go. The blurb, to me, reads like a typical trashy romance (not trashy-bad, I mean trashy-good) where one plucky hero goes up against another rich and mysterious hero, then boom… they fall in love. I was totally up for this.

The story follows one businessman, with the overly pretentious name Gregory MacPherson II, who aims to make life better by revitalising a rather run-down area. But there is one problem and that man is Hailey and runs a bookstore named Hailey’s Comic and has a big heart when it comes to the locals of Ball’s End. (A rather unfortunate name in my opinion, but makes me think of the train station in Sydney that goes past Ball’s Head). Hailey doesn’t really go into his aquaintace with Mac with any particular plans, but he does begin to open Mac’s eyes to what could truly help to revitalise an area besides simply acquiring land and knocking down existing building, displacing residents and business owners.

This book covers the stereotypes but the chemistry between the characters is satisfying and making for an overall enjoyable read. I’m still not entirely sure of how I feel about the romance between Mac and Hailey, but ultimately it felt natural that they did indeed come together. I really enjoyed the journey of discovery that Mac goes on because of Hailey and makes their connection feel “right”.

I’m not really sure who to recommend this one to. I suppose the whole rich businessman and small business owner is a little stereotypical and if that’s your thing, then this is the book for you. If you like sweet and sexy contemporary romances you should give this one a crack.

Romancing the Rough Diamond by Claire London

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond Cover s dnhy54jhTitle: Romancing the Rough Diamond

Series: Dreamspun Desires 90 / Romancing the… 04

Author: Claire London

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (244 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-637-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: 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?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Romancing the Rough Diamond is the fourth book in Claire London’s Romancing The… series. It is not necessary to have read the two previous books; this is a standalone book and the couple are totally unrelated to the other. The only real link between them is being set in England/United Kingdom and these are people that are in the upper crust of society – businessmen, celebrities, social darlings, old money, that kind of thing. This series has been released as part of the Dreamspun Desires, and this book is everything that I love getting my hands books released in this house line. It’s sweet, sexy, full of big drama (sometimes bordering melodrama) and equally big personalities.

There’s a royal wedding about to take place and this one is a bit different because it will be the first same sex royal wedding. The hype is big and the competition to win the rights to be the jeweller for said royal wedding is a big deal. So much so, when CEO of Starsmith Jewellers, Joel Sterling, found out that his firm had won the commission, he locked lips with a stranger. Not thinking about that little episode further, Joel is intent on making this the most perfect pieces that his people have created. And with the importance of such a commission, everything is to be kept under lock and key to keep the project top secret. Now he needs to recruit a designer for the project, and is strongly recommended to approach designer Matt Barth. It just so happens that Matt is the man Joel kissed and the man who is the son of a company that Starsmith took over.

Matt is a complicated and stubborn man. His is brilliant, proud and passionate about his work, which is mostly doing archaeological digs on some of his family’s land. He’s a man who hasn’t done a lot of commercial designs but is a designer that is raved about in many jewellery design circles in England and Europe. Yet, with his family’s successful jewellery firm sold off, Matt doesn’t want to be involved with the man he perceives as his enemy.

Matt and Joel are so different and yet at the same time they are both so similar. It is their similarities that draw them together and their differences that make them perfect for each other. They have excellent chemistry. They are also very passionate men, which makes some of the drama about the designs and their relationship so much fun.

As a side note, because it tickled me so much. For someone who had watched so much Time Team and in a Time Team fan group on Facebook, the talk of archaeology on the family farm had me thinking of Tony and Phil et al., I had to laugh though when London also made reference to the TV show.

If you’ve liked anything from Dreamspun Desires or if you’ve enjoyed Romancing the Wrong Twin, Romancing the Ugly Duckling and Romancing the Undercover Millionaire you’ll definitely like this book. I recommend this this to those that love the opulence of upper society (i.e. me and my love of aristocratic-type romances) mixed with business and artistry. I would quite label it an enemies to lovers type of book, but for those that do like that in a book, I think this could be the book for you too.

Drawing the Prince by Kim Fielding

Kim Fielding - Drawing the Prince Cover s oeo485Title: Drawing the Prince

Series: Dreamspun Desires 91/ Stars from Peril 03

Author: Kim Fielding

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (235 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-689-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 Oct 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Painting themselves a life together will be a royal ordeal.

