Dark and Gritty: BROKEN SOLDIER–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a dark contemporary M/M spy story from Jamie Lynn Miller. BROKEN SOLDIER features a covert couple taking down an arms dealer–if they don’t get destroyed first…

broken-soldierAbout the book:
Sergeant Connor Finley and Sergeant Shawn Weller are dedicated soldiers working covert ops for Shadow Unit — a joint UK/US anti-terrorism task force.

Partners in the field and out, they had been through hell together for the last four years and made it through standing side by side. But when their latest undercover op to bring down an arms dealer plunges them into a world of drugs, sex and violence, Shawn must literally get in bed with the enemy in order to complete the mission. And Connor is forced to watch, helpless, as his partner is broken into pieces.

Will love be enough to put them both back together or will this be their final mission?

WARNING: Contains scenes of drug use, graphic sex and realistic situations.

My Review:
This is a dark contemporary spy novel that features a M/M love story, hard drug use, deep cover, dubious consent, death, and destruction with a happy ending.

Connor Finley and Shawn Weller are operatives in Shadow Unit, a inter-national cadre of soldiers and infiltration specialists (think ex-CIA/MI5) that go in and “get the job done” against mega-badguys. They are also covert lovers, having built a friendship over the course of years, and now being a committed couple for the past five months. The current mark is Jae Chan, an arms dealer operating out of Kuala Lumpur. Jae likes his men drugged out and biddable, as Shawn discovers as soon as he’s able to catch Jae’s roving eye in a gay entertainment club run by Jae. Connor’s hired on as club security, but Shawn’s the one who’s in the most danger.

If you take a gander at the cover, you’ll see cut lines of drugs. Expect Shawn to be pushed into taking both cocaine and heroin in order to maintain his cover, and get close enough to Jae to get the necessary evidence. Also, Jae’s going to use Shawn rather horribly, and Shawn’s guilt over both betraying his lover, and getting dependent upon the drugs, is a tough journey to experience. You may also notice the title is: BROKEN SOLDIER, because Shawn gets REALLY messed up in the process of maintaining this covert-op. I’ve never read a book with so much hard drug use, and it wasn’t pleasant, from a voyeuristic standpoint. I’m a gal who got raised in the “Just Say No” era, so I’m not fascinated by drug-culture. I did feel as if the experiences were described with an eye to reality, and nothing about this situation with Shawn is positive. He’s trying to romance a scumbag drug-dealing arm-dealing bully, and he knows his life is constantly on the line.

Connor has to watch from afar, and provide as much back-up as he can to Shawn without tipping off Jae’s many bodyguards. Meanwhile, seeing Shawn be used and abused make him furious–and he’s really worried about the seemingly constant drug use he witnesses. Will Shawn make it through this mission intact? Will Connor blow their cover to save Shawn?

I’ll tell you, it was a bit harrowing. There’s a good build-up of suspense, with death on the menu. The climax wasn’t nearly the end of the book–because we still needed to see Shawn get off the junk. If anything, this book obliterated any hint of desire I may have ever harbored for heroin. Ugh. Yuck! That said, the walk-back from the edge that Shawn experiences in Connor’s loving embrace was very tender.

This is a work of fiction, and I know that reality is likely not as convenient as the set-up in this book, but the situations felt authentic, and interesting. The emotional dilemmas and hard choices within reflect a seedy subculture that I’m sure exists, to some degree, somewhere. I liked the strong love between Connor and Shawn, and I’m looking forward to following their dangerous adventures.

Interested? You can find BROKEN SOLDIER on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author:
Jamie Lynn Miller has been writing male/male fanfiction stories for nearly fifteen years and decided to take the plunge and go pro in 2008. She’s a romantic at heart, and her stories reflect the desire we all have to find “the one”, persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending.

Jamie has a degree in Fine Arts and has spent the last thirteen years working as a Graphic Designer. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today, with her husband and their furry, four-footed “children”.

