Nothing Special by A.E. Via ~ Audio Review

A.E. Via - Nothing Special Audio Cover 73gv4Title: Nothing Special

Series: Nothing Special 01

Author: A.E. Via

Narrator: Aiden Snow

Genre: Contemporary, Action, Thriller

Length: 9 hrs, 47 mins

Publisher: A.E. Via (14th May 2019)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Detective Cashel “Cash” Godfrey is big, tattooed, and angry so people typically keep their dis-tance. He’s fresh out of the police academy, however, no one is looking to partner with the six-foot-four beast with a huge chip on his shoulder and an inability to trust. When Cash scans the orientation room he wasn’t expecting to find sexy hazel eyes locked onto him. Eyes of the handsome Detective Leonidis “Leo” Day.

Leo is charming, witty, hilariously sarcastic and the only one that can make Cash smile. He’s proud, out, and one bad-ass detective.

Together, Cash and Leo become the most revered and successful narcotics detectives Atlanta’s ever seen. Able to communicate and understand each other, without even having to voice it, they quickly climb up the promotional ranks.

When Cash saves Leo’s life in a raid that turns deadly, Leo begins to see something in the big man that no one else does…something special. But Leo fears he’ll never break through the im-penetrable wall that protects Cash’s heart.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Nothing Special is the first book in AE Via’s series of the same name. Being that I’ve not read much of Via’s work in the past, I had no idea what to expect, but the blurb seemed interesting, especially if you’re in hot cops and gritty action.

And wow! This was amazing. I loved this book from start to finish.

There were so many hot sex scenes, but they didn’t feel superfluous, in fact I was impressed because I normally hate too many sex scenes in books, especially because many of them don’t feel that they belong in the story and have just been slapped in for a sexy break between high points.

The story starts with Leonidis Day, or just Day. His first day on the force as a detective he is paired up with Cashel Godfrey, or God as he is better known. Day gets trouble from a fellow officer on his first day for being gay, but Day is a fighter and doesn’t stand down. He is also immediately aware of just how sexy his hulking, tattooed partner is. Four years later Day and God have become an unbeatable force in the drug squad. They’re known for their cowboy antics but no one can argue with their results. They are not only partners, they are also best friends.

But things change as their feelings have evolved from day one to the present and they are faced with having to admit to a few things. God and Day aren’t scared and Day is not about to lose his best friend when he knows that they are meant to be so much more. A couple life threatening instances create tension that neither can deny. Through all this, the sexual tension, their jobs and illness, we also get to know so much more about God and Day, more about their family and how this ties into their motivations as characters.

The plot and premise is actually quite simple, but there are so many moving parts that are so well executed, I was hooked from the start and was sad to see the end.

The characters are wonderful. As well as Day and God, there are also a number of secondary characters who are just as vital to the story as the MCs. Each of them are very well developed, we are given their backstory, we see them grow. Nothing Special is one of those books where I am just so happy because the characters are so well fleshed out, the character arcs makes sense as the story goes along so there aren’t any wild card scenes that don’t make as much sense as the rest of the book. The chemistry between Day and God is electric. It’s so easy to understand why they are such good partners and why it is so natural that their relationship evolved into something a lot more. I think I just have to leave it at that I love each everyone of Via’s characters.

The narration was as amazing as the book itself. I don’t think that I am familiar with the work of Aiden Snow. However, he has a tone and timbre that matches the gritty, dangerous feel of the book and the cops that put themselves in the line of fire to do their duty. His voices for Day and God are great and it was just a joy to listen to. I especially loved how he was able to convey the snarkiness and the caffeine junky that is so central to Day’s character. Day and God are both very strong men, and this is heard in the narration. Overall, a wonderful performance that I cannot fault.

I recommend this one to people that love hot cops, a story with a touch of danger, a lot of love and a heck of a lot of sex.

From A Jack to A King by Scotty Cade ~ Audio Review

Scotty Cade - From A Jack To A King Audio Cover 34h23kTitle: From A Jack to A King

Author: Scotty Cade

Narrator: Kenneth Obi

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 34 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th December 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: New York Times best-selling mystery writer Bay Whitman leads the life of a celebrity – at least on the surface. In public, he’s self-assured and in control. Women hang on his every word, while men envy his confidence and swagger. But in reality, Bay is a loner. He’s shy and intro-verted, and his life consists of sitting in a dimly lit room writing his famous Jack Robbins mystery novels. His one vice – gambling. Winning an escort in a poker game will change Bay’s life in ways he never imagined.

Matthew “King” Slater is one of the hottest tickets in gay porn. He spends his days in front of the camera and his nights as a highly paid escort to the rich and famous. Deep down, he craves romance and a real connection, but his past makes it hard to separate the needs of his body from those of his heart. For now, it’s easier to think of sex as just a job. But while doing a shoot in Vegas, King is hired for a tryst at a famous hotel and casino, and his handsome client might blur the line between work and play.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: From A Jack to A King is a standalone contemporary romance by Scotty Cade, with narration for the audio performed by Kenneth Obi.

