The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray (2nd Edition) Dual Review

Title: The Boy Next Door (2nd Edition)

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22 July 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb: Life is full of surprises and, with luck, second chances.

After his father’s death, Lowell leaves the big city to help his sick mother in the conservative small town where he grew up. He’s shocked to find himself living next to none other than his childhood friend Jase. Lowell always had a crush on Jase, and the man has only gotten more attractive with age. Unfortunately Jase is straight, now divorced, and raising his six-year-old daughter. It’s nice to reconnect, but Lowell doesn’t see a chance for anything beyond friendship.

Until a night out together changes everything.

Jase can’t fight his growing feelings for Lowell, and he doesn’t want to give up the happy future they could have. But his ex-wife issues an ultimatum: he must keep his homosexuality secret or she’ll revoke his custody of their daughter, Layla. Now Jase faces an impossible choice: Lowell and the love he’s always wanted, or his daughter.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-382-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime & Lisa

Prime’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Kate McMurray is one of those authors where I like to check out the blurb of a new (to me) book and is slowly becoming a definite favorite on my ever growing list of favorite authors. She does sweet and heartwarming romances for the most part. They are the type of thing that you sit down with your book/device and just pass your time pleasantly reading the extraordinarily sweet characters that emerge from her very ordinary and very relatable world.

The Boy Next Door is a second edition, of which I did not read the first edition so not sure what has changed. It is about Lowell who goes back to his hometown to care for his mother, who seems to be getting rather forgetful, after the death of his father. His father was not a kind man in life and so in death his ghost does affect his relationship with both his mother and the town. The surprise Lowell gets though is that his new neighbor is Jase. They were friends as children and as teens Lowell had had a massive crush on Jase.

Jase seems to be very straight. The evidence is still there with his recent divorce and a little girl dominating most of his time and thoughts. But Jase has a massive secret and sees the strength in the out of the closet Lowell – he’s gay, has known all his life but has tried for many years to hide that part of himself. With Lowell’s return Jase has got to confront his feelings and the manipulative people in his life if he wants a quick hook up with his friend to be a lot more.

The chemistry between these two guys is great. There is a certain depth of emotion that makes it so easy to not only relate to both Lowell and Jase, but to see that the thick sexual tension between them is more than a fling. I really liked the drama that happens between the guys – it goes to add to the feeling that certain people in Jase’s life are not only homophobic but manipulative as well. It adds a lot of depth to Jase’s character.

This book lived up to my expectations; ultimately, it was a sweet and heartwarming romance that worked on all levels.

Lisa’s Review ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Lowell and Jase were friends when they were children but grew apart once they were in high school.  Now several years later there is a chance to rebuild that friendship. Lowell has moved back home to help his mother.  He just happens to live next door to Jase.

Jase is raising his daughter, while dealing with his bitch of an ex who is threatening to keep him away from his kid.  As long as no one knows that he likes men, then there will be no problems.  Well there is a big problem, he wants his old friend.

Now the story is like real life for some men.  However it didn’t do anything for me.  The story had no appeal for me and I had trouble keeping my attention on it.  The characters were pretty good with enough depth to make them stand out.  Even the fighting is pretty real throughout the story but that is about all there was to it.  The ending was a bit off and I had trouble connecting the two together.

Jase has enough guilt to drown the whole town.  He feels responsible for everyone and everything.  His ex-wife is a bitter bitch who wants to control him.  He is nasty sometimes to Lowell, and if I was Lowell I would just kick his ass to the curb.  To top it off Lowell comes off as a wimp to me.  I could not connect with either character.  Which was a depressing thought.

I was left with more questions then answers with this story.  Also there was just something about the way the story was wrote that reminded me of a newbie just starting out.  I mean what was with the short statements and crazy questions that one finds in this book.  So basically this is one of those stories that I skimmed through because I just couldn’t get into it at all.  I am afraid that this was one book that was just not for me.

What's The Use of Wondering? by Kate McMurray Guest Post & Excerpt!

Hi guys, we have Kate McMurray popping in today with her upcoming release What’s the Use of Wondering?, we have a brilliant guest post about writing new settings and a great excerpt, so guys, check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Kate McMurray - What's the Use of Wondering Cover

What’s The Use of Wondering

(WMU 02)
by

Kate McMurray

Violinist Logan has spent most of his life training for a career in music. But as the pressure mounts during his junior year, he questions whether playing in an orchestra is the future he wants, or one chosen by his parents. His new roommate—that annoying jerk Peter from last year’s production of Guys and Dolls—complicates matters. Crammed into a dorm room with the overconfident but undeniably hot accounting major, Logan can’t stop snarling.

Then Peter sprains his ankle building sets, and Logan grudgingly agrees to play chauffeur. But instead of putting further strain on their relationship, spending time together reveals some common ground—and mutual frustration. Logan discovers he isn’t the only one who doesn’t know what he wants from life, and the animosity between him and Peter changes keys. But just as the possibility of a happier future appears, Logan gets a dream offer that will take him away from Western Massachusetts University—and Peter. Now he has to decide: will he live the solitary life laid out for him, or hold on to Peter and forge his own path?

Release date: 3rd July 2017
Pre-order: 
Dreamspinner Press ebook  | Dreamspinner Press paperback

Continue reading “What's The Use of Wondering? by Kate McMurray Guest Post & Excerpt!”

There Has To Be A Reason by Kate McMurray

Kate McMurray - There Has To Be A Reason CoverTitle: There Has to Be a Reason

Author:  Kate McMurray

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult

Length: Novel (206 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (9 Jan 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5

Blurb: Dave is enjoying his junior year at a big New England university, even if none of his relationships have been especially satisfying. He plans to hang around with his best friend Joe and focus on his studies until he graduates, and then he’ll figure out the rest. 

Meeting Noel changes his plans.

Noel is strikingly beautiful and unlike anyone Dave knows. Something about Noel draws Dave to him—an attraction Dave doesn’t feel ready to label. And even if he was, why would Noel be interested in Dave? And what about Joe? He hates Noel and everything he represents, and he might hate Dave if he finds out about Dave’s secret desires. So Dave will have to keep those feelings hidden—along with his relationship with Noel.

But Noel has fought too hard for his identity to be Dave’s dirty secret. Will Dave tell the truth and risk the life he’s always known… or live a lie and risk losing the love of his life?

ISBN: 978-1-63533-212-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/there-has-to-be-a-reason-by-kate-mcmurray-8010-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I usually love reading Kate McMurray’s stories. Her characters are well developed, same with the plot, with a number of likable characters and generally well written. This can all be said about There Has to Be a Reason.

This book is a coming of age story where two students at Western Massachusetts University – Dave and Noel. Noel is out and proud and the type of student that doesn’t choose to particularly stand out from the crowd. Dave, the character narrating the story, thought that he was a straight guy, although he never felt any real attraction to girls. In fact, most of his behavior where girls are concerned appear to be because it is what he thinks his friends and society expect him to do. Then in an English Lit class he reads a book that changes his life. It makes him wonder about the strange feelings he had tried to brush to the side when he met fellow student, Noel.

This is a wonderfully sweet coming of age story, with a set of good characters and a lot of well meaning friends who are totally realistic for their ages. The only issue have is the angst. I am not a fan of angst, even in young adult stories. So if you’re like me, I don’t recommend straight out staying away from the story, but instead I recommend going in with an open mind because the characters and the plot are what make this story beautiful.

The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray ~ Audiobook

Kate McMurray - The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom Audio CoverTitle: The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom

Series:  Dreamspun Desires 14

Author: Kate McMurray

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5 hrs, 3 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (17th October 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Marriage gets less convenient when love is involved.

