Heart of the Holidays by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Heart of the Holidays - Pat Henshaw

Pat Henshaw has a new MM holiday romance out:

Heart of the Holidays.

And there’s a giveaway!

Everyone hopes his road to happily ever after will be carefree and smooth, but too often hair-pin turns and detours seem to get in the way.

Having thought he was on the road to forever before, former Silicon Valley programmer Dan Lassiter is leery about pedaling down it again. His elderly companion Charlie urges him to get to know Rick Reardon whose bakery is across the street from Dan’s bicycle shop.

Under the watchful eye of Charlie, Dan and Rick take tentative steps towards each other, all the while trying to avoid potholes such as exes, homophobes, and family problems.

As summer turns to fall and then winter, they hope that the road will be smooth going from their first date and first kiss to having what Rick’s sister euphemistically calls their “sleep overs”. At each step, though, they are tripped up and wonder why there seem to be so many bumps in their road.

Maybe Dan and Rick should heed some of Charlie’s sage advice or maybe they should listen to their hearts instead of the warnings from their pasts.

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Pat Henshaw Guest Post!

The Perfect Cookie Exchange

The Perfect Stack of Cookies to Go

One of the delights of the holiday season is a cookie exchange with friends and coworkers. True, it’s going to be a little light this year, what with COVID restrictions and all. But that makes it all the better to devise a game plan for next year and the one after.

Why a game plan?

Because you don’t want to be the person whose cookies smash and break before they are exchanged. You want to be the one with the perfectly delicious looking stack of an array of different cookie types, each cookie looking enticing in its own right.

But how can you do that with a stack of cookies?

Glad you asked.

You need to come up with your cookie tiers. Or you can steal mine.

The bottom tier for my cookie exchange plate is a pan cookie—usually chocolate chip bars or pecan pie bars—anything with enough internal heft that they can withstand a stack of cookies on top of them and still not be squished.

Stay away from lemon bars or cheesecake bars, which while yummy will yield like sinkholes, making them and the cookies stacked on top into one mega-cookie.

True, that’s great for the person who picks up the top cookie and finds them all stuck together in the jackpot of the holiday season.

Still, if you get caught with the mega-cookie, you are stuck with it and can’t pry one off and leave the rest for another hapless eater.

So be kind and plan a sturdy, non-sinkable bottom tier.

The middle tier is the traditional colorful cookie tier—gingerbread people, cut-out and frosted cookies, and shaped dough goodies.

The key to this layer is color, lots and lots of color. For example, blue, white, and silver for Hanukkah or green and red for Christmas or black, red and green for Kwanzaa or red, green, brown, and white for Solstice. Whatever you celebrate, make sure the colors pop at the mid-level of your cookie tier.

Remember that frosting and piping are your friends at this tier.

Finally, add the touch de resistance to the top tier: light, airy meringue delights and chocolate chip clouds.

Make these small, bite-sized treats so that you can use them to place around the decorated cookies to highlight their colors and decorations. Or you can use them to stack into a pyramid to support the cling-wrap or other protective layer you’re using to transport your exchange plate.

Whether you call them biscuits (like the Great British Baking Show does) or cookies like Americans do, edible exchanges are the highlight of any season, but particularly of those holidays in the winter.

Do you participate in a cookie exchange either during the holidays or during the rest of the year? If so, what’s your favorite cookie type?

Give yourself a gift of cheer with four HEA romances to take the edge off 2020:

Blame It on the Fruitcake where a motorcycle shop owner and a location scout bond over a grandmother’s holiday recipe;

The Orpheum Miracle in which a squatter in a revival theater meets the man of his dreams;

Making the Holidays Happy Again that sees a blacksmith forge a future with a chemist; and

Heart of the Holidays where a bicycle repairman and a baker travel down the road to love.

And whatever you do, remember that Every day is a good day for romance.


Excerpt

Heart of the Holidays meme
The kids and their mom arrived after lunch, right about the time Charlie usually turned in for a nap. He gave them the once over as they got out of the car, nodded to me with raised eyebrows, and ambled back toward the house. I guess he figured he’d meet them sometime, probably sooner rather than later, so he didn’t have to knock himself out now. It was the siesta part of his day.

After the kids tumbled from the car and jumped on Rick, he pointed at my open garage and waved at me. I waved back, and they galloped across the street.

“Hi, I’m McKinsey! You can call me Mack.” The red-haired boy danced in front of me. His hair blazed in the sun and was as bright as his green eyes and freckles. He didn’t look anything like his uncle. “So these are all the bikes I can ride? Can I try them out first?”

“Yeah, but don’t go very far. I’ve got an app keeping an eye on them.”

“Cool. Bye.”

He didn’t wait for me to explain further, but ran toward the racks so fast that I thought he would barrel into them. A small hand on my arm stopped me from chasing after him.

“Don’t worry. He’s careful. He won’t hurt the bikes. We won’t go far because of mom.” Since I wasn’t worried about the bicycles, I looked down into brown eyes, a solemn face, and curly sable hair. “I’m Leslie. Everyone calls me Lee. My brother throws himself into his activities. I don’t. Can we choose any of the bicycles?”

I glanced up at their uncle who shrugged at me. The small hand let go of my arm, so I looked down at Lee again.

“Yes. You have three choices. One, you can select a bike and ride it the entire time you’re here. Two, you could come back to the garage and pick another one to ride for the day, the half-day, the hour, or however long you want it. That means if you wanted, you could ride every bike in this place in one day. Or your third choice, you could stay at the bakery and not go bike riding at all.” I winked at her. “I would choose the bakery except then I’d look like a human lead balloon if I did.”

She giggled and put her hand on my arm again.

“I like you, Mr. Dan. I think we’ll get along fine.” She nodded and gave me a long assessing once over. “Don’t worry. You don’t look like a balloon at all. Not at all.”

If she’d been in her teens, I would have thought she was flirting. But Lee seemed as if she was merely making an observation.

I liked both kids and their approaches to life. I’d be willing to bet Charlie would like them too when he got up from his nap and met them.

Unlike her brother, Lee sauntered over to the bikes, many of which were now askew thanks to Mack’s unsorting process. She carefully started to right those tossed aside. She stopped at a turquoise bicycle, hopped on, and waved to me and her uncle as she sped away. Her brother was long gone. The bike rack still needed straightening which would give me something to do while Charlie snoozed.