While Scotty Cade is a writer that I’ve read and enjoyed immensely in the past, I can’t say that he appears on my list of must-read authors. It’s more that I see interesting blurbs that spark my interest and I give it a go. Thinking about it, that seems odd to me because I love Cade’s writing style and his penchant for sweet and happy endings for his characters and that is totally my scene for a romance book. Perhaps I just need to read more from him? Maybe that list of authors is just way too long for me to really keep more than handful on my radar at once. I don’t know. Not the point.

Moving onto the narration, I was pleased after what seems to be months to have heard something from the wonderful Kenneth Obi. I’ve become familiar with Obi’s work particularly through the Dreamspun Desires audios, and these contemporary books are definitely where he shines as a narrator. He has a good tone and pace which is really pleasant to just listen to. I love that the two MCs have distinct voices despite them being so different, and in addition to that the secondary characters are also easily distinguished from his tone. Overall, a great narration, where the emotions of the characters and their complexities is captured wonderfully.

From A Jack to A King is a really interesting book. I can best describe the premise as quirky. In Vegas, New York Times best selling novelist Bay Whitman (who is something of a Robert Ludlum or Dan Brown), wins escort and popular gay porn star, King Slater, in a high-risk poker game where his opponent puts his appointment with an escort up as collateral. I really liked this initial set up, though it took me a few minutes to get on board with Bay getting his rush from playing high stakes poker but in the end didn’t come across as a gambling addict. Bay has a number of emotional and psychological scars which leaves him happiest on his own, being forced to go on book tours and make appearances often requires time as he puts on his public mask to get him through the ordeal. Because of this, Bay has never explored his sexuality at all, despite being in his thirties. He’s never allowed himself to get close enough to anyone, man or woman, to discover what it is that he wants. In fact, until he met King, love and romance had never been on his radar.

King Slater has his own demons to fight but meeting Bay intrigues him. He has no idea who Bay is and is surprised that Bay doesn’t recognise him. However, King is convinced that the man has to be bisexual if not gay and while developing some sort of odd friendship, he wants to push Bay’s buttons. The problem being that King isn’t really up to playing such a game, especially when it seems that his own feelings are becoming involved.

During their time at Vegas and beyond, the two men get to know each other and they begin to explore the possibilities of their relationship. The plot itself is really simple, and I’ve gone into a lot of detail here, but I’ve left out what happens in the last half, mostly because this is where the real deep character development happens. This is where King’s struggles also come into their own and that is something that I think Cade has done wonderfully, especially for “thing” that many of us would not understand. The guys are extremely complex, between their respective careers and their demons, there is a lot going on. However, by the end of it I felt like I knew them, could relate to their struggles despite having no personal knowledge of their issues. On top of that, their romance was a slow burn, although their attraction was immediate. I really enjoyed getting to know Bay and King and I was really happy with the ending that Cade gave his characters.

This is a story of two men working through and learning to live with their demons while establishing a deep and loving connection with each other. I recommend this for people that like a bit of celebrity with their romance, looking for characters on a journey of self-discovery and like slow burn romances.

The Lieutenant’s Mate by C.W. Gray

C.W. Gray - The Lieuntenant's Mate Cober 7u3-3Title: The Lieutenant’s Mate

Series: Blue Solace 04

Author: C.W. Gray

Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Paranormal

Publisher: C.W. Gray (March 10,2019)

Length: Novel (273 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Heart

Blurb: Welcome back to Charybdis Station and the crew of the Blue Solace.

Sebastian Dolarnio has a past. His parents sold him into indentured servitude when he was seventeen which led him to enforced prostitution. Fortunately, with the help of some very good friends, him and his daughter are safe and have a home – a beautiful, accepting place with more family than he ever dreamed of having. Then there’s his mate. A handsome, wonderful man calls Sebastian “mate” and Sebastian knows he doesn’t deserve him. He has to find a way to be worthy of his new home and his new mate. A strange Crellic book provides him with the answer to his problems, but it comes with complications of its own.

Alois has been dreaming of finding his life-mate since he was a kid. He knows that Sebastian is a dream come true, but how can he convince his mate of that plus fight the baggage he carries from his own past? When Sebastian begins a strange, wonderful journey, Alois knows that he has to be the loving and supportive mate that Sebastian deserves.

The two men build a life together and learn to love one another, but the galaxy is in turmoil and Charybdis Station is in the middle of it all.

ISBN: B07PKMYBW1

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: On a world where slavery was normal, a young man had been sold by his parents to pay a debt. He was seventeen and forced into prostitution which left him pregnant and alone. He did not even know who his baby’s father was, but he still loved the peanut. His favorite person was trying to help but died helping another. Her friends came and rescued him, which is how he met the man he will love, a mate.

Alois is a fierce fighter but becomes all mushy when he is around Sebastian. He knows the man is his mate, but also that he needs time to heal. Then something strange happens to Sebastian and lets just say the world is going to get quite interesting.

