Hi peeps, we have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with their new release Benoit, we have a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Benoit
(Owatonna U Hockey 03)
by
R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey
Senior year is here, and everything is on the line. Benoit’s time to shine in the crease is now, and he’s going to do everything he can to make sure those professional scouts take notice. He’s earned a great reputation for his skills in the net, and his laid-back demeanor is his key to maintaining his cool when things get heated in the goal crease.
As the Eagles roar into a new season, Ben’s laser-sharp focus is shattered by his attraction to Ethan Girard, the team’s new defensive consultant. Trying his best to ignore the budding friendship that’s taking a hard, fast turn into something far more passionate, Ben is determined to keep his mind on the sport he loves and not let his feelings for the handsome older man creep into his performance. But love, like hockey, is wildly unpredictable, and soon Ben finds that he’s unable to distance himself from Ethan who is slowly and surely working himself into his heart.
Famed Boston defenseman, Ethan Girard, isn’t stupid. Celebrating his thirty-second birthday in the emergency room after breaking his leg, and with a warning that healing will be a long process, he knows he has to think about his future. He was drafted at eighteen, and he’s never known anything but hockey, but with no contract in place yet for the new season he considers that maybe it’s time for him to hang up his skates for good.
Volunteering to help out with the Owatonna Eagles fills his time, but from the moment he lays eyes on goalie Ben, he knows his world will never be the same again. Falling in lust is as easy as stealing his first kiss, but Ben refuses to engage. Has Ethan finally met his match?
When the lines between career and love blur, will Ethan and Ben find a way to create a future that will work for both of them?
Blurb: Ryker is hockey royalty, Jacob is a poor country boy. Can two vastly different people find common ground and become the men they want to be?
Ryker comes from a long line of championship-winning hockey players. Playing college hockey to develop his game is his only focus, and nothing will stand in the way of him working to become the best player. He has no room for relationships, people who point out his flaws, or anyone who calls him on his dreams. He certainly has no place for love, and meeting Jacob is nothing but a useful distraction on the side. After all trying to get his Owatonna Eagles teammate into bed is less work and more play. When tragedy rocks his family, his charmed life crumbles, and the only person he can turn to is the same one who claims to hate him.
Jacob Benson has only known hard work and stifling conservative values his whole life. Born and raised in the small rural community of Eden Crossing, Minnesota, he’s the only son of a hard-working but struggling dairy farming family. Jacob is using his skills in hockey to finance his way to an agricultural science degree. These four years at Owatonna U. will probably be the only time he has to enjoy life, gain acceptance about his sexuality, and live openly before his inevitable return to the farm. Running into a pretty rich boy like Ryker Madsen is putting a damper on his enjoyment of life away from home. Ryker’s flip, conceited, carefree attitude grates on Jacob’s every nerve. So why, if Ryker is everything he dislikes, does he want nothing more than to explore the sinful dreams that his annoying teammate stars in every night?
Review: Ryker has been a long awaited book for me. I adore the authors, VL Locey and RJ Scott, and I especially adore their hockey romances that they write together. I could go on for a long time about how much I love their style of writing and how their characters develop and grow, both outside of their book and within the book where those characters become MCs.
The MCs of this book is, obviously, the titular Ryker Madsen who comes from NHL royalty with his father and maternal grandfather and it turns out she is something of a hockey player himself. Moving to Owatonna University brings him into orbit with fellow hockey player and team mate, Jacob Benson. Jacob is Ryker’s opposite in many ways, but most especially because he comes from a farming family who work hard to keep their legacy going, as well as pushing Jacob to pursue his dreams.
Ryker is the first book is the author’s ice-hockey centred series Owatonna U Hockey, which is a spin off from their Harrisburg Railers series (which is completely awesome and once more I could go on all day about how much I love that series). That being said, I would recommend to either read Harrisburg Railers series before going here, or at least read book 1 (Changing Lines), which is the story of Ryker’s dad, Jared, and soon to be stepdad Tennant and where we first meet Ryker. The event involving Ten which has Ryker worried for both his father and Ten, happens in book 7 (Neutral Zone). So if you’ve not read the series, I would recommend reading at least books 1 and 7 – but for the sports romance fans you are missing out if you don’t read the entire Harrisburg Railers series…
Oops! I better get back to Owatonna U!
