Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (16th August 2018)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: California firefighter Hayden Hurst is starting to realize there’s more to life than fighting fires and drinking with his buddies. He has room in his home and his life for someone special, but no one has stood out among his hookups. And while he’s out at work, admitting he’s gay is very different from showing up at social functions with a man. He’s afraid that’ll be too much for his less-than-accepting “friends”.
Broadway dancer Jez Bouchet hasn’t been mistaken for straight since he was gay-bashed at 17. After getting a lucrative job offer in Hollywood, he uproots his life in New York and drives to Los Angeles. His brother, who is Hayden’s best friend, arranges for him to crash at Hayden’s place.
The attraction between Hayden and Jez is unexpected but fiery, and they succumb before they’re even sure they like each other. But Jez hates Hayden’s homophobic friends, and Hay-den knows Jez is too flamboyant for him to fly under the radar. Then there’s the complication of Jez’s brother.
Despite those hurdles, they fling themselves into a relationship. But Jez has secrets: a tiny spoiled dog and a determined stalker. If he doesn’t come clean, he might torch their burgeoning relationship before it has a chance to bloom.
Review: Set Ablaze is a standalone book by KC Burn and narrated by Darcy Stark. I was looking forward to this because I’ve enjoyed other books by Burn in the past, I really gel with Burn’s writing and there isn’t an audiobook performance that I didn’t enjoy.
The story starts with firefighter Hayden Hurst, he’s very much a closeted man who is afraid of what the macho, homophobic men in his world of firefighters think of him. When his best friend, who is also a fire fighter from another from another station, wants Hayden to take in his baby brother as a tenant, Hayden feels that there is no reason to say no. Then he meets Jez – again, because he did know Jez briefly when they were kids. Jez challenges everything about Hayden and his closeted lifestyle.
Jez refuses to be anything other than the man he his. His life was made hell because his family could never accept the fact that he is gay. He has been beaten for it, he has been ignored by everyone but his family and his life has been generally shitty. Except he was able to make a better life for himself in New York. It wasn’t until he moved back to California for a new and exciting job that he sees why he left California in the first place, as well as realising that he has been seeing his brother in the wrong light, he falls for the closeted Hayden, and then discovers that Hayden has a few homophobic a-holes for “friends”.
In terms of the audiobook, the narration was fantastic and probably one of my favourite things of the whole audio experience. I feel that this is one of those books that I would enjoy more listening to the audio than if I had actually read the book. I’ll get to the reasons why soon enough. Overall, there wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about the performance of the book, although I felt that it was held back (I can’t think of a better word) by my feelings about the plot of the book.
I liked the book for the most part. The closeted firefighter was an interesting, I loved getting to know Hayden. Jez was also interesting because this is a man who has clawed his way back from adversity and is someone that he wants to be and loves himself as a person. My biggest issue, however, was some of the threads of the plot seemed rather weak. I don’t want to give spoilers, but the men that surround Hayden, in particular, Jez’s brother and his motivations, aren’t particularly strong. Which wouldn’t normally matter for many minor characters. But these guys influence everything in how Hayden sees himself and his place in life and for that reason they needed to be stronger, or at least they needed to make more sense a lot quicker. Yet, in saying that I like how the story arc went and it was, overall, enjoyable.
If you’re into an angsty, closet case type of story, this is probably a good one for you.
Blurb: Punk’s not dead, but it’s time to redefine life.
Devlin Waters thought he’d have music forever. But the tragic death of his best friend ended the twenty-year run of his punk band, Negative Impression. Unable to process the loss, Devlin dis-tances himself from everyone and everything that reminds him of the band. But forty-one is too young to curl up and wait for the end. In a search for a second career, he finds himself at uni-versity with a bunch of kids young enough to be… his kids. His sexy archeology professor, however, makes Devlin think about life beyond his grief….
Dr. Jack Johnson does not appreciate Devlin’s lack of respect, his inability to be serious, or his chronic lateness. Worse, he hates that he’s attracted to a student. When he realizes Devlin is the rock star he crushed on in his youth, he drops his guard—against his better judgment.
