Hi guys! We have Piper Kay stopping by today with Eight Second Cowboy, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Eight Second Cowboy
(Eight Second Cowboy 01)
by
Piper Kay
It’s Rodeo Roundup time in Houston. Undefeated bull riding champion, Matt Stevens, runs into longtime nemesis, Lance Loskey. Matt is intense, his focus and drive sustain him, but seeing Lance with his carefree attitude rages a plethora of feelings to the surface. This mellow cowboy is in position for more than just the championship after a freak accident paves Lance’s way. This is an opportunity for bull riding opponents to embrace their destiny. Will they succumb to fate, or will stubborn pride end the 8 second ride in tragedy?
Title: Between a Rock and a Hard Place (2nd Edition)
Series: London Lads #5
Author: Clare London
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 30, 2017)
Length: Short Story (61 Pages)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Garry’s at the end of his tether. He’s waiting at Glasgow Airport to meet his friend Will, on their way to a holiday in a Scottish Highlands hotel. Now there’s a ten-hour delay to incoming flights, the seat in the lounge is more like an instrument of torture, and he’s beyond tired of airport food.
He’s also dreading having to apologise for the pass he recently made at Will, his colleague at a London bank, under the influence of too many beers and a long-held crush. Now Will’s been offered a new job offer on a continent thousands of miles away, Garry realises it may be the end of their close friendship—let alone anything more.
To add to Garry’s stress, he’s treated to the company of Emily and Max, two young people who think he needs educating in the ways of the world. Struggling with their well-meaning help and the startling mess from spilled ketchup and noxious-smelling sweets, he’s encouraged to re-examine how he feels about Will and to decide what kind of journey he’d really like them to take together.
Review: Each book in the London Lads collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Garry and Will have been friends for quite sometime, but Garry wants more. He is about to get the help of two darling angels, he never expected. I would love to go on about this story, but guess you should read it. Don’t want to give to much of it away.
It is a very sweet little love story that will brighten your day. I just wished it had not been so short, because I would have loved to see Garry’s expression at the end. It was funny as hell and entertained me quite a bit. I would definitely recommend this book. It is perfect for a short little break in life.
Hi guys! We have Clare London stopping by today with the tour for her new release Between A Rock and A Hard Place, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Lisa’s review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Between A Rock and A Hard Place
(London Lads 05 / Perchance to Dream 11)
by
Clare London
Garry’s at the end of his tether. He’s waiting at Glasgow Airport to meet his friend Will, on their way to a holiday in a Scottish Highlands hotel. Now there’s a ten-hour delay to incoming flights, the seat in the lounge is more like an instrument of torture, and he’s beyond tired of airport food.
He’s also dreading having to apologise for the pass he recently made at Will, his colleague at a London bank, under the influence of too many beers and a long-held crush. Now Will’s been offered a new job offer on a continent thousands of miles away, Garry realises it may be the end of their close friendship—let alone anything more.
To add to Garry’s stress, he’s treated to the company of Emily and Max, two young people who think he needs educating in the ways of the world. Struggling with their well-meaning help and the startling mess from spilled ketchup and noxious-smelling sweets, he’s encouraged to re-examine how he feels about Will and to decide what kind of journey he’d really like them to take together.
Hi guys! We have Clare London stopping by today with her new release Between A Rock and A Hard Place, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Between A Rock and A Hard Place
(London Lads 05 / Perchance to Dream 11)
by
Clare London
Garry’s at the end of his tether. He’s waiting at Glasgow Airport to meet his friend Will, on their way to a holiday in a Scottish Highlands hotel. Now there’s a ten-hour delay to incoming flights, the seat in the lounge is more like an instrument of torture, and he’s beyond tired of airport food.
He’s also dreading having to apologise for the pass he recently made at Will, his colleague at a London bank, under the influence of too many beers and a long-held crush. Now Will’s been offered a new job offer on a continent thousands of miles away, Garry realises it may be the end of their close friendship—let alone anything more.