Sebastian and Alois had met in one of the previous books but now they get to have their own story being told. I love the fact that even though it does have a serious tone to it, it also has so much humor mixed in that makes it pop out to me. The way they are with each other and their friends is amazing, plus even if they are not family they will become family. Fire was just adorable and I can’t wait to see what happens next with him.

Action packed, excitement filled, and some hot sexy times are just a few things you get in this story. I can’t wait to start reading the next book. I can guarantee that it will be read many times over.

Prince of Air and Darkness by M.A. Grant

M.A. Grant - Prince of Air and Darkness Cover 74th3Title: Prince of Air and Darkness

Series: The Darkest Court 01

Author: M.A. Grant

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal 

Length: Novel (310pgs)

Publisher: Carina Press (February 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Phineas Smith has been cursed with a power no one could control.

Roark Lyne is his worst enemy and his only hope.

The only human student at Mather’s School of Magick, Phineas Smith has a target on his back. Born with the rare ability to tap into unlimited magick, he finds both Faerie Courts want his allegiance—and will do anything to get it.

They don’t realize he can’t levitate a feather, much less defend the Faerie Realm as it slips into civil war.

Unseelie Prince Roark Lyne, Phineas’s roommate—and self-proclaimed arch nemesis—is beautiful and brave and a pain in the ass. Phineas can’t begin to sort through their six years of sexual tension masquerading as mutual dislike. But Roark is also the only one able to help Finn tame his magick.

Trusting Roark’s mysterious motives may be foolish; not accepting his temporary protection would be deadly.

Caught in the middle of the impending war, Phineas and Roark forge a dangerous alliance. And as the walls between them crumble, Phineas realizes that Roark isn’t the monster he’d imagined. But their growing intimacy threatens to expose a secret that could either turn the tide of the war…or destroy them both.

ISBN: 9781488051227

Product Link: Carina Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Phineas has the ability to tap into the ley lines. While a unique and strong power it is also dangerous as he can not control it. Roark is the prince of air and darkness at unseelie court. His mother, the queen thinks that she could take Finn’s power, so kidnaps and tortures him until Roark rescues him. This is the beginning of the book.

From there Roark has to constantly save Finn from various creatures trying to take the power from him while at the same trying to keep his feelings about Finn under wraps. Everything comes to a head when war looms on the horizon between the fae realms.

Adventurous and action packed this story captures your attention from start to finish. I loved everything about the story. Roark suffers along with Finn until they can longer fight their feelings. The twists and turns in the book had me gasping when the secrets were revealed.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.

Great read.

Fire and Agate by Andrew Grey

Andrew Grey - Fire & Agate Cover 8vc3dTitle: Fire and Agate

Series: Carlisle Deputies 03

Author: Andrew Grey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 6, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: When Chris Anducci is moved off jail duty and into the sheriff’s office, he doesn’t expect his first assignment to be protecting a witness against a human trafficking ring. Knowing the new sheriff doesn’t abide screwups, Chris reluctantly agrees to work the case.

Pavle Kasun has spent the last four years of his life at the mercy of others. When an opportunity presented itself, he took it, resulting in his rescue. Now the safe houses he’s placed in are being threatened and he needs protection if he is to have any sort of chance at a life.

Chris opens his home to Pavle, but he doesn’t expect Pavle and his story to get under his skin… and stay there. Soon they discover they have more in common than either of them thought. Slowly Pavle comes out of his shell and Chris finds someone who touches his heart. But as the men looking for Pavle close in, they will stop at nothing to get him out of the way. Even if Chris can keep him safe, he might not be able to protect his heart if Pavle moves back home.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-942-0

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When Chris is assigned to the sheriff’s office he wasn’t expecting his first assignment to be protecting someone. What he really is not expecting is to fall for the man he is protecting. The young man’s story pulls at his heart strings but he is not the only one.

Pavle wanted to come to America and become a citizen. He had trusted those who swore they could do what he wanted. However what he got was not what he had expected. He had been sold many times over and just wanted someone to save him. After a few disasters with safe houses, he finds himself in the protection of one very sexy police officer.

Now my main question is how does Pavle get to the point so fast as he does with Chris. Someone with that much bad experience would have a much harder time then the author has with Pavle. However once you hear Pavle you realize just how much strength he has in him. He is pretty amazing as is Chris. Now I wouldn’t think that when someone is in protective custody he is allowed to just go to church or nanna’s house but one never knows. It just felt a bit off on that part. Other than that this story caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. It is probably one of my favorite’s as is the series.

Overall the story rocked and gave me pretty much everything I could ask for in a story. I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to start on the next book.

Slaves to a Voice by Jools Louise

Jools Louise - Slave to a Voice Cover 45n3mlTitle: Slaves to a Voice

Series: Elementals 01

Author: Jools Louise

Genre: Fantasy, Menage

Length: Short (56pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (19th June 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Blurb: Ferno, god of fire, has a problem. His stars are dying. Enlisting the help of Fross, god of snow and ice, a deity he’s already in love with but knows that their union can never work, he and Fross are flung into a dastardly plan to destroy all things Elemental. Ferno meets an old foe, Ibi, who’s on a revenge mission, determined to destroy everything Ferno loves…and put the Elementals out of business. Heading for Igneos, a volcanic world whose core has cooled, Ferno meets Moth, an Enigmuss worker. He and Fross fall headlong for the cutie, and in their Enigmuss disguise are able to kiss one another for the first time, setting sparks flying. In the midst of trying to reverse the weapon Ibi’s set in motion, Ferno, Moth, and Fross must figure out a way to co-exist after their mission is completed…if they survive Ibi’s murderous plot.