Ryker and Jacob’s story is really wonderful. This is about two young men that know what they want to do with their lives (ice hockey and ultimately NHL) but things change and they grow up, so while their ultimate goal doesn’t change these guys grow up. They also grow up and as they become adults they learn about love and being together and support and sacrifice. Ryker manages to piss Jacob off and this is where Ryker begins to shed his identity as Jared Madsen’s son and becomes his own man as he navigates his feelings towards Jacob.
This is a good base for a new series. The romance between Ryker and Jacob is nice, they are both strong characters but they also live with some very relatable insecurities relating to their schoolwork, their family and their sexuality. The book starts with the world of the Railers, which it has to because Ryker needs to break away from that persona we gained of him earlier and become his own man, which is how we end up with this wonderful little spin off detached from Railers. I’ve learnt a lot about hockey and NHL and now college hockey from these books! We are also introduced to a number of players (including Scott and Benoit, aka Ben) which has me looking forward to the next books in the series.
Blurb: It’s been decades since blackmail forced Troy Callahan to retire from playing professional hockey, and he’s built a successful career behind the bench. When he’s offered the opportuni-ty to coach the Asheville Ravens—the most hated team in the ECHL—he’s convinced that his no-nonsense attitude is just what the team needs to put their focus back on hockey. But Troy is disheartened when he finds that the Ravens have signed Shane North, a player known for his aggression. And it only gets worse when Shane’s rough good looks give Troy inappro-priate thoughts about a member of his team, even if Shane’s set to retire at the end of the sea-son.
Shane’s career in the majors never quite took off. Wanting to quit on his own terms, Shane agrees to a one-year contract with the Ravens and finds himself playing for a coach who thinks he’s an aging goon and with a team that doesn’t trust him, the coach, or each other. Despite his determination to not get involved, Shane unwillingly becomes part of the team… and is just as unwillingly drawn to the gruff out-and-proud coach. As the Ravens struggle to build a new identity, Shane and Troy succumb to the passion that might cost them everything.
Review: Coach’s Challenge is the fifth book in Avon Gale’s Scoring Chances series. Not to be mixed up with, which is what I did, with VL Locey’s book of the same name from one of her excellent hockey romance series.
For me it’s been a couple years since I’ve read the Scoring Chances series, but I remember absolutely loving it and had been more than happy devouring them all at the time. This is a series that I recommend reading in order, even for those that just need to refresh what happened in the previous books of the series. This book is something that irons out a lot of the hurts of the previous books, as the team that had caused so much heartache undergo a change and become more tolerant and open under the support of a new coach. This is the story of the Raven’s redemption and you also really need to understand the hate and heartache directed at other teams that made the Asheville Raven’s the ECHL’s most hated team.
The MCs of this story are Troy Callahan and Shane North.
Troy Callahan is the coach. He didn’t have an easy time in his professional playing career (I won’t spoil anything!) but over the years has proved himself to be a damn good coach. Now, after replacing the unethical and all around horrible coach of the Asheville Ravens, it is his job to build the team up. (Think the Mighty Ducks if they had been made up of mostly brutish, homophobic a-holes). He has a plan for the team and the last thing the team needs is a player known for being aggressive.
Shane North has something to prove. He’s coming towards the end of his playing and feels like he needs to prove himself as a hockey player after a lackluster career in the majors. Shane is a lot different to what people assume of him, especially when they see him on the hockey rink. It’s really pleasing to see him open himself up to Troy.
Fans of the books will not be disappointed I think. It gives the Ravens a new lease on life after being totally vilified for four books. Sports romance fans will love this series too.
The narration by Scott R Smith is really quite wonderful. I would assume that it is difficult to capture the romance in between all the testosterone filled hockey plays, as well as dealing with the fall out as the Ravens seek their redemption. Smith gives the characters distinct voices and conveys their emotions, both on the rink and off. Listening to the audio has definitely enhanced my enjoyment of this book.
Hi guys, we have Lynn Michaels popping in today with her series Holeshot, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Holeshot
by
Lynn Michaels
In the world of Supercross, taking the holeshot means one racer leaps ahead of the crowd and into first, leaving the rest of the pack behind. If Supercross racer Davey McAllister knows anything, it’s how to take the holeshot. When the hot rising star mechanic, Tyler Whitmore, shows up in his bed, Davey does just that. But, dating a competitor’s mechanic threatens to blow his ride if anyone finds out. With the fear of losing his sponsors, he has to keep his love life completely under cover, but Davey is in deep and wants to tell the world how much he loves Tyler.
