Hi guys, we have Jaime Reese popping in with her new release A Sweet Man, we have a great excerpt so enjoy the post! ❤️ ~Pixie~
A Sweet Man
(The Men of Halfway House)
by
Jaime Reese
Two men. One sweet dream of family and forever.
Gabriel “Bull” del Toro loves his fast-paced globe-trotting job, but aches for an honest relationship and the trust that comes with it. After a few too many heartbreaks, he’s nearly given up hope of finding that special someone.
Until Ben.
Born deaf, Ben is used to working twice as hard for what he wants, but risking a newfound friendship on an impossible dream is scary. After all, there’s one lesson he’s learned: everything is temporary—freedom, friends, even family.
Neither man expects the undeniable spark between them or for every moment together to fuel that connection. For the first time, a happily ever after is within reach, but they must trust that the dream of acceptance, family, and a place to call home is more than a sweet fantasy.
It can be forever.
————
A Sweet Man is an interconnected standalone within The Men of Halfway House series. It is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and never giving up on a dream. It includes wounded hearts, an age-gap romance, and enough cake and sweetness to give you a toothache.
Hi guys, we have Jaime Reese stopping by with the blog tour for her new release A Mended Man, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
A Mended Man
(The Men of Halfway House 04)
by
Jaime Reese
Detective Aidan Calloway is rock-solid strong. He’s a man of justice—loyal to his friends, family, and job—even if it requires bending a law…or two. He shields himself behind an abrasive, fearless facade, until a phone call one night chips his armor and throws his perfectly planned, hollow life into a tailspin.
Jessie Vega is the epitome of optimism. His carefully crafted attitude of hope and positivity protects him from a past filled with too much pain. When a ghost from a dark time resurfaces and nearly breaks him, he must tap into his inner strength or risk losing everything he’s worked so hard to build.
But Jessie can’t do it alone. He must fight to break through Aidan’s ironclad defenses to reveal the heart of the man hiding beneath the tough surface and mend his damaged spirit. Only then can they truly heal and become strong enough to battle the demons that haunt them and threaten their chance to finally be together.
***This book contains scenes and subject matter some readers may find distressing.***
Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
Hi guys, we have Jaime Reese popping in with her new release A Mended Man, we have a couple of teasers so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
A Mended Man
(The Men of Halfway House 04)
by
Jaime Reese
Detective Aidan Calloway is rock-solid strong. He’s a man of justice—loyal to his friends, family, and job—even if it requires bending a law…or two. He shields himself behind an abrasive, fearless facade, until a phone call one night chips his armor and throws his perfectly planned, hollow life into a tailspin.
Jessie Vega is the epitome of optimism. His carefully crafted attitude of hope and positivity protects him from a past filled with too much pain. When a ghost from a dark time resurfaces and nearly breaks him, he must tap into his inner strength or risk losing everything he’s worked so hard to build.
But Jessie can’t do it alone. He must fight to break through Aidan’s ironclad defenses to reveal the heart of the man hiding beneath the tough surface and mend his damaged spirit. Only then can they truly heal and become strong enough to battle the demons that haunt them and threaten their chance to finally be together.
***This book contains scenes and subject matter some readers may find distressing.***
Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
Hi guys, we have Jaime Reese stopping by today showing off her brand new cover for her upcoming release A Restored Man. So come and check out this great cover and the tantalizing excerpt! <3 ~Pixie~
A Restored Man
(The Men of Halfway House 03)
by
Jaime Reese
Cole Renzo thinks his greatest challenge is to behave for the remainder of his term at Halfway House. Until he meets his new boss, Ty Calloway, a man who ticks off every box on Cole’s list of interests.
A sought-after restorer and customizer of exotic and collectible cars, Ty had enough confidence to command what he wanted in life, until one fateful night changed everything. Almost two years later, he’s slowly rebuilding his life with great control. He’s defied the odds and works tirelessly to be the man he once was—but he still feels broken.
Cole’s candor and unfiltered personality awaken Ty’s barely-remembered desire to greet each new day with a smile, while Ty’s unwavering acceptance of Cole’s quirks and brash humor makes Cole feel as if he fits in for the first time in far too long. When a nemesis threatens Ty’s personal restoration and the things he holds dear, Cole is determined to protect their relationship, even if that means sacrificing everything he’s worked so hard to achieve.
But Ty will have to let his guard down, surrender control, and admit he needs Cole first, even if that puts himself at risk of breaking beyond repair.
Hiya guys, today we have Jaime Reese and her newest release A Hunted Man, there’s two excerpts, a giveaway and Thommie’s great review (which has me wanting this book) so get to reading this post and remember to click that Rafflecopter link 😉 <3 ~Pixie~
After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.
Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he’s lonely.
Hunter’s world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he’s ever experienced. When Cam’s past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam’s hope for a future begins to dim.
These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they’ll have to get past Hunter first.
Hiya guys, Jaime Reese joins us today with her newest release A Hunted Man. It’s out today and we are giving you a taste with this great excerpt, so have a peek at this book! <3 ~Pixie~
A Hunted Man
(The Men of Halfway House 02)
by
Jaime Reese
After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.
Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he’s lonely.
Hunter’s world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he’s ever experienced. When Cam’s past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam’s hope for a future begins to dim.
These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they’ll have to get past Hunter first.
Hey my little minions, today we have Jaime Reese and her re-release A Better Man, we have a quick look at an excerpt (which tempts us), and Thommie gives us her opinion on the new edition (Thommie reviewed the first as well) and Jaime Reese also has 2 ecopies of A Better Man to giveaway so make sure you click that Rafflecopter link! 🙂 ~Pixie~
Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.
Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.
This was the last thing the bubbly radio forecaster announced before Julian Capeletti switched off the radio. It was just too damn early in the morning for that much perkiness.
“Great,” he grumbled as he sat up in bed and tried to rub the sleep from his face.
He hated mornings. Some people heard birds chirping, appreciated sunrises, and saw everything through rainbow-colored glasses in the early morning hours, but that just wasn’t him.
Especially when he didn’t have work.
He just couldn’t muster the energy needed to be as functional as he was in the late hours—when he found his groove and could tackle even the most complex third plane mathematical equation anyone could throw at him. Mornings, well, it was a short list. Wake up, shower, drink coffee. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to get dressed somewhere in between. He didn’t need to have the perky announcer tell him about the weather, he could feel it firsthand as the sweat began to trickle down his chest.
“Fucking gross,” he moaned as he rose from bed and made his way to the bathroom.
He followed the same routine every morning. He stared at himself in the mirror, in search of…what, who knew. He splashed some water on his face and looked again. Maybe he should try holy water or some other miracle that would change what stared back at him. He saw the hint of dark circles under his eyes and he hated it.
Vanity wasn’t the issue, the dark circles were a reminder of the turn of bad luck that had plagued him for almost two years.
Like a series of snapshots, he always ran the images of that day through his mind. The one that marked the beginning of when it all started going to shit with no end in sight. Well, more than usual at least. The day his last steady foreman project ended because the owner faced trafficking charges and fled the country to avoid his impending capture. With assets frozen, the site was closed down and everyone was out of a job and a steady paycheck. He’d left work early to seek comfort in the arms of his partner, an eternal optimist, and found him busy giving comfort of a different type to another guy.
“Asshole,” he mumbled into the towel as he dried his face. Maybe a shower would work. Even if it didn’t wake him up, at least it would wash away the disgusting reminder of the South Florida blazing summer heat and humidity.
Freshly showered, Julian read the classifieds as he sipped his coffee. He closed his eyes and exhaled, enjoying the caffeine and sugar slowly bringing him to life. Finally. He skimmed the want ads searching for anything new that morning, something he hadn’t already called on that week. He grabbed the monthly community paper and spotted the listing with a large bold headline “Handyman Wanted for Repairs”. A long list of requirements followed, far beyond those for a traditional handyman. He exhaled sharply and frowned. He had seen this a lot lately, another potential employer taking advantage of the desperation in the workforce, wanting to hire someone for nothing. The laundry list of responsibilities read like the licensing exam for a contractor, not a handyman’s job description. Cheap bastard. “Contact Mr. Boner” it read toward the end, followed by an address and phone number. He couldn’t resist smiling at the play on words.
“No wonder Boner wants a handyman.” He chuckled.
A knock at the door interrupted his morning read through the ads.
“Hey, Jules, you in there?”
Julian cringed, not just at the nickname he hated so strongly, but at the voice he knew came to deliver bad news. He reluctantly rose to answer the knock.
“Hi, David,” he said as he slowly opened the door to greet the short, paunchy landlord.
“So, you got my rent this month?” David asked hopefully.
“I’ll have some money for you by the end of the week.” He rubbed his hands on his towel and looked away.
“That’s what you said last week.” David shifted to cross his arms in an attempt to intimidate.
Julian looked down at the short man and couldn’t blame him for trying. He knew David well enough to realize that he didn’t have a choice but to push at this point. He figured the guy was getting some unneeded pressure from the boss.
“I gave you some money last week.”
“That was to cover the rent from two months ago. What about last month or this one?”
Julian’s head began to hurt. This had been the ritual almost every day for the last month. He was a creature of habit, but there were some customs he wished would change.
“David, I told you I’d have some by the end of the week. I just need a little time.”