Besides writing, Jamie enjoys traveling, softball, reading, science fiction, hanging out with friends, and just being creative. She is eternally thankful for all of the love and support her husband has given her over the years with her writing and other endeavors.

Catch up with Jamie online on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Sinister Scenario for ALL HALLOWS’ EVE–Review and Giveaway!

all-hallowsHi there! Today I’m wishing a happy book birthday to a new contemporary M/M romance from Annabelle Jacobs. ALL HALLOWS’ EVE features a battle between a 200 year old ghost, and his descendant who has fallen for the object of the ghost’s affection.

Catch the excerpt below and be sure to enter to win a $10 giftcard in the giveaway!

allhallowseve-aj-fAbout the book:
Will a centuries-old broken heart ruin the promise of new love?
Dominic Ashworth is descended from a long line of witches, although the family practice of witchcraft died out generations ago. Forever connected to a dark history, the house he grew up in remained in the Ashworth family for generations until his estranged father sold it.

On a mission to check out the new owners, Dominic runs into Caleb Jones and gives the gorgeous man his phone number—but getting a date should be the last thing on Dominic’s agenda.

Caleb and his best friend, Zach Briceworth, are oblivious to the heartache and magic tied to the foundations of their new home. When strange things start to happen, the truth emerges and surprises them both, especially as everything revolves around Caleb’s new love interest.

After a shaky start, Caleb and Dominic settle into an easy relationship, falling faster than either of them expected. But with Halloween approaching, the possibility of danger increases. The past is not always as it seems, and the ripples of a tragic event threaten to put an end to everything between them.

How about a little taste?

“Hi.”

Dominic jumped, startled, and turned to face the stranger jogging towards him. Tall, broad-shouldered, wearing black running shorts and a bright blue T-shirt, his short black hair—longish on top—stuck to his forehead in a sweaty mess. He came to a stop in front of the gate and leaned on it, breathing heavily. “Sorry … just need to … catch my breath.”

“A little hot for running, isn’t it?” Dominic’s gaze ran the length of the stranger’s body and he flushed as he caught himself.

“I don’t mind. Can I help you with something?” The guy then proceeded to lift the bottom of his T-shirt and wipe his face with it.

“Um.” Dominic swallowed. The flat, toned stomach on display reminded him of how long it had been since his last boyfriend. Although he used that term loosely. “Do you live here?”

The guy nodded. “Yeah, just moved in.”

Oh. So either Zach was living with his parents, or Briceworth senior had left his wife and moved in with a hot younger guy.

The guy narrowed his eyes as he looked at Dominic closely. “Why do you ask?”

The Sold sign lying just inside the gate on the ground caught Dominic’s eye. He smiled and attempted to look sheepish. It was always best to stick to the truth where possible, so he said, “Sorry, I was just curious. My sister and I used to live here, and when we heard it’d been sold, we wondered who’d bought it.”

The guy frowned at him and cocked his head to one side, clearly suspicious.

Dominic needed to nip that in the bud. He wouldn’t get any info if the guy thought he was a crazy stalker. “God, I’m not explaining myself well at all. My dad was the one who sold it to you. The place was in my family for generations. I haven’t spoken to my father in seven years. When we found out he’d sold the house, it was a bit of a shock, and I guess I just wanted to see who’d bought it. I don’t mean to come off as weird or anything.” He smiled and stuck out his hand. “Dominic Ashworth.”

The guy smiled back, took his hand in a firm grip, and shook it. “Caleb Jones. And it’s a little weird, but lucky for you I’m okay with that.”

My Review:
Dominic Ashworth is a Contemporary descendant of the witch brothers Isaac and Alexander Ashworth. Nearly 190 years before Alexander had fallen for his best friend Liam, and tragedy struck–turning Alexander into a vengeful witch besmirched by blood magic. Isaac banished him to the afterlife, he thought, but Alexander lingers in a half-life, his only chance at escape to attack an Ashworth and steal the blood to reanimate his spirit.