Tyler Whitmore wants to be out of the closet, but dating the competition is a death sentence for his career. Overprotective of Davey’s reputation and his own dreams, Tyler refuses to commit to his lover and is afraid of falling hard. Will they ever be able to find their way through the Premiere racing league pitfalls and acknowledge their love?
In the world of Supercross, taking the holeshot means one racer leaps ahead of the crowd and into first, leaving the rest of the pack behind. Supercross racer, Tate Jordan, wants to take his holeshot on and off the track, but no one else seems to cooperate. His love life is in turmoil and his sponsors don’t expect him to win. Will Tate find someone new to love and a team that believes in him?
Pilot Mahan is a bodyguard and a street fighter looking to build a future, but his plans get derailed when a Supercross racer catches his eye. Can he make a go at a life with Tate Jordan, on the road?
Bryce Nickel is new to Supercross and adulthood. He’s young and fun, but super serious about what he wants. And what he wants is to win races and Tate Jordan. Will he be able to take his holeshot or will the big Apex bodyguard get in the way? Or perhaps, the three can make a compromise?
Hi guys! We have Avery Cockburn popping in today with her new release Play Hard, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway!❤ ~Pixie~
Play Hard
(Glasgow Lads 04.5)
by
Avery Cockburn
“I’ll always want more of you.”
Robert McKenzie lives to work. He’s fresh out of university as a video-game entrepreneur, and his new app could actually save lives. But burning the candle at both ends means missing out on the best parts of his own life—including his boyfriend, Liam.
Liam Carroll works to live. His job as a bartender pays the rent—if not always the heating bill—and that’s plenty for now. But Robert’s workaholism reminds Liam his own life is going nowhere, and his own dreams are scaring the pants off him.
To jolt them out of their ruts, Robert invents a new game: He and Liam are to take turns offering each other sexy new challenges with irresistible rewards.
Of course, Robert gets more than he bargained for, as Liam takes their game in one surprising direction after another. Whether it’s in the bedroom, on the football pitch, or at the pub (or even the supermarket?), the things they learn about each other—and themselves—could change their lives forever.
Play Hard is the feel-good, staying-in-love story the world needs right now!
Note: This happier-ever-after novella features the main characters of Playing With Fire but can be read as a stand-alone story
Blurb: What happens when you try to fix the past and end up threatening your future?
Scott is struggling. Grieving the loss of his brother, carrying the weight of his father’s expecta-tions, and getting his ass kicked in the rink, he’s in a downward spiral. He needs a solution and fast, but when his steroid use is exposed, he’s close to losing his place at Owatonna and more importantly, on the Eagles Hockey team. Thrown out of his house, with nowhere to go and no future in sight, he only has one choice; agree to mandatory counseling, random drug tests, and get his act together. Only then will he have a chance at normal. Meeting Hayne, a senior con-nected to the world through his art, is a shock to the system. Moving in with him is his only op-tion, but falling for the shy artist leaves Scott in an impossible situation, and one he can’t es-cape.
Hayne has always been that quiet, creative kid who sat in the back of class drawing instead of listening to the teacher. A talented artist, the shy and sensitive young man is struggling with the loss of his childhood friend. Seeing his sadness reflected in his usually colorful paintings, he decides to attend grief counseling and meets Scott, a lost soul in desperate need of light and color in his life. Taking in a homeless hockey player certainly was never part of his carefully or-chestrated ten-year plan. But now that Scott is in his life, he’s discovering the joy of this man’s loving smile and tender touch is one of the most beautiful palettes on earth.
Review: Scott is the second book in VL Locey and RJ Scott’s Owatonna U series. I adore the authors, VL Locey and RJ Scott, and I especially adore their hockey romances that they write together. I could go on for a long time about how much I love their style of writing and how their characters develop and grow, both outside of their book and within the book where those characters become MCs.
Unlike the first book, which starts off feeding directly from the authors’ Harrisburg Railers series from which it spun off from, you do not need to have any background from the Railers series. However, there are a few Easter eggs for avid fans on the look out for them (*clears throat* cameo and mentions of Jared Madsen and Tennant Rowe). In saying that though, I do encourage those that have not read Ryker to read that one before you go into Scott, because Scott’s story (well the moment where everything crashed down for him) happened in Ryker. Scott is dealing with the aftermath. Ryker and Jacob, in addition to Scott’s best friend Ben, make a few appearances because sometimes an intervention is needed and these guys are awesome friends.