Before they can move forward together, Jack must admit to Devlin that he’s not only an admir-er, but he also sings in a cover band. How will Devlin react to his ultimate fanboy when his own music has died?
Review: Banded Together, by KC Burn is a pretty complex story that, when it comes down to it, is something awesome. I really don’t have any need to dance around the point. I like the author well enough and find it very easy to connect with Burn’s writing, although I don’t include Burn on my automatic read list (yet?).
This is a story of loss, moving on and finding a different and completely fulfilling type of love. With the mental anguish and grief which is front and centre in this story, I really loved how Stark captured these feelings. This is a great example of how an excellent narrator can keep the person in the world of the story and feel that direct connection with the main characters. Darcy Stark is a new narrator to me, I’ve not listened to the other audio I have with his narration, but that is another KC Burn book that I am looking forward to. In terms of this book, the narration was totally on point.
Devlin Walters and Dr Jack Johnson appear to be polar-opposites on the surface. Devlin is a 41-year-old ex-punk star, popular all over the world, who has turned to completing his archaeology degree after life changing events. Dr Jack Johnson is 35 and a lecturer/academic in archaeology at the university Devlin attends. He’s a little surly when it comes to students who he feels do not take their studies seriously. But on the inside Devlin is broken man, and Jack isn’t so much a prim-proper academic.
Devlin and his best friend from the age of three formed a band, they added a couple more bandmates and became world famous. However, his world shattered when his best friend died some months ago. He’s pushed everyone away, even his mother who he is now living with. Devlin is struggling with life after such a massive loss and no longer feels the music inside. When he decides to go back and finish the studies he started his first positive emotion in months is his fascination with his very hot professor.
Jack isn’t just a quiet professor with a brilliant brain, he also happens to be the singer in a cover band that performs Devlin’s songs. In fact, Jack had a major crush on Devlin when he was a teenager and Devlin was a worldwide star. However, since he has changed his appearance and out of his performing person, Jack doesn’t realise who Devlin is.
This is a slow burn romance. The men both approach a relationship with trepidation, but it is Jack who is helping piece back Devlin’s heart together. Devlin needs to learn not to shut out those that love him and come to terms with the fact that he might not want to be in the limelight again. By the end I was very satisfied and had shed more than a few tears.
Jack is a character that I relate to, at least professionally. A lot of stuff he says in terms of students is something that I’ve felt and discussed with other academics when I taught at a university. With that foot in the door, Jack was so easy to understand and get. Even though I’m a scientist, I’m interested in archaeology and my sister is a historian/archaeologist, so those profession specific thoughts is something else I found easy to relate to.
I recommend this book to those that love a slow burn romance with a touch of angst, also people that like when two men find out that they have a lot more in common than they first thought.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19th December 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Riley Parker: temp, twink, geek… sleuth?
Maybe Riley isn’t living up to his full potential, but being a temp executive assistant suits him. He’s never bored at work, he’s got friends who let him geek out, and he’s got a carefully crafted twink exterior… which might be getting constrictive now that he’s on the other side of 30. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s comfortable.
It all unravels when he takes a job working for a tea-obsessed cosmetics queen, the owner of Gautier Cosmetics. During the launch party for a new product, Riley finds his boss dead under suspicious circumstances, and the homicide detective is none other than Tadeo Martin, Riley’s high school obsession who never knew he was alive.
Tad drafts Riley to get the scoop on the inner workings of Gautier, and for Riley, it’s like a drug. His natural inquisitiveness is rewarded with more and more Tad. Unfortunately, his snooping puts him in the running for two other roles: suspect and victim. The killer doesn’t care which.
Review: Tea or Consequences is a mystery/suspense/romance by KC Burn. Burn is not a new author to me and although no on my list of automatic reads, I nonetheless am usually excited to give a new book by the author once I decide that I like the look of the blurb. I think it’s Burn’s way of writing feels so accessible to the read and flows easily, add on top of that generally relatable characters I’ve read in Burn’s books so far, it usually a pretty pleasing experience.
