Tag: GLBT May/December Romance

Starting at Zero by Lane Hayes ~ Audio Review

Lane Hayes - Starting From Zero Audio Cover 5474h4jnTitle: Starting from Zero

Series: Starting From, 01

Author: Lane Hayes

Narrator: Michael Pauley

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 8 mins

Publisher: Lane Hayes (15th May 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past…or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

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

Review: Even though I find that I like Lane Hayes’ writing, I don’t particularly seek out or thoroughly investigate what comes out until something kind of just pops onto my radar. However, reading the blurb for Starting at Zero left me in two minds but I figured this would be a book that I would enjoy but not love. If only because for me Hayes’ writing style makes it so easy for me to connect to the characters. Being an audio, narration almost always lifts a book and how much I enjoy it.

Well, I was totally wrong.

Not on the narration – the narration was wonderful and did exactly as I said it would. Michael Pauley is a wonderful narrator and his voice suited this book, and the tone used for the two MC’s was absolutely spot on. Cannot say a bad word about his performance at all.

The part that I was totally wrong about was how much I would enjoy the story. I was completely pulled away and completely pulled in by the drama of the whole book. The whole struggling singer getting together with someone experienced in the industry is not entirely uncommon, but I really liked the direction that Hayes took on it. I also really liked the fact that the story was told from the POV of both MCs, which left me very satisfied in knowing what both the guys were thinking.

The singer is Justin Cuevas. He has dreams of being a rock star (he makes a comparison to Dave Grohl which, as a Foo Fighters fan, I really appreciated). However, a scandal caused by his ex, which in turn led to the band breaking up has ruined their chances. For now. At the age of twenty-six, Justin knows that he is facing his last chance to make it big. A new gig with what was left of the band and a trap laid by his ex and a slimy club owner leads Justin and his band to an opportunity, albeit with a plenty of drama.

Justin meets Gray Robertson, not realising just how successful Gray is until Justin gets an offer he can’t refuse. First, he is offered a job to sort and curate Gray’s insanely large record collection. Then later, it becomes clear that Gray’s friend (an aggressive producer named Seb) has plans to exploit the drama in Justin’s life, leading to the opportunity of a lifetime for Justin. But Justin isn’t just looking after himself, he has his band members of the newly formed band Zero to take care of. Gray sees Justin’s intelligence, appreciates and respects it. Gray is just one of those awesome guys that you just want to get a HEA for.

This story is Justin’s fight to get his band what they all deserve, but like anyone, there are so many facets of a life, and for Justin that also means finding love, trying to reconcile his mother and brother, generally trying not to have some sort of break down as his mind races and the stress gets to him.

The story is also Gray’s second chance at finding a love that would stand the many tests life throws his way. He has had his heart broken in the past, he has lived in the closet, at first by the necessity and then because he was asked to. He loves his home, his record collection and his music. And despite the age difference and the clear talent he wants to nurture in Justin, he wants more from Justin than he feels has the right to have.

The two men compliment each other, where Gray acts as a grounding force for Justin’s passionate mind. Justin is all emotion, often acting first, while Gray is all about thinking. I really enjoyed their relationship. It was passionate but it was deep, I really liked that they took the time to know each other, not just fall in love. Their love story is so entwined with the drama of the book, you can’t have one without the other, and you cannot have these two guys without having all the people that surrounded them.

The secondary characters are widely varied and very deep. This adds so much complexity to the whole story because although they are not Justin and Gray, these characters had a massive influence on the plot. I’ve already mentioned, Seb, and while he was a good enough character, he wasn’t the most important secondary character. Gray’s godson, Charlie, quickly becomes a character that I was intrigued by. Charlie had a lot of good intentions and is a strong character that cares deeply for the ones he loves. The passion that he shows has him pegged as one of my favourite secondary characters, in addition to member of Zero and Justin’s best friend, Tegan whose passion was just as intense as Charlie’s. I hope that both these characters have their own stories to tell.

I recommend this one to people that like their couples with an age gap and those that love the idea of a plot of men looking to capture their chance at stardom.

Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes Audio Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Lane Hayes - Starting from Zero Audio Banner

Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with her new audio release Starting From Zero, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway!  ❤ ~Pixie~

Lane Hayes - Starting from Zero Audio Cover 3756g5h

Starting From Zero

(Starting From… 01)
Michael Pauley ~ Narrator
by

Lane Hayes

Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past…or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

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

Continue reading “Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes Audio Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Lane Hayes - Starting From Zero Blitz Banner

Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with her new release Starting From Zero, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway!  ❤ ~Pixie~

Starting From Zero

(Starting From… 01)
by

Lane Hayes

Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past…or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

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

Continue reading “Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Life Is A Stevie Wonder Song by V.L. Locey Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

V.L. Locey - Life Is A Stevie Wonder Song RBBAnner

Hi guys! We have V.L. Locey popping in today with her new re-release Life Is A Stevie Wonder Song, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway where you can win one of V.L’s backlist titles, so guys check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Life Is A Stevie Wonder Song

by

V.L. Locey

Authors know that their muse is a fickle creature. Best-selling spy novelist Steven Ramsey has been in a hate-hate relationship with his inspiration for months. When Steven’s publisher lays a legal ultimatum upon him, with a rapidly approaching deadline, he knows he must do something to kick-start his creativity or face the unemployment line. His daughter comes up with a possible answer: a summer camp for the creative soul. With nothing to lose, Steven packs up his laptop, phonograph, and beloved record albums and heads from Greenwich Village to the Catskill Mountains.

There, among a horde of college students attending for extra credits, is Declan Pomeroy, a photographer of fey creatures who is twenty-two years younger than Steven. The woods are a magical place, and he quickly finds himself falling under the spell of the free-spirited photographer. Confusion wars with desire as Steven succumbs to the feelings welling up inside. But, sadly, summer camp always must end. Can a man who has just found himself really leave the person that makes his heart sing?

Continue reading “Life Is A Stevie Wonder Song by V.L. Locey Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Suck the Savage Beast by James Cox

James Cox - Suck the Savage Beast CoverTitle: Suck the Savage Beast

Series:  Sons of Outlaws # 3

Author: James Cox

Genre: Futuristic, May-December, Sci-Fi, MC Romance

Length: Novella (106 pages)

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (January 17, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Earth beasts are sexier than he expected…

Welliver is a scientist first and an Outlaw MC member second. He’s the smartest man in the crew that’s exploring Earth to create a new home. But when a monster attacks them and he’s separated from the crew, he is saved by a savage and sexy beast.

The beast doesn’t remember his name. He was sent to the Earth prison when he was a boy and left behind when the prison was evacuated. Beast has spent nearly twenty years alone on Earth, trying to survive this dangerous world. He’s the best hope humans have for staying alive with these new threats.

Beast doesn’t understand it’s not okay to lick strangers, or the whole wearing clothes thing, but neither man is prepared for the attraction between them. Welliver will have to pull on his Outlaw MC heritage to endure the wilds of Earth but how will survive the savage beast?

ISBN: 978-1-77339-149-6

Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/suck-the-savage-beast-by-james-cox/

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Welliver is on the mission to earth to scout out a safe place to live. He is super smart and knows it. When things go bad he is the one called on to fix the problem. Case in point when the creatures attack the ship. Unfortunately Welliver is too far away and has no chance getting to the safety of the ship so he takes off into the unknown. About to be attacked. A sexy, naked man comes to the rescue and saves Welliver from being eaten.

Beast has been alone on earth since the prison was deserted twenty years before. He cannot remember his name but he does know that he wants Welliver. Things progress nicely between these two. 

I loved this book. Beast is dangerous and sexy a definite plus for me. Welliver is smart and handsome. I loved how Welliver went through the system and discovered who Beast was. The interactions between these two were hot.

Amazing and fascinating read from start to finish. Highly recommended.

Stealing His Dangling Jewels by James Cox

stealingdanglingjewels1l__11308.1457392495.300.450Title: Stealing His Dangling Jewels

Series:  N/A

Author: James Cox

Genre: Contemporary/ Erotic/ May/December

Length: 93 pages

Publisher: Evernight Publishing (March 7, 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Blurb: Lucas Harper made a name for himself by winning the lottery—a ticket that no one knows he stole. He bought his own private island, goes through men like underwear, and wastes money on lavish things. Or so everyone thinks.