To add to Garry’s stress, he’s treated to the company of Emily and Max, two young people who think he needs educating in the ways of the world. Struggling with their well-meaning help and the startling mess from spilled ketchup and noxious-smelling sweets, he’s encouraged to re-examine how he feels about Will and to decide what kind of journey he’d really like them to take together.
Hi guys, we have Sean Michael popping in today with their upcoming re-release Perfect 10, we have a short guest post from Sean, a great new excerpt and another chance to enter their fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click the link to the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Perfect 10
by
Sean Michael
Despite a life-threatening injury sustained in a vaulting accident, top gymnast Christopher Allen is determined to get back to his former perfect condition and compete again. Brian Rainings is a coach in need of someone to believe in, and he takes Chris on, admiring the spirit and determination that drives Chris to succeed. And admiring the sturdy, muscled body Chris maintains.
Admiration soon leads to something much hotter as they train together. From their scorching first kiss, Brian and Chris’s chemistry is obvious, but they have a long road ahead to get Chris back into shape. Months of hard work lead to success, with Chris gaining strength every day and finally finding the elusive sponsor he needs for financial support. Secrets, hidden dangers, and family troubles plague them, though, and they have to face the fact that Chris might never compete again and score that perfect ten.
Hi guys! We have Huston Piner stopping by today with his new re-release My Life As A Myth, we have guest post from Huston where he answers a couple of questions, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
My Life As A Myth
(Seasons of Chadham High 01)
by
Huston Piner
Can a cool reputation really deliver on promises of happiness?
Nick’s got problems. He’s a social outcast who dreams of being popular, he’s an easy target for bullies, and he doesn’t understand why he’s just not attracted to girls. So, after a series of misunderstandings label him a troublemaker on his first day of high school, he’s really stoked to have Jesse Gaston and his gang take him in.
Jesse starts a PR campaign around campus to give Nick a new image, and the shy loser soon finds himself transformed into an antiestablishment hero. While Nick would rather explore his growing attraction to Bobby Warren, he’s forced to fend off would-be girlfriends and struggles with the demands of acting cool. And things at home are spinning out of control as the Vietnam War’s destructive impact threatens to change his life forever.
Nick’s story is both humorous and haunting–a journey of ridiculous misadventures, unexpected psychedelic explorations, and tragic turns of fate. Can a world still reeling from the sexual revolution and the illicit pleasures of marijuana and underage drinking accept two boys in love? Can Nick and Bobby’s relationship survive a hostile time when acid rock rules, status is everything, and being gay is the last taboo?
Hi guys! We have the ever wonderful Rick R. Reed popping in today to show off the wonderful new cover to his upcoming re-release I Heart Boston Terriers, we have a a lovely guest post from Rick about the super sweet Lily, and we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy the lovely cover and meeting Lily! <3 ~Pixie~
Cover art design: Reese Dante. Cover Model: Lily, the Boston terrier (owned by Rick R. Reed and Bruce Moynagh)
I Heart Boston Terriers
by
Rick R. Reed
When Aaron finds Mavis, an emaciated and shy Boston terrier, at a pet adoption fair, his heart goes out to her—completely.
When Christian, manning the adoption fair for the Humane Society that autumn Saturday, finds Aaron, his heart goes out to him—completely.
This is a story about embracing love, whether it’s for someone who walks on four legs or on two. Mavis’s journey back to wholeness and finding her forever home parallels the story of two men discovering each other at the perfect moment—a moment that defies logic, propriety, and common sense. But when did love ever follow a rational course?
First Edition published by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure, 2012. This story has been re-edited and has significant changes.
