Overly Dramatic by Rebecca Cohen (2nd Edition)

Rebecca Cohen - Overly Dramatic Cover 3487hTitle: Overly Dramatic

Series: Treading the Boards 01

Author: Rebecca Cohen

Genre: Contemporary, Arts

Length: Novella (144 pages)

Publisher: Rebecca Cohen (18th November 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Blurb:Andy Marshall has moved back to London with plans for a fresh start. A little heart sore from a nasty break up, he joins a local amateur dramatics society called the Sarky Players based in Greenwich. Despite his best efforts at the audition, Andy lands a leading role in play called Whoops, Vicar, There Goes My Trousers, a ridiculous farce written by a local first-time playwright.

The play might be bad, but the Sarky Players are a friendly bunch. Andy quickly makes new friends and finds himself drawn to Phil Cormack, a local artist helping with the set and props. But despite their growing attraction, Phil’s not in the right place to date, and Andy won’t wait forever.

Life doesn’t run to a script, and if Andy and Phil want to get their happy ending, they need to move past rehearsals and put each other centre stage.

ISBN: B081QWV2F2

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a bit of a fun novella which was thoroughly enjoyable and good when you just want to read and relax. ‘

It’s a bit of a usual story – main character moves town/city to get away from a bad relationship and a fresh start. Andy has done exactly that after a long-term relationship breaks down and takes up a job in London where he works as an accountant. After talking to one of his co-workers he winds up joining a small amateur theatre group called the Sarky Players.

This is a funny story, helped particularly by the fact that Andy finds himself cast in the horrendously named Whoops, Vicar, There Goes My Trousers. It’s especially funny when Andy encounters the play right and her reaction that the play she wrote as a bet was being put on by the local am-dram company. It’s through the Sarky Players that he meets one of the props managers, Phil, and instantly there are sparks between the guys. Sometimes it felt like the romance was a bit slow in coming along but I love the chemistry between Andy and Phil, nonetheless.

I liked the very human and relatable feel of the other characters in the Sarky Players, including the woman and her husband that had introduced Andy back into the world of theatre. It’s a lot of fun and nothing to take more seriously than the words on the page.

Commitment Ranch by B.A. Tortuga (2nd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Commitment Ranch Cover 347hfnTitle: Commitment Ranch

Series: Leaning N Ranch 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: Novel (230pgs)

ISBN: B081R13FZZ

Publisher: B.A. Tortuga (19th November 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Not everyone gets a second chance at love.

Ford Nixel has two law offices, two fancy condominiums, and all the right connections. He definitely thinks he has everything he wants.

The last thing he needs is his Uncle Ty’s stake in the Leanin’ N, a ranch that’s been in the family for generations. Ford hasn’t even been to the ranch in over a decade, not since he left his boyfriend Stoney behind and headed back to college alone.

Ford arrives at the Leaning N to find Stoney, now a single father, right where he left him. A fist fight, a snowstorm, and a stolen kiss in the barn later, and Ford knows none of the heat between them has dissipated, but can they make their second chance work?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: When Ford’s Uncle Ty asks for his help Ford doesn’t hesitate to rush back to the ranch he hasn’t set foot on in twelve years. Ford returns to the Leaning N not looking forward to seeing his ex-boyfriend Stoney, the man who preferred the ranch and knocked up Ford’s cousin. But even with twelve years and a child putting distance between them Ford’s feelings for Stoney haven’t changed and when Stoney reveals a secret Ford can’t fight how he truly feels for Stoney.

This is a great story that has two men reuniting and finally putting the misunderstandings between them to rest. Ford is a great character who is struggling with his resentment for Stoney, having to work with Stoney proves to be like getting blood from a stone, they clash, bitch at each other and Ford wants nothing more than go punch Stoney. Stoney is a solid character who doesn’t believe he is any good at anything other than being a cowboy, Stoney resents Ford coming home, and he resents Ty asking him to work with Ford but if the Leaning N is going to keep going he needs Fords help.

I really like how this story was written, while Ford and Stoney’s relationship plays out throughout the story we also have them learning to work together, moving forward to improve the ranch, we have Ford trying to find his place as the people who work on the ranch are like family and we also have some great characters who shine like Quartz (Stoney’s son) and Geoff (the vegan cook).

The story is easy to follow and is well paced; there are some hot moments between Ford and Stoney and some tense moments (snowstorm), the relationship doesn’t instantly strike up again when Ford and Stoney meet again in fact it takes quite some time before they are even in the same room without them wanting to punch each other. B.A. Tortuga has again written a story that produces some warm and fuzzy feelings and while it does have tension it isn’t angsty.

I recommend this to those who love second chance love stories, who adore characters who can put the past behind them for a new future, and great characters who are determined to get a happy ending.