Phoenix is the sexy thief that not only sleeps with Lucas, but drugs him and steals his dangling jewels. Literally. His mark has five million-dollar gems dangling from pubic piercings. Phoenix didn’t expect to feel bad about taking those little beauties. All he had to do was make it off the island and back home so he could use the overpriced rocks to get his mother into rehab.

Things don’t go quite as planned when Lucas catches up with him and they’re both trapped by a vicious storm…

ISBN: 978-1-77233-762-4

Product Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/stealing-his-dangling-jewels-by-james-cox/

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Wow this story was amazing. Lucas wins the lottery with a stolen ticket. Phoenix is dealing with a lot in his young life. So much so, that I was extremely concerned for him and how he would make it.

Each man is trying to deal with external and internal struggles they best they can, given their individual circumstances. I really enjoyed the well-balanced nature of this story as it progressed. What I did not enjoy was all the errors. But that’s the editors fault not the authors.

Great story that packs an emotional pack. Loved it.

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

To Live Again by L.A. Witt

to-live-againTitle: To Live Again

Series: Distance Between Us, #6

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: May/December Romance

Length: 253 pages

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (April 12th 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The heart doesn’t take requests. It calls the tune.

Greg Douglas’s wife surprised him with an early 25th anniversary gift: a divorce. Staying with friends Ethan and Rhett seems like a good idea, just until he gets back on his feet. The guys have an even better idea to take his mind off his troubles—take him out to explore the other half of his bisexuality.

After a quarter century suppressing his hidden desires, he’s not waiting any longer. Especially not after laying eyes on the gorgeous deejay at Wilde’s.

Deejay and single dad Sailo Isaia isn’t looking for anything serious. He’s definitely not out to be a sexual teacher, never mind to a man almost two decades his senior. But as Greg gets the hang of having a male lover, Sailo can’t help himself. They both keep coming back for more. And more. And more.

But a few nagging questions hold Sailo back from giving his whole heart. Is this just Greg’s midlife crisis and rebound fling? Or a chance to fill that empty space—forever—for both Sailo and his beloved son?

Product Warnings:  Contains an older guy who’s waited half his life for this, a younger guy who didn’t realize how lonely he was, and some very hot visits to the upstairs VIP lounge at Wilde’s. Author is not responsible for readers who can no longer look at a leather booth the same way again.

ISBN: 9781619231733

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5767/to-live-again

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: Even though I couldn’t remember who Greg was for the life of me, I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. Not only was it beautifully written, but the characters are very real and very easy to connect with. This was the perfect blend of fiction that could very well be a real life story because nothing was exaggerated or far-fetched. The characters’ reactions are easy to understand and felt very real. And the sex was…….*falls over dead or in a sex-induced coma* hot!!!

Greg is in his late forties, has been a family man his whole life and has a lot to show for all the years spent with his wife: three beautiful children between the ages of 18 and 23, a cute granddaughter he loves with all his heart, 25 years of beautiful, priceless memories and……. a brand new divorce certificate with the ink still wet. Two weeks before their 25th wedding anniversary Greg’s wife tells him things between them are no longer working and she wants a divorce.

Blindsided, brokenhearted and confused, Greg temporarily moves in with his long-time friends Ethan and Rhett. Ethan and Rhett help Greg realize that his marriage was over a good while before his wife decided to end it. But, that doesn’t mean Greg doesn’t hurt still. What hurts him the most is the feeling of failure. Especially once he learns his wife has been cheating on him.

I have to say when I realized Greg was living with the (in) famous duo I was terrified a threesome was going to happen. Because, we know how much Ethan and Rhett love to bring a third in their bedroom. Fortunately, they helped him get laid, but they didn’t exactly do the laying. Greg decides it’s time to be 100% honest with himself and admit he’s bisexual, even though he’s never acted on his attraction towards men.

Ethan and Rhett take Greg to Wilde’s for a night of fun, and Greg literally stumbles across Sailo, the beautiful deejay. Sailo is 10 years younger than Greg and he’s the father of a six-year-old boy he is co-parenting with a lesbian couple that are also his best friends. Right from the beginning they acknowledge Sailo is Greg’s rebound. That this is the first time Greg gives into his attraction towards men and there are absolutely no expectations that their sexual relationship might be something more.