Dominic and his sister Alice had previously lived in Ashworth Farm, the site of Alexander’s banishment. Their estranged father sold the property without their knowledge and the new owner, Zach Briceworth, is a distant relative, as stipulated in their deceased mother’s will. Dominic decides to check out the new owner, to ensure he has a protective tattoo to prevent attack by Alexander’s spirit. He meets Zach’s attractive housemate, Caleb, and the interest is mutual. Dominic doesn’t want to confess all his worst assets, at first–like how he’s descended from witches and the house may carry a malevolent spirit. He knows this makes him sound crazypants, even if it’s all true.

As odd instances begin to erupt around them, however, Dominic is forced to come clean to Caleb, and Zach. It’s a problem in their developing relationship–as Caleb’s sure Dominic was using him to get inside info on the ghost business. Just when they reconnect, however, Alexander begins his shenanigans again, and this time, it’s a life-or-death scenario.

I really enjoyed this sweet contemporary paranormal romance. Dominic and Caleb are building a strong bond–one that’s a little frightening in its intensity for both of them. Could it be Alexander pulling their strings? The question is valid, especially when Dominic discovers paintings and journals from the era of Issac, Alexander and Liam. We have a few historical moments, mostly flashbacks in time that Dominic experiences in dreams. Those are never positive, but the paranormal activity isn’t all linked to Alexander–and that’s pivotal in the conflict resolution. When we get to the climax it was resolved almost too quickly, but I really liked how it all settled, nonetheless.

Dominic and Caleb are a sweet couple that have an intense attraction and many a yummy sexytime. The secondary characters, notably Alice and Zach are all interesting and good confidants. I really liked how well Zach and his father embraced the paranormal in their lives–mostly because they had a supposedly dotty aunt who initiated them, unknowingly, into the idea of witches. Expect to cute times, some tough times, some sexytimes and some ghosty times. Perfect October read!

Interested? You can find ALL HALLOWS’ EVE on Goodreads, and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 GC to Amazon or AllRomance.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Catch up with Annabelle online on her website, Facebook, twitter or email at ajacobsfiction (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Out Today: BOUND TO SUBMIT–Excerpt and Giveaway!

bts-rdl-bannerHi there! Today I’m celebrating the release of a brand new BDSM erotic romance from Laura Kaye. BOUND TO SUBMIT is the first novel in her new Blasphemy series, which got a great start with the erotic novella HARD TO SERVE. I’m so looking forward to reading this book!

Check out the excerpt below and enter the giveaway for a $10 Amazon gift card.

LauraKaye_BoundToSubmit_800pxAbout the book:
From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy.

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…
Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

“A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I’m eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!”
~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

“Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye’s Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can’t wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one.”
~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

A yummy taste!

After five years, Kenna Sloane stood in front of him. Only, something was different about her now. Restrained, even. Griffin studied her for a long moment. She held her position beautifully, as she always had, with her posture perfect and her feet spread and her arms folded behind her back. The blond hair was different. In the year they’d played together, he’d rarely seen it her natural color, and he grew to enjoy the surprise of how she’d change for him, liking a butterfly ever transforming anew.

But that wasn’t what was tripping his internal alarms. He focused on her face. There. The cool distance in her eyes. The careful neutral of the expression. This was a woman who’d fearlessly and sometimes brazenly worn her emotions on her sleeves. A woman whose feelings he’d seen in her revealing eyes long before she’d voiced them all those years ago. But now, only her mouth dropping open revealed some little chink in her carefully crafted armor.

She was still stunningly beautiful, though. Breathtaking.

“It’s good to see you after all this time, Kenna,” he finally said in what amounted to a monumental understatement.

“Master Griffin,” she said, her voice as cool as her expression. When had Kenna ever been so reserved with him? Since you rejected her?