Scott has been struggling to keep his head above water for a few years now and it all culminated in him making a massive mistake, taking steroids in the hope that his playing will improve. The problem with that is that he has hurt a lot of people, and sadly he doesn’t even remember a lot of it in his drug and alcohol haze. This isn’t because he is trying to be an arsehole jock. In fact, it’s really complicated and stems from his family’s complete breakdown after the death of his older brother, who Scott had idolised and is now constantly compared to by his father. Like many things that involve addiction or grief – or something else involved in mental health – it has built up to the point where Scott has hit rock bottom and has no choice but to deal with it.
Part of Scott’s recovery is going to group grief counselling sessions at the university. Scott has completely detached himself from everything in his life and is just looking to survive. However, things change when he meets Hayne. Hayne is a sweet and kind artist, he is grieving over the loss of his best friend to leukaemia. Hayne is also broken, but very different to Scott’s hurts, and he is dealing with things a lot better. Helping Scott is natural but becomes part of his recovery.
I love the themes of this story – two completely broken individuals building themselves up again, but they have to realise that they can’t do it alone and that each journey is both different and the same. Scott and Hayne are a wonderful couple.
I’m looking forward to the next story in this series, Benoit. Scott and Ben were best friends and unfortunately how Scott tried to cope with things led to Ben being hurt. I’m looking forward to both getting to know Ben more (seems like a top bloke). I’m also looking forward to finding out more about Ben’s side of the story and if we find out a few more tid bits from Scott and Hayne, as well as Jacob and Ryker.
Hi peeps, we have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with the tour for their new release Scott, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. Keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!
Scott
(Owatonna U Hockey 02)
by
R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey
What happens when you try to fix the past and end up threatening your future?
Scott is struggling. Grieving the loss of his brother, carrying the weight of his father’s expectations, and getting his ass kicked in the rink, he’s in a downward spiral. He needs a solution and fast, but when his steroid use is exposed, he’s close to losing his place at Owatonna and more importantly, on the Eagles Hockey team. Thrown out of his house, with nowhere to go and no future in sight, he only has one choice; agree to mandatory counseling, random drug tests, and get his act together. Only then will he have a chance at normal. Meeting Hayne, a senior connected to the world through his art, is a shock to the system. Moving in with him is his only option, but falling for the shy artist leaves Scott in an impossible situation, and one he can’t escape.
Hayne has always been that quiet, creative kid who sat in the back of class drawing instead of listening to the teacher. A talented artist, the shy and sensitive young man is struggling with the loss of his childhood friend. Seeing his sadness reflected in his usually colorful paintings, he decides to attend grief counseling and meets Scott, a lost soul in desperate need of light and color in his life. Taking in a homeless hockey player certainly was never part of his carefully orchestrated ten-year plan. But now that Scott is in his life, he’s discovering the joy of this man’s loving smile and tender touch is one of the most beautiful palettes on earth.
Hi guys! We have Avery Cockburn stopping by with the cover for her upcoming release Play Hard, we have a brilliant giveaway so check out the cover and enter the giveaway!❤ ~Pixie~
Play Hard
(Glasgow Lads 04.5)
by
Avery Cockburn
“I’ll always want more of you.”
Robert McKenzie lives to work. He’s fresh out of university as a video-game entrepreneur, and his new app could actually save lives. But burning the candle at both ends means missing out on the best parts of his own life—including his boyfriend, Liam.
Liam Carroll works to live. His job as a bartender pays the rent—if not always the heating bill—and that’s plenty for now. But Robert’s workaholism reminds Liam his own life is going nowhere, and his own dreams are scaring the pants off him.
To jolt them out of their ruts, Robert invents a new game: He and Liam are to take turns offering each other sexy new challenges with irresistible rewards.
Of course, Robert gets more than he bargained for, as Liam takes their game in one surprising direction after another. Whether it’s in the bedroom, on the football pitch, or at the pub (or even the supermarket?), the things they learn about each other—and themselves—could change their lives forever.
Play Hard is the feel-good, staying-in-love story the world needs right now!
Note: This happier-ever-after novella features the main characters of Playing With Fire but can be read as a stand-alone story
Release date: 23rd April 2019
.•.•.**❣️ Coming Soon ❣️**.•.•.