A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed (3rd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - A Demon Inside Cover bhe674hTitle: A Demon Inside (3rd Edition)

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Paranormal, Horror

Length: Novel (269 pages)

Publisher: JMS Books (18th January 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts

Blurb: Hunter Beaumont doesn’t understand his grandmother’s deathbed wish: “Destroy Beaumont House.” He’d never even heard of the place. But after his grandmother passes and his first love betrays him, the family house in the Wisconsin woods looks like a tempting refuge. Going against his grandmother’s wishes, Hunter flees to Beaumont House.

But will the house be the sanctuary he had hoped for? Soon after moving in, Hunter realizes he may not be alone. And who — or what — he shares the house may plunge him into a nightmare from which he may never escape.

Sparks fly when he meets his handsome neighbor, a caretaker for the estate next door, but is the man salvation…or is he the source of Hunter’s terror?

ISBN: 9781646562466

Product Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed is a rather spooky novel and not for the faint of heart. For anyone who has read the first edition of this book, I have to admit that I never read the first edition, so I’m not entirely sure what has changed since.

The story itself has left me with some rather mixed feelings. This book isn’t a romance, means that any romance is not front and centre of the plot, and what romance there was throughout the story was really nicely done. However, it is not that aspect that has bothered me. The horror was fantastically written and I really enjoyed it. In hindsight, though, I think that there was some sort of spark missing with the horror that connected all the dots for me in my head. But mostly, I found that after the build up in the horror and the terror felt by Hunter, the ending was a little too flat and a little too quick for my liking.

Nonetheless, this book does the creepy and poltergeist things perfectly, so on the surface this is a fantastic horror story which may well leave you with chills running down your spine.

The story follows Hunter Beaumont and finds his life at loose ends when in a tumultuous short period of time his beloved grandmother dies and his boyfriend dumps him. In a move that is something like a classical gothic horror, Hunter decides to live in Beaumont House after being told by his grandmother on her death bed to burn it down. Beaumont House has no end of secrets (which leads Hunter to uncover the memory of when his parents had died when he was a child) and some of them are quite deadly (this is one house with a bad history).

The subplot featuring the neighbour of Beaumont House, Michael, is where the romance comes in. Michael is a sweet guy and matches well with Hunter. However, Hunter seems to spend a lot of time doubting his new relationship and I’m not entirely sure whether or not this is actually to do with the “demon” of Beaumont House or just Hunter being insecure. This adds a nice, lighter plot to the otherwise dark/horror we otherwise get.

Despite my conflicted feelings, this is a good book and anyone into horror and anything that is generally just creepifying (in the words of Joss Whedon) stories will at least enjoy this read.

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey (2nd Edition)

Lissa Kasey - Hidden Gem Cover 743nfi9Title: Hidden Gem

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Length: Novel (248pgs)

ISBN: B07S6RZSSC

Publisher: Lissa Kasey (14th June 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The sparkling jewel of the Hidden Gem, City M’s most renowned brothel, Misaki “Aki” Ito is living the good life. He’s not subjected to torture for his psi abilities, he has a roof over his head, food to eat, and all the sparkly shoes he could dream about. He also has one particular regular he can’t get enough of, Shane McNaughton, even if Shane occasionally asks for Aki’s help on a case.

Shane is a cop specializing in missing persons. He’s good at finding people, not just because of his years as a seasoned detective, but because he survived the Third World War and resulting plague with a few supernatural abilities himself. Mutated by the virus that wiped out two thirds of the world’s population, Shane no longer considers himself human. Which is why he limits his visits to a very breakable psi companion when not working a case, no matter how much he might want Aki.

When a high ranking official’s daughter goes missing and feared dead, Shane has no choice but to ask Aki to use his abilities to help him track down the kidnapper. The case opens a door to a past Aki thought he had escaped. Will Shane’s love be enough to save them all when something dark is awakened inside of Aki?

Note: Re-edited, but content still the same. Short fiction added to the end.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Aki is a psi; he has mutated DNA that means he is able to read your past with a touch, but living in a world that fears those that are different left him starving and beaten until he was taken off the streets to become a contracted companion. The Hidden Gem welcomed him with open arms and he has repaid them by becoming their top companion, earning enough money to keep him in sparkly shoes and pretty clothes. Shane survived the Third World War greatly changed; now working as a cop finding missing people and assisting in the odd homicide but keeping people at arm’s length to hide the monster inside him. Shane has visited Aki many times over the last two years for both work and personal needs and he wishes he could have more from the companion. As Shane tracks down a serial killer it becomes clear to him that Ari is somehow connected, but can Shane save him from what is to come?

Oh my, this story certainly surprised me with the intriguing plot and stunning characters. The world has changed from what we know; World War Three changed not only the landscape but for some it changed their very genetics, A-Ms (Animal-Mutation) and not long after came the psi’s. A country split and containment camps and shunning for the psi and A-Ms hiding their natures, this is the world we find ourselves in and it is fascinating. Shane is investigating a puzzling serial killer, asking Aki to help seems to be his best bet for any clue but not even Aki could have seen the outcome that they are heading for.