The truth of that launched a sinking feeling in his gut that he kept from being reflected on his face. “Have you moved back to Baltimore or is this just a visit?”

She frowned and her eyes searched his, like the question had surprised her. “Oh, uh, yes. I moved back.”

“I see,” he said, letting his gaze wander. Down the slender column of her throat. Lingering on the beautiful plunging neckline of her bodysuit. Over her long, toned legs. His hands itched for some rope. His mind raced with the patterns he wanted to make on her naked skin. His ears strained to hear the throaty, gasping moans she’d release as he bound her tight and sure and irrevocably to him. The desires made him hard for her. “Then welcome home.”

“Thank you, Sir,” she said quietly.

He wanted to grab her by the arms, shake her, embrace her. Something to elicit some of the old passion. But he’d lost the right to expect that from her, hadn’t he?

So what did she want?

“So, did you want—”

“Master Griffin, can we—”

They both chuckled at speaking at the same time, but the awkwardness was evident in the sound of his laugh and the expression on her face. He hated it, how out of sync they were after once being so well matched that Griffin kicked himself every day for letting her go. He knew how rare that was, and he hated himself for not seeing it then. Not cherishing it, as he should’ve.

“Kenna, are you here to talk or play tonight?”

“Both, Sir,” she whispered.

He tilted his head. “And, were you hoping to do those things with me?” He couldn’t assume, not after everything. But his body was like a rope pulled taut in anticipation of her answer.

She licked her lips, and Griffin felt it everywhere, because the simple action revealed that she wasn’t as unaffected as she was putting on. “Yes, Sir. If you’re available. And, uh—” Her shoulder moved in a tiny nervous shrug. “—interested.”

Relief and heat flooded through his veins. Kenna Sloane was here for him, after all this time. He leaned in and put his face next to hers, his mouth near her ear. “Oh, little Kenna, I’m fucking interested, all right.”

The goosebumps that sprung up on her face where their skin touched felt like victory. She wasn’t unaffected at all. But he’d let her have this reserve. For now.

He pulled back and nailed her with a stare. “Now, let’s go have that talk.”

Stay tuned for my review in the coming week!

Interested? You can find BOUND TO SUBMIT on Goodreads, Amazon, Kobo, B&N and iBooks.

Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available. Catch my review for more on that absolutely erotic BDSM romance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Laura Kaye - author picAbout the Author:
Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Catch up with Laura on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or her newsletter.

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Happy Book Birthday to SEARCHING FOR DISASTER!

sfd_releasedayHi there! Today I’m excited to wish a happy book birthday to a new adult contemporary romance from Jennifer Probst. SEARCHING FOR DISASTER is a novella in the Searching For series. I enjoyed SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS and SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL, so I couldn’t wait to pick this one up.

My review will be out next week, but you can hook up with the 2-Day Facebook party below featuring lots of authors and giveaways!

searchingfordisaster1About the book:
The next highly anticipated novella in the Searching For series, a romantic spin-off of the Marriage to a Billionaire series from New York Times bestselling sensation Jennifer Probst.

When Isabella MacKenzie tries to move on from her disastrous past, Officer William Devine is determined to show her that love is the only way to heal. This sexy enovella, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s heartwarming Searching For series, follows the high-powered women of the popular matchmaking agency Kinnections, located in the small, picturesque town of Verily, NY.

Interested? You can find SEARCHING FOR DISASTER on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and GooglePlay.

JOIN Jennifer and some pretty awesome Guest Authors for the 2 Day Facebook release party & LIVE Chat Event for Searching for Disaster!

About the Author:
Jennifer Probst
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers.

You can catch up with Jennifer online on her website for updates on new releases and her street team. Also check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Tough Choices in OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED–Review and Kindle Giveaway!

oohc-availableHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary romance from Julia Kent and Elisa Reed. OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED is a sweet, mature romance between an empty nester, and a woman with a newborn.