I really liked Sailo and Greg together, because they had an instant, believable, natural chemistry that was just enough to keep the sexual tension simmer throughout the book. While Greg and Sailo indulge in many deliciously hot sexual adventures, the sex wasn’t gratuitous and I didn’t feel like there was too much of it. Oh lord, did those two set the sheets on fire!!! And to make it even better, Greg is a gay sex virgin…yum!

There is a beautiful friendship that develops between these two and I loved how frank and honest Greg was when it came to his feelings towards his ex-wife and his emotional state after the divorce. The divorce wasn’t swept under the rug just because Greg discovered the delights of gay sex, and that’s very realistic because there’s no way someone gets over the past 25 years overnight.

Another thing I absolutely loved is Greg’s relationship with his children, especially his sadness and angst when it came to his middle child, the kids’ easy acceptance of their father’s sexuality, and how nicely they accepted Sailo as part of their family.

This doesn’t sound good enough for you yet? What if I tell you there’s an amazing epilogue a year later that shows Greg and Sailo as a solid couple that celebrate their Christmas together with their families? That’s heartwarming and beautiful and the perfect way to end a book. The only thing I wanted and didn’t get is Sailo’s POV, but I don’t think it took away from the overall story.

I’m in love!

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

The Way You Look Tonight by Jo Tannah

51D5mDxxQiL._SX311_BO1,204,203,200_Title: The Way You Look Tonight
Series: Standard, #2
Author: Jo Tannah
Genre: May-December Contemporary Romance
Length: 122 pages
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing (February 12, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: As a member of a wealthy and influential family, Jaime “Jamie” Abello had his life mapped out. Being shipped off to LA with an insurance scam linked to his name was not part of his plan.
It had seemed so simple: pass the Philippines Medical Board Exam; practice in the family-owned and -controlled hospital; join the Board by age forty; and find a partner with whom he could settle down and be himself.

Instead, his father supplies him with a surfeit of money and dangerous secrets and sends him to a strange country.
The Pediatric Residency Program Jamie applies for brings him face to face with untouchable Program Director, Miles Kwon, whom Jamie soon finds to be a man of integrity and vision.

When tragedy strikes, Jamie finds himself falling deeper into depression. Unexpectedly, it’s Miles who helps him work through his pain.

Will Jamie ever experience a life with a loving partner, or will his father’s secrets cause him to lose everything he’s gained?

ISBN: 978-1-925222-77-7

Product Link(s): http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-way-you-look-tonight-by-jo-tannah/

http://amzn.to/1LhlmUn

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is the first book by this author that I have read and I have to say it was a blast. I wasn’t really sure at first if I was going to like it, but damn it sure does get better. It is told from Jamie’s perspective and that was the part that I was not sure about. I am not one to normally like those types of books, but this one was a hit for me.

Jaime is from a very wealthy family and loved by his father. When things go down in the family his father does everything to protect his son. Jaime had wanted to be a doctor and he was damn good at it. Then his father was accused of fraud and things go to pieces. His father is determined to clear his name and make a life for his son. Jaime had just not expected to be sent to another country altogether.

He takes one look at the residency doctor and is fascinated with him. It would seem that the attraction is returned. Miles wants Jaime just as much.

There is a lot of action in this story, with a bit of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to seeing what other stories this author has out there. I can’t wait to read the next story.

This was a lot of fun and I would definitely recommend it.

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

The Way You Look Tonight by Jo Tannah Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Jo Tannah - The Way You Look Tonight -fb

Hi guys, we have Jo Tannah stopping by with the tour for her new release The Way You Look Tonight, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Lisa’s review, so check out that post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Jo Tannah - The Way You Look Tonight _600x956

The Way You Look Tonight

(The Standards 02)
by

Jo Tannah

As a member of a wealthy and influential family, Jaime “Jamie” Abello had his life mapped out. Being shipped off to LA with an insurance scam linked to his name was not part of his plan.

It had seemed so simple: pass the Philippines Medical Board Exam; practice in the family-owned and -controlled hospital; join the Board by age forty; and find a partner with whom he could settle down and be himself.

Instead, his father supplies him with a surfeit of money and dangerous secrets and sends him to a strange country.

The Pediatric Residency Program Jamie applies for brings him face to face with untouchable Program Director, Miles Kwon, whom Jamie soon finds to be a man of integrity and vision.