Small-town boy Cal Walters doesn’t know whether he owes his phenomenal success as an artist to talent or to his connections to famous people. Doubt leaves him secluded—until a lost bet lands him on yet another blind date. But this one is different.

To Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, playboy prince of the tiny nation of Porvunia and passionate art lover, Cal’s paintings are as intriguing as Cal himself. When Teo invites Cal to his country for an art competition, a whirlwind romance sweeps them up. But it can’t last—loyalties and obligations bind them to lives that are worlds apart.

Cal and Teo might’ve found their perfect complements in each other, but to hold on to their happiness, they’ll have to get creative.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

Review: Drawing the Prince is the third book in Kim Fielding’s Stars from Peril series, which is released as part of the Dreamspun Desires house line. The series has been very enjoyable for anyone that loves a good light-hearted romance, but also as a fan of Fielding’s writing, I was more than satisfied to read the present instalment to the series.

The book works as a standalone, although there is mention of the previous two characters who are also the “Stars from Peril”. It’s a pretty cool concept, one small town in America which has produced (at this point) three celebrities – a rock star, a style guru and now an artist. Each man is gay and gets his own chance at a HEA. The artist being the subject of Drawing the Prince, obviously.

Cal Walters has become a wildly successful artist, in some part he is sure that he can attribute this to his fellow Peril celebrities, but of course he also has a measure of talent that has also made his work and commissions highly sought after. Despite his success he doesn’t have a lot of self-confidence, he doesn’t really date a lot either. The only reason he’s being sent on a blind date is because he lost a bet. Cal didn’t expect the attraction he felt to Teo, who comes from a small European principality of Porvunia (which had me thinking back to the first book in the series, The Spy’s Love Song). Teo is not only an engaging man, he is also an art lover and particularly admires Cal’s talent. Cal assumes that Teo works for the government of Porvunia, not realising that he is a prince (and an openly gay prince, to boot).

Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav (that’s a mouthful and a half), is known as a playboy prince. He works hard for his homeland, but he also knows how to appreciate the finer things and people in life. He’s been drawn to the American artist Cal Walters for a while and to meet him on a blind date is an opportunity Teo refuses to squander.

This is a fairy tale romance, so I’m not going to go further into details and spoil everything. However, if you’re one of those people that can’t resist a corny Christmas movie about Princes and Princesses and commoners, or books and movies that generally are about wealthy aristocrats/royalty falling for a “commoner”, this book will appeal to you and make you happy.

The Winter Quarters by Anna Veriani Guest Post, Excerpt & Pre-order Giveaway!

Anna Veriani - The Winter Quarters Banner

Hi guys! We have debut author Anna Veriani stopping by today with her upcoming debut release The Winter Quarters, we have a brilliant guest post, a great excerpt and a fantastic pre-order giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Anna Veriani - The Winter Quarters Cover 35j73

The Winter Quarters

(Dreamspun Desires 92)
by

Anna Veriani

Snow, steam, and a second chance.

Reluctant socialite Kai has thirty-five days before his family starts shooting the next season of their reality TV show, revealing a life he’d rather keep private—and one that feels increasingly scripted. Desperately needing a break, Kai escapes to his childhood best friend Hiro Asada’s inn in rural Japan. He finds peace in the thousand-year-old hot springs, but his yearning for Hiro resurfaces at the worst time: Hiro is about to inherit the inn, and his parents expect him to marry within the year.

Hiro’s traditional family loves him for who he is, but they can’t imagine two men running the inn. Meanwhile, Kai has a TV contract his lawyer insists can’t be broken. Hiro and Kai need to think outside the box—and solve their problems before Christmas Day, when Kai’s show shoots its annual holiday special.

Release date: 15th October 2019
Pre-order:
.•.•.**
❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “The Winter Quarters by Anna Veriani Guest Post, Excerpt & Pre-order Giveaway!”

Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond RTBANNER-81

Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with the tour for 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~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond Cover 474jh

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?

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

Continue reading “Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Drawing the Prince by Kim Fielding Guest Post & Excerpt!

Kim Fielding - Drawing the Prince Banner

Hi peeps! We have Kim Fielding stopping by today with her upcoming release Drawing The Prince, we have a brilliant guest post from Kim and a great excerpt, so guys, check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Kim Fielding - Drawing the Prince Cover ewt64j

Drawing The Prince

(Dreamspun Desires 91 / Stars In Peril 03)
by

Kim Fielding

Painting themselves a life together will be a royal ordeal.