Hi peeps, we have Jere’ M. Fishback visiting today with his new re-release Becoming Andy Hunsinger, we have a short interview with Jere’, a great excerpt, Tina’s review and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Becoming Andy Hunsinger
by
Jere’ M. Fishback
It’s 1976, and Anita Bryant’s homophobic “Save Our Children” crusade rages through Florida. When Andy Hunsinger, a closeted gay college student, joins in a demonstration protesting Bryant’s appearance in Tallahassee, his straight boy image is shattered when he is “outed” by a TV news reporter. In the months following, Andy discovers just what it means to be openly gay in a society that condemns love between two men and wonders if his friendship with Travis, a devout Christian who’s fighting his own sexual urges, can develop into something deeper.
Blurb: A vengeful god’s curse took everything from the Egyptian pharaoh Seti: his name, his position, and even his lover. After many long centuries relegated to a musty sarcophagus, he’s awakened when a graduate student working in the museum where he is stored stumbles upon him.
Logan, working as a curator to fund his education, figures he’s screwed when he accidentally awakens the ancient ruler. It’ll be career suicide to claim the mummy came back to life, but it’s either that or be labeled a thief. Little does he know, those are the least of his problems. A society of archaeologists is hot on their trail, determined to uncover the secret of Seti’s immortality, and then there’s the little matter of an angry god who doesn’t appreciate Logan meddling in his work. But the biggest problem might be Seti himself, who’ll stop at nothing to get into Logan’s pants—and his heart.
Review: A grief stricken Pharoah angers a god and pays for it. Seti, lost in his grief of the one he loved being murdered denounces Setehk. Setehk has him tortured, mummified and entombed for five thousand years. Logan accidentally breaks the seal freeing Seti.
I cannot imagine a God being after me let alone someone wanting to kill me for the secret to immortality. Yet that is what happened to Logan and Seti. Danger, action, mystery, suspense and hair raising situations follow these two as they struggle to make sense of the why.
The two things that bothered me throughout the entire book is that 1. Seti never explained what exactly happened to him after he angered the god even though he told Logan he would. 2. What exactly happed to Seti’s lover. Those two details were sticking points for me as I waited patiently for explanations that never came.
Blurb: Ever wanted to spy secretly on other people’s lives?
Ken doesn’t have a choice: his student summer job is manning the CCTV screens for the new central London shopping mall. But instead of spotting criminals or vandals, he becomes fascinated by a cute waiter from the local bistro who sneaks out to the backyard for his break—and plays sexy to the camera.
Is he an old friend, or just an anonymous exhibitionist? Should Ken be excited by this naughty peepshow, or will people think he’s a voyeuristic pervert? Poor Ken’s confused and thrilled in turn. It’s like living in one of the movies he’s studying at university. He knows the man can’t see him, yet Ken feels a connection of some kind. It all encourages Ken to continue with his guilt-ridden Waiter Watch.
Ken bears the suspense as long as he can, until a chance meeting and an abortive blind date provide the explanation to the secret assignations. But will this guide Ken to a real-life chance of romance?
This was first published in 2013 by Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure.
Review: Ken sits back and watches the camera wishing for some action. Something to help him get through each day at work. Well he gets more then he bargains for, when a sexy waiter keeps putting on a show for him.
This is a cute little story that makes for a nice hot read. However for me, it is just a very short story that gives just a taste of what could be. In a way it is a slow telling story, but for this story it could also be said to be fast paced. I am afraid that for me, it just seemed to be too slow. The name of the book is actually right on and makes it funny as hell. I enjoyed reading it, but wished it was a longer book with a bit more to it. Other than my issues it is well told, pretty detailed and is a pretty good story.
I would recommend it to those who love a long time love story that neither party knew they had. I will let you figure that one out on your own.
Hi peeps! We have Clare London popping in today with the tour for her new re-release Peepshow, we have a great excerpt, Lisa’s review and a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Peepshow
(Perchance to Dream 10 / London Lads 04)
by
Clare London
Ever wanted to spy secretly on other people’s lives?
Ken doesn’t have a choice: his student summer job is manning the CCTV screens for the new shopping centre. But instead of spotting criminals or vandals, he becomes fascinated by a cute waiter from the local bistro who sneaks out to the backyard for his break—and plays sexy to the camera.
