Tag: Jocular Press

Top and Tails by Clare London

Title: Top and Tails

Series: With A Kick 09

Author: Clare London

Genre: Contemporary, Menage

Length: Novella (160 Pages)

Publisher: Jocular Press (August 27, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Three men, one love—and a passion he only ever dreamed of.

Karel Novak is content with his busy job in hotel refurbishment, enjoying the social scene in Soho, London and the company of new friends he met through working at With A Kick. All he’s missing is a special man in his life. Or maybe two.

His first meeting with the mercurial pole dancer Leroy and his socially anxious partner Griff isn’t impressive, but none of them can ignore the sexual spark that flares between the three men.

Their relationship builds in steps of passion, frustration, and finally love. Both Leroy and Griff have complex issues in their lives to work through, and at first Karel brings a new dynamic that both settles and supports them.

But although he loves his men, Karel gradually realises the issues are still present. His partners struggle with living individually as well as together. His heartfelt wish is for them to create a lasting bond as a trio—but that means putting others first, all too often.
And will that mean sacrificing his own joy and dreams?

ISBN: B07GV3PN73

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Karel is not looking for a relationship but damn if he doesn’t get one. Not with one man but two. One night of hot sex and well you get the idea. And what an idea it is. He just has the normal will I fit into a already made relationship. I have only came across one book in the large amount that I have that make the threesome work. One that makes it seem that they each need the other. The heart, the soul and the glue that keeps them together is a bit what you get.

I have read a several books with threesomes in them and only a handfull actually make the story enjoyable. This story didn’t catch my attention like it should have, in fact after the first page I was ready to give it up. However once the story starts to unfold it actually gets a bit better. The guys are quite enjoyable and easy to follow in love with. It is about their love for each other and going further then what they are use to or comfortable with. It is a well written story that is engaging and compelling to a reader. It flows evenly and at the right pace to keep your attention captured. The characters come off as someone you would hang out with.

However Leroy and Griff come off whiny and very needy. It might be fine in parts but in this book it seemed a bit to much. Then Karel feels like he is their parent but you can still see the love for each other. There was the passion between the three and the heat burning. I just couldn’t connect with the story like I should have though. It was missing something that would have made it quite a bit better for me.

I will admit that this is not one of those stories that will be read more than once though. It is a good read and the characters are hot and steamy. It is one of those stories that seem like it could be real in life instead of a book. Overall the story was pretty good and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it.

Top & Tails by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Clare London - Top & Tails RTBanner

Hi guys! We have Clare London stopping by today with the tour for her new release Top & Tails, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Lisa’s review so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Top & Tails

(With A Kick 09)
by

Clare London

Three men, one love—and a passion he only ever dreamed of.

Karel Novak is content with his busy job in hotel refurbishment, enjoying the social scene in Soho, London and the company of new friends he met through working at With A Kick. All he’s missing is a special man in his life. Or maybe two.

His first meeting with the mercurial pole dancer Leroy and his socially anxious partner Griff isn’t impressive, but none of them can ignore the sexual spark that flares between the three men.

Their relationship builds in steps of passion, frustration, and finally love. Both Leroy and Griff have complex issues in their lives to work through, and at first Karel brings a new dynamic that both settles and supports them.

But although he loves his men, Karel gradually realises the issues are still present. His partners struggle with living individually as well as together. His heartfelt wish is for them to create a lasting bond as a trio—but that means putting others first, all too often.

And will that mean sacrificing his own joy and dreams?

Continue reading “Top & Tails by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Top & Tails by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Top & Tails RBBanner

Hi guys! We have Clare London stopping by today with her new release Top & Tails, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

Top & Tails

(With A Kick 09)
by

Clare London

Three men, one love—and a passion he only ever dreamed of.

Karel Novak is content with his busy job in hotel refurbishment, enjoying the social scene in Soho, London and the company of new friends he met through working at With A Kick. All he’s missing is a special man in his life. Or maybe two.

His first meeting with the mercurial pole dancer Leroy and his socially anxious partner Griff isn’t impressive, but none of them can ignore the sexual spark that flares between the three men.

Their relationship builds in steps of passion, frustration, and finally love. Both Leroy and Griff have complex issues in their lives to work through, and at first Karel brings a new dynamic that both settles and supports them.

But although he loves his men, Karel gradually realises the issues are still present. His partners struggle with living individually as well as together. His heartfelt wish is for them to create a lasting bond as a trio—but that means putting others first, all too often.