When tragedy strikes, Jamie finds himself falling deeper into depression. Unexpectedly, it’s Miles who helps him work through his pain.

Will Jamie ever experience a life with a loving partner, or will his father’s secrets cause him to lose everything he’s gained?

WIP | Amazon US | Amazon UK  | Amazon AU | Amazon DE | ARe
Don’t miss the Valentine’s Day Sale (February 11-22) 50% off on WIP’s website and 40% off on ARe!

Continue reading “The Way You Look Tonight by Jo Tannah Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Out! by JL Merrow

outTitle: Out!
Series: The Shamwell Tales, #3
Author: JL Merrow
Genre: Contemporary/Humor/ British
Length: 322 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 19th 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: When the costs are added up, will love land in the black?

Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet—at least, the small part of it he hasn’t spent in the office. Divorced when he could no longer deny his sexuality, he’s sworn off his workaholic ways and moved to Shamwell with his headstrong teen daughter to give her a stable home environment.

His resolve to put his love life on hold is severely tested when he joins a local organization and meets a lively yet intense young man who tempts him closer to the closet threshold.

Patrick Owen is an out-and-proud charity worker with strong principles—and a newly discovered weakness for an older man. One snag: Mark is adamant he’s not coming out to his daughter, and Patrick will be damned if he’s going to start a relationship with a lie.

Between Mark’s old-fashioned attitudes and a camp, flirtatious ex-colleague who wants Mark for himself, Patrick wonders if they’ll ever be on the same romantic page. And when Mark’s former career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick’s social conscience, it could be the one stumbling block they can’t get past.
Product Warnings: Contains historically inaccurate Spartan costumes, mangled movie quotes, dubious mathematical logic and a three-legged pub crawl.

ISBN: 9781619229938

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5697/out

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: I suppose this series is more comedy than anything else, innit? After a particularly intense book I chose Out! as a pick-me-up, because I knew it was going to be funny and light and I desperately needed something like it.

If you’ve read the previous books in this series, than you should be familiar with Patrick (remember that broken shin of his he got while playing cricket? Yep, that Patrick!). I know I’ve been hoping he would get his own book at some point, only Mark is definitely NOT someone I would’ve imagined as Patrick’s other half.

I’m not sure I liked Mark that much, although I can’t think of a reason why I didn’t. No, I can’t say I disliked him or hated him, and he was even funny most of the time. As a character I liked him a lot. As Patrick’s love interest…not so much. I didn’t think they were good together, and he whole age difference between them was so overdramatized, it annoyed the crap out of me.

Mark Nugent and his spitfire daughter, Fen, have recently moved to the small village of Shamwell in order for Fen to get a fresh start. Mark is closeted and old-fashioned, and he kind of acts like he’s 50 instead of 39. He makes such a big deal of the 14 years between him and Patrick. Everybody does. Like he’s old enough to be his father instead of just accepting it as it is. It drove me the hell insane!

Fen however, is hilarious, the epitome of teenage girl, with enough drama to drive everyone insane. She’s a smart cookie that one. Got her father all figured out and she’s playing him like a fiddle. But under her Goth exterior and smart mouth lays a girl with a heart the size of London. I really loved her for being so accepting and mature when it came to things that were really important.

I really liked the characters, especially the secondary ones, because they took away the focus from Patrick and Mark. Yeah, I KNOW that’s not supposed to be a good thing, but since I didn’t like them together that much, and I got extremely frustrated with Mark playing martyr in order to protect his innocent daughter (hah, what a joke!), the hilarious secondary characters made it all better.

Christ those guys can drink, as it seems like they’re known by bar owners everywhere.

This book, like the previous ones, is very lacking in the steam department, although this one is slightly more X-rated than the rest. We even have a sex scene, pretty descriptive and funny, although I didn’t enjoy it as much as i hoped i would.

5 STARS for the characters, especially Fen and David, I really loved them all!
2 STARS for the romance and unsuccessful matching of Mark and Patrick!

3.5 stars is my final rating.

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

Jesse's Diner by Cardeno C. ~ Audiobook

5199m1iWBgL._AA300_Title: Jesse’s Diner
Series: Hope, #2
Author: Cardeno C
Narrator: Paul Morey
Genre: May/December Romance
Length: 2 hours and 49 minutes
Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC (12-22-2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Two men with a shared history and a mutual attraction must be honest with themselves and each other so both their dreams come true.