Is he an old friend, or just an anonymous exhibitionist? Should Ken be excited by this naughty peepshow, or will people think he’s behaving like a voyeuristic pervert? Poor Ken’s confused and thrilled in turn. It’s like living in one of the movies he’s studying at university. He knows the man can’t see him, yet Ken feels a connection of some kind. It all encourages Ken to continue with his guilt-ridden Waiter Watch.
Ken bears the suspense as long as he can, until a chance meeting and an abortive blind date provide an explanation to the secret assignations. But will this guide Ken to the real-life chance of romance?
Note: this book was previously published at Amber Quill Press, and has been re-edited for this version.
Hi guys, we have Sean Michael stopping by today with the cover to their upcoming re-release Perfect 10, we have a short intro from Sean, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the new stunning cover and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Cover photograph by Michael Murphy ; Cover Art by Bree Archer
Perfect 10
by
Sean Michael
Despite a life-threatening injury sustained in a vaulting accident, top gymnast Christopher Allen is determined to get back to his former perfect condition and compete again. Brian Rainings is a coach in need of someone to believe in, and he takes Chris on, admiring the spirit and determination that drives Chris to succeed. And admiring the sturdy, muscled body Chris maintains.
Admiration soon leads to something much hotter as they train together. From their scorching first kiss, Brian and Chris’s chemistry is obvious, but they have a long road ahead to get Chris back into shape. Months of hard work lead to success, with Chris gaining strength every day and finally finding the elusive sponsor he needs for financial support. Secrets, hidden dangers, and family troubles plague them, though, and they have to face the fact that Chris might never compete again and score that perfect ten.
Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys and Western, Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Length: Novel (189 pages)
Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 11, 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts
Blurb: Rush is so deep in the closet he can’t find the door, but meeting Brian might give him the courage to step out of it.
When Brian and Rush meet in a dark alley, sparks fly. The attraction is fast and hard, but Rush is a rancher with a reputation to uphold and Brian is out and open.
Both men have secrets, including the small powers they each have, and a relationship means they might have to share. It would require Rush coming out of his closet and putting his ranch and his friendships with the people around him at risk.
For Brian, it means putting his heart on the line for a man who’s afraid of being himself. He’s been down that road before and Brian won’t go back in the closet, not even for Rush.
Each time they’re together, Rush and Brian set the air around them on fire. As they move closer, both are still holding back, still unsure of each other. One of them will have to take the first step or this thing between them will flounder.
For Rush, it’ll take a huge step and a lot of trust to risk his entire life in the small Texas town of Spring Lake. And once he’s out, there’s no going back.
For Brian, his heart isn’t the only thing at risk. If he keeps seeing Rush, he knows he might just lose his life.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of murder and references to rape, abuse, stalking and murder.
Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.
Review: Brian is a Pi and while on a stake out meets sexy Rush in alley. Instant sparks fly. There are repeated phone sex conversations which I did not care for. Rush is in the closet and it shows throughout the book. If he was that worried why did he not just stay in it.
I felt sorry for Brian having feelings for someone who was not sure yet whether or not he could be with another man out in the open. I say tell him when you make up your mind call me then.
While I expected this book to be better than the first it was not in my opinion. Sammi and Mitchell are in it and I liked that Brian was determined to figure out who Sammi is. I also got really irritated with all the sex scenes and the back and forth of one character making repeated mistakes and the other forgiving him. Seriously? I would have said enough was enough.
Blurb: As the first-born son of the Duke of Tournai and cousin to the prince, Cathal has always tried to fulfill his duty to family and country, including following through with an arranged marriage to Velia, cousin to the emperor of Ardunn. But it’s Velia’s companion, Flavia, who fascinates Cathal. Cathal doesn’t know that Flavia is really Flavian, a man masquerading as a woman to escape Ardunn, a restrictive place in which Flavian’s preference for men is forbidden.