ISBN: 978-1-64243-851-2

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Ferno and Fross team up to find out how to stop the damage that is happening to worlds. They meet Moth an enigmuss, who sounded the alarm about Ibi. The sparks fly between the three as they try to stop Ibi’s plans from continuing.

There are a lot of characters at play throughout this story. Gods, a creator and enigmuss, a worker class of people who are influenced by Ibi’s lies. Moth is one two exceptions to this as neither succumb to the hypnotic voice.

I loved that more than one individual is involved in the evil plot as it adds a harder ploy to catch them all as is the case with most other stories. I look forward to reading more about the creator, gods, and the men mentioned that work for the creator that have been mentioned.

Highly recommended.

Finding Frankie by Stormy Glenn (2nd Edition)

Stormy Glenn - Finding Frankie Cover 748jnTitle: Finding Frankie (2nd Edition)

Series: Mech Warriors 01

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (May 2014)

Length: Novella (146pgs)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Heart

Blurb: Ten years ago, Roark lost his lover to a virus that killed millions. He’s searched for Frankie ever since. But bringing Frankie back might cost him more than his sanity. It might cost him his life.

Ten years ago, a virus swept the planet, killing millions. Just as the human population was starting to recover from that disaster, mechanical aliens invaded Earth looking for iron–and they had no problem exterminating the human race to get it.

Anthony Roarke lost his lover in the first wave of the virus. Frankie’s family secreted him away in a cryogenics facility until a cure could be found. But that was before the mechs invaded.

Roarke has searched for Frankie since the day he disappeared. Once word reaches he that Frankie has been located, Roarke wastes no time in going after his lover. But brining Frankie into the new world might cost him more than his sanity. It might cost him his life.

ISBN: 978-1-62741-804-1

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Ten years ago out on a date, Frankie had been injected with a virus that had killed million’s of people. He had been turned into a popsicle to keep him alive until a virus had been created. The problem was that had been five years before Frankie had been saved. His parents had placed him as far from the man he loved. So when Roark brought him out he had no clue of the new world or the dangers that existed.

Roark was the commander of his team keeping them alive, saving those in danger, taking out the mechs and looking for the man he loved. He knew he was going to have to explain what was happening but damn if his heart didn’t sing.

There was only one part of the story that I absolutely hated and that was mentioning to a man he loves that he slept with three guys. However I understood the reasoning for him letting him know due to the fact that one of them was at their camp, so it was all good. Plus Frankie punching the guy once was a fine addition. As always the author has created a world that is not only fascinating but kept my attention throughout. I loved the guys and their friends quite a bit. I really liked Frankie’s spunky attitude.

This story was a blast and I can honestly say that it will be read many times over. There is a serious tone to it, but humor was mixed in. It was the perfect story to me and I can’t wait to get started on book two.

Hearts and Flour by Tara Lain ~ Audio Review

Tara Lain - Hearts and Flour 3d Audio Cover 2j4nuTitle: Hearts and Flour

Author: Tara Lain

Narrator: Ry Forest

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 3 hrs, 13 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (19th June 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Can a raw food enthusiast find love with a guy who bakes cupcakes?

When Micah Truveen’s devoted health-food customers start showing up with white flour, Micah wants to chew nails! To make his misery worse, he finds his yoga teacher boyfriend in bed with another guy the day before Valentine’s Day. Micah decides to drown his misery at a friend’s an-ti-Valentine’s Day orgiastic hookup party – and meets the beautiful Queen, a gorgeous cross-dresser who’s got Southern sugah in his mouth and the right equipment under the dress.

But when the hookup turns serious, Micah has to compromise to protect Queen’s secrets from his beloved grandmother. With everything against them, can two hearts rise above the flour?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Hearts and Flour is a standalone, short story by Tara Lain (under 4 hours so perfect for commuting). I really like Tara Lain and although it is not a part of any series, it has the same Laguna setting as with her series’ Love in Laguna and Balls to the Wall.

The introduces us to Micah. He’s a raw vegan whose passion is running his raw vegan juice bar in Laguna, taking pleasure in helping his customer be healthy and stick to a vegetable-based diet. But life changes when his yoga-instructor boyfriend cheats on him and a cup cake store opens near his, drawing his very healthy customers to indulge in sinful cakes. Things start to turn around when he goes to a friend’s anti-Valentine party, where he meets drag-queen, Queen (? Not sure, Queen doesn’t like labels but feels a certain freedom wearing women’s clothing but identifies as a man). Things go well, really well. Then they meet again, first as Queen but then again as Quentin and either way, Micah is captured.