I started toward it. Rick had surged across the street and was striding up to me.

“Here. I’ll help.” He stood staring down at the mishmash of bikes. “If you show me how to untangle them without making things worse.”

I nodded.

“I don’t get it. Aren’t you afraid people will just take off with your bikes and you’ll never see them again?”

I watched him bend over to pick up one on the ground. My groin tightened at the sight. We were going out to dinner. Together. Soon. My heart and dick lifted as my mind piled up image after image of dinner and afterward. It was about time for me to get back in the saddle as it were.


Author Bio

Pat Henshaw Logo
Pat Henshaw, born and raised in Nebraska, has lived on the U S’s three coasts, in Texas, Virginia, and now California.

Before she retired, she held a number of jobs, including theatrical costumer, newspaper features reporter and movie reviewer, librarian, junior college English instructor, and publicist.

She also loves to travel and has visited Canada, Mexico, Europe, Egypt, Thailand, and Central America as well as almost all fifty US states.

Now retired, she enjoys reading and writing as well as visiting her older daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren on the East Coast and playing havoc with her younger daughter’s life in NorCal.

She thanks you for reading her books and wants you to remember that every day is a good day for romance.

Website | Facebook | FB Page | Twitter | Instagram | QueeRomance Ink

 

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Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - Redesigning Max Banner 1

Hi peeps, we have Pat Henshaw stopping by with the blog tour for her newest re-release Redesigning Max, we have a fantastic guest post from Pat, a great excerpt, a brilliant $10 JMS Books GC giveaway and Prime’s review, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Pat Henshaw - Redesigning Max Cover 84fmti9

Redesigning Max

(Foothills Pride 02)
by

Pat Henshaw

Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Outdoors, hires him to revamp Max’s rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fredi is an out-and-proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes he remodels, and to Fredi, Max is a typical straight man’s man. 

When Max blatantly and clumsily flirts with Fredi, Fredi’s stereotypical view of Max is shattered. Is this a build-up to a gay bashing? Cautiously believing Max is closeted and is trying to come out, Fredi decides he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, whether it’s in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max’s dilapidated cabin into a showplace or over one of the many lunches and dinners they share talking about the remodel. Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually? Besides, Fredi has a backup plan if he’s wrong about Max’s intentions. 

Life would be all wine and roses if it weren’t for Max’s former friends and their conservative families. Alarmed with Max’s obvious infatuation, they make it their business to save him from sliding into hell. 

With the battle on, will Fredi and Max win the fight for a life of happiness together?

.•.•.**❣️ JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Google Play | Kobo | iBooks ❣️**.•.•.

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What’s in a Name? by Pat Henshaw Release Blast, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - What's in a Name Banner 1

Hi guys! We have Pat Henshaw stopping by today with her new re-release What’s In A Name?, we have a brilliant guest post from Pat, a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Pat Henshaw - What's in a Name Cover 745rj

What’s In A Name?

(Foothills Pride 01)

by

Pat Henshaw

On his 30th birthday, barista Jimmy Patterson decides to get rip-roaring drunk after his roommate-boyfriend abandons him at a bar in the tiny California foothills town of Stone Acres where they have relocated from San Francisco. Jimmy is immediately rescued by the burly owner of Stonewall Saloon, who has had his eye on Jimmy since the first time he came in months before.

Jimmy’s fine with being saved but wants to know the bartender’s real name since the guy has worn name tags with an assortment of names every time Jimmy has spoken to him. After Jimmy nicknames him Guy, the bartender decides to turn guessing his first name into a game, giving Jimmy a guess a day for a week and promising to wine and dine him during that time. If Jimmy’s guess is wrong, he owes Guy a zing-zow, knock-your-socks-off kiss. Jimmy agrees since this sounds like a slam-dunk, win-win deal.

While he searches for cringe-worthy given names, Jimmy is distracted by the destruction of his shopping mall coffee shop. He is also beset by the town council that doesn’t want him to buy an historic bank building in Old Town Stone Acres to set up another coffee shop. The celestial high of being romanced by Guy and the abyss of business worries don’t seem like the road to happily ever after. However, Jimmy and Guy might be in for a big surprise.

.•.•.**❣️ JMS Books | Kobo | iBooks | B&N | Google Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Short Order by Pat Henshaw

Title: Short Order

Series: Foothills Pride 08

Author: Pat Henshaw

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (89 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: When recent horticulture graduate Dr. Fenton Miller arrives in Stone Acres, California, he thinks his only concern is which job offer to accept after spending the holidays working at his cousin’s plant nursery. But after he rents a room from another shorter-than-average man, sous-chef John Barton, Fen falls in lust.

While he’s attracted to Fen, John’s got bigger concerns when two men from his past arrive in town and pressure him to return to San Francisco. Although John tries to stop Fen from getting involved, Fen realizes his lover is in trouble and is determined to protect him.

As the holidays get closer and Fen makes his own enemy, the joy of the season gets lost in the ill will around them. To ensure love triumphs, Fen and John must stand tall to show that short, dark, and handsome is a recipe for love.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-114-1

Product Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: For those that have been reading Pat Henshaw’s Foothills Pride series, you won’t be disappoint. Just as I had expected, this was a sweet and lovely story that was exactly to the standard that I have come to expect from the world that Henshaw has created. For new comers to the series, you don’t necessarily need to read the series in order, but I would recommend it. I still think that this series in comparable to Carol Lynne’s Cattle Valley series.

The story follows Fenton Miller, he’s recently graduated after completing his PhD. Unlike many PhD graduates, Fen is going to relax and work at his cousin’s plant nursery over the holidays while he decides which job offer he is going to choose. However, all that is shot to hell when he meets local sous chef, John Barton and there is an instant attraction between the two men. The chemistry is off the charts amazing and the two characters not only develop well throughout the story.

Other than really liking the book, I have to say that Fen at first was hard for me to relate to and being that I have a PhD in marine microbial ecology, that’s just weird. It’s mostly because he is repeatedly introduced as Dr Fenton Miller. Yes, it is true, he is a doctor being that he has completed his PhD. However, in the real world it is normally insufferable people that do this. There’re a couple other things that I didn’t really get on board with immediately with Fen, yet in the end he grew up a lot throughout the book and I absolutely loved him. Yet he compliments John, who is wonderful character that I fell in love with and was able to relate to immediately. John makes Fen a better person and I’m glad they got their happily ever after.