Small-town boy Cal Walters doesn’t know whether he owes his phenomenal success as an artist to talent or to his connections to famous people. Doubt leaves him secluded—until a lost bet lands him on yet another blind date. But this one is different.

To Teofilo Vabriga-Kastav, playboy prince of the tiny nation of Porvunia and passionate art lover, Cal’s paintings are as intriguing as Cal himself. When Teo invites Cal to his country for an art competition, a whirlwind romance sweeps them up. But it can’t last—loyalties and obligations bind them to lives that are worlds apart.

Cal and Teo might’ve found their perfect complements in each other, but to hold on to their happiness, they’ll have to get creative.

Release date: 1st October 2019
Pre-order:
.•.•.**
❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooks ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Drawing the Prince by Kim Fielding Guest Post & Excerpt!”

Femme Faux Fatale by Susan Laine ~ Audio Review

Susan Laine - Femme Faux Fatale Audio Cover njwe93Title: Femme Faux Fatale

Series: Dreamspun Desires 70

Author: Susan Laine

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: 7 hrs, 39 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd May 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Mystery. Murder. Men in silk stockings. Hollywood nights are heating up.

Hardboiled Los Angeles PI Cain Noble is hired by wealthy and gorgeous Camille Astor to find her husband and a priceless work of art, both of which have disappeared.

At the nightclub owned by Mr. Astor, Cain encounters the mesmerizing Lily Lavender, who has the body of a goddess and the sultry voice of an angel—but is really a young man named Riley who attracts trouble like a magnet.

What’s a private dick in the vein of LA’s bygone era and a cross-dressing burlesque starlet to do when faced with the hidden decadence and lethal dangers of the Hollywood Hills? They have their work cut out for them because they haven’t even scratched the surface of an elaborate scheme more twisted than anyone could ever have imagined.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Femme Faux Fatale is a standalone book by Susan Laine, published as part of the Dreamspun Desires line. The narration of this story was performed by John Solo.

I’ve read the story before, I already knew what I was in for the most part, and while I did have problems connecting with the MCs when I read the book, I had started the audio with the hope that Solo’s wonderful narration would add a depth to the story that I missed while reading. In fact, I had been somewhat disappointed that I didn’t enjoy reading the book more than I had because I have enjoyed almost all of Susan Laine’s books I’ve read in the past.

In the stereotypical way that seems to be the world of a PI in literature, we start with hardened and eternally tired PI Cain Noble. He’s a PI based in LA and the city serves up a constant stream of work for him. When we meet him he gets hired by Camille Astor to find her husband and a work of art. And let’s face it, when priceless art is involved you know that there is going to be some serious shit go down. Astor’s husband, Sheridan, owns a club and that is Cain’s first port of call and despite being gay, Cain finds performer Lilly Lavender strangely alluring. Only to then find out that Lily is in fact a man named Riley who seems to get in trouble at every turn, but more than anything wants to find Sheridan who he considers a friend.

As we make our way through the LA and the story, it feels like this could almost be the stereotypical 1930s-era PI tale where the hero solves the mystery and gets romanced along the way.

While I will admit that I really do think that Solo’s narration added to the book and I found myself dragged into the plot a lot more than I recall being pulled in by reading the book, I felt that I still lacked some connection to the main characters. I’m now wondering if it is also to do with the writing style, which is a little different to Laine’s usual and again I think that goes back to the whole 1930s private dick vibe. I liked Cain and Riley in terms of their personality, they were both a bit quirky, and they were certainly well developed with a definite spark between them that makes the romance natural.

I recommend this is for people that enjoy reading a dark, gritty, urban mystery where the city seems to become a wild jungle. It seems like a good metaphor for LA at any rate and makes me think of The Doors song LA Woman.

Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond RBBANNER-83

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~

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond Cover 474jh

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?

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

Continue reading “Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

The Athlete and the Aristocrat by Louisa Masters ~ Audio Review

Louisa Masters - The Athlete and the Aristocrat Audio Cover yh3n38Title: The Athlete and the Aristocrat

Series: Dreamspun Desires 73

Author: Louisa Masters

Narrator: Seb Yarrick

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs, 38 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th April 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 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?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

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.