It started simple: Ondrej Kovac marries Archie Katsaros so Ondrej can stay in the US, away from his judgmental family in eastern Europe. Archie marries Ondrej in exchange for the money to bail out his failing company. It’s a fraud neither man is convinced he can pull off.

But as Archie introduces Ondrej to New York society and Ondrej proves his skill in the office, they start to discover a connection between them. Can they overcome the rocky foundation their relationship was built on, meddling immigration agents, gossip columnists determined to out their deception, and an aggressive executive set on selling Archie’s company out from under him? Only if they can prove to each other their love is worth fighting for.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: OK, confession time, I love Kate McMurray and everything she does. That means I’ve already read this story. However, interestingly, I have to say that I much preferred the audio over reading the book. I think that this has a lot to do with Rusty Topsfield’s wonderful narration, the guy is superb at his job and I love listening to him.

The story follows Archie Katsaros – really Archimedes and that reminds me of the The Once and Future King/Sword in the Stone more than it does a Greek Tycoon – he’s running the family’s business. In fact, he’s trying to keep it afloat after his father’s death while trying to live up to the lofty expectations set by himself while idolizing a father who perhaps did not deserve such devotion from his son. Then there is Ondrej Kovac. He’s Polish and wants to move to the US to be free of his family’s stifling expectations and to be himself, which means he wants to be free to love who he wants to love because his family will never accept his sexuality. When Ondrej’s work visa comes to an end, he and Archie embark on a harebrained scheme – Archie will marry Ondrej to give him a green card and Ondrej will provide Archie with the funds he needs to save the family company.

It’s fun to see the guys get to know each other. Archie is really just a teddy bear and needs the support of someone like Ondrey to bolster his confidence. Ondrej is quick as a whip and super intelligent, and somehow that is just the perfect match for Archie. As they get to know each other it’s fun to watch the sparks begin.

There are some plot holes, but nothing too big that you can’t get over, though I was largely happy with the character and plot development. It is more so down to the fact that the silly boys needed to communicate more and because some of the situations felt a little too contrived. But overall an interesting plot line and a fantastic narrator make for a pleasurable few hours of audio.

Kate McMuarry's Greatest Hits Bundle

Kate McMuarry's Greatest Hits CoverTitle: Kate McMurray’s Greatest Hits

Series: Includes books from The Rainbow League and Stars

Author: Kate Murray

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Bundle (936 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Don’t miss these reader favorites from Kate McMurray!

In Blind Items, Jonathan is too afraid to step out of the closet, and Drew thinks the smartest thing might be to let him go—until Jonathan shows up drunk one night at his apartment. The slow burn of their attraction doesn’t fade with Jonathan’s buzz, but navigating a relationship is never easy—especially in the shadow of right-wing politics.

In Four Corners, after five years gone, Adam is back, and he has his mind set on Jake. But those years of anger, hurt, and confusion are a lot to overcome, and Jake doesn’t find it easy to forgive.

In The Stars The Tremble, Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life.

In When the Planets Align, quiet, practical Simon realizes he’s been in love with Michael all his life, only now Michael has moved on. They will find themselves in the right place at the right time to take the next step.

In The Windup, Ian lets an old friend talk him into joining the Rainbow League, New York’s LGBT amateur baseball league. Baseball turns out to be a great outlet for his anxiety, and not only because sexy teammate Ty has caught his eye. But when Ian receives an offer for a job overseas, Ty needs a new plan: convince Ian that home is where Ty is.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-443-7

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/kate-mcmurrays-greatest-hits-by-kate-mcmurray-1266-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For the most part I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Dreamspinner Press’s greatest hits bundles for a number of their authors. Kate McMurray’s Greatest Hits is certainly no exception, which features a couple books that I’ve read in the past (Blind Items, Four Corners and The Windup) and funny enough, I found myself enjoying more on the second reading! As a whole I rate this bundle a 5/5 if only for my enjoyment of those 3 books. However, I found that I also enjoyed The Stars that Tremble and When the Planets Align just as much as the 3 I had read in the past.

BlindItemsBlind Items: Jonathan is the son of a very conservative, homophobic senator. He has tried the best he can for years to keep his life out of the limelight and part of that has meant he is deathly afraid of coming out of the closet. Part of that is probably also because he is so damn shy it’s bordering on cute. Then there is Drew, he is an openly gay journalist who has continually criticized Jonathan’s father. When rumours surface that Jonathan is gay, it is Drew’s job to find out the big scoop.

But there is a lot going on between these guys. As the blurb says, they develop a slow burning attraction. However, this isn’t an angst-ridden trope it is actually quite fun and the characters are very optimistic, which for me made it so easy to enjoy. Honestly, I’m not sure on the connection between the title Blind Items and the actual story. But I’m letting that slide because I absolutely adored this story. All characters, particularly the MCs have great depth and the emotion from the story is just so strong.

Kate McMurray - Four Corners CoverFour Corners: Jake, Adam and Kyle were basically the type of friends that would be dubbed The Three Muskateers. However, all that changed one day when Adam left town and didn’t make contact with Jake or Kyle for five years. But now Adam is back and he wants Jake to be his. The problem with that being that he needs to grovel for Jake’s forgiveness for the hurt that was caused five years earlier. The guys have brilliant chemistry and they fit together so well, but it is understandable that the pain from the past will not allow Jake to just slip into Adam’s arms like nothing happened.

Add into that Kyle, who is the open minded mostly straight friend. He is a brilliant minor character, who sometimes just steals the scene. He has seen Jake through thick and thin and though he does not know what happened between Adam and Jake in the past, he is the awesome type of friend that is Jake’s shoulder to cry on and the one ready to set Adam straight – so to speak. Kyle is a great buffer for the whole Adam/Jake thing which really had potential to be an angsty battle between the two men.

StarsThatTremble[The]LGThe Stars that Tremble: This is a story all about loss and coping with losing an integral part of one’s self. Mike has been raising his daughter Emma on his own since she was a toddler, after the death of his former partner. Then there is Gio, an opera singer who can no longer sing on stage again, not the same as losing a life partner but it was a major life changing loss. Their lives collide when Gio becomes something of a mentor to Mike’s daughter Emma, who is a gifted singer and wants nothing more than to be an opera singer. It seems like one of those fairytale type match ups considering she is the young teen daughter of a self-employed plumber.

This is one roller coaster of emotion but like in all her other books, the chemistry is there from the beginning and it works perfectly. While neither man is closeted, they have to navigate the completive world of opera with a class full of young opera hopefuls and one particularly manipulative mother. I actually just read that this one has a sequel; I’m going to have to get onto that stat!

Kate McMurray - When Planets Align CoverWhen the Planets Align: This is one of those never in the right place at the right time kind of stories. Simon, who is quiet and shy and always practical, has been in love with Michael all his life. But Michael has never been in the right “position” for Simon to pluck up the courage to make his move. Now the time has come, it’s just a matter of these guys getting their feelings gathered and taking a chance on love.

Kate McMurray does the friends to lovers type of trope really well, and I love the heartwarming feel that I get from this story. However, sometimes I had problems with the chemistry between the guys and I felt that the flashbacks (there are a lot of them) were a little disruptive to the overall romance. On a more positive note, this is one of those books where my mind just clicks and I think that this is the perfect title and strangely enough enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite story in this bundle.

WindUp[The]LGThe Windup: This is the first book in Kate’s Rainbow League series (FYI love the series, read it if you love hot guys playing baseball). Our introduction to this world is through Ian. He had grown up in Brooklyn, escaped for some years and has returned “home” to a very different city. Ian had used his job to move around for some years and fully intends to continue his lifestyle – settling down to help refurbish one hotel before picking up his life and moving on to the next hotel. Upon his return, Ian’s high school friend convinces Ian to join his baseball team, in the hopes to get Ian out and meeting some new guys.