Behr Facts by Pat Henshaw

Title: Behr Facts

Series: Foothills Pride 03

Author: Pat Henshaw

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (92 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28 Oct 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Big, burly CEO Abe Behr is dismayed to discover someone—possibly a family member—is stealing from Behr Construction, which primarily employs Behr relatives. Abe takes the unprecedented step of hiring an outsider, likeable CPA Jeff Mason, to go over the books and help find the culprit. They are drawn to each other as they talk to workers, including Abe’s two younger brothers and their shifty cousin.

Since he has sacrificed romance all his life to build the business, Abe’s surprised by his feelings for the handsome Jeff. He’s even more shocked when they are confronted by bigotry in the Sierra Nevada foothills community, which is being inundated by gays moving from the San Francisco area. As he and Jeff get closer, Abe must come to grips with coming out to a family and community that aren’t very tolerant. Fortunately, being the head Behr helps him find his footing and grab onto love when it bites him.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-270-0

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the third instalment and Pat Henshaw’s Foothills Pride series and I am still in love with it as much as I was when I first had the pleasure to read and review the first book. All books in this series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you read it in order. There is a lot of overlap with characters popping up and even in a supporting role, these characters are such a key to the life of the town that I doubt that anyone could help but go back and read the stories of at least four other members of the community. But that’s just me, I suppose, since I’ve already stated just how much I love this series.

I am aware that fans of the paranormal/shifter genre may get tricked – Foothills Pride sounds like a shifter pack rather than it being the LGBTQ community of the Sierra Foothills being who they are/not hiding who they are. Being a fan of shifter books as well, this thought has crossed my mind a time or two since the first book.

 

Behr Facts is a wonderful addition to the series. The pun intended in the title is a big clue for anyone who likes their men in the form of big, burly men (bears). Behr may be the last name of MC, Abe Behr, but he is also the bear of the title. He is the CEO of the family construction company, which hires a great deal of the Behr family living in the local area. Since the death of his parents he has been trying to look after his younger brothers and then run the company with a single-minded determination which has meant that dating has been something he has pushed to bottom of his list. Things change when he meets freelance accountant Jeff Mason. In fact his presence not only saves his business and helps Abe find the bad apples in his company, but he also makes Abe want to be a man that Jeff is proud to be with (which includes having to come out).

Abe and Jeff are a very sweet couple. They’re both the type of personality that is quiet on the outside, hiding the depths are on the inside. They have a very quiet strength between them and the result of this is some understated but crackling sexual tension between them. The story is simple but it continues with the bigotry of the community with the increasing homosexual population (I think that’s how you say it). Abe is frustrated with the bigots and is keen to get rid of as many as possible, as well as trying to find out who is stealing from the family company. There is also a bit of set up for the future with Abe’s younger brothers, Ben and Connor.

Abe is a hard working guy who has always put others’ needs before his own, I’m glad he got his HEA with someone that complements him perfectly!

As a quick PS, if you go to be Pat Henshaw’s blog (http://patbooked.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/preliminary-stone-acres-ca-map.html) there is a map of the fictional Old Town in Stone Acres, California – where the series is set.

Foothills Pride Vol II by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpts & Review!

Pat Henshaw - Foothills Pride Banner

Hiya guys, we have Pat Henshaw visiting today with her upcoming releases Foothills Pride Vol 02 paperback, we have a short interview, a couple of great excerpts and Prime’s review so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Foothills Pride Vol II

by

Pat Henshaw

The influx of San Francisco Bay Area gays is now commonplace in Stone Acres, California. But that means big city problems—much to the dismay of long-time residents of the small community.

In Relative Best, Zeke Bandy’s hotel becomes a haven for a battered youth. Native American Vic Longbow, who escaped a similarly brutal upbringing, comes face-to-face with it at Zeke’s place. With trouble surrounding them, can Zeke and Vic find their own peace and love?

On the outside, hardware store owner Frank McCord is the town’s bachelor handyman in Frank at Heart. Inside, he’s pining for true love, particularly the regard of software designer Christopher Darling. But recently divorced Christopher isn’t looking for another husband.

Country contractor Ben in Waking the Behr has always believed he’s heterosexual…until he meets city entrepreneur Mitch O’Shea. Mitch never thought he’d settle down with a guy from the country. Can a gay city mouse and a sexually confused country mouse find love?

When UC Davis horticulture grad Fen Miller agrees to help out in his cousin’s nursery over Christmas, he rents a room in sous chef John Barton’s Victorian house. John, another shorter than average man, catches Fen’s interest. But John’s past comes back to threaten them both in Short Order.

Continue reading “Foothills Pride Vol II by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpts & Review!”

Waking the Behr by Pat Henshaw

Title: Waking the Behr

Series: Foothills Pride 06

Author: Pat Henshaw

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (88 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20 Sept 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Both Ben and Mitch think they know exactly what they want. Turns out, they don’t even know their own hearts.

Good old boy Ben has dated women his entire life, while gay nightclub owner Mitch has never considered unsophisticated country boys his type. But after they start hanging out, the small-town contractor and the urban entrepreneur are both stunned by the electricity sparking between them.
As they step outside their comfort zones to spend time together, Mitch finds he enjoys rural car rallies, and Ben is intrigued by the upscale bars Mitch owns in San Francisco. When they share their lives and grow closer, they start to question the way they’ve always defined themselves. Then they kiss and fling open the door to love. Now they must step up and travel the road that may lead to happily ever after—even if that path isn’t one they ever expected to walk.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-916-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/waking-the-behr-by-pat-henshaw-8865-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Waking the Behr is the seventh book in Pat Henshaw’s Foothills Pride series. I have absolutely loved this series – I love the writing, the plot lines and most importantly the characters. Waking the Behr is no exception. However, I have to say I’ve come to the point in the series where I find that I need to reread some (if not all) previous installments so that I can remember the overlapping characters and storylines. Some of the twinks from previous books are very flamboyant and get into trouble as though they were teenagers (with their overprotective other halves ready to jump in and protect their men). I need to keep all of these guys in order in my mind.

Back in the world of Foothills Pride again we get to meet another member of the Behr family, who just so happens to get a bit of an awakening when he is attracted to another man after a lifetime of women. Ben Behr is also another Behr who is part of Behr Construction – the building firm which features throughout the series as the go to local builders.