Seeking Solace by Ari McKay ~ Audio Review

Ari McKay - Seeking Solace Audio Cover 234ierjkTitle: Seeking Solace

Series: Dreamspun Desires 69, The Walker Boys 03

Author: Ari McKay

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs, 55 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (6th November 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: All hands on deck for a shipboard romance—with a secret.

Like his cousins, Devin Walker aspires to be a chef, but he wants to indulge his wanderlust while feeding his customers, and working a cruise ship seems like the solution. Since he can’t find an opening in the kitchen, he’s happy to start out in a position behind the bar.

While onboard Poseidon’s Pearl, Devin is assigned to shepherd a visiting executive. Paul Bailey is quiet and unassuming, and a car accident that cost him his leg also shattered his confidence. He doesn’t think he’s attractive to other men anymore, and Devin is eager to show him just how wrong he is. Paul has a surprising secret that might sink their passionate affair before it even leaves port.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Seeking Solace is the third book in Ari McKay’s series The Walker Boys. It isn’t essential that you read the previous books, though it would probably make life easier when one of the MCs, Devin Walker, talks about his family back home in Buffalo Lick, Texas. Much like the previous two books, Seeking Solace is a sweet and simple romance at heart. Of course, there is a good dose of drama, mostly fuelled by miscommunication and running away from one’s problems, but it is a fun and adorable story.

I really enjoyed this story when I read it and looked forward to the audio. When I grabbed the audio from Audible, I was even more excited to see that the narration of this book was done by John Solo. I absolutely love Solo’s narration, he has the magic touch – the magic tonsils? – when it comes to bringing emotional depth into the characters with just the tone of his voice. Some of Solo’s performances are also so good that a book that I didn’t like when I read it, or pick it up to read after listening to audio, are far more enjoyable than just reading the written text. That is the sign of a good narrator, in my opinion. Seeking Solace is no exception in terms of performance, I loved it and connected to Devin and Paul so quickly, especially when the drama of the story comes into play.

The story is about Devin Walker, one of the famous Walker boys from Buffalo Lick, Texas. Unlike his many cousins, he had it a little tougher time growing up when people out of town hurled racial abuse at him. Like many others in Walker clan, he has the cooking bug. He wants to be a chef but before he can get there, Devin is working as a bar tender on a cruise ship, where he meets Paul Bailey.

However, Paul Bailey is Paul Mercer. He is on the cruise ship undercover, as he is in fact the heir of the cruise line company. He just wants to be seen as another exec who has to spend time on ship before settling into a job at head office. Devin becomes Paul’s staff liaison and the two quickly develop a friendship that becomes something a lot more meaningful.

The problem being, is that when Devin discovers Paul’s true surname, he feels betrayed and goes back to the only place he knows to recover. Paul is confused why he didn’t see Devin and again and when he discovers what has happened he is determined and sweet enough to take the biggest risk.

These guys are well suited. Their chemistry is strong but there is something deeper to it than their physical attraction, which does bring in something of an instalove aspect to the book. This is the perfect escape book for a relatable and relatively uncomplicated romance. Fans of the previous books in the series or fans of Ari McKay or people that simply love the romance and sappiness that comes from many Dreamspun Desire books, you won’t be disappointed. For anyone else, if you’re into simple and sweet romances then this is the book for you.

The CEO’s Christmas Manny by Angela McCallister ~ Audio Review

Angela McCallister - The CEO's Christmas Manny Audio Cover gehy65Title: The CEO’s Christmas Manny

Series: Dreamspun Desires 72 / Beyond the Boardroom 01

Author: Angela McCallister

Narrator: John Solo

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 5 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (2nd May 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Anything but business as usual.

Billionaire CEO Nic Price lives for his job. With sales down and grumbling from the board of directors—including Nic’s permanently dissatisfied father—the last thing Nic needs is distraction from the new manny, whose freewheeling approach to childcare is outlandish… and who makes Nic feel things he’s never allowed himself to feel.

Ex-teacher Sasha Lindsey is all about fun—that’s the reason people love him, so he has to be. After a bad break-up leaves him jobless and homeless, the live-in manny job with Mr. Price seems like a windfall. But his chemistry with Nic is off the charts, and he can’t afford another workplace romance disaster.

Can Nic leave his dominance in the bedroom and open his heart to the best thing that’s ever happened to him? Or will Sasha’s leap of faith backfire and ruin his chances at the family happily ever after he’s always dreamed of?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The CEO’s Christmas Manny by Angela McAllister is from the Dreamspun Desires line. To be perfectly honest, I’ve read and loved the book before and so had to get to the audio. What had initially attracted me to this story when I read it was good romance with hot boss and his manny, maybe even especially at Christmas (sort of).