Quiet, unassuming Tanner Sellers spends his time running a diner in Hope, Arizona. Not particularly social, twenty-two-year-old Tanner keeps to himself and enjoys his simple life, but he longs for someone to call his own. In his most secret fantasy, that someone is sexy Steve Faus. But Steve is his friend’s father and mentor’s widower and therefore off-limits.

Despite some challenges, thirty-nine-year-old Steve Faus has had a good life. He’s extremely successful at work, has a great relationship with his college-age son, and lives in a wonderful town. Eighteen months after losing his partner, the one thing Steve lacks is someone to share his life. If Steve is honest with himself, that someone is the young man he has known and cared about for years. Steve and Tanner want one another. All they need is a little push in the right direction to make both their dreams come true.

Product Link(s): http://amzn.to/1Psw4TT

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/jesses-diner-hope-book-2-unabridged/id1071035789

Reviewer: Tams

Review: What would you do if you knew your time here was about to expire? Jessie knows he won’t beat the cancer, so with his son Mike’s help.

He sets out to make sure the things he cares about most will be taken care of once he’s gone. He wants to make sure the diner is taken care of so he leaves it to Tanner, Mike’s best friend, and somewhat of an adopted son to Jessie. Making sure that his husband Steve doesn’t fade away to depression once he’s gone, well Tanner is key to that as well.

This is a super short story so the review will be as well. Let me just say if the fact that Cardeno C penned the story isn’t enough to make this one an auto buy, then the fact that Paul Morey narrates should make it a no brainer. Need more convincing?

Okay then. The story almost seems like insta-love in the beginning, but as the story unfolds you learn it is anything but. The feelings are mutual and a long time coming. Morey really translates each character from paper to audio well, I especially like the way he totally immerses himself into not just conveying the characters, but conveying the emotions.

Definitely a must listen, as I said it’s super short, super sexy and well worth the couple of hours to give it a listen.

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

Life is a Stevie Wonder Song by V.L. Locey

51lbQGOc0sL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Life is a Stevie Wonder Song
Series: N/A
Author: V.L. Locey
Genre: Contemporary/GFY/ May~ December
Length: 69 pages
Publisher: Torquere Press (December 30th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Heart
Blurb: Authors know that their muse is a fickle creature. Best-selling spy novelist Stephen Ramsey has been in a hate-hate relationship with his inspiration for months. When Stephen’s publisher lays a legal ultimatum upon him, with a rapidly approaching deadline, he knows he must do something to kick-start his creativity or face the unemployment line. His daughter comes up with a possible answer: a summer camp for the creative soul. With nothing to lose, Stephen packs up his laptop, phonograph and beloved record albums and heads from Greenwich Village to the Catskill Mountains.

There, among a horde of college students attending for extra credits, is Declan Pomeroy, a photographer of fey creatures who is twenty-two years younger than Stephen. The woods are a magical place, and he quickly finds himself falling under the spell of the free-spirited photographer. Confusion wars with desire inside Stephen as he succumbs to the feelings welling up inside. But, sadly, summer camp always has to end.

Can a man who has just found himself really leave the person that makes his heart sing?

ISBN:9781944449094

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4565

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Steven is a best-selling author going through a third divorce and stuck in a writing slump. His publisher is breathing down his neck making it harder to write. His daughter Liza suggests he goes to a writing camp in the Catskills to get his creative juices flowing. That’s not all that begins flowing. Declan is a very artistic, unique individual that captures Steven’s interest ad becomes his muse.

I was looking for a fresh, romantic story and this one was perfect. I fell in love with Declan from the moment he bound onto Steven’s porch. He is a very fresh unique character. The descriptions were spot on. I also liked the plot of the story though it’s a predictable sweet romance. I love the older man/ younger man trope and have a soft spot for gay-for-you stories.

If you like gay-for-you, May/December, sweet romance with some moderate man-sex this is a must read.

*I received this book free for an honest review.*

Jesse's Diner by Cardeno C.

26800568Title: Jesse’s Diner
Series: Hope, #2
Author: Cardeno C.
Genre: Contemporary/May-December
Length: Novella (112 pages)
Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC (29 Sept 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Two men with a shared history and a mutual attraction must be honest with themselves and each other so both their dreams come true.