And will that mean sacrificing his own joy and dreams?

Continue reading “Top & Tails by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

With A Kick Audio Boxset by Clare London Blog Tour!

Clare London - With A Kick BLURB

Hi guys! We have Clare London stopping by today with her first audio boxset for her With A Kick stories, so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

With A Kick Vol 01

by

Clare London

This collection includes Clare London’s first two charming London-based novellas of the With A Kick series – A Twist and Two Balls, and Slap and Tickle. Also included are two short stories featuring the characters in these books. 

WITH A KICK

A new and enticing ice cream franchise, with a unique blend of full flavour, mischief and romance. Patrick and Lee are struggling to make a success of their alcoholic ice cream shop in the centre of tourist London. At the same time, their business partnership may take a turn towards the personal – if either of them can find the time and nerve to go for it! Meanwhile, they cater to the wild and wonderful range of customers in the area, many of whom have their own romantic agenda. Will ice cream be the final ingredient they’re all looking for? 

Each story is a self-contained romance, but will follow the history of the shop throughout. 

A TWIST AND TWO BALLS

Eduardo Mancini is going to be a star of the London stage. Unfortunately, his alter ego Eddy March hasn’t got further than a bit part in a TV series. One ghastly day, he’s late for an audition, can’t pay his taxi fare, and is chased across Soho by the irate driver, Nuri. But maybe being caught by Nuri is exactly what Eddy needs. 

SLAP AND TICKLE

Bryan is an accountant who admires order and self-discipline. When he literally bumps into Phiz outside With A Kick, Phiz’s lifestyle and behaviour appear totally chaotic. But they each recognise something in the other that they need. Bryan needs a lover who welcomes his secret desire, and Phiz needs a firm hand–in every way. They both agree that Bryan may be just the man to provide it.

Audible US  | Audible UK  | Amazon US | Amazon UK

About Clare!

Clare London took her pen name from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fueled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant.

She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic, and sexy characters.
Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter-three stage and plenty of other projects in mind… she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fueled family home.

Clare loves to hear from readers, and you can contact her on all her social media.

Audible Profile | Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Amazon

Clare London - With A Kick SCHEDULE

Sweet Summer Sweat by Clare London

clare-london-sweet-summer-sweat-cover-sTitle: Sweet Summer Sweat

Author: Clare London

Genre: Paranormal, Horror

Length: Novel (210 Pages)

Publisher: Jocular Press (September 18, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: When you find a place where lust and sex rule life, and your every desire can be fulfilled, why would you ever want to leave?

Young runaway Scot and his boyfriend Jerry escape their deadbeat homes and families, hoping to leave prejudice behind them and travel to a new life in Las Vegas. Unprepared and naive, they’re lost almost at once, and shelter at a run-down, deserted motel in the middle of the scorching hot Nevada desert. A place with secrets, run by staff both gorgeous and uninhibited, and driven by a mysterious sexual connection Scot’s never even dared to dream. 

All but drugged by the lazy heat and the hedonism around him, Scot watches as Jerry is seduced away and realizes their relationship was nothing more than shared lust. Restless, Scot knows he wants true love and real understanding. Could he find it with the mysterious and elusive owner of the motel, Connor Maxwell? Connor seems to think so, every time he appears and pursues Scot for his own. But where does Connor come from? It seems the passion calls him into being at its own whim. 

Eventually, what binds Connor and his friends to the motel may be too strong for Scot to break through. Scot has ambitions to travel, to make something of his life – but is his only option to embrace life at the motel in his true lover’s arms? 

Or will that love be strong enough to release them both … 

ISBN: B01M0I09O5

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Summer-Sweat-London-Clare-ebook/dp/B01M0I09O5

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Scot and Jerry run away from their homes to be together only to get lost and end up at a broken down seemingly deserted motel only to discover three other men, Conner, Vincent and Oliver living there. Jerry is immediately taken with both Vincent and Oliver and seems to slowly pull away from Scot.

Scot, unsure whether to stay or go is fascinated with Conner. Conner is mysterious and sexy. The motel has a magical quality to it that provides the characters with everything they could ever want. All they have to do is stay. But Scot has goals he wants to achieve as so begins the decision of whether to stay or go.