Nic Price is the stereotypical CEO/billionaire in so many romance novels. He is a ruthless business man and is great at his job, that’s why he’s a billionaire. However, he has to cope with the stress of the board of his family company, including his father who is never satisfied with anything that Nic does, despite increasing the company profit’s over the last few years. On top of that he also the guardian of his orphaned niece and nephew. Since he’s had them for a few years and has been so distracted by business he has now lost his connection with but doesn’t take the time to care that this has happened because ultimately this all loops around to the fact that his father is forever down his throat and issuing threats about the family company (yes, another stereotype but totally works). The kids have gone through another nanny and so another is hired.

This is where we meet young, idealistic and enthusiastic teacher, Sasha Lindsey (and of course everyone expects him to be a female). Sasha lost his job as a casual teacher at a school in favour of someone who is tenured. His new job, across the country, as a live in manny is a godsend, especially at Christmastime with teaching positions being few and far between. Both when I read and listened to this book, the vibe that Sasha gave me was one like Mr Keating in The Dead Poet’s Society. He wants to engage his students, not just tell them what they need to know, he wants them to enjoy learning and to have fun.

Nic finds it hard to open his heart to the kids and to Sasha, especially now that he has been threatened with losing his position if he can’t increase profits further. But Sasha is sweetness and happiness and love which Nic has never known from his family and eventually, despite a bit of drama, these guys are inevitable.

The narration for this was performed by John Solo. I absolutely adore Solo’s work and he is very well suited to these type of contemporary romances. I’m at a bit of a loss for words about what to say in this review, I’m not for fluffy descriptions, I just like what I like. To me I love the full package of voice, tone, emotion and pace done by Solo in not only this book, but many of the books he narrates.

I really loved this book. It fulfilled every soppy romantic fantasy I have, despite being a tad too predictable and the story kind of reminding me of The Sound of Music (minus running away from the Nazis). The chemistry between Nic and Sasha is off the charts and it was easy to relate to both of them, even if Nic was a grouch that needed Sasha’s love to heal is heart and show him how to really live life and to be happy.

The More the Merrier by Sean Michael

Sean Michael - The More the Merrier Cover sne45iTitle: The More the Merrier

Series: The Teddy Bear Club 02, Dreamspun Desires 83

Author: Sean Michael

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (195 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-195-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4th June 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Too much of a good thing?

When Logan gets the call about newborn triplets in need of a home, he steps up, realizing too late the daunting task he’s taken on. He’d be lost without the men of the Teddy Bear Club—especially Dirk.

Dirk even offers to spend spring break at Logan’s home, helping him and the babies settle in. He loves being a dad, and he wants to help Logan find the same joy. It doesn’t hurt that they enjoy spending time together.

Before they even realize it, they’re settling into a routine… becoming a family.

Falling in love.

But their new bond is about to face the ultimate test. Will they come through and realize that with love, there’s no such thing as enough?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The More the Merrier is the second book in The Teddy Bear Club by Sean Michael.

I’ve become more familiar recently with the work of Sean Michael and I am, quite honestly, a great fan now. For the most part, they are usually quite happy and fluffy stories, with some adorable children and strong themes of building families and bringing together people in a way that is totally relatable and believable. In short, Sean Michael has recently made it onto my seemingly long list of authors I must read these days.

I’ve been looking forward to this book since I read the first book in the series. And while it is a series and there are call backs to the kids and MCs of the previous book, I think this could easily work as a standalone book without losing any key points.

Logan is a lawyer, a single man who has a daughter with a friend who wanted a child (they have a very amicable agreement for their daughter), and now he has gone through the all the hoops to become a foster parent with the intention to possibly adopt. But then finding out that he is going to get newborn triplets, he understandably feels overwhelmed. Lucky for Logan, he has the men of the Teddy Bear Club to help him.

The Teddy Bear Club is a group of single dads who happen to be gay, their kids play with each other but most importantly the men support each other.