Shane and Aki are wonderful characters, Shane may be big, growly and not very friendly and when you learn his past you can understand his stand-offish attitude, but he has a soft spot for Aki, then there’s Aki who seems to be a young innocent who has an obsession with sparkly shoes, but has an horrific past and it’s amazing after everything he has been through that he has a soft heart for Shane. They have much to work out before they even start dating, Aki must learn to shield himself and Shane must learn to be what Aki needs and Shane also needs to get to the bottom of his serial killer case which seems to get bigger and more complex with every victim.

I have to admit that I couldn’t put this story down, it’s growth was amazing with plots and twists that just seemed to get bigger and bigger, there was also a couple of moments where my jaw dropped in surprise because the twist just came from nowhere. We are treated to a host of wonderful characters besides Aki and Shane; some of those include Candy, Paris and Jack. We are led a merry chase as we try to figure out who the serial killer is, and just where Aki fits in to Shane’s feeling that he might be connected…. And I will tell you now I think I was shell-shocked by the revelation because that had never even crossed my mind!

The two bonus stories are absolutely brilliant, giving us a special glimpse of Aki and Shane in the first one and of Aki and Candy in the second.

I have to recommend this to those who love science-fiction that blends with the paranormal, who love unconventional love stories, who love surprising thrillers and mysteries, fantastic characters who all have their own stories and a rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to get off.

Saving Sean by Con Riley (2nd Edition)

Con Riley - Saving Sean Cover s snd78hnTitle: Saving Sean (2nd Edition)

Series: Seattle Stories 02

Author: Con Riley

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (280pgs)

ISBN: B0821QPLRZ

Publisher: Figment Ink (3rd January 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: No more running from love…

Nearly a year after being rejected for another man, Seattle paramedic Peter Morse is still pining, so when the one that got away asks him for a favor, he agrees. His mission: track down Sean Reid, the runaway brother of a mutual friend. Peter isn’t thrilled about it—until he finds Sean injured by the side of the road. 

Everything about Sean stirs Peter’s protective instincts—saving people is what he lives for—but he never anticipated falling for someone so hell-bent on running from him. On top of his physical wounds, Sean struggles with grief and guilt, and the mess his estranged father left when he died threatens to overwhelm him. 

Saving Sean means Peter must let go of his pride and turn to friends and family. Asking for help is a bitter pill for Peter to swallow, but if he can’t, how can he expect Sean to accept his help—and his love—in turn?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: In Saving Sean we pick up with a character we’ve met before and meet another. Peter was a love interest for Theo in After Ben and in the year after that book ended, Peter is now getting over his crush for Theo. It is Morgan and Theo who actually call upon Peter to help a friend, which leads him directly to Sean.

These two guys are a tad argumentative and very much alpha males – or maybe just stubborn. Like with After Ben, this is a well paced book. The main characters have brilliant chemistry and it is a bonus that it now feels like we’re settling with friends when it comes to the minor characters.

Saving Sean by Con Riley Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Con Riley - Saving Sean RTBANNER-131

Hi guys, we have Con Riley stopping by today with the tour for her new re-release Saving Sawyer, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Con Riley - Saving Sean Cover snd78hn

Saving Sawyer

(Seattle Stories 02)
by

Con Riley

No more running from love…

Nearly a year after being rejected for another man, Seattle paramedic Peter Morse is still pining, so when the one that got away asks him for a favor, he agrees. His mission: track down Sean Reid, the runaway brother of a mutual friend. Peter isn’t thrilled about it—until he finds Sean injured by the side of the road. 

Everything about Sean stirs Peter’s protective instincts—saving people is what he lives for—but he never anticipated falling for someone so hell-bent on running from him. On top of his physical wounds, Sean struggles with grief and guilt, and the mess his estranged father left when he died threatens to overwhelm him. 

Saving Sean means Peter must let go of his pride and turn to friends and family. Asking for help is a bitter pill for Peter to swallow, but if he can’t, how can he expect Sean to accept his help—and his love—in turn?

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

Continue reading “Saving Sean by Con Riley Blog Tour & Giveaway!”

I Heart Terriers by Rick R. Reed (3rd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - I Heart Boston Terriers Cover ns6h33Title: I Heart Boston Terriers (3rd Edition)

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story (54 Pages)

Publisher: JMS Books (2nd January 2020)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Love at first sight can work for dogs as well as humans.

When Aaron finds Mavis, an emaciated and timid Boston terrier, at a pet adoption fair, his heart goes out to her — irrevocably.

When Christian, who is manning the adoption fair for the Humane Society that fateful autumn Saturday, finds Aaron, his heart goes out to him — irrevocably.

I Heart Boston Terriers is all about embracing love, whether it’s for someone who walks on four legs or someone who walks on two. The Boston terrier Mavis’s journey back to wholeness and finding her forever home runs parallel to the story of two men finding each other at that perfect moment — a moment that defies logic, propriety, and common sense.

But then when do the dictates of love follow a rational course?

Come along for a journey about a man and his dog and see how that journey teaches him the truth about love and making a caring connection that just might last a lifetime.