Be sure to check out the excerpt and enter the Kindle Fire giveaway, below!

optionschanged-kent-reed-ebook-1About the book:
Having it all is a fantasy, right?

Chloe Browne knows all about fantasy. Fantasy is her job. And she’s very, very good at what she does.

As director of design for the O Spa chain, a sophisticated women’s club that is trending its way into being the Next Big Thing, Chloe’s ready to take on the world.
One baby at a time.

Her home study’s done, and she’s about to adopt, a thirty-something single mother by choice. Who needs to put her life on hold for the right guy when the right baby is waiting for her?
Besides, talk about fantasy.
The right guy?
Pfft. Right.

And then in walks Nick Grafton, with those commanding sapphire eyes and wavy blonde hair and a sophisticated mouth that only smiles for her.
He’s perfect.

But the last thing Nick wants is to start fresh with a new baby as his college-age kids fly the coop. A single father for more than fifteen years after his wife walked out on her family, Nick finally tastes freedom.
But he likes the taste of Chloe more.

My Review:

Chloe is a 36 year old woman who has finally kicked her jerk boyfriend to the curb. Joe promised and promised that he was getting a divorce, but three YEARS have passed and that tired old line is nothing but subterfuge. What’s real? The young pregnant teen girl who wants Chloe to adopt her baby. Her mother adopted her, after all, and Chloe has always wanted to be a mom.

She’s sure she can handle it. (Mothers picking this one up will surely get many a laugh at disheveled, overtired Chloe’s mommy disasters!!)

At the same time as Chloe is getting her motherhood on, she meets Nick, a branding specialist in charge of making Chloe’s O Spa (the women’s ultimate relaxation space) into a powerhouse player in boutique spas. There’s an instant connection with Nick, and their lovemaking is positively fierce, but Nick’s at a different place in life. His wife left him with three children under the age of six–fifteen years ago, and he’s finally getting the last one into college. He’s forty-two and ready to have some fun with sexy put-together business-woman Chloe. Mommy Chloe? That girl is a little bit scary.

Nick has some real soul-searching to do: is he prepared to help raise another child? His own kids have zero boundaries–and create havoc with what little personal time he takes. Add to that, his ex-wife is making odd choices and he’s more than perplexed.

Nick’s a decent man, and he steps up to the plate in ways constantly-jilted Chloe could never anticipate. It’s really sweet, and I absolutely loved how his kids rallied to help Chloe in a situation that is truly a mother’s worst nightmare. The whole book has a really hopeful vibe, with delicious sexytimes, and plentiful funny moments. Chloe’s world is very narrow–which puts her in direct contact with people she’d rather never know personally. Poor gal! But she’s got a ton of spirit, and Nick appreciates this moxie. He never had a partner to help his raise his kids and, it seems to me, he’s got his sights set on doing it right with Chloe and her daughter. Very heartwarming and fun.

When will we see and O Spa in Chicago? Because I want to have me some of that tantric massage. Just sayin’.

Interested? You can find OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED on Goodreads,
Amazon (US and UK) Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a Kindle Fire!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Authors:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.

Connect with Julia on her website, twitter, Facebook, or sign-up for her newsletter.

New England native Elisa Reed now lives, writes, and plays in New Orleans and along the sugar sands of the Gulf Coast. Connect with Elisa on Facebook.

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Fighting Their Demons: HIS BEST MISTAKE-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary romance from Diane Alberts. HIS BEST MISTAKE is the sixth book in the Shillings Agency series, and pairs a grieving cop with a grieving Marine vet. I really enjoyed TEMPORARILY YOURS, which kicked off the series, and STEALING HIS HEART so I had to check this one out, too.

his-best-mistakeAbout the book:
One night with a stranger…
Security expert Mark Matthews has loved, and lost, and has no intention of ever loving again—especially not a woman who thrives on her life being in danger. Now, hot, meaningless sex with strangers he had no intention of ever seeing again? That’s a whole other story. And it’s all life as a single father allows him to enjoy. But when he meets a woman who refuses to tell him her real name, the game is on, because she’s everything he swore to stay away from.