Even when Cathal discovers Flavian’s true gender, he cannot fight his attraction to him. Flavian is intrigued by Cathal, but Cathal is still betrothed to Velia, and Flavian worries Cathal is more taken with his feminine illusion than the man beneath it. While both men battle their longings for each other, spies from Ardunn infiltrate the capital, attempting to uncover Tournai’s weaknesses. They are also searching for Flavian, who possesses a magical Talent that allows him to see the truth of a person just by painting their portrait—a skill invaluable to Ardunn’s emperor.
Review: This is the second book in A Tale of Tournai. The book starts out by Cathal accepting a betrothal set up by his father to Lady Velia. I found it irritating that nothing was discussed with Cathal ahead of time; after all it is his life. As he’s getting to know her he finds he’s not attracted to her but to her companion Lady Flava, who is really a man masquerading as a woman.
Etan, Cathal’s brother, only wants his brother happy. So he wants him to follow his heart. Flavian wants to be allowed to love freely and it’s the reason why he is Tournai as where he was wouldn’t allow that. I really enjoyed the whole story.
It was a really good book and I hope Etan gets his happy ever after at some point in the series. Wonderfully written story that draws you into a world where all is not as it seems. Love, honor and duty are important as well as deception are all throughout this story.
Hi guys! We have Julia Talbot popping in today with her upcoming release Sparkle and Shine, we have a short intro from Julia and a brilliant exclusive excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Sparkle and Shine
by
Julia Talbot
All that glitters is not gold. No-frills cowboy Evan learned that lesson the hard way while married to a rodeo princess, a relationship that was all flash and no substance. At least Evan held on to his daughter, Cheyenne, and his best friend, Brooks, when the sparkle wore off and things fell apart. Life could be a lot worse.
But it could also be better… if Evan and Brooks took a step beyond friendship. Just as they start to explore their feelings, Evan’s ex-wife sticks her nose in to sabotage them. Suddenly everything is up in the air, and they have difficult choices to make about the rodeo, Cheyenne, and the romance they both want so badly to pursue.
First edition published by Torquere Press, November 2007.
Hi peeps! We have Clare London visiting today with her new re-release Peepshow, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Peepshow
(Perchance to Dream 10 / London Lads 04)
by
Clare London
Ever wanted to spy secretly on other people’s lives?
Ken doesn’t have a choice: his student summer job is manning the CCTV screens for the new shopping centre. But instead of spotting criminals or vandals, he becomes fascinated by a cute waiter from the local bistro who sneaks out to the backyard for his break—and plays sexy to the camera.
Is he an old friend, or just an anonymous exhibitionist? Should Ken be excited by this naughty peepshow, or will people think he’s behaving like a voyeuristic pervert? Poor Ken’s confused and thrilled in turn. It’s like living in one of the movies he’s studying at university. He knows the man can’t see him, yet Ken feels a connection of some kind. It all encourages Ken to continue with his guilt-ridden Waiter Watch.
Ken bears the suspense as long as he can, until a chance meeting and an abortive blind date provide an explanation to the secret assignations. But will this guide Ken to the real-life chance of romance?
Note: this book was previously published at Amber Quill Press, and has been re-edited for this version.
Hi peeps! We have Waldell Goode stopping by today with the tour for his new re-release Queen Called Bitch: Tales of a Teenage Bitter Ass Homosexual, we have a fantastic guest post from Waldell, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Queen Called Bitch: Tales of a Teenage Bitter Ass Homosexual
by
Waldell Abraham Goode
A loud-mouth, black, gay teenager struggles to find himself in rural America. After having realized his inability to attend his top-choice school, Waldell Goode embarks on a journey to reevaluate why the grand departure appealed to him in the first place. He learns that as much as he can control his nonexistent love life, there are other factors that aren’t as easily mutable. He comes to terms with his peculiar relationship with his mother, the inevitable heartbreak in store for him no matter how hard he’s tried avoiding it, and the voice of God, in all her beguiling glory.