When Ben meets Mitch, Ben is in for the biggest surprise of his life. He isn’t homophobic or scared of being gay or in the closet, but Ben has always dated women. But Ben realizes immediately that there is more to his connection with Mitch than simply being mates. (Since I’ve read a lot of paranormal books recently I feel I need to quality that I mean mates as in friends).

Mitch is the owner of a successful gay bars in San Francisco, he’s making an appearance in the Foothills because he wants to open a new bar and needs a building contractor to do up his new space. Mitch is also surprised about his attraction to Ben – not in the same way Ben is, of course, because Ben is smoking hot. Mitch is willing to let Ben take things slowly because let’s face it, this is gay for you and if Mitch had been a arsehole about Ben struggling with his feelings then I would not have liked Mitch at all.

As I said, this is a gay for you type of story. If you’ve read the previous books of the Foothills Pride series, you’ll know what type of story to expect. This is a really sweet book. The characters have sizzling hot attraction and I love how they both develop as I got to know them. I feel that I really got to know them and that of course made it so easy to relate to the guys.

What's In A Name? by Pat Henshaw ~ Audiobook

Pat Henshaw - What's In A Name Cover AudioTitle: What’s in a Name?

Series:  Foothills Pride 01

Author: Pat Henshaw

Narrator: David Ross

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 2 hrs, 49 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (21st October 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Barista Jimmy Patterson thinks it’s a good idea to get rip-roaring drunk on his birthday after he’s dumped by his boyfriend. When the burly owner of Stonewall’s Bar rescues Jimmy, the night starts to look up.

Now Jimmy just wants to know the bartender’s first name since he’s worn a different name tag every time Jimmy’s seen him. “Guy” Stone gives Jimmy seven guesses, one for each night he takes Jimmy out on a date.

While Jimmy’s trying to come up with his name, he’s distracted by the destruction of his coffee shop and what looks more and more like a hate crime.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: What’s in a Name? is the first book in the Foothills Pride series, a series which I read but now happily revisit by listening to the audio. The best part of this experience for me is that I found that the narrator, David Ross, did his job brilliantly and he really enhanced the feelings of the characters in this book.

Jimmy is a sweetheart and it’s difficult not to instantly feel sorry for this self-confessed twink. To top it all off, he’s attracted to the big bear of a man behind the bar at the only gay bar in town. The mystery is no one knows his name. They just know him as whichever name tag he was wearing when last seen or taken notice of. This makes Jimmy determined to work it out.

It’s certainly different having the entire plot predicated on a character trying to guess something about the other main character. In fact, I really enjoyed how the chapters were set up and it was really well paced too. Every couple chapters, when it gets to the end of the night after Jimmy and “Guy” have been out, it’s a short period of calm as we see what Jimmy has come up with. Then between all these guesses, Jimmy chronicles the drama that is unfolding around him, drama that “Guy” is more than willing to get involved in as long as Jimmy is kept safe. “Guy” is a teddy bear in every way possible and I found him instantly likable. His refusal to give his real name is more mischievous than annoying.

The pacing of this story is also quite good – not too fast and never tediously slow. I usually listen to audio books at 1.25x speed, mostly because I’m impatient and speeding up a tad gets us to a fairly normal talking speed for most narrators. The point is though, some books I want to speed up more because I’m just too impatient and I didn’t here. (I feel like I just admitted a naughty secret there). Not quite as funny as I remembered from when I read the book, but the danger element is certainly there to move the plot forward.

The Orpheum Miracle by Pat Henshaw (Bah Humbug Giveaway!)

Bah Humbug MMGBR Giveaway gif Pat Henshaw - The Orpheum Miracle Cover sTitle: The Orpheum Miracle

Series: Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar Bah Humbug.

Author:  Pat Henshaw

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Short (25 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4th December)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Christmas joy is a matter of perspective. For some, it’s the happiest time of the year. For others, not so much.

Twenty-nine-year-old Mick, the son of crack addicts, isn’t exactly a dyed-in-the-wool Scrooge. Mick’s been on his own from childhood. As a teen, he lived in a shelter, where for a short time he had a boyfriend. After the boyfriend left, Mick moved to the Orpheum Theater. While squatting there and taking care of the grand old building, Mick watched others celebrate the holidays from a distance, never able to share in their merriment. 

Only his Technicolor dreams liven his dull, mechanical life until one day the world around him begins to change. Mick is surprised when a man named Jim buys the vintage Orpheum and plans to restore it. Something about Jim makes Mick think they’ve met before. In fact, Jim rekindles Mick’s longing for a better life and a little holiday magic for himself.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-166-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-orpheum-miracle-by-pat-henshaw-7933-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I really have become a true fan of Pat Henshaw’s work since getting into the Foothills Pride series. The Orpheum Miracle is Pat’s offering this year to Dreamspinner Press’s Christmas themed stories.

This is a really sweet and uplifting story, which reminded me a bit Oliver Twist or A Christmas Carol when it comes to basing the entire thing around Christmas and orphans. Mick is the character narrating our story. He lived in a kid’s home most of his life, never adopted and all he really has is his job managing the Orpheum Theatre. He really has only connected with one person in his life, but that was back in his teens and that kid had disappeared from his life when the kid got adopted.

Things change one Christmas, a time of year he has never got to love, when he meets the new owner of the theatre, Jim. Jim is a bit mysterious, but you’ll figure out the ending before you get there probably. Nonetheless, the romance that begins to develop between the MCs is sweet and I totally loved it!

Pat Henshaw - The Orpheum Miracle Square gif

1st prize $100 DSP credits!
2nd prize $50 DSP credits!
3rd prize $25 DSP credits!
4th prize $25 DSP credits!

(Winners will be picked by a dart on 1st January 2017)

Pat Henshaw’s question!

Who is the sheriff in Stone Acres, California? (Foothill Pride series)

(Just leave a comment with the answer on this post)

MMGBR Bah Humbug Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - The Orpheum Miracle Banner gif

Bah Humbug MM Good Book Reviews Giveaway Coming Soon!

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Hey everyone! I’m just here today to give you the heads up for MM Good Book Reviews upcoming month long giveaway which starts on the 1st December 2016. 

MM Good Book Reviews has asked each of the Bah Humbug Advent Calendar authors to submit a question which you readers will be able to answer. And most of them agreed! So throughout the month of December EVERY DAY we’ll have a review from the Bah Humbug Advent and the books author will ask a question… all you have to do is to answer the question in the comments for that review.