Hi peeps, we have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with the their new release Scott, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Scott
(Owatonna U Hockey 02)
by
R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey
What happens when you try to fix the past and end up threatening your future?
Scott is struggling. Grieving the loss of his brother, carrying the weight of his father’s expectations, and getting his ass kicked in the rink, he’s in a downward spiral. He needs a solution and fast, but when his steroid use is exposed, he’s close to losing his place at Owatonna and more importantly, on the Eagles Hockey team. Thrown out of his house, with nowhere to go and no future in sight, he only has one choice; agree to mandatory counseling, random drug tests, and get his act together. Only then will he have a chance at normal. Meeting Hayne, a senior connected to the world through his art, is a shock to the system. Moving in with him is his only option, but falling for the shy artist leaves Scott in an impossible situation, and one he can’t escape.
Hayne has always been that quiet, creative kid who sat in the back of class drawing instead of listening to the teacher. A talented artist, the shy and sensitive young man is struggling with the loss of his childhood friend. Seeing his sadness reflected in his usually colorful paintings, he decides to attend grief counseling and meets Scott, a lost soul in desperate need of light and color in his life. Taking in a homeless hockey player certainly was never part of his carefully orchestrated ten-year plan. But now that Scott is in his life, he’s discovering the joy of this man’s loving smile and tender touch is one of the most beautiful palettes on earth.
Blurb: Professional basketball player Bri Early needs a physical therapist after an injury, and he’s heard that Obie is the best. Bri takes an immediate liking to the out-and-proud man with the magic touch, and even though Bri isn’t openly gay himself, he’d never let anything stand in the way of something he wants.
Obie can’t deny that the sexy athlete presses all his buttons, but he’s a professional and has no intention of getting involved with a client. While they’re working together, it’s hands off, no matter how great the temptation.
But being a pro athlete isn’t easy. Bri has enemies, and one of them is making his life hell. When his house is set ablaze, Bri can no longer pretend the threatening messages he’s receiving are jokes. He needs a safe place to stay, and Obie can’t turn his back. But the two of them in the same house is a recipe for combustion that could burn them both….
Review: I love a sports MM romance and I love an Andrew Grey book – so needless to say, I was basically sold on this book as soon as I saw the book cover and I figured out that this is what I was getting. There is also a splash of mystery in the guise of an enemy that could break our pro athlete’s career. Add to that the fact that I love how Grey writes his characters, they are all flawed but all in need of some good romance and a HEA.
The story is about NBA player Bri Early. I love basketball (although I follow Australian NBL I’m all for the NBA too). Bri has had a devastating injury and he needs to take time to heal. Although he isn’t ready to retire from playing he isn’t a young kid any more and it takes him longer to get back into playing condition. Bri first comes off as a bit of a dick but the frustration and stress and the mental difficulty he faces from the injury is what makes the situation. So in a desperate bid he is passed the name for a new therapist, Obie. Obie is a bit unconventional but the two connect. Obie is ready to help Bri make a full recovery, but he wasn’t quite ready for the sexual tensions and feelings that arise between he and Bri.
Unfortunately, this is not the best Andrew Grey book that I’ve read, even though I enjoyed the story and the two MCs well enough. I’m not sure really what about the characters didn’t connect with me but there was some missed connection that took away from my overall enjoyment. The only thing that I can think of was that I wasn’t fully on board with threat to Bri’s career. I get that the threatening phone calls that bring Bri and Obie together in the same house is the plot device to move the story forward and get them together quicker, but it just left me feeling that it was all a little meh in the end.
Yet, I need to make it clear that I liked the romance aspect of the story and the hurdles facing Bri and Obie as a couple. I think that the characters were constructed well and compliment each other, which made this aspect of the book satisfying to read.
Blurb: The past few years have been a bit chaotic for Cougars new associate coach, Lancaster Hart. After an amiable divorce he began living his life as the gay man he’d kept closeted for far too long. With the recent move to Cayuga, he’s away from his support system and properly made sweet tea. Despite a roster filled with new friends and associates, he’s spending his nights alone.
As his team gears up to make a run at the Calder Cup, Lancaster discovers that not everything in upstate New York is wine, woodlands, and chilly conservative ideals. At a summer music festival, he first lays eyes on Townsend Harris, folksy/blues singer by night and mayoral office assistant by day. Lancaster is enraptured with the man’s powerful sultry voice. Also, Town just might be the most beautiful man he has seen in all his forty-one years.