Blurb: David Lauriston has been recuperating at Lord Murdo Balfour’s Laverock estate for the last five months. At Laverock, he has regained his health and confidence and has found—with Murdo—more happiness and contentment than he has never known before.
David is all too aware that some day soon he will have to leave Laverock—and Murdo—and return to his legal practice in Edinburgh, just as Murdo will have to return to his life in London. But when David’s mentor, Patrick Chalmers, asks David to return to Edinburgh to visit him on his deathbed, it seems that day has come sooner than either David or Murdo would have wished.
Chalmers begs David to undertake one last piece of business for him: to secure the future of Chalmers’s daughter Elizabeth. But to carry out his old mentor’s wishes, David must travel to London, with Murdo.
No sooner have the two men arrived in the capital than they encounter Murdo’s ruthlessly manipulative father, who reveals a shocking secret that rocks David to his foundations. What’s more, when David discovers Elizabeth is facing far greater danger than even her father feared, he is determined to help her, no matter the cost to his own safety.
As the stakes rise, it is Murdo who must choose what he is prepared to sacrifice to keep David at his side, and ask whether there is any possibility of lasting happiness for men like them.
Review:This is a great series for those historical romance lovers out there! Be sure to read all three in order, or the plots won’t make sense. The writing grabs hold of my attention quickly, and my mind begins to wander with the possibilities. Much of the beginning of the book is all about Murdo and David living and working together, getting to really know and enjoy each other in a safe, private environment. I think that really was important to help cement their relationship.
From the beginning of the series, I loved the dominance and heavy-handedness of Murdo. He’s powerful, he’s independently and inheritably wealthy, he’s defiant, he’s nobility, but he has a weak spot, David.
David is the perfect foil for Murdo. He’s highly intelligent, he has submissive tendencies, but book three shows he can equal the playing field just fine. He’s strong enough to stand up to Murdo, he’s strong enough to be what Murdo needs, now if they can just admit to each other what their needs and wants really are. Admitting to love, when their kind of love doesn’t stand a chance in society, seems foolish to David.
But they do, and where there’s a will….Murdo finds a way. I thought the solution the author weaved up was perfect. I knew all along it would involve Chalmers’ daughter, but the oh so clever Joanna Chambers came up with a perfect social explanation that would last Murdo and David’s lifetime, and a happy lifetime together it should be.
The dominant role Murdo has played through the series mellows a bit, and David finally admits to his true desires, his true love and let’s go of others’ expectations. I like how Chalmers, David’s mentor, is actually the person to allow David to let go, to admit to his feelings and have the hope and courage to grab hold of his dreams.
A great trilogy, I look forward to more from this author for sure!
Blurb: Two years after his last encounter with cynical nobleman Lord Murdo Balfour, David Lauriston accidentally meets him again in the heart of Edinburgh.
King George IV is about to make his first visit to Edinburgh and Murdo has been sent North by his politician father to represent his aristocratic family at the celebrations.
David and Murdo’s last parting was painful—and on Murdo’s part, bitter—but Murdo’s feelings seem to have mellowed in the intervening years. So much so, that he suggests to David that they enjoy each other’s company during Murdo’s stay in the capital.
Despite his initial reservations, David cannot put Murdo’s proposal from his mind, and soon find himself at Murdo’s door—and in his arms.
But other figures from David’s past are converging on the city, and as the pomp and ceremony of the King’s visit unfolds around them, David is drawn into a chain of events that will threaten everything: his career, his wellbeing, and the fragile bond that, despite David’s best intentions, is growing between him and Murdo.
Review: Did I mention how much I enjoyed Provoked? I dug right into that wonderful book, filled with tension. Beguiled takes off running with tension, and Murdo has been holding on to David’s rejection for a couple of years now. Their past encounters were rife with passion, yet they lived in two different worlds, with different ideals, and went separate ways. Murdo feel’s it was David’s idealism that separated them in the first place and he’s determined to get under his skin and have him again. It’s not an accident that Murdo decided to go to Edinburgh after all, not just family commitment…Murdo went seeking David.