At baseball, we meet Ty. He likes to call himself the team slut, but he has a lot more depth than that. There is an instant attraction between Ty and Ian that is palpable and had me immediately and emotionally invested in these guys getting together and actually staying together. There is plenty of sexual tension going on between these two. These guys are great together but I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Ty and his Texan drawl.

This is a busy book, there is a lot going on other than the Hipsters playing baseball. However, the most of the loose ends of story involving Ian and Ty are all tied together is a pretty little bow by the end of the book. The only threads of storyline left hanging are the stories that have been set up for future books.

Kate McMurray’s Greatest Hits Bundle

Kate McMuarry's Greatest Hits CoverTitle: Kate McMurray’s Greatest Hits

Series: Includes books from The Rainbow League and Stars

Author: Kate Murray

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Bundle (936 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Don’t miss these reader favorites from Kate McMurray!

In Blind Items, Jonathan is too afraid to step out of the closet, and Drew thinks the smartest thing might be to let him go—until Jonathan shows up drunk one night at his apartment. The slow burn of their attraction doesn’t fade with Jonathan’s buzz, but navigating a relationship is never easy—especially in the shadow of right-wing politics.

In Four Corners, after five years gone, Adam is back, and he has his mind set on Jake. But those years of anger, hurt, and confusion are a lot to overcome, and Jake doesn’t find it easy to forgive.

In The Stars The Tremble, Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life.

In When the Planets Align, quiet, practical Simon realizes he’s been in love with Michael all his life, only now Michael has moved on. They will find themselves in the right place at the right time to take the next step.

In The Windup, Ian lets an old friend talk him into joining the Rainbow League, New York’s LGBT amateur baseball league. Baseball turns out to be a great outlet for his anxiety, and not only because sexy teammate Ty has caught his eye. But when Ian receives an offer for a job overseas, Ty needs a new plan: convince Ian that home is where Ty is.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-443-7

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/kate-mcmurrays-greatest-hits-by-kate-mcmurray-1266-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For the most part I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Dreamspinner Press’s greatest hits bundles for a number of their authors. Kate McMurray’s Greatest Hits is certainly no exception, which features a couple books that I’ve read in the past (Blind Items, Four Corners and The Windup) and funny enough, I found myself enjoying more on the second reading! As a whole I rate this bundle a 5/5 if only for my enjoyment of those 3 books. However, I found that I also enjoyed The Stars that Tremble and When the Planets Align just as much as the 3 I had read in the past.

BlindItemsBlind Items: Jonathan is the son of a very conservative, homophobic senator. He has tried the best he can for years to keep his life out of the limelight and part of that has meant he is deathly afraid of coming out of the closet. Part of that is probably also because he is so damn shy it’s bordering on cute. Then there is Drew, he is an openly gay journalist who has continually criticized Jonathan’s father. When rumours surface that Jonathan is gay, it is Drew’s job to find out the big scoop.

But there is a lot going on between these guys. As the blurb says, they develop a slow burning attraction. However, this isn’t an angst-ridden trope it is actually quite fun and the characters are very optimistic, which for me made it so easy to enjoy. Honestly, I’m not sure on the connection between the title Blind Items and the actual story. But I’m letting that slide because I absolutely adored this story. All characters, particularly the MCs have great depth and the emotion from the story is just so strong.

Kate McMurray - Four Corners CoverFour Corners: Jake, Adam and Kyle were basically the type of friends that would be dubbed The Three Muskateers. However, all that changed one day when Adam left town and didn’t make contact with Jake or Kyle for five years. But now Adam is back and he wants Jake to be his. The problem with that being that he needs to grovel for Jake’s forgiveness for the hurt that was caused five years earlier. The guys have brilliant chemistry and they fit together so well, but it is understandable that the pain from the past will not allow Jake to just slip into Adam’s arms like nothing happened.

Add into that Kyle, who is the open minded mostly straight friend. He is a brilliant minor character, who sometimes just steals the scene. He has seen Jake through thick and thin and though he does not know what happened between Adam and Jake in the past, he is the awesome type of friend that is Jake’s shoulder to cry on and the one ready to set Adam straight – so to speak. Kyle is a great buffer for the whole Adam/Jake thing which really had potential to be an angsty battle between the two men.

StarsThatTremble[The]LGThe Stars that Tremble: This is a story all about loss and coping with losing an integral part of one’s self. Mike has been raising his daughter Emma on his own since she was a toddler, after the death of his former partner. Then there is Gio, an opera singer who can no longer sing on stage again, not the same as losing a life partner but it was a major life changing loss. Their lives collide when Gio becomes something of a mentor to Mike’s daughter Emma, who is a gifted singer and wants nothing more than to be an opera singer. It seems like one of those fairytale type match ups considering she is the young teen daughter of a self-employed plumber.

This is one roller coaster of emotion but like in all her other books, the chemistry is there from the beginning and it works perfectly. While neither man is closeted, they have to navigate the completive world of opera with a class full of young opera hopefuls and one particularly manipulative mother. I actually just read that this one has a sequel; I’m going to have to get onto that stat!

Kate McMurray - When Planets Align CoverWhen the Planets Align: This is one of those never in the right place at the right time kind of stories. Simon, who is quiet and shy and always practical, has been in love with Michael all his life. But Michael has never been in the right “position” for Simon to pluck up the courage to make his move. Now the time has come, it’s just a matter of these guys getting their feelings gathered and taking a chance on love.

Kate McMurray does the friends to lovers type of trope really well, and I love the heartwarming feel that I get from this story. However, sometimes I had problems with the chemistry between the guys and I felt that the flashbacks (there are a lot of them) were a little disruptive to the overall romance. On a more positive note, this is one of those books where my mind just clicks and I think that this is the perfect title and strangely enough enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite story in this bundle.

WindUp[The]LGThe Windup: This is the first book in Kate’s Rainbow League series (FYI love the series, read it if you love hot guys playing baseball). Our introduction to this world is through Ian. He had grown up in Brooklyn, escaped for some years and has returned “home” to a very different city. Ian had used his job to move around for some years and fully intends to continue his lifestyle – settling down to help refurbish one hotel before picking up his life and moving on to the next hotel. Upon his return, Ian’s high school friend convinces Ian to join his baseball team, in the hopes to get Ian out and meeting some new guys.

At baseball, we meet Ty. He likes to call himself the team slut, but he has a lot more depth than that. There is an instant attraction between Ty and Ian that is palpable and had me immediately and emotionally invested in these guys getting together and actually staying together. There is plenty of sexual tension going on between these two. These guys are great together but I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Ty and his Texan drawl.

This is a busy book, there is a lot going on other than the Hipsters playing baseball. However, the most of the loose ends of story involving Ian and Ty are all tied together is a pretty little bow by the end of the book. The only threads of storyline left hanging are the stories that have been set up for future books.

The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray (2nd Edition)


kate-mcmurray-the-boy-next-door-coverTitle:
The Boy Next Door (2nd Edition)

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22 July 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Life is full of surprises and, with luck, second chances.

After his father’s death, Lowell leaves the big city to help his sick mother in the conservative small town where he grew up. He’s shocked to find himself living next to none other than his childhood friend Jase. Lowell always had a crush on Jase, and the man has only gotten more attractive with age. Unfortunately Jase is straight, now divorced, and raising his six-year-old daughter. It’s nice to reconnect, but Lowell doesn’t see a chance for anything beyond friendship.

Until a night out together changes everything.