The two hit it off at an informal meet and greet after the show, where they spend the night talking and sipping wine. One evening of conversation and an incendiary goodbye kiss leads them into a scorching love affair that might be exactly what Lancaster has been searching for his whole life. Can his team pull off professionally what he’s hoping to do privately as well? Or will capturing their dream evade both the Cougars and Lancaster?
Review: One on One is the fifth and final book in VL Locey’s series Cayuga Cougars, I love a good MM hockey romance and I particularly love Locey’s own brand of style when it comes to romance between these awesome alpha male athletes she creates. I don’t want to go too much into things, because this was awesome end to a completely wonderful and somewhat surprising series for me. Surprising in the way that I had never thought to completely love the series, as well as a certain character (cough Vic you lovable, unlovable rogue).
This series has had a roller coaster of emotions, particularly when it comes to the characters Dan and Vic who we met at the start. And while we do get to check in on them and their little family again (and there will be more books around these guys separate to the series), I really loved the sweet romance as we were introduced to Townsend and Lancaster. While you can probably get away with not reading the entire series, I think it’s an injustice to you as the reader as well as to the author to not appreciate the full scope of the characters. All characters, including the newest couple, are really well fleshed out and were very relatable.
One on One is a very sweet, low key and low drama romance that shows two ordinary guys find their own happily ever after. Lancaster Hart is the new associate coach for the Cayuga Cougars ice hockey team and moving to the new team is just the start of things. He’s newly out of the closet and being divorced means he can finally live as the real version of himself. He is still friends with his ex-wife as well as her partner, which is totally nice, I’m over the usual trope of a vengeful ex who hates the fact her ex is gay and becomes some sort of harpy. Lancaster is down to earth and I felt an instant connection to his character, I wanted him to find the man of his dreams from the get-go.
A chance meeting after a concert with Townsend Harris, folk musician by night and mayoral assistant by day, sets the scene as we begin to explore Lancaster’s journey to be the man that he is. In a way, this is gently guiding us to not only get to know Townsend, but to realize that Townsend is the man that Lancaster needs in his life and in his bed. They don’t just fall into bed and then into love in the space of two minutes, instead they get to know each other.
The story is told completely from Lancaster’s POV, but I don’t feel that I lost anything in terms of getting to know Townsend. I keep using the word gentle to describe this story, but it truly is. A beautifully sweet and gentle romance that just happens to be set with some fast pace hockey and wonderful secondary characters we’ve known all along for the most part.
Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with the blitz for her audio release Out in the Offense, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Out in the Offense
(Out In College 03)
Narrated by Michael Pauley
by
Lane Hayes
Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.
Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.
Blurb: Stan Lyamin has seen many of his dreams come true. He’s found his soulmate, loves Noah like his own, hoisted the Cup, and has his Mama living with him in his new country. But his fantasies of a loud, loving, madcap home overflowing with childish laughter linger. When a distant family member passes, Stan and Erik immediately agree to take in the two orphaned children, but that means a trip back to Russia for Stan, an idea that both exhilarates and terrifies him.
Erik’s world tilts on its axis when a phone call wakes him and Stan in the middle of the night. Abruptly, Stan is returning to Russia, making deals, working with people who know people, and fully intending to bring two orphaned children home. The red tape is overwhelming, and Erik is alone in Harrisburg with the nearly impossible task of finding a nanny who can speak fluent Russian. Being on his own is one thing, but add in fears about Stan’s safety and team issues, and Erik is finding everything hard to balance; not least of which is spending quality time with Noah.
Review: Holy Hell! I’ve been waiting for this novella ever since I read book 4 in this series, Poke Check, where I completely fell in love with the big, cuddly Russian goalie, Stan Lyamin, and wicked fast Swede, Erick Gunnarsson. Needless to say, Stan and Erick are the main characters in this novella.
Let me rewind a bit for those not in the know. The series I’m talking about is RJ Scott and VL Locey’s totally addictive Harrisburg Railers. The series follows new NHL team when it seems to become something of a haven for a number of gay players and coaching staff, although there are some straight guys there too so you don’t need to completely suspend your disbelief. Firstly, read this series, it’s awesome and I love it and can rave about it for a long time to come. Secondly, there’s no point reading this novella without reading the series because there is a lot of stuff that has happened. Some of it is indirectly referred to, being that it is not the main focus of the novella, so there will be some confusion. There are six books to date in the series, with a Christmas novella and now this Valentine’s novella (well, Valentines insofar that is was released on Valentine’s day). So basically, I’m just here to strongly recommend reading this series in order.