Quentin moved to California from the South with his elderly grandmother, who is quite spritely despite her age. He thinks they moved because the California climate is easier on the woman who practically raised him. The two have settled into their new home. Quentin and his grandmother have opened their own cupcake store. His grandmother goes to yoga. And despite being closeted, at least to his grandmother, Quentin meets other gay men and feels the instant attraction to Micah.

For obvious reasons, despite the fantastic chemistry, there is a definite stumbling block to this relationship!

The book was narrated by Ry Forest. I had to look it up to realise that I have heard Forest and immensely enjoyed the narration performed for Lain’s Love You So series. Still, that didn’t give me any expectations. However, I really enjoyed the narration of Hearts and Flour. Both characters were given very distinct voices, as a bonus I loved Quentin/Queen’s southern accent. I also loved his portrayal of Quentin’s 80-odd year-old grandmother who is very much a Southern Lady. Excellently done.

If this was a longer story we would be wanting to find out more about Micah and how his deep-seated issues led him to be a raw vegan, but for the length of the book we got the perfect amount of information, even if Micah was a bit of an overbearing drama queen at one stage.

I recommend this one to anyone who wants a quick, simple romance that will warm you. There is no angst, an annoying and manipulative ex and two enjoy sweet MCs who need some love in their lives.

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton ~ Audio Review

Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton - Family Man Audio Cover g3rd9Title: Family Man

Author: Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton

Narrator: Colin Darcy

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 40 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (5th June 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: At 40, Vincent “Vinnie” Fierro is still afraid to admit he might be gay – even to himself. It’ll be a problem for his big, fat Italian family. Still, after three failed marriages, it’s getting harder to ig-nore what he really wants.

Vinnie attempts some self-exploration in Chicago’s Boystown bars, far from anyone who knows him. Naturally, he runs smack into someone from the neighborhood.

Between working two jobs, going to school, taking care of his grandmother, and dealing with his mother’s ongoing substance abuse, Trey Giles has little time for fun, let alone dating someone who swears he’s straight. Yet after one night of dancing cheek-to-cheek, Trey agrees to let Vin-nie court him and see if he truly belongs on this side of the fence – though Trey intends to keep his virginity intact.

It seems like a solid plan, but nothing is simple when family is involved. When Vinnie’s family finds out about their relationship, the situation is sticky enough, but when Trey’s mother goes critical, Vinnie and Trey must decide whose happiness is most important – their families’ or their own.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Family Man is a standalone book, which is a collaboration between authors Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton. Previously, I’ve enjoyed both authors on their own but since collaborations between fantastic authors doesn’t always gel, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one.

The story starts with thirty-eight-year-old man, Vinnie Fierro. He’s from a massive Italian family in the suburbs of Chicago. He’s a plumber who is nagged by his family to live closer to them, and their family’s restaurant. The Fierro family are THE family in the area, the people to know and to get along with. A little stereotypical but I found it fun. After three failed marriages and a call to a job that gets him thinking, Vinnie starts to wonder if he’s gay and has been repressing his feelings. Although he feels some trepidation, Vinnie is willing to be open to possibilities. He isn’t angsty about it, just unsure and uncertain about how his Italian family would deal with it.

When he goes to a gay bar in the Boystown area, Vinnie is shocked to see twenty-two-year-old Trey Giles, who is a frequent customer to the Fierro’s restaurant and his grandmother is a family friend. The sparks between Trey and Vinnie are immediate. Trey hasn’t had an easy his life. His father died when he was young, his mother became a terrible alcoholic and it was up to he and his grandmother to keep things together. Trey had delayed going to college to help his mother, but nothing seems to be helping. I really liked Trey’s storyline because he is the character with true struggles and demons to deal with and he finds a lifeline with Vinnie.

One thing that I did look forward to was the narration. Colin Darcy is a narrator that I’ve become quite familiar with from his performances of some of the Dreamspun Desires audios. Darcy did a great job narrating Family Man. He added a lot of charm and appeal to the characters and I felt as though he was able to convey the emotions really well, yet someone in all that also sounded light-hearted. I particularly enjoyed the voice he gave to main character, Vinnie. It felt authentic (or as much as it feels authentic when you’re from the other side of the world and basing all your assumptions on TV and movies).

The book itself was excellent. Let’s face it, a later in life epiphany that involves falling for a much younger man can sometimes feel a bit tedious. Mostly because there is a lot of the same angst rehashed and massive dramas made over age gaps but not a lot. What I loved about this book was that instead of focusing much of the energy of the plot into the age gap and the older man insisting he was straight, we get to explore the conflicting emotions as the older man opens up and allows himself to face his feelings. In addition to that, because Vinnie is so open with his storyline, it makes for opportunity for a real well fleshed out plot regarding Trey and dealing with his mother’s condition.

I loved this one. I recommend this one for anyone that loves a good May- December romance.