“That’s what they all say!” His landlord raised his arms in frustration.
“Look, I know I’m late, I’m not denying that, but at least when you come knocking, I don’t run and hide from you like your other tenants. I said I’ll have money for you at the end of the week and I will. I’ve never backed down on my word.”
“Yet, you’re late on your monthly payment.”
“And I told you I would be. Fuck, David, I said I was going to be late and you agreed it wasn’t a problem as long as I paid you something each week. I’m doing that.” He rubbed his shaved head roughly.
“How much? Will it be enough to cover the two months you owe me?” David pleaded.
“I don’t know. I’m guessing probably not by the end of the week.”
“Jules, I can’t keep doing this.”
“I know. I just need some time,” Julian said quietly, looking away as he rubbed his wrist cuff.
“Why don’t you sell your truck?”
Julian looked at him as if the burly man had sprouted another head. “Dude, I’m not selling my truck. I need it for work.”
“Please, Jules, I like you, but I can’t have you livin’ here for free. You know that. My bosses are pushing me for the rent. I need two months’ rent by the end of the week or they’re forcing me to kick you out of here.”
Julian could see both frustration and understanding in the man’s eyes. He’d known this day would come. Had dreaded it for the last few weeks. He rubbed his head and looked away. He tried to make an honest living, avoided trouble, and where did that leave him? Standing in his doorway with a towel around his waist trying to think of ways to scavenge up two months’ rent just to be back at square one again. He couldn’t think of anything to say so he simply nodded.
David looked at him and patted him on the shoulder. “Jules, you’re a hard worker and a smart cookie. I’m sure you’ll find a way.”
Ugh. First Jules now cookie. Seriously?
“Thanks, David,” he grumbled, hoping that would give the man the signal to turn and leave.
Mission accomplished. He closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. He blew out a deep breath, willing a new idea to blindside him. He thought of different quickie jobs and crossed each one off for different reasons. Well, he always had the option to sell his ass on Eighth Street, but who was he kidding? No one would give him two months’ rent for his bits. He laughed at himself. He had to. It was the only way he’d remain sane when life gave him the shit end of the stick. He turned to see the newspaper still sitting on the table. He walked over and grabbed his coffee and gulped the little bit of remaining java along with his pride.
If the guy needed a handyman, he was going to be the best damn handyman that cheap bastard had ever seen. If that didn’t work, well, Eighth Street was actually starting to sound pretty damn good.
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.
Blurb:Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.
Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.
Review: This is a re-release for this book and for me it’s a re-read too. When I first read this book I loved it, even as the sap and drama were a bit too much. I didn’t really mind it back then. The characters were quite interesting despite the stereotypes they were bathed in and I had no problem getting in the heart of the story, staying there for the duration and having a great time reading it. I loved the characters, especially Julian, and that didn’t change this time around.
Julian is one of those typical hard-working, caring, and lovable male leads that one simply cannot resist. He has suffered an abusive father, the loss of his brother and mother, and yet he has come out of his life stronger, with his ideals intact. He’s also very charming and easy in the eyes and ears. My imagination created a very hot image of him based on the descriptions the author provides us. If I had one issue with Julian that I had hoped the re-release would have fixed it, was the “fight” scene between Julian and Matt, the one that lead to the graveyard, as it was quite unnecessary for me. Or, how should I put it; I didn’t quite get why would that fight be so big, when it was very simple in my eyes to have been fixed with a couple of straightforward words. The reactions of both characters there was way too much for my taste.
Matt is another story altogether. I truly hoped he would have been depicted a bit differently this time around. His being metaphorically emasculated by his mother was and still is very unappealing to me. It ruined some of my fun and lead the character to reactions that most definitely didn’t charm. The passing out scene at his mother’s house was an overreaction I could do without. Other than that and considering how much he’s been neutered his entire life, Matt is a nice character, fighting to be the man he is meant to be and not the puppet his mother tries to make him still.
The chemistry between them remains good as it was the first time around. Their intimate scenes, the passionate kissing and the emotions that flow the text are definitely something to cheer for, romantic and overwhelming at times. Sensual eroticism and passionate lovemaking go hand in hand with the chemistry and the kind of personality these men have, making this read sweet and mellow without it being too much. I loved that yet again.
The changes that this re-release brought were nice and it did make the ending better, however I had higher expectations especially on the drama front. The fact that there was no real closure with the mother – again – somehow disappointed me, not to mention the fact that the supporting characters were still a bit vague and non-existent.
Overall the book remains a good romantic story, quite recommendable for the fans of the genre. Let’s see what the sequel will bring us as I’m eagerly anticipating Cameron’s story.