I liked the mysterious quality to the story though it never said one way or another what exactly was going on at the motel or those who were already there. It was almost creepy the way Conner, Oliver and Vincent acted at times. They seemed to be in a dreamlike trance at times.

Aside from that it was a well written story with a lot of hot sex. Scot, I felt sorry for as it seemed he left his home for bigger and better things and away from being controlled at home only to end up in the same situation somewhere else only with the person he’s been drawn to all his life, Conner.

Sweet Summer Sweat by Clare London Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway!

clare-london-sweet-summer-sweat-graphicone-s

Hi peeps, we have Clare London stopping by today with her newest release Sweet Summer Sweat, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

clare-london-sweet-summer-sweat-cover-s

Sweet Summer Sweat

by

Clare London

When you find a place where lust and sex rule life, and your every desire can be fulfilled, why would you ever want to leave?

Young runaway Scot and his boyfriend Jerry escape their deadbeat homes and families, hoping to leave prejudice behind them and travel to a new life in Las Vegas. Unprepared and naive, they’re lost almost at once, and shelter at a run-down, deserted motel in the middle of the scorching hot Nevada desert. A place with secrets, run by staff both gorgeous and uninhibited, and driven by a mysterious sexual connection Scot’s never even dared to dream.

All but drugged by the lazy heat and the hedonism around him, Scot watches as Jerry is seduced away and realizes their relationship was nothing more than shared lust. Restless, Scot knows he wants true love and real understanding. Could he find it with the mysterious and elusive owner of the motel, Connor Maxwell? Connor seems to think so, every time he appears and pursues Scot for his own. But where does Connor come from? It seems the passion calls him into being at its own whim.

Eventually, what binds Connor and his friends to the motel may be too strong for Scot to break through. Scot has ambitions to travel, to make something of his life – but is his only option to embrace life at the motel in his true lover’s arms?

Or will that love be strong enough to release them both…

Continue reading “Sweet Summer Sweat by Clare London Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Double Scoop by Clare London

5155ACs87QL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Double Scoop

Series: With A Kick, #8

Author: Clare London

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Length: 170 pages

Publisher: Jocular Press (April 7, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: A sudden disaster strikes everyone’s favourite ice cream shop, With A Kick. Not only does it threaten the livelihood of its owner, Patrick, but also his loyal assistant Lee. The last thing in the world Patrick would ever want to do is hurt Lee, either physically or emotionally. Why would he? He’s been falling in love with Lee since the day Lee invited himself into the shop’s business and Patrick’s life. But familiar and deeply-held insecurities hold Patrick back – he’s too gruff for Lee, too old, and his labour-of-love business is never going to make him rich.

Lee is weary of trying to make Patrick see how much he admires and cares for him. To Lee, it’s a very straightforward situation. Patrick is sexy, Patrick is smart, Patrick needs Lee’s help – and Lee needs Patrick in his life as more than a boss. All the characteristics Patrick finds inhibiting, Lee finds attractive. However, if Patrick’s apparently never going to make a move on Lee, how long should Lee wait to make his own move? Maybe Patrick thinks Lee is too clingy, too immature. Maybe Lee should give up his romantic hopes completely. If, that is, he can bear to do it.

The disaster at the shop brings them a whole new opportunity to work – and love – together to make a go of things. They’ve both got to look at each other in a whole new way. With the help of all their With A Kick friends, this could be make or break for the reluctant couple!

ISBN: 9781311983435

Product Link(s): http://amzn.to/1SnDud8

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-doublescoop-2003887-149.html

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/625995

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the With A Kick collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Sometimes you find an author that just amazes you with their writings and Clare is one of those authors. I loved the cover and title to this book. It told me that it was going to be one of those feisty stories with characters that you would easily fall in love with. The characters were in tune with the story and they were fun to read about.

Patrick’s in a bit of trouble, when disaster strikes his business. He is worried that it will cause trouble not only for him but for his sexy little assistant. He has been falling in love with Lee for some time, but Lee has been hurt in the past. He thinks that he is not the one for Lee, but it would seem Lee doesn’t agree.

Lee is tired of trying to show Patrick how he feels for him. That is until their little problem shows up. Now Lee is about to get what he wishes for as well as Patrick.

The ice cream shop is the place where many of the other stories take place at. Patrick was a teacher who had lost his job and decided to do something he had wanted to do. He feels so damn guilty that the man he loves had to go to the hospital and things start changing for them both. It takes all of their friends to help them both out. Patrick takes him to the hotel to help him and things start heating up soon after.