ISBN: 9781646562343

Product Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: He lost his boyfriend, his car and his home. Now he is living with his nutty sister who is trying to talk him into adopting a pet. When he meets Mavis, his heart just says this is the perfect dog. Mavis is a cute Boston terrier who has been abused. To top it off the cute guy from the Humane Society might just be willing to help him.

I will say that at first I thought his sister was pretty cool, but that did not last long. She is a royal bitch, if I must say so. But the guys together, well they rocked. It is a cute little story made even better with a dog. I think the author could have given it a better ending but it was still pretty good. Felt like a longer story but it turned out to be perfect for a break time read.

I will admit that it is not one of those stories I would read more than once though. It is still a pretty nice story with some cuteness to it. I would recommend it.

Saving Sean by Con Riley Release Blast & Giveaway!

Con Riley - Saving Sean RBBanner-141

Hi guys, we have Con Riley stopping by today with her new re-release Saving Sawyer, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Con Riley - Saving Sean Cover snd78hn

Saving Sawyer

(Seattle Stories 02)
by

Con Riley

No more running from love…

Nearly a year after being rejected for another man, Seattle paramedic Peter Morse is still pining, so when the one that got away asks him for a favor, he agrees. His mission: track down Sean Reid, the runaway brother of a mutual friend. Peter isn’t thrilled about it—until he finds Sean injured by the side of the road. 

Everything about Sean stirs Peter’s protective instincts—saving people is what he lives for—but he never anticipated falling for someone so hell-bent on running from him. On top of his physical wounds, Sean struggles with grief and guilt, and the mess his estranged father left when he died threatens to overwhelm him. 

Saving Sean means Peter must let go of his pride and turn to friends and family. Asking for help is a bitter pill for Peter to swallow, but if he can’t, how can he expect Sean to accept his help—and his love—in turn?

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

Continue reading “Saving Sean by Con Riley Release Blast & Giveaway!”

Dinner at Jack’s by Rick R. Reed (2nd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - Dinner at Jacks Cover ns7djmTitle: Dinner at Jack’s

Series: Romance With Recipes 03

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (235pgs)

ISBN: 9781646562206

Publisher: JMS Books LLC (18th December 2019)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds.

Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened by the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past?

Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love. But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

When Beau gets divorced from his cheating husband there’s only one place he thinks of going to lick his wounds, to the small town he grew up. Not sure what to do now Beau spots an ad for a personal chef and decides to check it out, it leads him to a man he never thought he’d see again.

Maisie is desperate when she posts an ad for a chef, her son has retreated into himself and is often snarly and surly, and she hopes that good food will tempt her son but the first visit doesn’t go too well.

Jack can’t remember anything of the night that changed his life, he’s terrified to leave his room and he hates the man he’s turned into. When his mom hires a chef in a desperate attempt to get Jack to engage in life, Jack is resentful but Beau begins to chip away at Jack’s blocked memories.

This is a great story that fits in perfectly with the other Romance with Recipes books (Dinner at Home, Dinner at Fiorello’s), it’s a touching story of budding love and healing. Beau is a fantastic character who is feeling slightly wounded after his divorce, when he gets a challenge in Jack he’s determined to bring Jack back to the land of the living and to being the man he knew one magical evening many years before.

Jack is suffering, he’s scared to live, there’s something lurking in his memories that has him terrified and has taken him from being a man who embraces life to one who shuns it. Jack isn’t a very nice character when we first meet him, in fact he’s downright nasty but as we learn what he has been through we understand that it’s a coping mechanism so he doesn’t have to re-join the world. When he meets Beau his behaviour doesn’t chase the man away and Jack soon learns that maybe that’s a good thing.

The story is really well written and the storyline is great, it’s a story that surprised me as I figured that the story would be straight forward and the blurb covered everything, and yes that’s true but there’s a little bit more that had my breath catching and a twinge of sadness struck me for what was lost by an act of hatred and bigotry. Rick R. Reed writes in such a way that even the expected comes as a surprise and he can tease feelings from you that you don’t expect.

While there is a touch of romance developing between Jack and Beau there is a lot of healing and facing the past before we get to that point, so don’t expect a lovefest because there’s a lot of ground to cover especially for Jack. On a side note Jack’s mother Maisie and Beau’s father Niles are great characters and it was so sweet to see their little romance play out as well.

I recommend this to those who love stories that have a little meat to them, characters who know sorrow and pain, men who have suffered but who begin to heal and bloom, and a romance that is just beginning.

Dinner at Fiorello’s by Rick R. Reed (2nd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - Dinner at Fiorello's Cover 45hfy7Title: Dinner at Fiorello’s

Series: A Romance With Recipes 02

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Length: Novel (214pgs)

ISBN: 9781646562183

Publisher: JMS Books LLC (8th December 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.

Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking.

When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more — something real, something true — to separate the good from the bad and find the love — and the hope — that just might be their salvation.