Jase can’t fight his growing feelings for Lowell, and he doesn’t want to give up the happy future they could have. But his ex-wife issues an ultimatum: he must keep his homosexuality secret or she’ll revoke his custody of their daughter, Layla. Now Jase faces an impossible choice: Lowell and the love he’s always wanted, or his daughter.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-382-9

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-boy-next-door-by-kate-mcmurray-7283-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Kate McMurray is one of those authors where I like to check out the blurb of a new (to me) book and is slowly becoming a definite favorite on my ever growing list of favorite authors. She does sweet and heartwarming romances for the most part. They are the type of thing that you sit down with your book/device and just pass your time pleasantly reading the extraordinarily sweet characters that emerge from her very ordinary and very relatable world.

The Boy Next Door is a second edition, of which I did not read the first edition so not sure what has changed. It is about Lowell who goes back to his hometown to care for his mother, who seems to be getting rather forgetful, after the death of his father. His father was not a kind man in life and so in death his ghost does affect his relationship with both his mother and the town. The surprise Lowell gets though is that his new neighbor is Jase. They were friends as children and as teens Lowell had had a massive crush on Jase.

Jase seems to be very straight. The evidence is still there with his recent divorce and a little girl dominating most of his time and thoughts. But Jase has a massive secret and sees the strength in the out of the closet Lowell – he’s gay, has known all his life but has tried for many years to hide that part of himself. With Lowell’s return Jase has got to confront his feelings and the manipulative people in his life if he wants a quick hook up with his friend to be a lot more.

The chemistry between these two guys is great. There is a certain depth of emotion that makes it so easy to not only relate to both Lowell and Jase, but to see that the thick sexual tension between them is more than a fling. I really liked the drama that happens between the guys – it goes to add to the feeling that certain people in Jase’s life are not only homophobic but manipulative as well. It adds a lot of depth to Jase’s character.

This book lived up to my expectations; ultimately, it was a sweet and heartwarming romance that worked on all levels.

The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray Guest Post & Excerpt!

Kate McMurray - The Boy Next Door Banner

Hi guys, we have Kate McMurray popping in today with her upcoming re-release The Boy Next Door, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Kate McMurray - The Boy Next Door Cover s

The Boy Next Door

by

Kate McMurray

Life is full of surprises and, with luck, second chances.

After his father’s death, Lowell leaves the big city to help his sick mother in the conservative small town where he grew up. He’s shocked to find himself living next to none other than his childhood friend Jase. Lowell always had a crush on Jase, and the man has only gotten more attractive with age. Unfortunately Jase is straight, now divorced, and raising his six-year-old daughter. It’s nice to reconnect, but Lowell doesn’t see a chance for anything beyond friendship.

Until a night out together changes everything.

Jase can’t fight his growing feelings for Lowell, and he doesn’t want to give up the happy future they could have. But his ex-wife issues an ultimatum: he must keep his homosexuality secret or she’ll revoke his custody of their daughter, Layla. Now Jase faces an impossible choice: Lowell and the love he’s always wanted, or his daughter.

Release date: 22nd July 2016

Continue reading “The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray Guest Post & Excerpt!”

The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray

perf4.250x7.000.inddTitle: The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom

Series: Dreamspun Desires 14

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre:  Contemporary

Length: Novel (218 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15 July 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Blurb: Marriage gets less convenient when love is involved.

It started simple: Ondrej Kovac marries Archie Katsaros so Ondrej can stay in the US, away from his judgmental family in Eastern Europe. Archie marries Ondrej in exchange for the money to bail out his failing company. It’s a fraud neither man is convinced he can pull off.

But as Archie introduces Ondrej to New York society and Ondrej proves his skill in the office, they start to discover a connection between them. Can they overcome the rocky foundation their relationship was built on, meddling immigration agents, gossip columnists determined to out their deception, and an aggressive executive set on selling Archie’s company out from under him? Only if they can prove to each other their love is worth fighting for.

ISBN: 9781634770873

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-greek-tycoons-green-card-groom-by-kate-mcmurray-7221-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review:  I really do love reading Kate McMurray’s books – they are pure joy to read. Despite the fact this has a few glaring holes in the plot, I have to say that overall I enjoyed reading The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom. Lately I’ve been drawn to any MM book that reminds me of the classic Mills and Boon trashy romance. Based on that fact alone and that is all you expect to get, you will be satisfied by this book. If you want to look for deeper meaning, well, let’s just say what you see is what you get.

The story follows Archie Katsaros – really Archimedes and that reminds me of the ‘The Once and Future King/Sword in the Stone’ more than it does a Greek Tycoon – he’s running the family’s business. In fact, he’s trying to keep it afloat after his father’s death while trying to live up to the lofty expectations set by himself while idolizing a father who perhaps did not deserve such devotion from his son.

Then there is Ondrej Kovac. He’s Polish and wants to move to the US to be free of his family’s stifling expectations and to be himself, which means he wants to be free to love who he wants to love because his family will never accept his sexuality. When Ondrej’s work visa comes to an end, he and Archie embark on a harebrained scheme – Archie will marry Ondrej to give him a green card and Ondrej will provide Archie with the funds he needs to save the family company.

It’s fun to see the guys get to know each other. Archie is really just a teddy bear and needs the support of someone like Ondrej to bolster his confidence. Ondrej is quick as a whip and super intelligent, and somehow that is just the perfect match for Archie. As they get to know each other it’s fun to watch the sparks begin.

As I said, there are some plot holes, though I was largely happy with the character and plot development. It is more so down to the fact that the silly boys needed to communicate more and because some of the situations felt a little too contrived. The other thing is that calling Archie a Greek Tycoon is like me saying I’m Italian when I’m first generation out of Italy on one side of my family – his father was Greek and his mother’s family was some big deal New York family from way back.

I suppose that was disappointing because part of me was hoping for endearments like agápi mou or agapiméni – because that is honestly what I have come to expect of Greek Tycoons from reading romance.

The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray Guest Post & Excerpt!

Kate McMurray - The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom Banner

Hiya peeps, we have Kate McMurray popping in today to show off her upcoming release The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom, we have a wonderful guest post from Kate and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

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The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom

(Dreamspun Desires 13)
by

Kate McMurray

Marriage gets less convenient when love is involved.

It started simple: Ondrej Kovac marries Archie Katsaros so Ondrej can stay in the US, away from his judgmental family in eastern Europe. Archie marries Ondrej in exchange for the money to bail out his failing company. It’s a fraud neither man is convinced he can pull off.

But as Archie introduces Ondrej to New York society and Ondrej proves his skill in the office, they start to discover a connection between them. Can they overcome the rocky foundation their relationship was built on, meddling immigration agents, gossip columnists determined to out their deception, and an aggressive executive set on selling Archie’s company out from under him? Only if they can prove to each other their love is worth fighting for.

Continue reading “The Greek Tycoon's Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray Guest Post & Excerpt!”

The Long Slide Home by Kate McMurray

LongSlideHome[The]LGTitle: The Long Slide Home
Series: The Rainbow League #3
Author: Kate McMurray
Genre: Contemporary/Sports
Length: Novel (204 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Nate and Carlos have been the best of friends since their childhood playing baseball together in the Bronx. For the past few years, Nate’s been in love with Carlos, though he’s never acted on it and Carlos has never given any indication that he returns Nate’s feelings. Nate has finally given up, determined to move on and find someone else, especially now that Carlos has shacked up with his boyfriend, Aiden.

Carlos doesn’t understand why Nate has suddenly gotten weird, acting cold and distant at team practice for the Rainbow League. But if that’s how things are going to be, Carlos is done trying to figure Nate out. But then Aiden reveals he has a violent side, and Carlos needs his best friend’s support.