Hey guys, today we are bringing you the cover reveal of Jaime Reese’s upcoming release A Hunted Man, there’s even a little excerpt to whet your appetite so I am going to leave you to have a pant over that cover and the excerpt. Hugs ~Pixie~ (p.s. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Thommie’s reviews for both A Better Man and A Hunted Man when they visit our blog with their tours 😉 )
Title: A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House #2)
Author: Jaime Reese
Release: April 29, 2014
After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.
Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he’s lonely.
Hunter’s world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he’s ever experienced. When Cam’s past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam’s hope for a future begins to dim.
These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they’ll have to get past Hunter first.
Hunter stood in line and watched Cam tend to the few lingering post-lunchtime customers. Cam’s smile came a little easier and his stance less guarded.
His body, although still lean, was tighter and a little broader from the yard work at the halfway house. A slight tan colored his skin now, the faint golden tone further accentuating the blue in his eyes and the white of his smile. His hair had a sprinkling of highlights as if the sun had kissed his head. Sunrises gave him hope, but they also seemed to awaken a natural physical beauty that had been hidden for far too long.
“How can I help you? Sir,” Cam said when it was finally Hunter’s turn at the register.
Hunter leaned over the counter. “You know that drives me nuts.”
Cam smiled and grabbed Hunter’s tie to pull him closer. “I know.” After a quick peck, Cam released him.
Hunter reached over and rubbed Cam’s stubble. “Are you letting this grow out?”
Cam shrugged. He looked away and scratched his growing scruff. “It makes me look older.”
“Since when do you want to look older?”
Cam shrugged again and fidgeted with the receipts.
Realization finally hit Hunter. He grabbed Cam’s chin and forced him to make eye contact. “Are you doing that for me?”
Cam’s mouth narrowed and his brows lowered. “There’s not much I can do for you. So if growing some hair on my face will make you feel a little less self-conscious, then I’ll grow a full fucking beard if I have to.”
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.
Blurb: Matthew Doner, ex-con, needs a second chance and his aunt’s inheritance will finance his dream. Julian Capeletti is a contractor in need of a job. Will renovating a house together let them become better men in the process?
Matthew Doner has been given a second chance. After a five-year prison term, he receives a bequest from an aunt on the condition that he uses the money to make things right. His challenge–create a safe place for people like him to find purpose and start a new life.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, and just what Matthew needs. Working as the contractor to renovate the crumbling house is the right job at the absolutely perfect time.
What neither man realizes is just how dangerous it is to keep secrets, nor how hard it can be to open your heart. Is one year enough time to renovate the house and become better men in the process?
Yes, this is how this story begins. It’s a hilarious start that promises good times. And you get them eventually. But, you need to overcome the storm and the barriers in order to get there.
Matthew Doner is a character lost in emotions such as guilt, anger and fear. He feels guilty for not being the perfect son, anger that he’s required to be perfect at all times and fear that he will not manage to be the man he wants to be. A better man.
When he gets out of prison he has a goal and is determined to reach it. He needs to create a place for people like him. People that come out in the world and have nowhere to go, no one to help them, no hope for a better future. But the road he has to travel is a hard one and every turn has another demon that scares him to his core. The only thing anchoring him and gives him some peace is the handyman he hired to help him with his project. Julian is a determined man. He has his own demons kept close to his heart and walled up from everyone. But, when the man puts something into his head, he delivers. He is the rock that steadies Matt when things threaten to overwhelm him.
This story is a romance in its core, heavy and intense with emotions. While I disliked the fact that the protagonists laid the “I love you” line even before they hit the sheets, it didn’t ruin the plot for me. There are all the stereotypes involved here; there is the cold mother, the uncaring father, the irresponsible brother, the old money and expectations that come with it and the victim of a protagonist. And on the other side there is the abusive father, the mother that endures it all, the lost big brother and the child who is forced and determined to be a better man despite his past. Yes, quite cliché yet I loved it, the text and story and the entire development was lovely to read.
The characters were so very enjoyable, their constant battle with their walls and secrets, the effort they both put to open up to each other, the way they made a big deal out of things that seemed so easy to overcome. All that had me loving these characters even more. The chemistry between them was exquisite as well. I loved them together. I loved it when they kissed and made love to each other. I loved how they bonded. Again, despite the fact that that line was thrown early on, it didn’t affect my view or how I perceived this couple.
In the end though, the most lovable thing of all was Matt’s dad. He surprised me and I couldn’t have wanted it any other way. It is obvious this story has a happy ending and it is obvious that this is a journey that each of the character primary or secondary take to become better men through each other’s strength and support. That much you know from the start. What you want to know is if the journey and the read are worth it. It is and I think anyone who loves a good romance will simply adore this one.