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Henry knows what he wants to do with his life now that he’s graduated from school and it isn’t what his wealthy father has planned for him, but he doesn’t know if he will be brave enough to go after what he wants until he spots a help wanted ad for a little Italian restaurant called Fiorella’s. Vito was blessed with a good life until a tragic turn of events took what he loved most, now he lives quietly, keeping to himself and working as the chef at Fiorella’s. For over a year nothing has breached the shell he lives in until a blond ‘bubble dancer’ begins to crack his shell, but Vito doesn’t want his safe shell shattered and Henry’s life is falling apart around him. Will either man take a chance on something more or will they retreat to the safety or the world that they know.

Fiorella’s is another wonderful story from Rick R. Reed that touches our hearts. Henry is the typical rich kid who has had everything offered to him on a platter except the love of his parents, his mother is cold and distant and his father is a powerful attorney who has Henry’s life mapped out for him. Henry wants to take a chance of grabbing his dream though, a dream that would have him cooking for other people, a dream that his father would look down on but with only the summer free before he starts collage he decides to grab the chance he is offered. Vito is perfectly with his lonely life working as the chef at Fiorella’s, at least that’s what he wants everyone to believe, the loss of those he loved the most still weighs him down and he never wants to open is heart to that kind of hurt again. Having Henry come into his life has Vito tempted to live again. As Henry’s life begins to fall apart and he turns to Vito, but cracking Vito’s secretive shell isn’t easy.

Henry is a young man who doesn’t want to be caged into a life he won’t enjoy, but going against his father’s wishes isn’t easy especially when he gets no support from his mother. As Henry moves into the world of adulthood he learns that life isn’t easy or going to fit into what he wants, it’s a hard world with realities he might not like and he has to grow up. Vito knows that life is far from easy; he now keeps himself to himself with no interest in love. We don’t get an easy romance, in fact Vito seems to barely tolerate Henry, what we get is a young man on the verge of making his own adult decisions and a jaded man who has turned his back on life.

This is a beautifully written story, we are made to feel both men’s pain in this story, Henry’s pain as his life changes and his solid family base is shaken and Vito’s bleeding pain as he tries to let go of the past. There are some poignant moments as Vito loses himself in his dreams and memories and as he begins to open up to Henry but we also have his anger as he feels that he’s being forced to let go of the past. With Henry we get his excitement of beginning his life, the fear of going against his father, the devastation of his family not being what he thought and the twisting feelings he has for Vito. These two men need each other and it takes a large part of the book to get to that stage, but it fits as we get to know both Vito and Henry, it’s the pace that suits both of them.

I recommend this to those who love stories of embarking on your own path in life, of being poked back to life and the living, of a tentative new love blooming, of grabbing life with both hands and facing the fall out, and of two men who embark on a new stage in their lives.    

The Layover by Roe Horvat Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Roe Horvat - The Layover RBBanner

Hi guys! We have Roe Horvat stopping by today with his new re-release The Layover, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Roe Horvat - The Layover Cover x7end

The Layover

by

Roe Horvat

Eight years ago, Ondro Smrek fled Slovakia and the bigotry that drove his first lover to take his own life, but the demons proved impossible to outrun. Desperate for somewhere to belong, Ondro is returning to start over.

During a layover in Basel, Switzerland, he meets Jamie, an American living in Scotland who is as brilliant as he is beautiful. Jaded Ondro never would have guessed he could fall in love during a brief layover—until now.

When he is put in a position to offer Jamie comfort without hope of recompense, Ondro doesn’t hesitate and soon catches a glimpse of the home he longs for. But with their separation looming, confessing his feelings can only lead to pain and humiliation. Life has taught Ondro not to hope, but then, he never believed in love at first sight either…

Second edition, revised.

.•.•.**❣️ Beaten Track | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “The Layover by Roe Horvat Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Mending Noel by Charlie Cochet (2nd Edition)

Charlie Cochet - Mending Noel Cover 634hr7Title: Mending Noel

Series: North Pole City Tales 01

Author: Charlie Cochet

Genre: Fantasy, Christmas

Length: Short (60pgs)

Publisher: Charlie Cochet (November 18, 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: All is not sparkly snowflakes and sweet candy canes in North Pole City. Office workers Tim and Noel do nothing all day but antagonize each other—petty fighting that might be based on hatred… or a heated mutual attraction. It’s up to Jack Frost and his elf-friend Rudy to broach the hostilities and introduce some Christmas kisses, but is the Frost Prince up to the challenge of launching a new romance when someone’s trying to break his holiday spirit?

ISBN: B081C7SQSV

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Wonderful story about Tim and Noel who have problems at work only to overhear a plot against Frost and have Rudy save them.

I loved that Jack and Rudy decide that things need to change for the better and set about doing just that while at the same time helping Noel and Tim with their feelings for one another.

It was an entertaining read that had much more than I thought it would. Drama, action, and romance are all in abundance in this stunning story with a great cast of characters that I am looking forward to getting to know.

Fantastic read.