Quiet, unassuming Tanner Sellers spends his time running a diner in Hope, Arizona. Not particularly social, twenty-two-year-old Tanner keeps to himself and enjoys his simple life, but he longs for someone to call his own. In his most secret fantasy, that someone is sexy Steve Faus. But Steve is his friend’s father and mentor’s widower and therefore off-limits.

Despite some challenges, thirty-nine-year-old Steve Faus has had a good life. He’s extremely successful at work, has a great relationship with his college-age son, and lives in a wonderful town. Eighteen months after losing his partner, the one thing Steve lacks is someone to share his life. If Steve is honest with himself, that someone is the young man he has known and cared about for years. Steve and Tanner want one another. All they need is a little push in the right direction to make both their dreams come true.

ISBN: 9781942184331

Product Link: http://cardenoc.com/en/book/jessesdiner

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Jesse’s Diner is the second book is Cardeno C’s Hope series. I will admit that this is the only book in the series I’ve read so far, so I can definitely say that this can be read as a standalone story.

However, in saying that, after reading this book, I want more of this series. That means for the time being it’s back to book one, McFarland’s Farm.

This is a sweet story about the equally as sweet Tanner. He’s quiet and finds it difficult to be around people and so as a result he is quite lonely, too. However, when he moved to live with his grandmother as a teen, he made friends with local boy Mike. Being friends with Mike meant that in school he had “friends” but once school was over and Mike left, no one kept in touch with him.

But Tanner’s one saving grace is that one of Mike’s dads, Jesse, hired Tanner to work and when Jesse got terminal cancer he left his beloved diner to Tanner. Mike calls Tanner one day, worried about his father and asks Tanner to look in make sure that Steve is eating, looking after himself, etc.

Then there is Mike’s other father, Steve. He arrived in Hope as a young man (around Tanner’s age), pretty lost and probably a tad bit burnt out. He met Jesse, who was approaching 40 and ready to settle down with a partner and adopt a child (i.e. Mike).Now, fast forward around 20 years, Jesse is gone and Steve has thrown himself into work and has become something of a recluse when he did change his work habits.

There is a shared attraction between Steve and Tanner and now Steve is the older man in the relationship.

This is just filled with tender, sweet emotion. This is something of a slow burn, which on reflection, probably makes for a more satisfying story. If you like May-December stories, this is a great one to immerse yourself into, especially if you like the whole “best friend’s dad” type of story.

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

Bobby's Old Man by A.C. Katt

26197457Title: Bobby’s Old Man
Series: The Sunset Club, #2
Author: A.C. Katt
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (176 pages)
Publisher: MLR Press, LLC (August 27th 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts
Blurb: Keith Anderson believes he’s caught in gay hell – almost forty and too old for love. Bobby Michaels disagrees and thinks Keith is just right for him.

Keith Anderson is in love with Bobby Michaels. Unfortunately, Keith with their fifteen year age difference thinks he’s too old for Bobby. The two start as ‘friends with benefits’ but Keith dumps Bobby when it turns serious leaving Bobby brokenhearted.

When tragedy strikes and Bobby needs Keith, he steps up to support his lover. But Bobby lacks trust in Keith and everything around him.

Can Keith convince Bobby that this time’s for real, or will the two lovers never reconcile?

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0445

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ACKBOLDM

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: This book is part of a series and should be read in order.
Events at the start of the book happen in conjunction with the first book in the series. It was nice to see how Keith and Bobby first met in order to help their best friends. What follows after should have just been a hookup but it turns into something more for both of them.

What I find funny was that the two of them fall into the same trap that their friends did. Neither one is willing to be themselves out there and admit that their relationship if more than just fuck buddies. Also Keith lets his age and other people get in the way of things.

Thankfully Keith pulls his head out of his ass. Just in time too in order to be there for Bobby when his world falls apart.

The sex was a little low-key in this book. A good portion happens “off screen” I suppose I could say. What scenes there are, are hot and sexy with just the right amount of steamy. This book really seemed to focus in on the events and fall outs.

I will say this, the start was a little stilted for me. There was a lack of emotion. The details and interactions were given, but it was just that. I didn’t really feel Keith and Bobby until later in the book.

Overall I did enjoy this story once I got past those first few chapters.

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