Daisy O’Rourke has bad idea written all over her, but he’s in too deep to walk away now…

How about a little taste?

They walked down the hallway side by side, their arms brushing. Every time they touched, something inside her tensed up even more, building up pressure until she was sure she was going to explode if he didn’t either stop, or do something more than accidentally brush against her.

When she halted at her door, he stopped directly behind her, towering over her. “God, how tall are you? Six-four?” she blurted out.

“Exactly.” He cocked his head. “How’d you know?”

“I guessed.”

“You’re good at that.” He stepped closer, his nostrils flaring slightly when she swayed closer. He looked way too sexy standing there with his first few shirt buttons undone, and his jacket open. She wasn’t even sure when he’d done that, but it was hot as hell. “At guessing.”

It would be so easy to grab the lapels of that jacket and pull his closer. And she’s get to find out what he tasted like – whisky, more than likely, but still, she needed to know. The old her, the one before she lost everything…she would have gone for it. Would have taken what she wanted and not hesitated. But it had been so long since she touched a man, let alone kissed one, and he wasn’t William. He’d never be William.

But tonight…He could be hers.

Resting an arm over her her head on the wall, he offered her a small smile, and tugged oh her hair playfully. “What are you thinking about that’s got you blushing, Scarlett?”

“Nothing.” she said, her cheeks going even hotter. She spun and pressed her key against the reader until it blinked green. The heat of his body was directly behind her, burning her.

Hands trembling, she turned the knob and pushed the door open. She should go inside. Leave him in the hallway, along with any bad choices she might have made with him. But…

Was it bad? Was it so wrong to want one night where she didn’t miss the love of her life? One night where she didn’t have to be alone?

“Would you like some water? I have a few bottles in my mini fridge.”

He shoved his hands in his pocket and rocked back on his heels, letting out a soft laugh. “If I come in there, we both know it’s not going to be for water.”

“Like I said.” Heart pounding, palms sweating, she lifted her chin. “Want to come in?”

My Review:
This is the sixth book in a series, but easily enjoyed on its own.

Daisy is a gal not looking for love. Her fiance died two years ago, a week before their wedding, and she’s been in a funk ever since. She meets a man at a hotel bar, and the man is big, and charming and comfortable to sit and chat with. He doesn’t pressure her for more, but lets her know he’d be more than happy to keep her company all night long. They don’t exchange real names, but they do exchange orgasms and sexual positions…all night long.

Unfortunately for Daisy, Mystery Man ends up being Mark Matthews, the very same guy her bestie Lauren has been trying to set her up with for months. See, Mark’s a Marine vet, and Daisy won’t date any military men–not after growing up with her alcoholic war vet of a father. Mark had declined to be set up with Daisy–a cop–because he’s a widower with a toddler daughter, and he doesn’t want to fall for another woman who might be killed in the line of duty, like his wife.

So, their fantastic sex fest is supposed to be a one-off, but Mark can’t stay away, and Daisy can’t lock the door against him. They begin a down-low no-strings affair that, naturally, knots them both up tight. It’s still hard for Mark to accept the danger inherent in Daisy’s job, and that leads to problems, just when we thought they might go public.

I liked both of these characters, though I thought they may have swooned a bit early. Also, Mark’s wishy-washy-ness regarding “danger” in his own job was rather frustrating. The sexytimes are off-the chart, off the wall, off the bed and off the counter-tops. They get it on, and on, and on…except when they go off. Because bullets, and heart break.

I liked the book, and I liked the story. It’s not a fun romp, due to all the skeletons, but it is a sexy-sweet tale, and it ends in the happiest place on Earth. So, bonus points.