Taming Emilio by Brina Brady Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Brina Brady - Taming Emilio BBBANNER-7

Hi guys, we have Brina Brady stopping by today with her release Taming Emilio, we have a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Brina Brady - Taming Emilio Cover 847hn

Taming Emilio

(Buried Secrets 02)
by

Brina Brady

Emilio Escobar hasn’t always made the right life choices, but to be fearing for his life at eighteen is not what he deserves. Physically battered and emotionally abused, he flees to his cousin, Rafe, head of the Gay Protector Society.

Rafe’s friend and co-owner of the society, Kaden Donagan, is interested in becoming Emilio’s protector, but it comes with a price. Emilio is never to break the security rules and has to accept Kaden’s decisions at all times, or his punishment will be harsh. Emilio is more than happy to accept Kaden’s conditions. Kaden is everything he wants in a protector.

Unfortunately, misunderstandings, lies, and shortcomings on both their parts threaten to take away the one thing Emilio and Kaden each need more than anything else: each other.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This book contains mild BDSM elements including restraints, blindfolds, and spanking. Taming Emilio is book 2 in the Buried Secrets Series, or it can be read as a stand-alone book with no cliffhanger.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Taming Emilio by Brina Brady Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Hearts of Blood by Kay Doherty Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Kay Doherty - Hearts of Blood RB Banner

Hi guys, we have Kay Doherty stopping by today with her new release Hearts of Blood, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Kay Doherty - Hearts of Blood Cover 83pb3v

Hearts of Blood

(Chevalier 02)
by

Kay Doherty

Omega wolf shifter, Vance, and the rest of his small pack have finally found an Alpha willing to take them on and were still trying to regain their footing when the McBane Pack attacked them. When a vampire appears in front of him, Vance realizes he’s looking into the ice-blue eyes of his mate, and the fact that his mate is something other than wolf scares him.

Sakima knew the wolf shifter was his destined companion the moment he scented him at Elysium, but claiming the gorgeous young Omega wolf is a dangerous proposition. Vance and his unconventional pack have attracted the attention of the vampire coven. As the owner of Elysium, Sakima has been asked to use the club to gather information on the powerful interspecies pack and its Alpha.

Unfortunately for Vance and Sakima, the vampire coven and the continued attacks by the McBane Pack are only a portion of their problems. Amidst concerns over Alpha Tanner’s abilities growing with Sakima’s addition to the pack, a spurned ex targets Vance in an attempt to remove him from Sakima’s life, and Elysium becomes a hot bed for interspecies mingling where anyone could be an enemy.

Warning: graphic violence

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Hearts of Blood by Kay Doherty Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Mad About The Boy by Beth Laycock Release Blast & Giveaway!

Beth Laycock - Mad About The Boy RBBANNER-74

Hi guys! We have Beth Laycock stopping by today with her new release Mad About The Boy, we have a brilliant $19 Amazon GC & ebook giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Beth Laycock - Mad About The Boy Cover n38v3

Mad About The Boy

by

Beth Laycock

Something’s waiting for Eli. Somebody’s watching his every move…

Eli is used to looking after himself. Single for longer than he’d care to admit, he doesn’t need a man for more than a hookup, not when he’s got his loyal dog, Zeus, by his side.

But one night changes the course of his life. He meets Dominic, an actual copper and not the stripper he thought his best friend had hired for his birthday. Unfortunately for Eli, after his night out celebrating, a gift awaits him at home—but not a pleasant one.

His birthday may be over, but the threats keep coming. Keep escalating. Keep hurting those close to him. Just how far will the monster behind them go? And how much will Eli lose before he can stop them?

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Mad About The Boy by Beth Laycock Release Blast & Giveaway!”

Soul On Fire by Tal Bauer Release Blast & Giveaway!

Tal Bauer - Soul On Fire RBBANNER-72

Hi guys, we have Tal Bauer popping in today with their new release Soul On Fire, we have a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Tal Bauer - Soul On Fire COVER nj483

Soul On Fire

by

Tal Bauer

A deadly virus burns through the jungle, leaving nothing but corpses in its wake. Everyone flees from the outbreak—except for the terrorists intent on weaponizing the catastrophe.

Lieutenant Elliot Davis, US Navy SEAL, is sent to rescue CIA officers from their clandestine base in Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and evacuate them out of the country. What they’ve uncovered sends Elliot back to the Congo, trying to prevent an attack that could spark a global pandemic.

Dr. Ikolo Ngondu runs a refugee hospital caught between the advancing rebels intent on slaughtering everyone in their path and Elliot’s mission to find and capture their leader. In the chaos of a surprise attack, Elliot’s target slips away, and the only way to find him is to plunge into the Congo’s dark, dangerous, and fevered forest with Ikolo as his guide.

Together they track a burning shadow through Africa’s broken heart, and Elliot struggles to reconcile the world he finds with the life he’s lived as a black man in the West. He looks to Ikolo for answers and finds a man with a core so bright and fierce he scorches Elliot’s soul.

Even as they race against time, Elliot and Ikolo have no idea what’s been set in motion with their mission: a dark secret lies at the center, one that leaves billions of lives hovering between life and death.

And through it all, a question burns inside Elliot, one that only Ikolo may hold the answer to.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Soul On Fire by Tal Bauer Release Blast & Giveaway!”