What will you win? Well I’m feeling very generous this year so MM Good Book Reviews has the most AMAZING prizes… especially for those of you who will be feeling the pennies pinching in the New Year! 4th & 3rd prizes are $25 Dreamspinner Press Credits, 2nd prize will be $50 Dreamspinner Press Credits and 1st prize is an astounding $100 Dreamspinner Press Credits!  

I know you’re thinking ‘what’s the catch’. Let me assure you there’s no catch whatsoever other than needing a Dreamspinner Press account if you win, oh and needing to get the answers correct 😉

The best thing about the giveaway is… there’s 31 chances to win! Yep if you comment on every Bah Humbug review with the correct answers then your name will be pinned 31 times to the corkboard (darts! It’s gonna be so fun on New Years Day) if you get 26 correct answers then your name will be pinned 26 times on the corkboard, easy.

And while it would be nice if you visited us every day in December you don’t have to, that’s right you could just visit once a week or if you’re really pushed for time then just once on the 31st Dec, I’ll be creating a page with all the links to the reviews and questions so you won’t have to miss any 🙂

So guys why don’t you nip over to Dreamspinner Press, check out the Bah Humbug Advent and take a look at the stories that have made me feel super generous this year <3

Don’t forget the MM Good Book Reviews Bah Humbug Giveaway starts on the 1st December! 

Lots of huggles & snuggles ~Pixie~

bahhumbugfs-s

Bah Humbug

There’s always that one guy for whom the holiday season is anything but jolly. It’s a bother, a trial, or in a few cases, a downright misery, but in the end, the holidays bring hope, love, and cheer to even the darkest of days. What else but love would get Scrooge willingly under the mistletoe?

Holiday reading fun! A story delivered automatically to your bookshelf each day in December. More than 400,000 words of romantic fiction in 31 stories that would sell individually for a total of $85.69. Buy the package early and save:

November* – $49.99

*Sale of packages for daily delivery ends Nov. 25.

Beginning December 1, stories will be available individually as priced or as a bulk package for $64.99.

Dreamspinner Press

mm-good-book-reviews-giveaway-bah-humbug-square-dsp-2

Relative Best by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - Relative Best tour-banner

Hi guys, we have Pat Henshaw popping in today to celebrate the release of Relative Best, the fifth book in the Foothills Pride series. We have a great excert and fantastic giveaway and Prime’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Pat Henshaw - Relative Best Cover s

Relative Best

(Foothills Pride 05)
by

Pat Henshaw

Sometimes love sneaks up when you’re least looking for it….

Zeke Bandy, owner of Bandy’s Finest Hotel in Old Town Stone Acres, California, is too busy for love. Not only does he oversee the operations of the historic hotel and uphold his family’s tradition of offering refuge to strays and runaways, Zeke also sings and plays down-home music two nights a week at the Stonewall Saloon and for occasional celebrations. Then Zeke meets Victor Longbow, the man of his dreams.

Vic isn’t looking for love either. In fact, because of his upbringing in a strict, white foster family, Vic’s not sure he believes in love. He’s in Stone Acres to open a branch office of a national brokerage firm. He’s also hoping to find a vintage photo of what might be his Native American ancestor.

After their paths cross, they become friends, then more. Connected by their experiences as orphans raised by flawed fathers, Zeke and Vic realize that some men must find love, hone it, and create families for themselves.

Continue reading “Relative Best by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Relative Best by Pat Henshaw

Pat Henshaw - Relative Best Cover sTitle: Relative Best

Series: Foothills Pride 05

Author: Pat Henshaw

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (80 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14 Aug 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes love sneaks up when you’re least looking for it….

Zeke Bandy, owner of Bandy’s Finest Hotel in Old Town Stone Acres, California, is too busy for love. Not only does he oversee the operations of the historic hotel and uphold his family’s tradition of offering refuge to strays and runaways, Zeke also sings and plays down-home music two nights a week at the Stonewall Saloon and for occasional celebrations. Then Zeke meets Victor Longbow, the man of his dreams.

Vic isn’t looking for love either. In fact, because of his upbringing in a strict, white foster family, Vic’s not sure he believes in love. He’s in Stone Acres to open a branch office of a national brokerage firm. He’s also hoping to find a vintage photo of what might be his Native American ancestor. 

After their paths cross, they become friends, then more. Connected by their experiences as orphans raised by flawed fathers, Zeke and Vic realize that some men must find love, hone it, and create families for themselves.

ISBN: 9781634775717

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/relative-best-by-pat-henshaw-7364-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I have absolutely been loving Pat Henshaw’s Foothill Pride series and Relative Best is a fantastic addition to this wonderful world. While these books can be read as a standalone, I think it would be an injustice not to read the entire series. While the couples we have previously met only briefly pop up every now and again, there really isn’t an overarching plot aside from occasional issues from the narrow-minded town council, Henshaw’s world in Stone Acres, California is worth the money and time.

Relative best follows the story of Zeke Bandy (who we’ve met before on a couple occasions) and Vic (we’ve met one of his adopted relatives before). In fact, Vic is in town to attend his cousin’s wedding, just weeks before he was due to move to Stone Acres in order to set up a satellite company of the financial institute he works for. Zeke has popped up numerous times – he runs the historic, boutique hotel in town which had been previously owned by his father and grandfather, neither of whom had been able to much more than barely keep the hotel afloat. Zeke also performs a couple times a week at the town pub/bar.

When the two men meet the sparks fly straight away. Both guys are strong men but they are simply great together. While they seem to be polar-opposites there are a lot of similarities and although they do not commiserate about their not so stellar families they do support each other. They also, unwittingly, start the next chapter of their lives together. There is also the really sweet aspect of this series which is essentially a book about two guys trying to heal from difficult childhoods.

This is an enjoyable story and a great addition to the series. I found this to be full of emotion and fully relatable.

Foothill Pride stories Vol I by Pat Henshaw (Paperback)

Pat Henshaw - Foothills Pride Cover sTitle: Foothills Pride stories Vol I

Series: Foothills Pride 01 – 04

Author: Pat Henshaw

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 4 Novella’s (350pgs) Paperback

ISBN: 978-1-63477-689-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th August 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ¾ Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: A Foothills Pride Collection

The tiny Sierra Nevada community of Stone Acres looks benign on the outside, but it’s been a hive of activity since gay men from Silicon Valley began moving in. The Old Town establishment is up in arms as newcomers challenge the conservative community to move into the new millennium. Along the way, gay couples find true love and a new home.