I had so much fun reading this and look forward to reading the next story in this amazing series. It is cute, sweet and damn hot.

I loved all the characters in this book and would definitely recommend it.

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

Double Scoop by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Double Scoop BT_Banner

Hi guys, we have Clare London popping in today (yes, I know we’re late but I swear my calendar hates me) with her newest release Double Scoop, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Clare London - Double Scoop Cover

Double Scoop

(With A Kick 08)
by

Clare London

A sudden disaster strikes everyone’s favourite ice cream shop, With A Kick. Not only does it threaten the livelihood of its owner, Patrick, but also his loyal assistant Lee. The last thing in the world Patrick would ever want to do is hurt Lee, either physically or emotionally. Why would he? He’s been falling in love with Lee since the day Lee invited himself into the shop’s business and Patrick’s life. But familiar and deeply-held insecurities hold Patrick back – he’s too gruff for Lee, too old, and his labour-of-love business is never going to make him rich.

Lee is weary of trying to make Patrick see how much he admires and cares for him. To Lee, it’s a very straightforward situation. Patrick is sexy, Patrick is smart, Patrick needs Lee’s help – and Lee needs Patrick in his life as more than a boss. All the characteristics Patrick finds inhibiting, Lee finds attractive. However, if Patrick’s apparently never going to make a move on Lee, how long should Lee wait to make his own move? Maybe Patrick thinks Lee is too clingy, too immature. Maybe Lee should give up his romantic hopes completely. If, that is, he can bear to do it.

The disaster at the shop brings them a whole new opportunity to work – and love – together to make a go of things. They’ve both got to look at each other in a whole new way. With the help of all their With A Kick friends, this could be make or break for the reluctant couple!

Continue reading “Double Scoop by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Dear Alex by Clare London

91m0hOW6JyL._SL1500_Title: Dear Alex
Author: Clare London
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (39 pages)
ASIN: B00Q7X23TA
Publisher: Jocular Press (November 26, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts
Reviewer: Zane
Blurb: Alex Palmer writes the “Dear Alex” Agony Uncle column for Meant for Men – a magazine aimed at gay men’s life and issues. What started as a genuine and ground-breaking feature has become a snark fest, due to Alex’s boredom and personal cynicism. His respect for the correspondents has dwindled away in direct relation to his own self-respect as a journalist. He no longer believes in his readers’ search for a soulmate, or in his own column’s headline: “Is He Really the One?”

In the early days, Robbie Cooke was Alex’s co-presenter on the magazine. They’d been lovers, too. But unlike Alex, Robbie still sees the anguish and need behind the letters they receive. He wants to help the writers, rather than turn their situations into journalistic entertainment. He and Alex may still have to work together, but their fundamental disagreement on how to run the column tore them apart as romantic partners.

Excess drinking and a succession of casual lovers are wearing Alex out, yet he’s in denial. He’s convinced he doesn’t need “Dear Alex” to set him straight about what’s wrong with his life. But when he’s alerted to the fact that Robbie may be in danger, he realises that what he’s really missing is his ex-lover’s care, compassion and love. The problem is, by the time Alex is desperate to make amends, Robbie may have already moved on.

This was originally published in the Dreamspinner Press anthology “Make Me a Match”.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Alex-Clare-London-ebook/dp/B00Q7X23TA

Review: Alex wasn’t what one would call likeable, but I am easily amused by a good unapologetic slut, so that drew me right in. Apparently Alex has managed to drink and screw himself stupid because he doesn’t remember throwing the best thing in his life away. I’ll have to urge you to suspend a little belief on that one (who forgets a bad breakup?) because it’s worth it.

As Alex muddles through his mess of an existence, a funny thing starts to happen. He slowly realizes what he’s done to his life and what he’s lost, and begins to feel again. This is where Clare London shines. It’s her writing that does this character justice, redeems him and makes us feel for him. The path he takes to this redemption of both himself and his previously doomed relationship is what makes this story a stand-out.

There was quite a bit of emotional depth for a quick read, and even though I thought Robbie was pretty much insane for holding a torch for Alex, I was happy to see it all work out. I’ve always liked reading Clare London, and this is no different.

Set to the backdrop of numerous ‘Dear Alex’ letters, this was a short and enjoyable (though not necessarily easy) read that I’d recommend in a heartbeat.