Darcy Stark is a relatively new narrator for me, the only other book I’ve heard him narrate is another KC Burn gem. I found his narration quite enjoyable. He makes the romance both cute and hot, but also has a great voice lending to the mystery and suspense aspect of the story. I especially loved the voice that he gave Riley.
In the book, Riley works as a temp PA for company executives, he enjoys the changes in work place as he takes on the job from PA’s that go on maternity leave, annual leave, etc. He knows that this isn’t the life for everyone, and he also knows that he is capable of doing a lot more, but for now he is happy in his current career choice and has worked hard to develop a reputation that many professionals would envy. Everything changes when he finds the boss of Gautier Cosmetics, his current assignment, dead in her office on the night of one of the most important party’s of the year. Think of The Devil Wear Prada but with a touch of a tea totalling, French Lady.
With the police and investigators investigating the suspicious death comes Tadeo Martin. He’s the homicide detective in charge the investigation and also the man that Riley had crushed over in high school. Back then it was the usual case of nerd crushing on jock and the jock not seeing the guy. And although Riley recognises the detective, he says nothing. Instead he is more than happy to jump on the band wagon and do a bit of poking around himself for Tadeo. The romance is sweet and happens quite naturally, however, the major part of this story is instead the investigation. I really liked how Burn seamlessly intertwined the romance into the ongoing mystery, without sacrificing the feel of danger as the guys close in on the murder.
This is good for someone who loves a murder mystery, it has an opulent setting and two ordinary guys caught in the middle. Awesome book in all and the narration just enhanced my enjoyment of the text.
Blurb: California firefighter Hayden Hurst is starting to realize there’s more to life than fighting fires and drinking with his buddies. He has room in his home and his life for someone special, but no one has stood out among his hookups. And while he’s out at work, admitting he’s gay is very different from showing up at social functions with a man. He’s afraid that’ll be too much for his less-than-accepting “friends.”
Broadway dancer Jez Bouchet hasn’t been mistaken for straight since he was gay-bashed at seventeen. After getting a lucrative job offer in Hollywood, he uproots his life in New York and drives to Los Angeles. His brother, who is Hayden’s best friend, arranges for him to crash at Hayden’s place.
The attraction between Hayden and Jez is unexpected but fiery, and they succumb before they’re even sure they like each other. But Jez hates Hayden’s homophobic friends, and Hayden knows Jez is too flamboyant for him to fly under the radar. Then there’s the complication of Jez’s brother.
Despite those hurdles, they fling themselves into a relationship. But Jez has secrets: a tiny spoiled dog and a determined stalker. If he doesn’t come clean, he might torch their burgeoning relationship before it has a chance to bloom.
Review: Jez decided to move closer to his brother when his crazy ex got crazier. He had had a rough life growing up. His father was one nasty piece of work and his older brother got him away from it all. The problem was it also meant he hadn’t see his brother in quite some time. So the move to California was spur of the moment shock. Then his brother told him he had the best place to stay until he found one for himself. He just hadn’t expected, Hayden.
Hayden wasn’t in the closet so to speak but he kept his mouth shut around some of his so called friends. Letting his best friends little brother stay would not be so bad. Well that is until he caught site of little brother, and damn if his heart didn’t stutter.
It would seem Jez had man secrets although one of the tickled Hayden quite a bit. A pug named Fang was quite adorable. However the stalker was not. I had not had a chance to read to many stories by this author and wasn’t to sure what to expect. In fact I had previously read one that didn’t work with me, so when I started reading this story lets just say my surprise was there. Excitement, danger, and some hot sexy times are just a bit of what you get in this book. I absolutely loved Jez. He was a sweetie with a hard past. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. I can tell you that this one will be read more than once.
I got a big kick out of this story and shed some tears as well. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: Punk’s not dead, but it’s time to redefine life.
Devlin Waters thought he’d have music forever. But the tragic death of his best friend ended the twenty-year run of his punk band, Negative Impression. Unable to process the loss, Devlin distances himself from everyone and everything that reminds him of the band. But forty-one is too young to curl up and wait for the end. In a search for a second career, he finds himself at university with a bunch of kids young enough to be… his kids. His sexy archeology professor, however, makes Devlin think about life beyond his grief….