On top of that, he starts to realize his feelings for Nate might not be limited to friendship. But in the aftermath of his relationship with Aiden, and with Nate having problems of his own, the timing is all wrong to make a real relationship work.

As emotions run high, both have a hard time figuring out what is real and what is just convenient.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-972-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6741

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I was really looking to reading this book and it did not disappoint. Let me give you some background: this is the third book in Kate McMurray’s wonderful series, The Rainbow League which is set around a group of friends who play in New York’s Rainbow League, playing baseball. Truthfully, the books could probably be standalone stories which focus on a different romantic couple. However, there is a lot of interaction from minor character who also become main characters in their own stories, and since I just love this series, I think it all needs to be read.

The Long Slide Home is probably the perfect example of what I was just trying to explain. The MCs of this book are Carlos and Nate, long time besties whose relationship has undergone a number of subtle changes over the last few years. Their back story was gently simmering in the back ground of books 1 and 2, which happens over the said few years.

Now Carlos and Nate have their own story and I was so damn excited to read it!

Its great meeting up with our favourite couples from the past and catching up with those guys – the characters are rich and deeply developed. Now that it’s Carlos and Nate’s time to shine they have been developed even more, despite the fact that a number of the broad facts were already known. Namely, we knew 1) Nate was falling in love with his BFF, 2) Carlos was completely oblivious and he was crushing on baseballer from another team, Aiden, who he subsequently went with, 3) Nate is very much loved by Carlos’s family, who took him in during his difficult childhood, and, 4) the guys love baseball.

All of these points that I made are looked into much further. We get to see Nate’s headspace and how he has reacted to his best friend/the man he loves being in a relationship with a man Nate could not bring himself to like.

I liked that we also got to have a peek into Nate’s past, his actual biological family and his connection with Carlos’s crazy, big and loving family. Carlos’s frame of mind is also interesting – he seems to be either in denial or completely oblivious about everything to do with his boyfriend, Aiden, and Nate. Aiden has successfully kept the friends apart for at least half the time him and Carlos together.

Sadly, it seems that it is Nate that is more heartsick and can actually see what is happening. I particularly love Nate’s character and while the violence that Carlos faces is all too in life, its Nate I have empathy for, who will do anything to save Carlos.

Interestingly, Aiden, who always came across as a smooth asshole we get to see more of. Seeing how manipulative and possessive he was to Carlos sent warning to bells to Nate, but everyone else did not seem to notice. I found that interesting but I figure that’s because the guy’s character is so slick and slimy. Part of me is somewhat interested in Aiden going through a journey of healing and treatment (I hope that isn’t too much of a spoiler).

At first there seems no end to the issues that Carlos and Nate must face both individually and together. But for me, who has seen their story bubbling along from the start, it is satisfying to finally see their story come to a head.

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

The Windup by Kate McMurray

WindUp[The]LGTitle: The Windup
Series: The Rainbow League, #1
Author: Kate McMurray
Genre: Contemporary/Sports
Length: Novel (214 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (24 April 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Ian ran screaming from New York City upon graduating from high school. A job offer too good to turn down has brought him back, but he plans to leave as soon as the job is up. In the meantime he lets an old friend talk him into joining the Rainbow League, New York’s LGBT amateur baseball league. Baseball turns out to be a great outlet for his anxiety, and not only because sexy teammate Ty has caught his eye.

Ty is like a duck on a pond—calm and laid-back on the surface, a churning mess underneath. In Ian, he’s found someone with whom he feels comfortable enough to share some of what’s going on beneath the surface. The only catch is that Ian is dead set on leaving the city as soon as he can. Ty works up a plan to convince Ian that New York is, in fact, the greatest city in the world. But when Ian receives an offer for a job overseas, Ty needs a new plan: convince Ian that home is where Ty is.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-968-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6307

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the first Kate McMurray book that I’ve read and I have to say, this is an author that I will happily go back to in the future, especially for the continuing books in this series. The Windup is the first book in the Rainbow League series and I look forward to more stories.

Hot guys playing sports – make that ordinary, everyday, hot gay guys playing in New York’s all-gay baseball league. There’s competitiveness, bitchiness, more testosterone than you could imagine and a whole heap of drama.

Our introduction to this world is through Ian. He had grown up in Brooklyn, escaped for some years and has returned “home” to a very different city. The neighbourhood where he grew up is less gangs and more family orientated. Ian had used his job to move around for some years and fully intends to continue his lifestyle – settling down to help refurbish one hotel before picking up his life and moving on to the next hotel. However, upon his return, Ian’s high school friend convinces Ian to join his baseball team, in the hopes to get Ian out and meeting some new guys.

Then, at baseball, we meet Ty. He likes to call himself the team slut, but he has a lot more depth than that. There is an instant attraction between Ty and Ian that is palpable and had me immediately and emotionally invested in these guys getting together and actually staying together.

There is plenty of sexual tension going on between these two. These guys are great together but I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Ty and his Texan drawl.

In fact, all the characters have a great sense of depth to them. There also happens to be more than enough sexual tension involved with many of the minor characters too, adding a splash of colour and life to the world. I can already see the threads of future stories in a number of the minor characters, as well as being given a rather teasing introduction to what is going to be the second book.

I would assume that another couple (not literally) of characters are also going to be the basis of perhaps the third book because we got a teasing glimpse at the story that is going on there.

This is a busy book, there is a lot going on other than the Hipsters playing baseball. However, the most of the loose ends of story involving Ian and Ty are all tied together is a pretty little bow by the end of the book. The only threads of storyline left hanging are the stories that have been set up for future books.

Can’t wait for the next installment!

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

Thrown a Curve by Kate McMurray

ThrownACurveLGTitle: Thrown a Curve
Series: The Rainbow League, #2
Author: Kate McMurray
Genre: Contemporary/Sports
Length: Novel (210 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19 June 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Mason made headlines when, after his professional baseball career was sidelined by an injury, he very publicly came out of the closet. Now he’s scratching the baseball itch playing in the Rainbow League while making his way through New York’s population of beefcakes, even though they all come up short. Plus, he’s still thinking about last summer’s encounter with hot, effeminate, pierced and tattooed Patrick—pretty much the opposite of the sort of man he has long pictured himself with.

Patrick hasn’t been able to forget Mason either, and now that baseball season is back upon them, he’s determined to have him again. Mason is unlike any man Patrick has ever been with before, and not just because he’s an ex-Yankee. All Patrick has to do is convince a reluctant Mason that their one night wasn’t just a crazy fluke and that they could be great together…if only Mason could get past his old hang-ups and his intolerant family.

ISBN: 9781632169709

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6505

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the second book in Kate McMurray’s Rainbow League series and I am utterly hooked! You need to read these books in order, so you really do need to go back to book 1, The Windup.

I am in love with the characters and the setting (I’m always a bit partial to hot guys playing some mostly friendly sports). In fact, I loved these 2 books so much that I am keen to look into Kate McMurray’s other books!

The books so far have followed the men who play for the Hipsters, one of New York’s gay baseball teams in the Rainbow League. The primary plotline for this book is based around Mason, who ended his career as a Yankee after being injured and then deciding to come out of the closet. He still works in sports, but mostly in journalism. He’s been pining for away for Patrick for close to a year (which is about where we left the team after Ian and Ty got together in book 1).

Mason has a lot of baggage to deal with from his family which warps his thinking. Patrick isn’t exactly effeminate but he does not suffer from shyness and very comfortable with himself.

Another story line which is glimpsed at is the love triangle between best friends and Hipster teammates, Carlos and Nate, and Carlos’ boyfriend, Aiden. Carlos spent the entire first book drooling over Aiden. This part of the plot opens up for the next installment in the series, which in am excited at the prospect of reading.