Interested? You can find HIS BEST MISTAKE on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

Diane 1 smallDiane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin Random House. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and four cats. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Check out Diane/Jen online on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Happy Book Birthday Blitz and Giveaway for ALL HALLOWS’ EVE!

all-hallowsHi there! Today I’m wishing a happy book birthday to a new contemporary M/M romance from Annabelle Jacobs. ALL HALLOWS’ EVE is a witches brew of danger when a centuries-old spirit returns to the present. I’m nearly finished with the book, and loving all the nuances! A perfect October read… Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Catch the excerpt below and be sure to enter to win a $10 giftcard in the giveaway!

allhallowseve-aj-fAbout the book:
Will a centuries-old broken heart ruin the promise of new love?
Dominic Ashworth is descended from a long line of witches, although the family practice of witchcraft died out generations ago. Forever connected to a dark history, the house he grew up in remained in the Ashworth family for generations until his estranged father sold it.

On a mission to check out the new owners, Dominic runs into Caleb Jones and gives the gorgeous man his phone number—but getting a date should be the last thing on Dominic’s agenda.

Caleb and his best friend, Zach Briceworth, are oblivious to the heartache and magic tied to the foundations of their new home. When strange things start to happen, the truth emerges and surprises them both, especially as everything revolves around Caleb’s new love interest.

After a shaky start, Caleb and Dominic settle into an easy relationship, falling faster than either of them expected. But with Halloween approaching, the possibility of danger increases. The past is not always as it seems, and the ripples of a tragic event threaten to put an end to everything between them.

How about a little taste?

“Hi.”

Dominic jumped, startled, and turned to face the stranger jogging towards him. Tall, broad-shouldered, wearing black running shorts and a bright blue T-shirt, his short black hair—longish on top—stuck to his forehead in a sweaty mess. He came to a stop in front of the gate and leaned on it, breathing heavily. “Sorry … just need to … catch my breath.”

“A little hot for running, isn’t it?” Dominic’s gaze ran the length of the stranger’s body and he flushed as he caught himself.

“I don’t mind. Can I help you with something?” The guy then proceeded to lift the bottom of his T-shirt and wipe his face with it.

“Um.” Dominic swallowed. The flat, toned stomach on display reminded him of how long it had been since his last boyfriend. Although he used that term loosely. “Do you live here?”

The guy nodded. “Yeah, just moved in.”

Oh. So either Zach was living with his parents, or Briceworth senior had left his wife and moved in with a hot younger guy.

The guy narrowed his eyes as he looked at Dominic closely. “Why do you ask?”

The Sold sign lying just inside the gate on the ground caught Dominic’s eye. He smiled and attempted to look sheepish. It was always best to stick to the truth where possible, so he said, “Sorry, I was just curious. My sister and I used to live here, and when we heard it’d been sold, we wondered who’d bought it.”

The guy frowned at him and cocked his head to one side, clearly suspicious.

Dominic needed to nip that in the bud. He wouldn’t get any info if the guy thought he was a crazy stalker. “God, I’m not explaining myself well at all. My dad was the one who sold it to you. The place was in my family for generations. I haven’t spoken to my father in seven years. When we found out he’d sold the house, it was a bit of a shock, and I guess I just wanted to see who’d bought it. I don’t mean to come off as weird or anything.” He smiled and stuck out his hand. “Dominic Ashworth.”

The guy smiled back, took his hand in a firm grip, and shook it. “Caleb Jones. And it’s a little weird, but lucky for you I’m okay with that.”

I’m really enjoying this one, and look forward to sharing my review soon!

Interested? You can find ALL HALLOWS’ EVE on Goodreads, and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 GC to Amazon or AllRomance.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Catch up with Annabelle online on her website, Facebook, twitter or email at ajacobsfiction (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Making it Happen in SUDDENLY YOURS–Guest Post and Giveaway!

suddenly-yours-bannerHi there! Today I’m welcoming Jacob Z Flores back to tell us all about his new contemporary M/M romance. SUDDENLY YOURS is a Vegas-bachelor party gone really, really married. Whoops.