Dinner at Home by Rick R. Reed (2nd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - Dinner at Home Cover h84fjnTitle: Dinner At Home

Series: Romance With Recipes 01

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (206pgs)

ISBN: 9781646562114

Publisher: JMS Books (20th November 2019)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: It only takes a few days for Ollie D’Angelo to lose his boyfriend, his job, and his home. Instead of mourning what he doesn’t have, Ollie celebrates what he does: the freedom to pursue his real passion—cooking. He begins Dinner at Home, a home-catering business, and it takes off.

Late one night, Ollie catches Hank Mellinger, a streetwise hood down on his luck, about to rob his car. Ollie soon discovers that appearances aren’t necessarily what they seem. Hank isn’t a criminal caught red-handed, but a hungry young man trying to make a life for himself and the four-year-old niece he’s trying desperately to take care of.

Instead of calling the cops, Ollie offers Hank a job and a way to pull himself up by his bootstraps. Together, they discover they can really cook… and that their shared passion for food just might lead to a passion for each other.

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Ollie wakes up one weekend thinking everything is perfect, he has a loving boyfriend, a wonderful home and a great job and then reality strikes as his boyfriend dumps him, he has to find a new place to live and he gets laid off from work. Ollie moves his focus to his freedom to do what he now wants: cooking. Hank fell in with drugs but after a stint in jail is trying to get back on his feet, when he finds himself having to take care of his niece, Addison, it becomes a struggle just to earn enough to buy food. Starving he goes looking for some quick cash but is surprised and ends up finding his saviour, Ollie, who offers him a job and a safe environment for his niece. Both Ollie and Hank discovered more on that dark night, they discover a shared passion for food and each other.

This is an amazing story of a man with a huge heart who, instead of wallowing in self-pity, embraced the opportunity to change his life and invited others to do the same. Ollie is an incredible character, he suffered the blow of being dumped by his boyfriend followed quickly by losing his job and he began to move forward with his life instead of stewing on what had happened. Hank is, amazingly, a character that you come to admire; he dabbled with drugs but cleaned himself up and genuinely wants to make something of his life and he keeps trying no matter what obstacles are thrown in his way. They might both come from different walks of life but their core is very similar, a love of food and the need to help and share with others.

While it might seem that food has a lot to do with this story (just wait till you get a load of the amazing recipes at the beginning of some chapters) it’s the love and comfort that is represented by the food that really shines through, a quite meal for two in the comfort of their own home, a lonely man needing a meal for one and a bit of company or even a family meal where the entire family attends and can relax, and for Ollie and Hank it’s the comfort of working together to make those meals that draw them together. It isn’t a rushed ‘oh my god he’s hot, lets jump into bed’ relationship, it’s one that is built up between them without them really realizing it and which is pushed into the forefront of their minds by a sudden burst of jealousy.

The entire story is wonderful; you have Hank and Ollie building a family unit with Addison and Rosa (another young person in need), then you have the sudden loss of a member which rocks the boat and nearly tears them all apart but they work to accept the changes. Hank and Ollie are beautiful together, they make a great couple for all that they seem so different and their love will get them through anything that life might throw at them.

I recommend this to those who love stories of dragging yourself up from the cesspit and making a new life for yourself, who love men with huge hearts who will hold a hand out and offer help, finding love when you least expect it, building your own family to love and getting your happy ever after through sheer hard work.

The Sun Still Rises by Laura Bailo Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Laura Bailo - The Sun Still Rises RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Laura Bailo stopping by today with her new re-release The Sun Still Rises, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Laura Bailo - The Sun Still Rises Cover hbcs43

The Sun Still Rises

by

Laura Bailo

Whenever his father asked Erik to accompany him to Pamplona for the San Fermín festival, he said no. Now his father is gone, and in a spur of the moment decision, Erik finds himself in another country to run with the bulls in his memory. Erik hasn’t booked a hotel, and he’s completely unprepared for a city bustling with people. No accommodations to be had, he’s resigned to sleeping in a park. Until help comes from an unlikely place.

David works in the tourism office, and Erik is surprised but grateful when he offers him his spare room, despite being a complete stranger. Faced with the choice of sleeping on the ground or the friendly offer of an extra bed, the decision is an easy one. The two of them get to know each other as David shows Erik what’s to love about Pamplona. For the first time in a long while, Erik feels something for another person, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is only temporary and he needs to go back home, does it?

Warning: Depictions of anxiety, panic attacks, and grief

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

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Just Like Cats and Dogs by B.A. Tortuga (3rd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Just Like Cats and Dogs Cover bwe439Title: Just Like Cats and Dogs, (3rd Edition)

Series: A Sanctuary Novel 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (213 Pages)

Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives (9th October 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb:  Can cats and dogs ever get along, let alone fall in love?

Sam knows you can never go home again. As an orphaned feline shifter raised by wolves, being an outcast is nothing new to him. But the pack is still his family, and when one of them passes away, Sam returns to the New Mexico desert to say good-bye.