I loved the emotion of the story; both Mason and Patrick are super relatable. The lives they live and their navigation of their fledgling relationship is just real. I loved the drama, even if there was the slightest bit of angst, something I really am not fond of. Overall, anyone who is a sucker for sport related romance is going to eating this one up.

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

The Stars the Tremble by Kate McMurray

StarsThatTremble[The]LGTitle:  The Stars that Tremble

Author: Kate McMurray 

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (200 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (September 30th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb:   Giovanni Boca was destined to go down in history as an opera legend until a vocal chord injury abruptly ended his career. Now he teaches voice lessons at a prestigious New York City music school. During auditions for his summer opera workshop, he finds his protégé in fourteen-year-old Emma McPhee. Just as intriguing to Gio is Emma’s father Mike, a blue-collar guy who runs a business renovating the kitchens and bathrooms of New York’s elite to finance his daughter’s dream.

Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life. Although Mike wonders if he can truly fit into Gio’s upperclass world, their bond grows stronger. Then, trouble strikes from outside when the machinations of an unscrupulous stage mother threaten to tear Gio and Mike apart—and ruin Emma’s bright future.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4228

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Fourteen year old Emma McPhee is a child prodigy and extremely talented opera singer. She was adopted by Mike and Evan at birth but sadly they lost her dad Evan, who was a cop, when she was just three. Mike runs his own business and is a very attentive and doting dad to young Emma, but he’s lonely as well after so many years alone. Giovanni Boca, Gio, was a world-renowned opera singer until a throat injury took his ability to sing. Now he teaches a summer workshop for hopeful opera singers and he is immediately entranced by young Emma and her exquisite voice. Mike manages to capture Gio’s attention as well.

Neither man is a stranger to loss, as they have both lost something or someone very dear to them. They try not to act on their mutual attraction in the beginning worried about the conflict with Emma being in the program Gio is running. A night of drinking and dancing causes them to take the relationship to the next level, but Mike is still cautious not wanting anything to stop Emma from her chance to live her dream. All too soon the stage mom from hell see’s them kissing and threatens Gio. When the bitch follows through on her threat and takes it to the extreme not only is Gio’s job on the line, but Emma’s place in the opera program is in jeopardy, leaving the romance between Mike and Gio on the chopping block as well.

McMurray has written an endearing and poignant love story between two fantastically vulnerable men. Gio is definitely more emotionally stable being the one to give his strength to Mike when he needs it, but there is that rare occasion that Gio needs for Mike to be the strong one and Mike came through for him. I didn’t really understand all the opera speak, but it was still interesting within the context of the story. I loved how Gio spoke Italian at times but McMurray conveyed the words in a way that you could figure out what he was saying, even when he didn’t tell you what he’d said. And the first time they make love the way it’s playing out in Gio’s mind like an opera, he’s playing the feelings out in his head as music, was something fresh and new that I thoroughly enjoyed!

This one is a must read for my fellow hopeless romantics, not much angst but a lot of passion between the ML and that sometimes elusive HEA. My only niggle, from the start of the workshop Emma was pushing for her dad and Gio to get together, and then when they did she was completely weirded out and standoffish almost about it at the start. She quickly came around, but I just found that wishy-washy and out of context. Other than that, this was such a good read, devoured in one setting, and couldn’t put it down.

Playing Ball, A Dreamspinner Anthology

PlayingBallLGTitle:  Playing Ball

Series:  an anthology

Author:  Shae Connor, Kate McMurray, Marguerite Labbe, Kerry Freeman

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (Anthology) 270 pages

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (September 25th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit, depending on the story

Heart Rating:  3-4 hearts, depending on the story

Blurb:   Baseball – America’s favorite pastime – provides a field wide open for romance. A Home Field Advantage may not help when Toby must choose between the team he’s loved all his life and the man he could love for the rest of it. In 1927, Skip hides his sexuality to protect his career until he meets One Man to Remember. Ruben and Alan fell victim to a Wild Pitch, leaving them struggling with heartache and guilt, and now they’ve met again. And on One Last Road Trip, Jake retires and leaves baseball behind, hoping to reconnect with Mikko and get a second chance at love.

Home Field Advantage by Shae Connor
Toby MacMillan, grandson of Atlanta Braves owner Ray MacMillan, lives for baseball and loves his team. When he meets new team member Caleb Browning, an innocent welcome-to-the-big-leagues dinner leads to a not-so-innocent night together. Toby quickly calls things off, afraid of the ramifications of their tryst, but the two men develop a friendship that soon becomes more. After Caleb takes a fastball to the head, their budding romance hits the news—and Toby’s grandfather hits the roof. When Ray MacMillan demands Toby deny the relationship, Toby must choose between the team he’s loved all his life and the man he could love for the rest of it.

One Man to Remember by Kate McMurray
its 1927, and in New York City, Babe Ruth and the Yankees’ unstoppable batting lineup, Murderers’ Row, is all anyone can talk about. Across town, the Giants’ rookie infielder Skip Littlefield racks up hits, creating a streak to rival the Babe’s. Worried his secrets could get out, he avoids the spotlight, but he catches the attention of lauded sports reporter Walter Selby, a notorious dandy whose sexuality is an open secret. Skip reluctantly agrees to an interview, and mutual attraction is sparked. Skip can only hope the more charismatic stars will draw attention away from his romance with Walt. Otherwise, his career and everything he loves is at stake.

Wild Pitch by Marguerite Labbe
Ruben Martell fell in love with Alan Hartner during their years playing baseball. They stepped over the foul line once, but the encounter left them struggling with heartache and guilt, turning away from each other to focus on their families. Now retired from the majors, they run a batting cage together and coach rival Little League teams as they juggle fatherhood and being single again. Though Ruben has never given up hope that Alan might look at him as more than a friend, Alan seems determined to keep things the way they’ve always been. But long-buried feelings and desires have a way of resurfacing, and Ruben can’t wait forever.

One Last Road Trip by Kerry Freeman
With the last game of his Major League Baseball career behind him, Jake Wilson hits the road. Years have passed, but he never got over the romance he shared with Mikko Niemi back in college. Finally, he’s ready to do something about it. He starts with some crucial visits to his ex-wife in New Mexico, his son in Oklahoma, and his daughter in Tennessee. But his true destination is Mikko’s home in Georgia, where he’s hoping to get a second chance at love.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4197

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Four short stories about the struggle to be gay in the major leagues, whether it is as a player or someone more behind the scenes. Each of these men has a story to tell, as a couple or as an individual. The common thread? Baseball!

One Man to Remember by Kate McMurray ~ This story has a historical romance aspect to it as it’s set in the 1920’s when being gay could still get you arrested. As well the ML frequent speakeasies as prohibition is still enforced and them being, a couple is majorly overlooking in such establishments. When the team owners begin to notice that their star player, Skip Littlefield, is spending too much time with the sports writer, Walter Selby, a known homosexual. They quickly demand he end the ‘friendship’. Will the budding affair survive prying eyes until the season is over?

Home Field Advantage by Shae Connor ~ Go braves! Toby MacMillan is the grandson of Ray MacMillan, current owner of the Atlanta Braves. He loves this team and his job running day-to-day affairs of the team and the players. When he meets the newest recruit, Caleb Browning, sparks fly immediately. The two share a very steamy, very passionate night that ends with Toby pushing Caleb away. He knows that neither of them can afford to pursue a relationship, there is no way they can be public, and his grandfather would disown him. After an accident leaves Caleb in the hospital their secret is exposed. Will Toby cave to his grandfather’s demands that he deny the man he loves? Or will he risk everything to be with Caleb?