Dr. Jack Johnson does not appreciate Devlin’s lack of respect, his inability to be serious, or his chronic lateness. Worse, he hates that he’s attracted to a student. When he realizes Devlin is the rock star he crushed on in his youth, he drops his guard—against his better judgment.
Before they can move forward together, Jack must admit to Devlin that he’s not only an admirer, but he also sings in a cover band. How will Devlin react to his ultimate fanboy when his own music has died?
Review: Devlin and Trent had been friends since they were three years old. They did everything together including running their punk band. When Trent died so did a part of Devlin. He never wanted to remember that part of his life and he had cut it all off. Living in his cold house and visiting his mother was pretty much all he did. Then he decided to go back to college and figure out where he was going to go. He had not expected the sexy teacher.
Jack was filling in for one of the teachers and wasn’t doing to bad a job at it. His students were pretty good even though he knew that many of them would drop the course. He did have this one student that drove him crazy by being late and calling him Dr. Jack. Until Jack realized who Devlin truly was. Some pretty big twists to this and secrets.
When I first started reading it I wasn’t to sure if I would like it. I am actually still not sure, however as stories goes it was pretty amazing. It was a very unique story that had the characters well you can read that part. Devlin is seven years older and in parts he seems like it, but in others he comes off younger than Jack does. They seem to mesh pretty good and the chemistry was off the charts. My problem was Devlin himself. He comes off as a very weak character but then again pain would do that. I was just expecting more from him in parts.
Other than my issues with the story it was pretty amazing. Fully developed characters with pain and trouble in the eyes. I loved his mother. It definitely had a happy ending. I would definitely recommend it. I will however be honest that this is one of those stories that would not be read more than once and for me that was a bad sign.
Blurb: Tate Buchanan is a troublemaker who can’t keep a job, no matter how many times his lucky argyle sweater gets him hired. Add to that a learning disability and an impetuous nature that sends him into altercations to protect the defenseless, and he hardly manages to make friends, let alone find a man who’s interested in him for more than one night.
Most people think EMT Jaime Escobar is a player, but the truth is he wants a serious partner – he just can’t justify wasting time on guys he knows aren’t a match. But when he treats a gorgeous redhead after a fight, he finds the spark he’s spent so many years looking for.
Jaime wants to take the next step with Tate, but it’s clear Tate’s not going to curb his impulsive behavior – his next fight sends him to the hospital. Jaime’s relationship with a near criminal isn’t something his family is ready to accept, not any more than Tate is willing to be kept a secret. Jaime will need a lot of understanding – and some luck of his own – to keep them both. But this is one fight he’s going to see through to the end.
Review: Just Add Argyle is the third book in KC Burn’s series Fabric Hearts. I recommend that you start with book 1 and 2 in the series, if you already haven’t. This is a quirky little world that Burn has created and to do it justice you definitely should start from the beginning.
Honestly, with a series title called Fabric Hearts I expect to enter the world of a happy little sewing circle, not a bunch of guys who have a penchant for certain fabrics but working for a gay porn website. That was probably a crass summary but I stand by it. The narrator of this series is David Ross. I’ve not heard many books he narrates. I enjoyed the tone he gave the story although I must admit that for this book I wasn’t completely sold on the narration.
The story is about Jaime Escobar and Tate Buchanan.
This story is a little different to the previous installments of the series where neither character has no direct connection to Idyll Fling. We met Jaime way back in book 1, Tartan Candy. He is the cousin to one of the heroes. As a secondary character he always had a certain amount of energy that made me feel he needed to find his own man and get a chance of HEA. Jaime is an EMT and has a massively kind heart. He meets Tate Buchanan on a call out and is immediately drawn to the man. Tate is something of a good Samaritan with the tendency to be a bit scrappy. He has a learning disability which meant he could not finish school and the only jobs he could get were low paying service jobs. Not that that is a bad thing, but Tate has a lot of potential. He doesn’t have much self esteem either and in some major need for a lot of love, kindness and tenderness.