Gus is a loner who rarely returns to his pack, but as fate would have it, Sam is there when he chooses to visit. The history between Gus and Sam is tumultuous, to say the least, but when Gus gets an eyeful of the grown-up and gorgeous version of his childhood bully, he can’t control his reaction. And he isn’t alone.

The attraction is powerful, but so are their differences. And with trouble brewing in the pack and danger surrounding them, Sam and Gus might not have the opportunity to seek common ground.

First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2011. Second Edition published by Dreamspinner Press 2017.

ISBN: 978-1-951532-25-3

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  When I first saw this book on the list, I thought the title very quirky and fun.  However I wasn’t paying attention to what kind of book it was going to be.  So when I started reading you can imagine my surprise at some of the words they called each other and the scratching.  So I ran to the site to take a look at the blurb, and from there did the happy dance of the century.  

This is a very unique shifter story that was very surprising to say the least.  Where one of the families in the pack loves to take in strays but the pack is a bit full of asshats.  Sam is a cat shifter who is one hell of a dancer and lives in the city because the pack is not really into shifters unlike them during the moon.  He had to be locked into the basement during those times, but now he doesn’t have to be.  He knows that he will never be safe coming home, but when his ma called about pop’s death he came home.  

Gus is a wolf shifter and a bit of a loner.  He loves to dig in dirt for some nice gems.  He never really gave Sam the time of day other than to pick on him.  But in his heart he knew that was because he wanted Sam and he knew it would never be allowed.  Then he sees Sam for the first time in a very long time, and damn if the man isn’t hot.  Danger seems to follow Sam everywhere and he has always felt that he would never belong.  It looks to be like Gus might just be willing to help.  If you want to know more then read the book, you won’t be disappointed.

Now I have to admit that I didn’t much care for the pack dynamics or the other cat shifter’s attitudes.  It wasn’t as fun as the title made it seem to be though. Other than those minor problems, this book rocked.  I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

Kindred Spirit by Sloan Johnson Release Blast & Excerpt!

Sloan Johnson - Kindred Spirit RDB

Hi guys! We have Sloan Johnson stopping by today with her new re-release Kindred Spirit, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Sloan Johnson - Kindred Spirit Cover 34h56

Kindred Spirit

by

Sloan Johnson

Family secrets, a surprise inheritance, and a sweet employee he can’t help falling for. Sunset Beach was only supposed to be a quick trip…

Dane learned early to not rely on anyone. He has a good job and a decent life in the city. Granting his father’s request to visit the family he didn’t know existed, the last thing he expected was to find out he’d inherited a share in his grandfather’s inn.

Brook has only known romance through notes left in a mailbox at the end of the beach. When he’s tasked with showing his boss’s gorgeous nephew what makes Sunset Beach and Bird Island special, he’s compelled to take Dane to his favorite place.

Dane never wanted the inn, but when it’s threatened, he steps up to defend it… and keep the man he’s coming to love by his side and in his life.

Kindred Spirit was previously released through a publisher. The second edition has minor changes but Brook and Dane’s story remains the same.

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

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Without Reservations by J.L. Langley

J.L. Langley - Without Reservations Cover nm595nTitle: Without Reservations (2nd Edition)

Series: With or Without 01

Author: J.L. Langley

Genre: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Werewolves

Length: Novel (201 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-509-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Sometimes love catches you by the tail.

Native American veterinarian—and werewolf—Chayton Wilson dreams of a fair-haired mate. However, he’s shocked to find his mate is a man. He’s not quite sure what to do with a male mate, but he’s more than willing to find out.

Keaton Reynolds wakes up in wolf form and finds himself with a mate. He’s instantly attracted, but not thrilled to find out the man is supposedly straight. A past relationship where his partner denied being gay left a bad taste in his mouth. Keaton wants to make a break for it and pretend he never set eyes on Chay—but Chay is not ready to let him go.

Together they work to battle prejudice and solidify their shaky relationship. Chay must deal with not only his mother’s preconceptions about gay men but also her hatred of white people. When a power struggle in Keaton’s pack threatens Keaton’s life, the two men must quickly learn whether they can depend on each other.

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Without Reservations is the first book in JL Langley’s With or Without series.

I’m not unfamiliar with Langely’s work, but at the same time I’m not 100% certain on my opinions on their writing style and don’t remember how much I’ve enjoyed their books in the past. So I’ve come to this with an open mind, just looking forward to what looks to be a pretty decent shapeshifter romance, which I love.

That being said, it’s also not surprising that I didn’t even realise that this was a second edition until it came to writing this review. Previously published back in 2006 by Samhain Publishing, I can tell you right now, this didn’t make my radar back then, which would have been a couple years before I got into MM romances in the first place. And wow, I just checked out the series page on Good Reads – as it seems that Langley is going to re-release the whole series, I’m really looking forward to delving further in this world.

The book is the romance of Chayton Wilson and Keaton Reynolds, they are both werewolves but come from different packs.