One Last Road Trip by Kerry Freeman ~ Jake Wilson met the love of his life in college, when his pro baseball career was just starting. After a painful break up he met and married his wife, and fathered two beautiful children. He doesn’t regret his marriage, career or kids. What he does regret is losing the man he loved, Mikko. Jake is bisexual, and has finally shared this secret with his family. Now divorced and with his kids blessing, he takes a road trip to find the one that got away. Mikko is less than welcoming, but Jake lays it all on the line, leaving Mikko and going back home. Mikko has to decide if it’s worth the risk to allow Jake back into his life. Will Jake lose his love a second time around?

Wild Pitch by Marguerite Labbe ~ Ruben Martell has been in love with Alan Hartner for decades. They are both bisexual men that married woman and have families, but always harbored something special for each other. Now that they no longer have wives, Ruben is more determined than ever to have a relationship with Alan. But Alan is just as determined to keep things in the friends zone. A shared passion and desire soon have them delving back into familiar territory. Can they find a balance between friendship, family and love for each other?

I hate baseball. It’s like watching paint dry! But this anthology of short stories based within the sport left me breathless. Each story is different and unique. All the men share an almost common goal of keeping their sexuality a secret. And in the end they will all have to decide if that secret is more important than the happiness they deserve.  Sex, steam, passion, and baseball. That is what Playing Ball is all about!

 

Coming This Week from Dreamspinner Press ~ 09/30/2013

Between Two Loves by Shelter Somerset

 

BetweenTwoLovesLGSequel to Between Two Promises; Between Two Worlds: Book Three

 

Spring struggles against winter in the mountains of Montana as Aiden Cermak and Daniel Schrock settle into their new life together. Aiden, a journalist from the East Coast, wants to make a rustic home for them and their adopted dog, though he continues his reporter’s quest for the truth. Daniel’s roots are traditional Amish, and though he’s become a successful carpenter with his own shop, the modern world still baffles him.

 

When Aiden’s former boyfriend, Conrad Barringer, ill and alone, asks Aiden and Daniel for help, they agree and welcome him, but with misgivings that persist and grow. Aiden finds fulfillment in nursing Conrad, yet worries that the closeness he shares with Daniel will be lost, as Daniel isolates more and more. Then Daniel learns of an ugly revelation that could change everything, and he grapples with whether to tell Aiden the truth, or carry it with him to his grave.

 

Length: Novel (214p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: September 30, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-184-2) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-183-5)

 

The Stars that Tremble by Kate McMurray

 

StarsThatTremble[The]LGGiovanni Boca was destined to go down in history as an opera legend until a vocal chord injury abruptly ended his career. Now he teaches voice lessons at a prestigious New York City music school. During auditions for his summer opera workshop, he finds his protégé in fourteen-year-old Emma McPhee. Just as intriguing to Gio is Emma’s father Mike, a blue-collar guy who runs a business renovating the kitchens and bathrooms of New York’s elite to finance his daughter’s dream.

 

Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life. Although Mike wonders if he can truly fit into Gio’s upperclass world, their bond grows stronger. Then, trouble strikes from outside when the machinations of an unscrupulous stage mother threaten to tear Gio and Mike apart—and ruin Emma’s bright future.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: September 30, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-136-1) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-135-4)

OneNightEverAfterLGOne Night Ever After by Elizah J. Davis, Elle Brownlee, Tere Michaels

 

Just a Drive by Tere Michaels

 

After weeks of flirting, “One Night” Wyatt Walsh spends a fabulous night with his shy coworker, Benji Trammell. As Wyatt tries to sneak out the next morning, he receives a call from his frantic, very pregnant best friend Raven—she needs him immediately. With no other way to get from New York City to the Pennsylvania town where Raven and her husband live, Wyatt accepts Benji’s offer to drive him there. Wary and unsure of each other, they start the trip at odds, but as time goes on, the barriers that usually keep people at a distance fail. And what started out as “just a drive” becomes a step toward romance.

 

Just a Stranger by Elle Brownlee

 

The excitement of meeting a stranger in a club can’t be beat. Loud bass sets the rhythm to Michael Wiercinski’s primal urges as he flirts with Andrew, a cute guy offering the promise of a hot night with no strings, no complications. Still, when their night is done, Michael admits there was something about Andrew that left him wanting more. Months go by with no sign of Andrew until Michael moves back home to help after his father’s heart attack. Once there, Michael is completely amazed to find Andrew Lucas living in his hometown. Despite surprising “complications” in Andrew’s life, Michael vows to take advantage of this second chance to make Andrew more than just a stranger.

 

Just a Weekend by Elizah J. Davis

 

James is a homebody in a predictable, if not altogether comfortable, rut. He’d rather stay in with a book than brave the Seattle bar scene. One night, after allowing his friend Kara to coax him out for drinks, he meets Devin—charming, gorgeous, and way out of his league.

 

With a little bit of help from Kara, James leaves with Devin to indulge in a night together, which is as much time as he’s bound to get with a guy as hot as Devin. He doesn’t expect the easy rapport that quickly develops between them, and when the weather conspires to keep them together, James wonders if this could be more than just a weekend fling.

 

Length: Novel (254p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: October 2, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-287-0) | Buy as Paperback ($16.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-286-3)

 

Arriba Aruba! by Jonathan Treadway

ArribaArubaLGJilted at the altar when his best man ran off with his fiancée, Craydon “Cray” Wright trades in his Mexico honeymoon for a vacation in Aruba. When godlike Stone Ferris walks onto the plane, sits next to Cray, and makes his interest known, Cray decides to act on desires he’s felt since high school but ignored.

 

He agrees to let Stone show him the island, but what starts as fun-filled and casual turns earth-shattering for Cray. When his time in Aruba ends, Cray realizes his feelings for Stone have grown beyond fun, but he worries that it might not translate to real life in LA. Can he convince himself and Stone their love can be paradise at home?

 

Length: Novella (128p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: October 2, 2013 |Buy as eBook ($4.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-163-7)

 

Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton

 

PuzzleMeThisLGLuke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching. The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper. When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?

 

Length: Novella (88p.) | Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Humor | Release Date: October 2, 2013 |Buy as eBook ($3.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-162-0)

 

My Only Sunshine by Rowan McAllister

 

MyOnlySunshineLGTanner Wallis is nearly at the end of his rope the night Mason Seidel finds him lying next to the mangled body of a cow on the back pastures of the Seidel family’s Wyoming ranch. Recently out of the hospital after he and his boyfriend were brutally beaten, Tanner is jobless, homeless, and almost penniless. His desperate hope is that Mason will believe he’s innocent of the senseless crime and give him a place to heal, both physically and emotionally, until he can get on his feet again.

 

But Mason already has enough on his plate. He’s only been back on the ranch a few months, ten years after his father kicked him out for being gay, and only because his sister begged him to come help after the man’s disabling stroke. With all his responsibilities—running the struggling ranch and keeping his sister and father off his back—Mason can’t really afford the distraction Tanner represents. But he can’t just abandon the attractive young man either. There’s trouble in spades on the ranch, but if they face it together, Mason and Tanner might find a future with a little sunshine.

 

Length: Novel (226p.) | Genre: Western | Release Date: October 4, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-288-7) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-289-4)

 

Ethan in Gold by Amy Lane

 

EthaninGoldLGJohnnies: Book Three

 

Evan Costa learned from a very early age that there was no such thing as unconditional love and that it was better to settle for what you could get instead of expecting the world to give you what you need. As Ethan, porn model for Johnnies, he gets exactly what he wants—comradeship and physical contact on trade—and he is perfectly satisfied with that. He’s sure of it.