Tate and Jaime are a sweet couple. They have a lot of heart and kindness to spread. I am just so glad that Jaime got his HEA.
Blurb: Two years after his life fell apart, Will Dawson moved to Florida to start over. His job in the tech department of Idyll Fling, a gay porn studio, is ideal for him. When his boss forces him to take on a new hire, the last person he expects is Dallas Greene – the man who cost him his job and his boyfriend back in Connecticut. He doesn’t know what’s on Dallas’ agenda, but he won’t be blindsided by a wolf masquerading as a runway model. Not again.
Dallas might have thrown himself on his brother’s mercy, but his skills are needed at Idyll Fling. Working with Will is a bonus, since Dallas has never forgotten the man. A good working relationship is only the beginning of what Dallas wants with Will.
But Dallas doesn’t realize how deep Will’s distrust runs, and Will doesn’t know that the man he’s torn between loving and hating is the boss’ brother. When all truths are revealed, how can a relationship built on lies still stand?
Review: Plaid Versus Paisley is the second book in KC Burn’s series Fabric Hearts. I recommend that you start with book 1 in the series, Tartan Candy if you already haven’t. This is a quirky little world that Burns has created and to do it justice you definitely should start from the beginning. Honestly, with a series title called Fabric Hearts I expect to enter the world of a happy little sewing circle, not a bunch of guys who have a penchant for certain fabrics but working for a gay porn website. That was probably a crass summary but I stand by it.
The story is about Will Dawson and Dallas Greene.
In the world of Idyll Fling, a porn network which we were introduced to in Tartan Candy, Will Dawson is the king of the IT department. In fact, he is the only member of the IT department that keeps the site running despite the fact it is abundantly obvious that he needs help. However, Will was burned at his last job where he was a supervisor who lost his job and given to someone else, specifically to Dallas Greene.
Dallas had always looked up to Will and is confused as to why Will obviously hates him and refuses to allow Dallas to do his job. Dallas went to Florida where his half-brother Stefan runs Idyll Fling. Dallas has been through hell – including illness and rejection from his family. He had never really fit into his privileged family and when everything falls apart all he can do is pray that his half-brother will be willing to help. It is a totally heartbreaking part and I love Stefan for stepping up to the plate. I don’t know what one would expect as the stereotype of a guy who runs a porn website, but Stefan is just the biggest sweetheart. I liked him in Tartan Candy but in Plaid Versus Paisley he is hands down the best secondary character in the series.
There is a lot going on beneath the surface with Will and Dallas. Will is obnoxious at first and full of hate, while Dallas is broken and nervous, waiting for something to happen in a second. He is also paranoid as fuck and there were a couple times I wished I could slap him. These guys have a rocky journey, but it is all worth it. On top of that, there is also a heck of a lot of sexual tension and steamy sex.
The narrator of this series is David Ross. I’ve not heard many books he narrates, I think Tartan Candy was the first I heard, I enjoyed the tone and voice he gave the characters. I was especially able to connect to sadness surrounding Dallas.
Hi guys! we have K.C. Burn stopping by for a visit today with her upcoming release release Tea or Consequences, we have a short intro from KC, a great excerpt and an awesome 5x $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Tea or Consequences
by
K.C. Burn
Riley Parker: temp, twink, geek… sleuth?
Maybe Riley isn’t living up to his full potential, but being a temp executive assistant suits him. He’s never bored at work, he’s got friends who let him geek out, and he’s got a carefully crafted twink exterior… which might be getting constrictive now that he’s on the other side of thirty. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s comfortable.
It all unravels when he takes a job working for a tea-obsessed cosmetics queen, the owner of Gautier Cosmetics. During the launch party for a new product, Riley finds his boss dead under suspicious circumstances, and the homicide detective is none other than Tadeo Martin, Riley’s high school obsession who never knew he was alive.
Tad drafts Riley to get the scoop on the inner workings of Gautier, and for Riley, it’s like a drug. His natural inquisitiveness is rewarded with more and more Tad. Unfortunately, his snooping puts him in the running for two other roles: suspect and victim. The killer doesn’t care which.