Chayton is a veterinarian, who also happens to be Native American. He has dreamed of having his mate since he was a child, knowing that his mate would have golden hair and beautiful eyes. When Keaton and Chay first meet, Chay is shocked to discover that his mate is a man – he had always assumed that he would have a female mate. However, his dream of meeting his mate is enough for Chay to embrace the thought of having a male mate and more than willing to make a go at the relationship.

Keaton, though, has be burned in the past by a boyfriend who refused to acknowledge his homosexuality, and is therefore wary of his mate. It’s a disappointment after the excitement of realising that he had found his mate. Yet, Keaton gives Chay a chance. But this is the least of their obstacles. With Keaton being a white – as well as male – they face homophobia and Keaton is particularly disliked by Chay’s mother for also being White.

This is a great romance and while there is drama, it is more forces external to the two men that are throwing the obstacles in their direction. I found both men immensely likable and found that their situations were relatable to some extent, which made fall in love with both characters. This isn’t a super tense book by any stretch of the imagination, so this will appeal to those that like a light-hearted meeting and romance between fated mates.

Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton (2nd Edition)

Eli Easton - Puzzle Me This Cover s bheru89Title: Puzzle Me This (2nd Edition)

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (120 pages)

ASIN: B07XCWMZNN

Publisher: Self Published (6 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching.

The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.

When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Puzzle Me This is a standalone novel by Eli Easton. It’s a quick and fairly easy read that was totally enjoyable. It doesn’t hurt that I’ve discovered an appreciation for Eli Easton’s writing style and stories in the past year or so. I just find it very easy to connect to the characters and Puzzle Me This is no different. Admittedly, this is a re-release, however, I’ve never gone far enough back in Easton’s catalogue to find it before this new edition was released.

The story is a sweet romance between Luke Schumaker and Alex Shaw. Luke works from home designing computer games. He loves his job and is good at it. He lives a somewhat quiet life, not realising that he has a secret admirer near by who has been (no creepy-like) watching him from afar. He only realises that he does have a secret admirer when he does the cross word in the local paper and notices that the solutions are about him. Intrigued, Luke tries to find out what’s going on.

That semi-stalker is Alex. Alex is shy, that’s why he watches. He admires Luke, but some of his shyness stems from the fact that he needs a wheelchair. He can’t find the courage to confront Luke, but since Alex is a crossword creator for the local paper, he sends out his message that way.

This is fun and cute. You have to suspend your disbelief or else you would go crazy – who does the cross word in the local paper that Alex could hope that Luke would even see it and do it? Why isn’t Luke more creeped out? I feel my questions are valid.

However, it is totally worth it to set aside your doubts and enjoy the story. In many way Alex and Luke are two sides of the same coin, they are different enough to be similar but not complete opposites. They have a gentle chemistry that I really appreciate and find very relatable. This is the type of story that warms the heart and leaves the reader with a smile on their face.

The Mage Heir by Kathryn Sommerlot Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Kathryn Sommerlot - The Mage Heir RB Banner

Hi guys! We have Kathryn Sommerlot stopping by today with her new re-release The Mage Heir, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Kathryn Sommerlot - The Mage Heir Cover fe347d

The Mage Heir

The Life Siphon 02
by

Kathryn Sommerlot

Exiled from Chayd and pursued by Runon, Tatsu’s life twists into something unrecognizable when he escapes with Yudai into the mountains. Despite the growing danger trailing them, the biggest threat lies within Yudai and his voracious magic, a force spiraling outside his control. Their only hope is to head into Joesar in search of a way to contain the magic.

But Joesar’s desert holds perils of its own, and the only answers Tatsu and Yudai find lead them farther into storms. Friend and foe blur until impossible to tell apart, and all the while, the unchecked siphon devours any energy it can find. If Yudai can’t fix what the Runonian mages broke, the siphon could swallow the world, and Tatsu will watch the horror unfold.

No matter how tightly Tatsu’s heart is tied to Yudai’s, and after everything they have sacrificed for freedom, the past might catch up with them, murky and muddled, betrayal lying in Tatsu’s traitorous bloodline.

Warning: xenophobic, homophobic, and ableist language

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

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After Ben by Con Riley Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Con Riley - After Ben RTBANNER-106

Hi guys, we have Con Riley stopping by today with the tour for her new re-release After Ben, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review!

Con Riley - After Ben Cover sd34f

After Ben

(Seattle Stories 01)
by

Con Riley

No more kissing a ghost…

A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he’s looking for is a new lover, but as Theo discovers, sometimes life has its own plans.

The strength of his attraction to fellow gym member Peter is surprising. So is how compelling he finds Morgan, a new friend he makes online. Morgan is witty and fierce on the internet forum they frequent, while Peter is physically present in a way that’s hard to ignore.

Both men bring Theo closer to acceptance: he needs to lay Ben’s memory to rest if he’s to start afresh with a new lover.

Getting honest about the reasons for his yearlong isolation means confronting why he lost Ben… only just when he’s ready to commit, Theo finds he isn’t the only one haunted by the past.

Whether with Peter or with Morgan, choosing to love again—after Ben—might not be Theo’s toughest challenge.

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

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