Burly, bald bartender Guy Stone watches barista Jimmy Patterson get dumped by his boyfriend, then swoops in to help Jimmy recover in What’s in a Name? After sporting goods merchant Max Greene hires flamboyant Fredi Zimmer to remodel his mountain cabin in Redesigning Max, closeted Max falls for the out-and-proud Fredi. When contractor Abe Behr hires accountant Jeff Mason to find out who’s embezzling from the company in Behr Facts, little does workaholic Abe know he’s opening his heart as well as his books to the man. In When Adam Fell, renowned chef Adam de Leon thought he’d lost the love of his life, David Fairbanks, to drugs until David reappears in Stone Acres and wants another chance.

Despite the obstacles, happily ever afters are waiting in the foothills.

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/foothills-pride-stories-vol-1-by-pat-henshaw-7362-b

Reviews:

Pat Henshaw - What's In A Name -final-previewWhat’s In A Name ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This is one pretty damn cool and well-written story. Jimmy is a sweetheart and it’s difficult not to instantly feel sorry for this self-confessed twink. To top it all off, he’s attracted to the big bear of a man behind the bar at the only gay bar in town.

The mystery is no one knows his name. They just know him as whichever nametag he was wearing when last seen or taken notice of. This makes Jimmy determined to work it out.

It’s certainly different having the entire plot predicated on a character trying to guess something about the other main character. In fact, I really enjoyed how the chapters were set up and it was really well paced too. Every couple of chapters, when it gets to the end of the night after Jimmy and “Guy” have been out, it’s a short period of calm as we see what Jimmy has come up with.

Then between all these guesses, Jimmy chronicles the drama that is unfolding around him, drama that “Guy” is more than willing to get involved in as long as Jimmy is kept safe. “Guy” is a teddy bear in every way possible and I found him instantly likable. His refusal to give his real name is more mischievous than annoying.

I really enjoyed the pacing and the cast of characters in this book. This is the type of book you can sit back and just read without thinking too much. Really, this is just a bit of funny with some mystery thrown in but not too much danger.

Pat Henshaw - Redesigning Max FSRedesigning Max ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

When I read book 1 of this series, What’s in a Name? I had no idea that it was the start of the series. Now that I’ve devoured book 2, Redesigning Max, it is official, I love Pat Henshaw’s books.

But let me back track for a second: although both Foothill Pride books can be read as a standalone book with no real overarching plot, I have to say it is just a simple pleasure getting to know the guys of book 1, Jimmy and Guy, before you’re reacquainted with them again in book 2 as minor characters.

Thinking on it, I’ve decided that I’ve become a fan of Pat Henshaw’s writing. The characters just feel so real and in turn they are relatable to the reader. I love the personalities of the self-confessed twinks and the really quiet, stoic type of manly man.

Redesigning Max is about interior designer and architect, Fredi (not Fred). While sipping coffee, waiting for a client at his best mate’s cafe, Jimmy from book 1, he is approached by the rather socially inept Max. Max inherited a cabin and after asking another local, was recommended to hire Fredi to do the job. Fredi is full of energy and is very personable. He is, however, also a consummate professional.

Max on the other hand is socially awkward after a rough childhood of being ignored by his guardians. The two guys seem a bit odd together at first. But as the saying goes, opposites attract and the attraction between the guys goes from wonderfully awkward to super-hot and sizzling.

Cannot wait for more!

Pat Henshaw - Behr Facts CoverBehr Facts ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This is the third installment and Pat Henshaw’s Foothills Pride series and I am still in love with it as much as I was when I first had the pleasure to read and review the first book. All books in this series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you read it in order. There is a lot of overlap with characters popping up and even in a supporting role, these characters are such a key to the life of the town that I doubt that anyone could help but go back and read the stories of at least four other members of the community. But that’s just me, I suppose, since I’ve already stated just how much I love this series.

I am aware that fans of the paranormal/shifter genre may get tricked – Foothills Pride sounds like a shifter pack rather than it being the LGBTQ community of the Sierra Foothills being who they are/not hiding who they are. Being a fan of shifter books as well, this thought has crossed my mind a time or two since the first book.

Behr Facts is a wonderful addition to the series. The pun intended in the title is a big clue for anyone who likes their men in the form of big, burly men (bears). Behr may be the last name of MC, Abe Behr, but he is also the bear of the title. He is the CEO of the family construction company, which hires a great deal of the Behr family living in the local area.

Since the death of his parents he has been trying to look after his younger brothers and then run the company with a single-minded determination which has meant that dating has been something he has pushed to bottom of his list. Things change when he meets freelance accountant Jeff Mason. In fact his presence not only saves his business and helps Abe find the bad apples in his company, but he also makes Abe want to be a man who Jeff is proud to be with (which includes having to come out).

Abe and Jeff are a very sweet couple. They’re both the type of personality that is quiet on the outside, hiding the depths are on the inside. They have a very quiet strength between them and the result of this is some understated but crackling sexual tension between them. The story is simple but it continues with the bigotry of the community with the increasing homosexual population (I think that’s how you say it).

Abe is frustrated with the bigots and is keen to get rid of as many as possible, as well as trying to find out who is stealing from the family company. There is also a bit of set up for the future with Abe’s younger brothers, Ben and Connor.

Abe is a hard-working guy who has always put others’ needs before his own, I’m glad he got his HEA with someone who complements him perfectly!

Pat Henshaw - When Adam Fell CoverWhen Adam Fell ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

I simply love returning to Pat Henshaw’s world of the Foothills Pride series, where a community in Sierra Foothills near San Francisco is the location for a small group of gay men to settle and call home.

This story we get to know more about Adam – he was once a famous TV chef with fancy San Francisco restaurants and cook books – he had also been a local boy and had moved back to Stone Acres when things turned to shit in San Francisco. Adam had been both lover and best friend to Jason when the two set out to make their fortunes in San Francisco. But San Francisco seemed to have swallowed Jason whole in a world of drugs and sex.