David has been busy working his way up with his friend Chalmers’ help and influence. He owes him a good showing for the King’s visit and amidst his long hours and heavy caseload agrees to get fitted for a new suit so he can meet his commitments and attend several patriotic events. Of course, David wasn’t prepared to see the man who exposes his weaknesses, that tempts him at every turn, Murdo Balfour. The sparks fly once again, David and Murdo battle back and forth between passion and frustration, pride and what David sees as weakness in himself.
Once again, political station, commitments to friends and political disagreements act to force David and Murdo apart. But a tragic injury to David forces them together. Giving them time to build on their passion, or time for an angry husband to catch up with David and finish the threat to his life? Will David and Murdo take this time to get closer, to find a solution to their predicament, how long can they hide their true relationship? I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out!
My only complaint is the cliffhanger…I know there is going to be a very angry, very dangerous, politically powerful Lord coming after David in the very near future, but can Murdo protect him? Ugh…eagerly awaiting the next bite of passion from these two!
Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (16th April 2017)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: David Lauriston is struggling to build his reputation in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world. His humble origins are enough of a hurdle, never mind his recent decision to defend a group of weavers accused of treason, prompting speculation that he may harbour radical sympathies. The last thing he should be doing is agreeing to help the brother of one of the convicted weavers find the government agent who caused his brother’s downfall.
David’s personal life is no more successful. Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men, and the painful memories of the childhood friend he once loved, David tries his hardest to live a celibate existence, castigating himself whenever his resolve slips.
But then—into David’s repressed and orderly world—bursts Lord Murdo Balfour.
Cynical, hedonistic and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David. Whilst David refuses to entertain the prospect of entering into a loveless marriage for propriety’s sake, Murdo is determined to wed one day—and has no intention of giving up the company of other men when he does so. But as appalled as David is by Murdo’s unrepentant self-interest, he cannot resist the man’s sway.
Murdo tempts and provokes David in equal measure, distracting him from his promise to find the agent provocateur responsible for the weavers’ fate, and forcing him to acknowledge his physical desires.
But is Murdo more than a mere distraction?
Is it possible he could be the very man David is looking for?
Review: I know it’s a great book when I stay up reading until 2:30 in the morning on a work night! I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoy historical romances, I really truly love m/m romance, I get all hot and bothered over Scottish men, and I love a bit of intrigue…this book contains it all! The drama, the angst, the steamy hot and erotic sexual encounters. Chambers has really developed complex characters in both David and Balfour; they each have concrete reasons for being the way they are, how they react to their life situations, and how they see themselves in the peerage. The book opens with an intense scene of a public hanging and decapitation, and really sets the tempo for the tension I felt throughout the book. It’s edgy, it’s philosophical, and it’s exciting throughout.
I really enjoyed how the author is building up tension and magnetism between the two main MC’s, and that they are both drawn to and repelled by each other throughout the plot. I’m also surprised and intrigued by the fact that the bleeding heart idealist David is the rough and gritty lover, and the brutish lord Balfour is the more sensual, intimate lover. That was a nice twist. The drama unfolds as David and his bleeding heart agrees to help Euen, the brother of the executed men he advocated for in court. He wants David’s help tracking down the spy that got his brother killed, and that path may just lead to Balfour! You just know no good can come of it. You see the train wreck coming but can’t help but turn the pages even faster.
As the characters paths begin to align the book becomes nail-biting, and at the same time the sexual confrontation is also coming. The end of book one was at once painful, and settling. I really truly felt sorrow for David’s self-sacrifice for his ideals, and understanding in him accepting what love and family he has as his best comfort in the world. But I know I want so much more for him. I’m left irritated a bit with Balfour, and my mind is whirring with the many possibilities that may lie in store for David and Balfour in the next book!
If you enjoy reading about the Ton and you love a hot, angsty romance, this book is for you! I couldn’t put it down!
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