Rules to Follow by Susan Hawke Blog Tour & Excerpt!

Susan Hawke - Rules to Follow Tour Banner

Hi guys! We have Susan Hawke stopping by today with the tour for her new release Rules To Follow, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Susan Hawke - Rules to Follow Cover 647hgcs

Rules To Follow

(Davey’s Rules 01)
by

Susan Hawke

Davey’s Rule #86: A good Daddy will never lie to his boy… even by omission.

Travis Miller has a pretty solid life in the small California beach town he calls home. He’s working his way up in the district attorney’s office, he owns a home with an ocean view, and he has close ties with his family. Life is good. If only he could find a sweet boy to call his own, life would be… perfect.

Adam Nichols’ life has never been easy. Growing up in foster care taught him to be strong, so finding himself in a violent relationship was a shock. Now that he’s finally free of it, he faces new problems. He’s jobless, homeless, and terrified of starting from scratch.

With a little help from an old friend, Adam discovers a whole new world. He goes from rock bottom to renting a room from a hot assistant DA and working at Daddy’s Lap, a kink club that opens his vanilla eyes to things he’d never imagined. His new roommate is a balm to Adam’s damaged soul. The tender way Travis cares for him is almost like the Daddy kink community he’s seen at the club. But Travis isn’t a Daddy… right? If he were, surely he’d have said so.

What happens when a lie by omission threatens to bring their budding relationship tumbling down around them? Will Travis ever be able to earn Adam’s trust again?

This is the first book in a new series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys,” and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book. Possible trigger for references to domestic violence.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Rules to Follow by Susan Hawke Blog Tour & Excerpt!”

Herc’s Mercs Collection Vol III by Ari McKay Release Blast & Giveaway!

Ari McKay - Herc's Mercs VOL III RBBANNER-70

Hi guys! We have Ari & McKay stopping by today with their new release Herc’s Mercs Collection Vol III, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ ❤️ ~Pixie~

Ari McKay - Herc's Mercs VOL III Cover 84u4j

Herc’s Mercs Collection Vol III

by

Ari McKay

No matter where in the world they have to go, the men of Hercules Security are ready to kick ass, take names, and, above all, save lives. Putting themselves in harm’s way is second nature to these men, and they’ll do whatever it takes to protect the innocent. Unfortunately the cost of such bravery is often brutally high, and sometimes the price a hero must pay isn’t always obvious…

Hunter Callahan loved his job as an explosives expert, but when a seven-year-old boy walks into camp wearing a suicide vest, the explosion that rocks Hunter’s world leaves him with wounds too deep to see with the untrained eye. Payne “Pita” Gibson is the only one who stands a chance of saving Hunter from self destruction, but doing so means Payne must share private facets of his own life. Could his unusual form of therapy not only help Hunter, but also win his heart? Pushing Hunter’s limits so hard is a test of Payne’s own strength of will — but everyone knows that it’s No Pain, No Gain.

When Joe Morrissey returns home from a traumatic mission, he never expects to discover that his longtime partner and lover, Brian Finnegan, has fallen in love with someone else. Even though he wants Finn to be happy, Joe finds it difficult to share his lover with Drew Martin. But when fallout from Joe’s recent mission puts Finn in danger, Joe must work with Drew to save Finn’s life. With everything he holds dear at risk, Joe is pushed to the breaking point — and Drew must step in to help put him back together. As Drew develops feelings for Joe as well, can Joe open his heart to the possibility of there being Room For One More?

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Herc’s Mercs Collection Vol III by Ari McKay Release Blast & Giveaway!”

Breakaway by Charlie Novak Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Charlie Novak - Breakaway Tour Banner

Hi guys! We have Charlie Novak stopping by today with the tour for her newest release Breakaway, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Charlie Novak - Breakaway Cover 738j4

Breakaway

(Off the Pitch 01)
by

Charlie Novak

When your life revolves around a single goal, is there room for love?

Christian King is a rising star in English football. He’s talented, devoted, and on the road to glory. He’s following the path that’s been laid out for him since he was four, and he has no plans to deviate from it. Christian’s life revolves around a single goal—to be the best… until he runs into his first love and former best friend, David. 

David Cade is just trying to survive the final year of his PhD intact, while battling long hours, unmotivated students, and the idea that academia might not be for him. But a chance encounter with his first love’s twin sister changes everything, and suddenly David is faced with the realisation that he can’t leave the past behind.

When David and Christian are drawn back together, sparks fly. Soon, Christian is forced to confront his deepest insecurities. Can they break away from their fears for a second chance at true love?

Breakaway is a 79,000 word contemporary gay romance featuring light angst, glittery bath bombs, a ginger-haired roommate/pet, shared Star Wars love, and a meddling twin sister.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Breakaway by Charlie Novak Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Nothing Ventured by Jay Northcote Release Blast & Excerpt!

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Hi guys, we have Jay Northcote popping in today with his new re-release Nothing Ventured, we have a short excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~ 

Jay Northcote - Nothing Ventured Cover 383u3j

Nothing Ventured

by

Jay Northcote

Mud, sweat, and reluctant romance. Can Aiden and Matt sort out their feelings before race day?