Adam has been in the series since the start in What’s In a Name? – a real funny and quirky book for those who have not read it yet. We pick up the story of Adam and Jason when a clean and sober Jason (now David, which is his middle name) goes to Adam’s restaurant to talk. The guys still great chemistry together despite the years, heartache and trauma that had initially led to them losing each other.

I love that David (Jason) is not bitter at Adam or has any abandonment issues. David has no illusions to what he was. It seems that abandonment was exactly what he needed to get clean.

This is a story about rediscovery and lost love. It is totally sweet. The only thing that I would have liked to have know more about was a bit more of an injection of emotion when it came to their shared past, I think that would have made their future all the more sweeter.

If you’ve been reading the Foothills Pride series this is another satisfying instalment. If you’ve not read the books, while this reads well as a standalone, I think it would be nice to go back and read the first three – if not for anything else you get to read about other charming characters such as Fredi, Max, Jimmy and Guy. Although Abe and Jeff from book 3 do not make an appearance there is a brief mention of them.

Pat Henshaw - Foothills Pride Stone Acres FP-map s

Foothills Pride Vol 01 & Relative Best by Pat Henshaw Guest Post & Excerpt!

Pat Henshaw - Foothills Pride BannerPat Henshaw - Relative Best Banner

Hiya guys, we have Pat Henshaw visiting today with her upcoming releases Foothills Pride Vol 01 paperback and Relative Best, we have a fantastic guest post and a great excerpt from Relative Best, so check out the post and leave a comment for Pat! <3 ~Pixie~

Pat Henshaw - Foothills Pride Cover s

Foothills Pride Vol 01

(Books 01 – 04)
by

Pat Henshaw

A Foothills Pride Collection

The tiny Sierra Nevada community of Stone Acres looks benign on the outside, but it’s been a hive of activity since gay men from Silicon Valley began moving in. The Old Town establishment is up in arms as newcomers challenge the conservative community to move into the new millennium. Along the way, gay couples find true love and a new home.

Burly, bald bartender Guy Stone watches barista Jimmy Patterson get dumped by his boyfriend, then swoops in to help Jimmy recover in What’s in a Name? After sporting goods merchant Max Greene hires flamboyant Fredi Zimmer to remodel his mountain cabin in Redesigning Max, closeted Max falls for the out-and-proud Fredi. When contractor Abe Behr hires accountant Jeff Mason to find out who’s embezzling from the company in Behr Facts, little does workaholic Abe know he’s opening his heart as well as his books to the man. In When Adam Fell, renowned chef Adam de Leon thought he’d lost the love of his life, David Fairbanks, to drugs until David reappears in Stone Acres and wants another chance.

Despite the obstacles, happily ever afters are waiting in the foothills.

Release date: 17th August 2016

Pre-order: Dreamspinner Press paperback | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

Pat Henshaw - Relative Best Cover s

Relative Best

(Foothills Pride 05)
by

Pat Henshaw

Sometimes love sneaks up when you’re least looking for it….

Zeke Bandy, owner of Bandy’s Finest Hotel in Old Town Stone Acres, California, is too busy for love. Not only does he oversee the operations of the historic hotel and uphold his family’s tradition of offering refuge to strays and runaways, Zeke also sings and plays down-home music two nights a week at the Stonewall Saloon and for occasional celebrations. Then Zeke meets Victor Longbow, the man of his dreams.

Vic isn’t looking for love either. In fact, because of his upbringing in a strict, white foster family, Vic’s not sure he believes in love. He’s in Stone Acres to open a branch office of a national brokerage firm. He’s also hoping to find a vintage photo of what might be his Native American ancestor.

After their paths cross, they become friends, then more. Connected by their experiences as orphans raised by flawed fathers, Zeke and Vic realize that some men must find love, hone it, and create families for themselves.

Release Date: 17th August 2016

Continue reading “Foothills Pride Vol 01 & Relative Best by Pat Henshaw Guest Post & Excerpt!”

When Adam Fell by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - When Adam Fell 960x350

Hi guys, we have Pat Henshaw stopping by with her latest release When Adam Fell, we have a short interview with Pat, a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Prime’s review, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Pat Henshaw - When Adam Fell Cover

When Adam Fell

(Foothills Pride 04)
by

Pat Henshaw

When his lover Jason’s drug addiction spiraled out of control, TV celebrity chef and cookbook author Adam de Leon walked away from him. Adam also abandoned his renowned restaurant in San Francisco to start a small bistro in the Sierra Foothills.

Five years later Adam is battling the conservative leaders of Stone Acres, California, to open a new restaurant in historic Old Town when Jason turns up on his doorstep—a recovered Jason, now going by the name David and claiming he’s overcome his addictions. What’s more, he begs Adam to take him back and says he’s ready for their happily ever after.

Adam has enough on his plate with problems plaguing the opening of his restaurant. And now he’s having a hard time deciding which to follow—his head or his heart.

Continue reading “When Adam Fell by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

When Adam Fell by Pat Henshaw

WhenAdamFellLGTitle: When Adam Fell
Series: Foothills Pride, #4
Author: Pat Henshaw
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 92 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (24 Feb 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: When his lover Jason’s drug addiction spiraled out of control, TV celebrity chef and cookbook author Adam de Leon walked away from him. Adam also abandoned his renowned restaurant in San Francisco to start a small bistro in the Sierra Foothills.

Five years later Adam is battling the conservative leaders of Stone Acres, California, to open a new restaurant in historic Old Town when Jason turns up on his doorstep—a recovered Jason, now going by the name David and claiming he’s overcome his addictions. What’s more, he begs Adam to take him back and says he’s ready for their happily ever after.

Adam has enough on his plate with problems plaguing the opening of his restaurant. And now he’s having a hard time deciding which to follow—his head or his heart.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-970-9

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7452

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I simply love returning to Pat Henshaw’s world of the Foothills Pride series, where a community in Sierra Foothills near San Francisco is the location for a small group of gay men to settle and call home.

This story we get to know more about Adam – he was once a famous TV chef with fancy San Francisco restaurants and cook books – he had also been a local boy and had moved back to Stone Acres when things turned to shit in San Francisco. Adam had been both lover and best friend to Jason when the two set out to make their fortunes in San Francisco. But San Francisco seemed to have swallowed Jason whole in a world of drugs and sex.

Adam has been in the series since the start in What’s In a Name? – a real funny and quirky book for those who have not read it yet. We pick up the story of Adam and Jason when a clean and sober Jason (now David, which is his middle name) goes to Adam’s restaurant to talk. The guys still great chemistry together despite the years, heartache and trauma that had initially led to them losing each other.