Blurb: Tate Buchanan is a troublemaker who can’t keep a job, no matter how many times his lucky argyle sweater gets him hired. Add to that a learning disability and an impetuous nature that sends him into altercations to protect the defenseless, and he hardly manages to make friends, let alone find a man who’s interested in him for more than one night.
Most people think EMT Jaime Escobar is a player, but the truth is he wants a serious partner—he just can’t justify wasting time on guys he knows aren’t a match. But when he treats a gorgeous redhead after a fight, he finds the spark he’s spent so many years looking for.
Jaime wants to take the next step with Tate, but it’s clear Tate’s not going to curb his impulsive behavior—his next fight sends him to the hospital. Jaime’s relationship with a near criminal isn’t something his family is ready to accept, not any more than Tate is willing to be kept a secret. Jaime will need a lot of understanding—and some luck of his own—to keep them both. But this is one fight he’s going to see through to the end.
Review: Each book in the Fabric Hearts collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
I will say this; if I went by title and series name, this one would be the last one on my list to read. However one would be surprised by the story itself. It is a very entertaining story that has a bit of angst to it. It is also got it’s funny parts too. The problem I see is that it doesn’t really stick in one’s head like it should though. The characters are quite distracting and I got a kick out of them though.
Tate is a sweetie who has problems with his anger. Now he never gets mad at those around them, unless they are being violent or very angry. Usually his defence is those who are gay and are being hurt. It gets him into trouble more times than normal though. People around him, even his momma, calls him stupid, but in truth he is not. He is very quirky and kind of cute. His love of argyle sweaters are what makes me fall for him even more. He sees that if he wears one, he will get the job he wants or something similar. They are his lucky charm, one would say. The problem is he can’t keep the job, especially if it involves numbers.
Jaime is what one would think is a player, but he is just like any other guy, looking for the one. He is a sexy EMT who might have found that guy for him, in a very sexy little redhead who has a tendency to get into fights. Things heat up, and well if you really are interested read the book. These two are perfect for each other.
Now I have to say that the book is slow building and a bit drawn out. I hate to say it but my attention didn’t focus on the book like it should have. I liked the characters and the story itself, but really could have done without all the added in stuff. However it also deals with something’s you would see in real life. Tate has always been told that he was stupid, and ended up dropping out of high school. He lives with his mom and can’t hold a job for too long. To top it off, he gets into fights, but these fights save others. He is well known with some of the police and gets out of trouble quite a bit. Now for me Tate is a hero in his own way, and you can’t help but love him. So in a way that added stuff worked itself out. It just made the book feel way too long.
Other than my issues with the book, which are my issues, this is one pretty amazing story. With this author, it is a definite knew it would be type. I get a kick out of K.C.’s books and look forward to reading the next book.
Hi guys! we have K.C. Burn stopping by for a visit today with her new release Just Add Argyle, we have a short intro from KC, a great excerpt and an awesome giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Just Add Argyle
(Fabric Hearts 03)
by
K.C. Burn
Tate Buchanan is a troublemaker who can’t keep a job, no matter how many times his lucky argyle sweater gets him hired. Add to that a learning disability and an impetuous nature that sends him into altercations to protect the defenseless, and he hardly manages to make friends, let alone find a man who’s interested in him for more than one night.
Most people think EMT Jaime Escobar is a player, but the truth is he wants a serious partner—he just can’t justify wasting time on guys he knows aren’t a match. But when he treats a gorgeous redhead after a fight, he finds the spark he’s spent so many years looking for.
Jaime wants to take the next step with Tate, but it’s clear Tate’s not going to curb his impulsive behavior—his next fight sends him to the hospital. Jaime’s relationship with a near criminal isn’t something his family is ready to accept, not any more than Tate is willing to be kept a secret. Jaime will need a lot of understanding—and some luck of his own—to keep them both. But this is one fight he’s going to see through to the end.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (10th October 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts
Blurb: Finlay McIntyre (aka Raven) is a successful adult film star with a penchant for kilts, until an accident cuts short his stardom and leaves him with zero sexual desire, lowered self-esteem, and no job. He knew his porn career wouldn’t last forever, but he wasn’t prepared for retirement at 28. While trying to figure out the rest of his life, Raven agrees to attend a high school reunion. That’s when a malfunctioning AC unit in his hotel room changes everything.