Hat Trick is a heartbreaking journey for Stan. Taking from current issues faced by the Russian LBGTQI community, Stan must make the potentially dangerous journey back to his homeland to get a deceased cousin’s children, who it now falls to him to be their guardian. Stan has so much love to give. You see it in his love for his lover, Erick, and Erick’s little son Noah. On top of that, Stan has his mother and sister now residing in the US, so the antics become hilarious when you add in two sweet but fiery Russian ladies. However, their world is turned upside down and there is a lot to be done to get the children safely from Russia to Harrisburg.
I absolutely adore Stan’s broken English and obsession with Elvis. He’s a big man with a big heart. Yes, there could have been more angst when it came to taking in two orphaned kids who have had a bad life but it wasn’t necessary for a story this length. Erick doesn’t seem to get as much time in this novella, and while I would have loved to have heard from him more and his struggle with adding two new children into the family, but again I realize that it would have been beyond the scope of the story. This story was all about the sweetness.
Hey guys! We have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with the tour for their new release Hat Trick, we have a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!
Hat Trick
(Harrisburg Railers 08)
by
R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey
Stan Lyamin has seen many of his dreams come true. He’s found his soulmate, loves Noah like his own, hoisted the Cup, and has his Mama living with him in his new country. But his fantasies of a loud, loving, madcap home overflowing with childish laughter linger. When a distant family member passes, Stan and Erik immediately agree to take in the two orphaned children, but that means a trip back to Russia for Stan, an idea that both exhilarates and terrifies him.
Erik’s world tilts on its axis when a phone call wakes him and Stan in the middle of the night. Abruptly, Stan is returning to Russia, making deals, working with people who know people, and fully intending to bring two orphaned children home. The red tape is overwhelming, and Erik is alone in Harrisburg with the nearly impossible task of finding a nanny who can speak fluent Russian. Being on his own is one thing, but add in fears about Stan’s safety and team issues, and Erik is finding everything hard to balance; not least of which is spending quality time with Noah.
When their family expands from three to five, the journey won’t be easy, but love can always find a way.
Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with her new audio releases Out in the Deep and Out in the End Zone, we have a fantastic $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Out In The Deep
(Out In College 01)
by
(Narrator: Michael Pauley)
Lane Hayes
Derek Vaughn is a little too serious. He’s a type A control personality with a penchant for order and a love of water polo. But he’s determined to enjoy his last year of college. The real world with a serious job and big expectations can wait for a few months. He’s going soak up every minute on campus with his friends and teammates before he moves on. The only possible kink in his plan is the new guy on the team… also known as his nemesis.
Gabe Chadwick has big Olympic dreams. His transfer between Southern California universities has nothing to do with scholastics. The degree is his backup plan. He’s not there to party or make friends. And he certainly isn’t going to announce his sexuality. But he can’t deny there’s something special about the uptight team captain. However, when an unwitting friendship and mutual attraction collide, both will have to decide if this is the real thing or if they’re about to lose it all in the deep.
Evan di Angelo is an upbeat, good-natured goofball who loves his friends and family… and football. A traumatic accident may have ended his hopes of playing professionally, but he’s made the most of his four years on the field at a small Southern California college. He’s learned the hard way to embrace change, take chances and try things outside of his comfort zone…like agreeing to play fake boyfriends for someone else’s senior project.
Mitch Peterson knows that being his authentic self is the path to true happiness. He’s grown from a shy, quiet kid from a broken home to an out and proud budding internet sensation bound for grad school. An awesome senior project is the key. It’s unlikely anyone will believe the hunky, straight athlete is Mitch’s new lover, but it’s worth a shot. However, as their tentative friendship blossoms into unexpected attraction, the lines between reality and fiction blur for both men. Evan is forced to face old demons and decide if he has the courage to take the next step and come out in the end zone.
Hi guys, we have V.L. Locey stopping by today with the tour for her new release One-On-One, we have a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!
One-On-One
(Cayuga Cougars 05)
by
V.L. Locey
The past few years have been a bit chaotic for Cougars new associate coach, Lancaster Hart. After an amiable divorce he began living his life as the gay man he’d kept closeted for far too long. With the recent move to Cayuga, he’s away from his support system and properly made sweet tea. Despite a roster filled with new friends and associates, he’s spending his nights alone.