I love that David (Jason) is not bitter at Adam or has any abandonment issues. David has no illusions to what he was. It seems that abandonment was exactly what he needed to get clean.

This is a story about rediscovery and lost love. It is totally sweet. The only thing that I would have liked to have know more about was a bit more of an injection of emotion when it came to their shared past, I think that would have made their future all the more sweeter.

If you’ve been reading the Foothills Pride series this is another satisfying instalment. If you’ve not read the books, while this reads well as a standalone, I think it would be nice to go back and read the first three – if not for anything else you get to read about other charming characters such as Fredi, Max, Jimmy and Guy. Although Abe and Jeff from book 3 do not make an appearance there is a brief mention of them.

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

Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw

RedesigningMaxLGTitle: Redesigning Max
Series: Foothills Pride, #2
Author: Pat Henshaw
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (98 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29 July 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Outdoors, hires Fredi to revamp his rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fredi is an out-and-proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes he remodels, and Max is just too hunky for words.

When Max comes on to Fredi, the designer can’t imagine why. But he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, even if it’s just in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max’s dilapidated cabin into a showplace. Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually?

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out is the most exciting and wonderful time in his life, despite the conservative former friends who think they’re saving him from sliding into hell.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-317-2

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6690

Reviewer: Prime

Review: When I read book 1 of this series, What’s in a Name? I had no idea that it was the start of the series. Now that I’ve devoured book 2, Redesigning Max, it is official, I love Pat Henshaw’s books.

But let me back track for a second: although both Foothill Pride books can be read as a standalone book with no real over arching plot, I have to say it is just a simple pleasure getting to know the guys of book 1, Jimmy and Guy, before you’re reacquainted with them again in book 2 as minor characters.

Thinking on it, I’ve decided that I’ve become a fan of Pat Henshaw’s writing. The characters just feel so real and in turn they are relatable to the reader. I love the personalities of the self-confessed twinks and the really quiet, stoic type of manly man.

Redesigning Max is about interior designer and architect, Fredi (not Fred). While sipping coffee, waiting for a client at his best mate’s cafe, Jimmy from book 1, he is approached by the rather socially inept Max. Max inherited a cabin and after asking another local, was recommended to hire Fredi to do the job. Fredi is full of energy and is very personable. He is, however, also a consummate professional.

Max on the other hand is socially awkward after a rough childhood of being ignored by his guardians. The two guys seem a bit odd together at first. But as the saying goes, opposites attract and the attraction between the guys goes from wonderfully awkward to super hot and sizzling.

And the really awesome part of it all? Book 3 in the series, Behr Facts, is due out and we get a sneak peek at the end of this book!

Cannot wait for more!

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

Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - Redesigning Max 960x350

Hi guys we have Pat Henshaw stopping by now with the blog tour for her newest release Redesigning Max, we have a short interview with Pat, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~ 

Pat Henshaw - Redesigning Max FS

Redesigning Max

(Foothills Pride 02)
by

Pat Henshaw

Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Hunting and Fishing, hires him to remodel his rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills.  Fredi is an out and proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes’ he remodels, and Max is just too hunky gorgeous for words.

When Max starts coming on to Fredi, the designer can’t imagine why.  But he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, even if it’s just in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max’s dilapidated rustic cabin into a showplace.  Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually?

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally.  Coming out, he finds is the most exciting and wonderful time of his life, despite the conservative former friends who want to stop his slide into hell.

Continue reading “Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

What's in a Name by Pat Henshaw

Title: What’s in a Name
Series: N/A
Author: Pat Henshaw
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (90 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 21st, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Barista Jimmy Patterson thinks it’s a good idea to get rip-roaring drunk on his birthday after he’s dumped by his boyfriend. When the burly owner of Stonewall’s Bar recues Jimmy, the night starts to look up.

Now Jimmy just wants to know the bartender’s first name since he’s worn a different nametag every time Jimmy’s seen him. “Guy” Stone gives Jimmy seven guesses, one for each night. He takes Jimmy out on a date.

While Jimmy’s trying to come up with his name, he’s distracted by the destruction of his coffee shop and what looks more and more like a hate crime.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-399-8

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5965

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one pretty damn cool and well-written story. Jimmy is a sweetheart and it’s difficult not to instantly feel sorry for this self-confessed twink. To top it all off, he’s attracted to the big bear of a man behind the bar at the only gay bar in town.

The mystery is no one knows his name. They just know him as whichever nametag he was wearing when last seen or taken notice of. This makes Jimmy determined to work it out.

It’s certainly different having the entire plot predicated on a character trying to guess something about the other main character. In fact, I really enjoyed how the chapters were set up and it was really well paced too. Every couple of chapters, when it gets to the end of the night after Jimmy and “Guy” have been out, it’s a short period of calm as we see what Jimmy has come up with.

Then between all these guesses, Jimmy chronicles the drama that is unfolding around him, drama that “Guy” is more than willing to get involved in as long as Jimmy is kept safe. “Guy” is a teddy bear in every way possible and I found him instantly likable. His refusal to give his real name is more mischievous than annoying.

I really enjoyed the pacing and the cast of characters in this book. This is the type of book you can sit back and just read without thinking too much. Really, this is just a bit of funny with some mystery thrown in but not too much danger.

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

What's in a Name? by Pat Henshaw Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Pat Henshaw - What's In A Name 600x600Banner

Hi peeps, we have Pat Henshaw popping in today to show off her brand new release What’s In a Name? Pat has brought along a sneak peek and a great giveaway, and we have Prime’s review for you to enjoy! So check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Pat Henshaw - What's In A Name -final-preview

 What’s In A Name?

 by

Pat Henshaw

Barista Jimmy Patterson thinks it’s a good idea to get rip-roaring drunk on his birthday after he’s dumped by his boyfriend. When the burly owner of Stonewall’s Bar rescues Jimmy, the night starts to look up.

Now Jimmy just wants to know the bartender’s first name since he’s worn a different name tag every time Jimmy’s seen him. “Guy” Stone gives Jimmy seven guesses, one for each night he takes Jimmy out on a date.

While Jimmy’s trying to come up with his name, he’s distracted by the destruction of his coffee shop and what looks more and more like a hate crime.

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