Caleb Sanderson, an entrepreneur with his own HVAC business, has no idea what to expect when he steps into Raven’s hotel room to fix his AC unit. They’re attracted to each other, but Caleb, closeted, can’t afford a gay relationship, not with his mom pressuring him to produce grandchildren. If he wants to keep Raven – who no closet could hold – he’ll need to tell his family the truth. But Raven has a few secrets of his own. He refuses to reveal his porn past to Caleb, a past that might be the final obstacle to Caleb and Raven having any kind of relationship.
Review: This is a first time I’ve heard or read by KC Burn and I must admit that I was intrigued.
Raven is an ex porn star, with a penchant for wearing kilts, whose career was cut short by a car accident. Now he’s between careers and toying with ideas in his head about the future. For now though, he’s an escort to one of the subscribers to the company he had made movies for. The guy’s a dick, to the short, but he does meet hot air con repairman Caleb. It’s a mix of love and lust at first sight. Caleb is certainly the first guy Raven has been interested in since his accident. Raven is also scared that Caleb will run a mile if he knew that he had been in porn. Well guess what, that’s a recipe for disaster. There’s a lot of sweetness in this book nonetheless.
I enjoyed the book for the most part but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I had expected and I guess I’m a little disappointed about that. Ok, I’m a fickle person. I saw “Tartan” in the title and thought “oh, Scotsman”… well, not a Scotsman but there were definitely kilts. I suppose years of reading historical romances and the Outlander series had me thinking of hot highlanders. But that wasn’t why I was disappointed, I think that was more to do with the story falling a little flat for me, I think because a major component of this story at the climax (pun intended) actually had everything to do with miscommunication between the two main characters.
Blurb: Two years after his life fell apart, Will Dawson moved to Florida to start over. His job in the tech department of Idyll Fling, a gay porn studio, is ideal for him. When his boss forces him to take on a new hire, the last person he expects is Dallas Greene—the man who cost him his job and his boyfriend back in Connecticut. He doesn’t know what’s on Dallas’s agenda, but he won’t be blindsided by a wolf masquerading as a runway model. Not again.
Dallas might have thrown himself on his brother’s mercy, but his skills are needed at Idyll Fling. Working with Will is a bonus, since Dallas has never forgotten the man. A good working relationship is only the beginning of what Dallas wants with Will.
But Dallas doesn’t realize how deep Will’s distrust runs, and Will doesn’t know that the man he’s torn between loving and hating is the boss’s brother. When all truths are revealed, how can a relationship built on lies still stand?
Review: It has been sometime since I have had the pleasure of reading one of K.C. Burn’s stories. At first when I was given this story the title just struck me as funny as hell, and I wasn’t really that sure about the story. Yes it caught my attention but it didn’t give me the good feeling that it should have. Then I saw the cover and was like ok this is going to work, especially after reading the blurb.
My attention was caught from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It is a novel length but I was so caught in it, that it didn’t feel like I had been reading it that long. The story is catchy and very captivating, plus you can just feel the heat from these two. Now through part of it, I wanted to smack Will upside the head. He was not one of my favorite characters till closer to the end. Then the ending gave me what I wanted.
Will had lost his boyfriend and his job two years before and blamed the one person who made him hot. He comes off as a very bitter person to me and takes it out on the one that is a plain sweetheart. All of this because he was attracted to the man. Now he is in a new job, and guess who they just hired to work with him.
Dallas has had a hard two years. He had gotten a job that he found interesting but was basically killing him. His boyfriend at the time was a douche and you will find out when you read the book. Let’s just say goodbye to that asshat. So he packs up his car and his belongings and goes to his brother. Stefan is the best brother in the world and he helps Dallas all the way. Then Dallas finds out who he is going to work with, and can you feel the heart beat faster.