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

Slap and Tickle by Clare London, 2nd edition

91y9WxWtIdL._SL1500_Title: Slap and Tickle, 2nd edition
Series: With A Kick, #3
Author: Clare London
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (78 Pages)
Publisher: Jocular Press (October 29, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Heaerts
Blurb: Bryan Harrison is a successful accountant and a man who admires order and self-discipline. It’s a startling break from his routine when he literally bumps into Phiz Bussman outside With a Kick. Phiz’s lifestyle and behavior are in complete contrast to Bryan’s, and appear totally chaotic. But they each recognize something in the other that they need.

Bryan has been helping With a Kick with its financial difficulties, and is finding it difficult to balance his professional persona with friendship with the owners. But then he’s always found it tricky to expose his more vulnerable feelings. His cool facade hides loneliness: he believes he’ll never find a lover who accepts and welcomes his secret desire.

Whereas Phiz is all about exposure! He’s defined by his cheerful but clumsy liveliness, his openhearted emotions, and his physical needs. Despite that, he’s lonely as well. He craves someone who will help him bring purpose and focus into his life, and admits freely he needs a firm hand – in every way.

If they can both accept a friendship that’s destined for more, Bryan may be just the man to provide it.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Slap-Tickle-With-Kick-Book-ebook/dp/B00OZRO1S6

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This was a cute little story that about drove me nuts. I can see how ice cream makes people crazy. I had a blast reading it. Bryan is an accountant and friends with the owners of an adult’s ice cream. I

get a kick out of the name of the ice cream they sell. When leaving the ice cream parlor he walks right into Phiz. Even though he is helping With a Kick ice cream parlor with their financial difficulties, he has trouble finding a way around certain aspects of his life because of his friendship with the owners. He tries desperately to have a normal life but he can’t let desires out. He doesn’t think anyone will accept him for who he truly is. That is until Phiz.

This was a cute and hot little story that had me wanting more. Not only just for ice, cream either, but a taste of Phiz and Bryan. I had a blast reading it and look forward to reading more by Clare. The downside to this story was the fact that now I want some ice cream. I loved the way the story just jumps right off the pages and into your heart.

I would definitely recommend reading this story. It is perfect for when you need a story to lift you up and have you laughing.

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

A Twist and Two Balls by Clare London

81XPDpLlONL._SL1500_Title: A Twist and Two Balls
Series: With A Kick, #1
Author: Clare London
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (66 Pages)
Publisher: Jocular Press (August 29, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Eduardo Mancini is going to be a star of the London stage and screen.

Or that was the plan.

His alter ego Eddy March hasn’t got further than the chorus and a bit part in a TV series. His parents aren’t supportive, his agent can’t place his particular skills, and he’s finding it hard to hang onto his young dreams. Things go from bad to worse when he’s late for an important audition, hasn’t got enough to money to pay the taxi fare, and is chased across the streets of Soho by the irate driver.

Eddy reaches what he believes is sanctuary – With A Kick, a store where ice creams are blended with alcohol and imagination, and where his friends can help him. But Nuri the taxi driver is persistent in his steady pursuit, above and beyond the money he’s owed. Despite their very different characters and background, Eddy and Nuri’s relationship goes from a complete unknown to a wary balancing act.

There are still mistakes to be made, and hurdles to clear. And both of them have to admit that their life so far hasn’t gone the way they planned.

But maybe being caught by Nuri was just what Eddy’s career needed – both for his job and his heart.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Balls-With-Kick-Book-ebook/dp/B00N3ZLNBY

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This was a cute little story that about drove me nuts. I wasn’t a fan, but can actually see this happening pretty much. Eduardo has always wanted to be an actor, but he has a few problems. He gets stage fright and isn’t what most people would want as an actor. He is also about flat broke it would seem.

So when he takes a taxi and then realizes he doesn’t have the money to pay. He hands over what he has and then pretty much runs for it. What he doesn’t expect is for Nuri to come after him. The biggest surprise is that Nuri doesn’t come at him for money, but because he wants the man himself.

It is, like I said, a cute little story, but a bit hard to actually follow. I had a blast reading it and look forward to reading more by Clare. The downside to this story was the fact that now I want some ice cream. It is a funny story with quarreling and bratty brothers, quirky family, and lots of laughter. Not to mention funny little kids making you laugh.

I enjoyed it and would recommend reading this story.

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