One of the men of the club is Dirk. The two men already of a connection and an easy friendship. Dirk also has a massive crush on Logan though he has never done anything to act on it. Logan’s desperate need for help, though, has leads Dirk to offer to move in with little girl to help with the triplets. It’s a win-win situation because Dirk can move into a safer neighbourhood and live in a larger home while he helps Logan. Logan sees the same advantages as Dirk and the men quickly fall into a routine as Logan deals with having the triplets, his older daughter, plus dirk and his daughter. The kids’ bond and the guys bond. Love grows. But life can change at the drop of a hat, Logan learnt that with the triplets, and it happens again. Now that he is growing closer to Dirk, the two men can now support each other.

I absolutely adored this book. I adored both Logan and Dirk and the five kids. Logan and Dirk are brilliant together. This was a sweet romance with low angst. Instead, this a story about two guys in an intense situation, one of them needing a heck of a lot of support, and both nursing a crush that could become something more. If you’re into romances with ordinary guys with extraordinary circumstances and lots of cute kiddies, then this will be a good book for you.

Warm Heart by Amy Lane

Amy Lane - Warm Heart Cover h4u83Title: Warm Heart

Series: Search and Rescue 01, Dreamspun Desires 86

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (226 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-543-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th July 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Survive the adventure. Live to love.

Following a family emergency, snowboarder Tevyn Moore and financier Mallory Armstrong leave Donner Pass in a blizzard… and barely survive the helicopter crash that follows. Stranded with few supplies and no shelter, Tevyn and Mallory—and their injured pilot—are forced to rely on each other.

The mountain leaves no room for evasion, and Tevyn and Mal must confront the feelings that have been brewing between them for the past five years. Mallory has seen Tevyn through injury and victory. Can Tevyn see that Mallory’s love is real?

Mallory’s job is risk assessment. Tevyn’s job is full-on risk. But to stay alive, Mallory needs to take some gambles and Tevyn needs to have faith in someone besides himself. Can the bond they discover on the mountain see them to rescue and beyond?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Warm Heart is the first book in a new series by Amy Lane for Dreamspun Desires called Search and Rescue. Since reading Amy Lane’s series The Mannies (also for Dreamspun Desires) I have been a great fan of Lane’s writing, I love the writing style and I love the down to earth characters who are quite extraordinary in many ways.

Warm Heart is no exception for me. This book is not only a romance, but there is plenty of drama and danger faced by the characters which force them to face up to feelings that have been buried deep down. I really enjoyed this story and with the groundwork laid out for the rescue workers who appear in the book as secondary characters (makes sense since the series called Search and Rescue), I am looking forward to the next instalment with a lot of anticipation. I really hope that the MCs pop up in subsequent books as well, because I love them both.

So, onto the story.

Tevyn Moore is a world class snowboarder. He has worked hard for his career, despite how dangerous it is. It also helps that the money he earns has allowed him to afford the care for his sick grandmother, who had raised him and he absolutely worships. However, love hasn’t really been anything on the cards for him. Despite his crush on his financial manager (or perhaps just a manager in general I found that description kind of vague?), Mallory Armstrong, he has had a lot of fun exploring his own sexuality with a seemingly endless parade of one-night stands. But that’s ok, because Tevyn is not ready for anything serious and so it easy to dismiss his fun when we finally get Tevyn and Mallory in the same room.

Mallory doesn’t like hanging out at official events, but he arrives at one to find Tevyn urgently. His feelings for Tevyn seem to be obvious to everyone, including Tevyn who just hasn’t examined the reasons for the extra attention and kindness from Mallory. Mallory is too professional and past experiences has Mallory more concerned about taking care of Tevyn instead of ruining what they do have with a romance. The weather is atrocious, but the helicopter pilot is confident and Mallory wants to, needs to, get Tevyn home to his grandmother whose health has taken a very bad turn.

However, with tragedy strikes, leaving Tevyn, Mallory and the helicopter pilot (Damien Ward) stranded in the middle of a blizzard. Damien is in bad shape and Tevyn is the most well equipped to be able to keep them alive as they form to plan to survive while they wait for help. Damien is ex-military and has faith in his friends, who are prominent in the search and rescue business, will find them. Survival and facing death mean that Tevyn and Mallory also find themselves having some rather intimate and truth-telling moments that will change their relationship.

They have fantastic chemistry and I really liked the fact that there were no useless sex scenes while the guys were trying to survive and keep their friend alive. I’ve been burned one too many times with books that slot in sex scenes in stupid places. I am very much looking forward to the next book, which is Damien’s romance with a guy that helps rescue the trio. I’m also super excited at the thought of Warm Heart coming out in audio.