Dallas is my favorite character in the whole book. Not only is he good at his job, but he is just the sweetest young man ever. What he had gone through, and I am including his parents would make anyone cringe. I enjoyed the way the story turned out and the flow of it was perfect. It was an even, if not a bit faster flow then I had expected and it worked for this story.
I had a lot of fun reading it and look forward to reading more by this amazing author.
Hi peeps, we have K.C. Burn stopping by today with her upcoming release Plaid Versus Paisley, we have a brilliant guest post from KC where she chats about her book and we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Plaid Versus Paisley
(Fabric Hearts 02)
by
K.C. Burn
Two years after his life fell apart, Will Dawson moved to Florida to start over. His job in the tech department of Idyll Fling, a gay porn studio, is ideal for him. When his boss forces him to take on a new hire, the last person he expects is Dallas Greene—the man who cost him his job and his boyfriend back in Connecticut. He doesn’t know what’s on Dallas’s agenda, but he won’t be blindsided by a wolf masquerading as a runway model. Not again.
Dallas might have thrown himself on his brother’s mercy, but his skills are needed at Idyll Fling. Working with Will is a bonus, since Dallas has never forgotten the man. A good working relationship is only the beginning of what Dallas wants with Will.
But Dallas doesn’t realize how deep Will’s distrust runs, and Will doesn’t know that the man he’s torn between loving and hating is the boss’s brother. When all truths are revealed, how can a relationship built on lies still stand?
Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy! I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉
Description:
On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.
One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.
Foreword by S.A. McAuley
An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)
The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk
When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste
Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)
The Jogger by KC Burn
Holding Court by Cardeno C.
For Dear Life by Mary Calmes
Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington
Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)
That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado
Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys
Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford
Last First Kiss by LE Franks
Tomorrow by John Goode
From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)
Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.
I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.
Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!
About John Amory:
John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.
In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).
Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!
1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.
My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.
Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:
Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.
I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do.
2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?
Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?
3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?
When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.
4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?
I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!
About Sophie Bonaste:
Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.
If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste
GIVEAWAY!
20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover Grand Adventures Paperback $30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard
Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014 End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014
Blurb: Sometimes Stratford Dale feels like Doctor Chicken consumes his life. It’s his pen name for a series of wildly popular children’s books. They were his brainchild; he meant for them to be a way to pay his many bills while he pursued his dream of publishing graphic novels. But the Doctor Chicken contract was a raw deal. Instead, he churns out book after book for a pittance, leaving him broke and no closer to his dreams.
Stratford’s dreams of love have fared no better, but he’s still trying. After yet another disastrous date, he’s intrigued by a man going into a cooking class—so he takes the class too. Vinnie Giani is a successful, self-made man, who is charmed by Stratford’s bow ties, sharp humor, and clumsiness—which leads to an opportunity to take Stratford in for stitches. Vinnie is, above all, responsible, having taken on the care of his mother and sisters from a young age. Perhaps it’s natural when he begins to treat Stratford more as a child who needs a parent than as an equal partner. But when Vinnie tries to “fix” Stratford’s career woes—including the Doctor Chicken problem—and ends up making the situation worse, their fledgling relationship may not withstand the strain created by blame and lies.
Review: I needed a good sweet contemporary romance with plenty of laughs and this hit the spot. No huge drama here, no major angst, but plenty of humor, dating disasters, bosses that you love to hate, a hot Italian, and an underpaid artist trying to protect his heart.
There were many moments that I laughed out loud, and then later found myself saying “Oh no, he didn’t!” IF I found myself dating some of the jerks Stratford has, I’d give up! A big change from KC’s more serious Toronto tales series, Pen Name Doctor Chicken is all about family, friendships, and finding love. Though I have to say, Stratford’s workplace environment and colleagues leave much to be desired!
Title: Set Ablaze
Title: Banded Together
Title: Just Add Argyle
Title: Plaid Versus Paisley
Title: Tartan Candy
Title: Plaid Versus Paisley