When Aiden agrees to run the Mad Mucker—a twelve-mile muddy slog over an obstacle course—he’s expecting it to be a bit of a laugh. The training will be tough, but Aiden could use the motivation to regain some fitness.

Matt is the sexy cousin of one of Aiden’s coworkers and a last-minute addition to the team. When he agrees to train with Aiden, Aiden suddenly finds the prospect of regular workouts a lot more appealing.

Soon attraction flares, and they embark on an intense physical relationship. Matt doesn’t want to fall in love with a man, and Aiden doesn’t want to fall in love at all, but despite their insistence on no strings, they grow closer. As the day of the race approaches, time is running out for them to work out how they feel about each other.

As Sol tries to get closer, Noah tries to protect his heart by pulling away. If their relationship is going to survive, Noah needs to accept that Sol sees him very differently to how Noah sees himself. Because to Sol, Noah is something very special indeed.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Beau Tyed by Isabelle Peterson Cover Reveal!

COVER REVEAL!

Title:
Beau Tyed

Author:
Isabelle Peterson

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46348172-beau-tyed

Genre:
LGBT Romance | Gay Romance

#CoverREveal #BeauTyed #PreOrder #KindleUnlimited #ComingSoon
#FriendsToLovers #LGBTRomance #GayRomance


BEAU TYED

By Isabelle Peterson

Add to GR –

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46348172-beau-tyed

BLURB

To secure the job of his dreams, photographer Ty York tells his new boss
he’s gay. Now Ty has to play the part. The plot thickens when Ty is asked
to bring his “boyfriend” to a company event.

Beau Thompson is a struggling actor waiting for his big break. To make
things worse, his fiancée isn’t exactly thrilled with his chosen
profession. When his best friend Ty needs someone to pretend to be his gay
boyfriend for a party, of course Beau will help Ty out. What could possibly
go wrong?

One-click this friends to lovers, fake boyfriend romance for friendship,
feels and steamy scenes.



Connect with Isabelle:

Website:

www.isabellepeterson.com

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/isabellekpeterson

Facebook Fan Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/IzzyzBellez

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Isabelle-Peterson/e/B00G1UAWQU

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/isabelle-peterson

Booksprout:

https://booksprout.co/author/385/isabelle-peterson

Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram: @izzykpeterson

Ignite by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott - Ignite RB Banner

Hi guys, we have Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott stopping by today with their new release  Ignite, we have a great excerpt and an awesome $25 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott - Ignite Cover 383ju0

Ignite

(Unbreakable Bonds 07)
by

Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Two of Noah’s Army buddies are dead.

Someone has taken shots at Noah.

And now Noah’s former lover, JB, is a target.

Noah, Rowe, and JB team up to track down a killer trying to take out all of Noah’s old Army team in hopes of covering up a dark secret.

But this trip to Washington, D.C. threatens to unravel the perfect life that Rowe and Noah have built over the past three years. JB’s arrival in their lives have Rowe and Noah wondering if they want the same thing for their happily ever after.

Rowe is sure of one thing—nobody threatens his man. And he sets out to show anyone with a hidden agenda what a bad decision that was.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Serpent’s Teardrop by Mary Rundle Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Mary Rundle - Serpent's Teardrop BANNER

Hi guys, we have Mary Rundle stopping by today with the tour for her new release Serpent’s Teardrop, we have a short intro from Mary with an exclusive excerpt, a great excerpt and a fantastic $20 Amazon GC giveaway, so guys, check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Mary Rundle - Serpent's Teardrop COVER yrh73y3

Serpent’s Teardrop

(Blackwood Pack 07)
by

Mary Rundle

The Blackwood Pack saga continues…

This is part of an on-going series by Amazon Bestselling Author, Mary Rundle, and catching up on previous titles is advised. Readers of the past books will enjoy meeting old friends once more as the pack does what it does best ̶ caring for one another and helping shifters everywhere.

Brian, a.k.a. “The Loch Ness Monster” has searched for his Fated Mate in vain for more than 600 years until he scents Reif in the frigid waters of the lake. But his mate seems to be purposely eluding him, so Brian turns to the Shaman of the Blackwood Pack to help find him.

Reif, one of a line of ancient shifters thought to be extinct is drawn to Brian but must focus on completing a mission to free his enslaved people from the clutches of an evil group. Despite his powerful attraction to Brian, he hides from him, believing it’s the only choice he has.

That changes when Reif surreptitiously kisses Brian while he’s sleeping, setting off a chain of events that puts both of them in mortal danger, and the powerful Blackwood pack resolves to help them stave off the wrath of vampires and witches.

Along the way, both Brian and Reif learn some hard lessons about the mutual trust necessary to achieve the happiness and fulfillment both have sought for hundreds of years.

A heartbreaking confession, an action-packed rescue, a riveting courtroom battle and many unexpected twists and turns make this passionate love story by Mary Rundle impossible to put down once you’ve read the first page.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon FR | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon IT ❣️**.•.•.

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