As his team gears up to make a run at the Calder Cup, Lancaster discovers that not everything in upstate New York is wine, woodlands, and chilly conservative ideals. At a summer music festival, he first lays eyes on Townsend Harris, folksy/blues singer by night and mayoral office assistant by day. Lancaster is enraptured with the man’s powerful sultry voice. Also, Town just might be the most beautiful man he has seen in all his forty-one years.
The two hit it off at an informal meet and greet after the show, where they spend the night talking and sipping wine. One evening of conversation and an incendiary goodbye kiss leads them into a scorching love affair that might be exactly what Lancaster has been searching for his whole life. Can his team pull off professionally what he’s hoping to do privately as well? Or will capturing their dream evade both the Cougars and Lancaster?
Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with the tour for her new release Out in the Offense, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~
Out in the Offense
(Out In College 03)
by
Lane Hayes
Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.
Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.
Hi guys, we have V.L. Locey stopping by today with her new release One-On-One, we have a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
One-On-One
(Cayuga Cougars 05)
by
V.L. Locey
The past few years have been a bit chaotic for Cougars new associate coach, Lancaster Hart. After an amiable divorce he began living his life as the gay man he’d kept closeted for far too long. With the recent move to Cayuga, he’s away from his support system and properly made sweet tea. Despite a roster filled with new friends and associates, he’s spending his nights alone.
As his team gears up to make a run at the Calder Cup, Lancaster discovers that not everything in upstate New York is wine, woodlands, and chilly conservative ideals. At a summer music festival, he first lays eyes on Townsend Harris, folksy/blues singer by night and mayoral office assistant by day. Lancaster is enraptured with the man’s powerful sultry voice. Also, Town just might be the most beautiful man he has seen in all his forty-one years.
The two hit it off at an informal meet and greet after the show, where they spend the night talking and sipping wine. One evening of conversation and an incendiary goodbye kiss leads them into a scorching love affair that might be exactly what Lancaster has been searching for his whole life. Can his team pull off professionally what he’s hoping to do privately as well? Or will capturing their dream evade both the Cougars and Lancaster?
Hi guys, we have Lane Hayes stopping by today with her new release Out in the Offense, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Out in the Offense
(Out In College 03)
by
Lane Hayes
Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.
Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.
Blurb: Tennant Rowe has it all, a boyfriend he adores, a loving family, and a career on the rise. He’s sure of his place in the world, and the future can only get brighter. Then one night, in a flash of skates and sticks, life changes forever. Getting back on the ice is Ten’s priority, and experts tell him that it’s just a matter of time.
Jared watches his lover fall in more ways than one, and when tragedy strikes, even the strongest of relationships are tested. Ten is strong, but Jared has to be stronger to help the man who holds his heart. Only, he has to admit that maybe it isn’t just him who can make Ten whole again. Jared and Ten’s love is forever, but the rocky path to the romantic Christmas Jared had planned may be hard to travel.
Review: Neutral Zone is the charming Christmas novella by RJ Scott and VL Locey which is the seventh book in the Harrisburg Railer’s series. This is one of those books where it is essential that you read the previous books in the series (all six of them are fantastic but Poke Check is definitely my favorite).
In this book we are back to the story of Tennant Rowe and Jared Madsen, the original couple that started it all for the Harrisburg Railers. The event that leads to Tennant having to find his way back to the ice actually happened in the first book of a spin-off series featuring Jared’s son in college, Owatonna U. For the actual details of the events you need to read Ryker (Owatonna U 1) as it isn’t rehashed in a great deal of detail in this novella. Instead, this book is about healing and love with a dash of Christmas frivolity.
Ten and Mads are a wonderfully loving couple that have dynamite chemistry together, but they also have to much heart as well. They compliment each other so well and it is obvious in this book. Not only do the guys have to go through one of the hardest times any person could go through, but they also have to deal with a house full of Rowe’s at Christmas. Ten’s brothers are loud and rowdy and they inject more depth into a relatively simple story.
This novella is essential reading for fans of the Railers series. I am totally looking forward to 2019 when we get more from the Railers. Especially in February where we go back into the lives of sweet, giant Russian Stan, and this blonde Adonis, Erik. For those unfamiliar with the series, I know there are a lot of fans of MM that love sports, particularly hockey, and if you haven’t read I reckon you’d love this novella (as well as the rest of the series).
Title: Neutral Zone