 

Jonah Stevens has spent most of his adult life helping to care for his sister and trying to keep his beleaguered family from fraying at the edges. He’s had very little time to work on his confidence or his body for that matter. When Jonah meets Ethan, he doesn’t see the hurt child or the shamelessly slutty porn star. He sees a funny, sexy, confident man who—against the odds—seems to like Jonah in spite of his very ordinary, but difficult, life.

 

Sensing a kindred spirit and a common interest, Ethan thinks a platonic friendship with Jonah won’t violate his fair trade rules of sex and touch, but Jonah has different ideas. Ethan’s pretty sure his choice of jobs has stripped away all hope of a real relationship, but Jonah wants the whole package—the sexy man, the vulnerable boy, the charming companion who works so hard to make other people happy. Jonah wants to prove that underneath the damage Ethan has lived with all his life, he’s still gold with promise and the ability to love.

 

Length: Novel (350p.) | Genre: Contemporary| Release Date: October 4, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-318-1) | Buy as Paperback ($17.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-317-4)

 

Tag Team by SJD Peterson

 

TagTeamLGGuards of Folsom: Book Two

 

Following the death of their sub, the former owners of the Guards of Folsom, Robert “Bobby” Alcott and Rig Beckworth, were left to pick up the pieces as best they could. After seven years, these two Doms are ready to move on and find the boy who will complete them. Their painful past comes crashing back when they meet Mason Howard, a submissive who just weeks ago lost his Doms in a car accident.

 

Reeling from overwhelming grief that’s complicated by a severe social anxiety disorder, Mason can barely leave his home. When Rig and Bobby find him, he’s hit rock bottom, believing life is no longer worth living. Bobby and Rig set out to prove the younger man wrong. Fate has brought the three men together, but they’ll have to face the pain of fear and loss head-on before they can all truly live again.

 

Length: Novel (220p.) | Genre: BDSM/Kink, M/M/M or More | Release Date: October 4, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-189-7) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-188-0)

 

Harmony Ink Press’ releases for the week of September 30, 2013

 

The Sacrifices We Make by Sophie Bonaste

SacrificesWeMake[The]LGAdam Jameson has always felt like an outsider in his own home, where his parents’ constant efforts to instill religious fervor have instead filled him with fear. Most of the time, he just wants to stay out of everybody’s way. But when Adam is forced to volunteer at a homeless shelter his senior year in high school, everything changes. He’s introduced to people who care about more than religion and, as a result, he starts to come out of his shell. For the first time in his life, Adam finds people who he wants to be around.

 

Mickey Stafford lives on the streets, a teen kicked out by his parents for being gay. He comes to the shelter for food and medical care, and after they literally run into each other, the two boys strike up a friendship. As Mickey introduces his new friend to the world he lives in, Adam starts to question everything: his parents, their religion, even his own beliefs. Once Mickey kisses him, Adam starts soul-searching and finds his heart, which is full of love for Mickey. But these two young men will have their love put to the test as they face a future of uncertainty and fear.

 

Length: Novel (190p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Gay, YA | Release Date: October 3, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-186-6) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-185-9)

What There Is by Kate McMurray

WhatThereIsLGTitle: What There Is

Series: N/A

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre: MM / Contemporary Romance

Length: Novella (67 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 31st, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Former professional baseball player Justin Piersol needs a new life after a career-ending injury, and his job as a high school baseball coach isn’t exactly fulfilling. Still, things are looking up: he finds the perfect room in an apartment in Brooklyn with Mark, who writes a popular column on sports statistics.

Mark is nerdy and socially awkward and intensely shy, and he immediately develops a terrible crush on Justin, who barely seems to notice him. As they get to know each other, Justin admits he misses playing baseball, that coaching doesn’t scratch the itch. Mark confesses he thought he’d be married by now, that he wants a serious relationship. So they make a pact: Justin will help Mark find a man, and Mark will help Justin find something he loves more than baseball.

They put their plan into action… and then life gets complicated. Mark meets a nice guy named Dave, and Justin is suddenly crazy with jealousy. Justin realizes he wants to let go of the past and focus on the present, but as Mark and Dave become an item, Justin fears he’s too late.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4047

Review: A very nice, short story with the old-time classic theme of two roommates falling for each other. The saying of you only see what you got in front of you once it goes away was supporting the prime theme and made for a little alleviation from the smooth and sweetly going plot.

The characters were simple enough; Mark, a shy guy who doesn’t have the guts to go for what he wants, and Justin, a gorgeous athlete who lost his chance on being pro and sulks around thinking what if. It was clear where the plot was going from line one, when Mark opened the door to show his new roomy the apartment. The entire romantic plot was transparent and even when Mark started dating Dave the element of intensity was somehow lacking. No drama or angst here, simply the wait while our protagonists solved things over and just as smoothly came together.

While there was a serious lack of chemistry or anything that would grip you and make you a slave to the read for the duration, I still enjoyed it. Somehow, this book came just when I needed a very light and romantic read to simply sooth me through the day, hence I’m recommending it for such occasion.

Across the East River Bridge by Kate McMurray

Title: Across the East River Bridge

Author: Kate McMurray

Genre: Paranormal, Suspense, Mystery

Length: Novel (162pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (11th October 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Finn’s boss sends him to a museum in Brooklyn, the last person he expects to see is his old rival, Troy. Finn still blames Troy for sending his career off the rails, but Troy has research Finn needs. Troy also has an intriguing story; the museum he curates is haunted by the ghosts of two men who died under mysterious circumstances in 1878. Troy strikes a deal: he’ll help Finn if Finn helps him find out what happened to the men who died.

From diaries, police reports, and newspaper articles, Finn and Troy piece together the lives of the two dead men—and the romance that bloomed between them—and it becomes clear that the men were murdered. It also becomes clear that the ghosts are real and are capable of manipulating the dreams, thoughts, and actions of the living. When Finn and Troy start falling for each other, Finn worries that it’s all an illusion concocted by the ghosts to keep them working together to solve the mystery, but Troy is convinced the love between them is real. But how can he get rid of a couple of ghosts and prove it?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Across-the-East-River-Bridge.aspx

For more background on the historical element of Across The East River Bridge visit here:

http://www.katemcmurray.com/2011/10/across-the-east-river-bridge-special-features/

Review: Finn and Troy have been at logger heads for years. Finn hates Troy and tries to keep hold of his resentment while he helps Troy investigate the mystery of two men’s deaths in 1878. Troy needs Finn’s help with the mystery but that isn’t the only reason he asked him to help.  In return for Finn’s help, he will help Finn with the research he needs.

This is a great story that drew me in because of the interesting historical facts as well as a doomed 1870’s love story and the present love story. I must admit that I am a bit of a history nerd and love finding out new historical facts especially when it’s blended in with fiction and this author does that beautifully. This isn’t a light read; I’d class it as medium as we have two historical researcher’s digging into a mystery that is over a hundred years old and they are trying to figure out their attraction to each other; while one of them is fighting it and two ghosts are interfering with them as well.

Finn and Troy are two men that you want to shake.  Finn because he holds onto his resentment and anger like they are a shield and Troy ‘cause he can be a bit of a prat and he loves winding Finn up. These two men have great chemistry and when Finn doesn’t think… well the sparks and heat from these two men could start an inferno. The suspense and mystery were very good and the plot and story-line were smoothly written and flowed well. I liked that Finn was skeptical and wanted to make sure that what he was feeling was real, although I do think that he treated Troy a bit meanly. Troy fully accepted how he felt and wants everything with Finn.

So I will recommend this to those of you who like Mystery’s, finding out about history, love, a great story-line and a happy ever after for two men and two ghosts.