I really enjoyed UNDERCOVER BOYFRIEND, so I’m sure this one will be a fun romp, too. Catch the behind-the-scenes guest post and be sure to scroll down to get in on the $50 GC and ebooks giveaway!

perf4.250x7.000.inddAbout the book:
“What Happens in Vegas Doesn’t Always Stay in Vegas”

Cody Hayes is having one epic morning-after. The hangover following a Vegas bachelor party is nothing new to him, and neither is the naked man in his bed.

His apparent marriage is a different story.

Carefully plotting every detail of his life carried Julian Canales to a senate seat as an openly gay man. A drunken night of Truth or Dare isn’t like him… and neither is marrying a man he just met. He’d get an annulment, but the media has gotten wind of his hasty nuptials. If Julian’s political career is going to survive, he has to stay married to a man who’s his opposite in every way.

Now he must convince Cody that all they need to do is survive a conservative political rival, a heartbroken ex, their painful pasts… and an attraction neither man can fight.

How about a little taste?

Cody Hayes had had some epic hangovers in his life. In college he’d woken up naked in front of his fraternity house after his brothers had decided to draw obscene pictures in Magic Marker all over his skin. It had taken him a week to finally scrub the many penises off his flesh. Then there was his twenty-first birthday, when his best friend, Sam Judd, convinced him he’d look good without eyebrows, or the time he’d sung “I Will Always Love You” to his college crush, the star quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. That had been a fun night of trying not to get his ass kicked.

There had been other moments like that throughout the thirty years of his life, but this one… well, this one took the cake.

He’d never woken up married before.

“We’re what?” his new husband asked before glancing at Cody’s hand. Cody quit fiddling with the wedding band and pointed to his finger.

“Married.”

Julian, his gasping groom, fixed his gaze on his own left hand. “Is this a joke?”

If only this was a prank cooked up by his scheming best friends, but neither of them was that lucky. Although Cody couldn’t quite remember everything at the moment thanks to the alcohol-induced fog that clouded his memories, he distinctly recalled walking into the twenty-four-hour chapel hand in hand with Julian and laughing all the way down the aisle. They certainly weren’t laughing now. “Nope. We’re hitched.”

“This—this can’t be happening,” Julian groaned, a look of panic seizing his dark, handsome features as he glanced at the white sheets wrapped around their bodies. “Am I—? Are we—? Did we—?”

Cody didn’t need Julian to finish his questions to know what he was asking. Clearly they’d been married long enough already for Cody to finish his thoughts. “Yes, yes, and—” He reached under the blankets. The head of his cock was raw, and when he cupped his balls, they ached as if he’d been slamming them hard against something all night. “Yes.”

Julian covered his mouth with his hand, and a second later he was a naked blur heading for the bathroom. Shortly after the door slammed, the magical sounds of violent retching echoed off the tiled walls.

Not exactly a stellar way to start off their lives together.

Behind the scenes from author Jacob Z Flores:

Character Inspiration for Suddenly Yours

Hi, everyone! I’m so glad to be here promoting Suddenly Yours, the second book in my One Fine Day series, published by Dreamspun Desires, Dreamspinner Press’s newest imprint.

I’m so excited about these books because they have been so easy and fun to write. I’ve completely enjoyed the process from beginning to end and can honestly say that I haven’t experienced writer’s block so far. (I hope I didn’t just jinx myself with that!)

What I also love about this series is that each book is a complete standalone. New characters and situations can be found in each book, but the one common theme that brings them together is that each book centers on a marriage or a wedding, and for this book the characters wake up married in Vegas after a night of fun and debauchery. That obviously explains why the book is titled Suddenly Yours.

As you can see, the wedding is the catalyst for the entire plot of the book, and it brings together two men with different approaches to life. Cody flies by the seat of his pants, never really thinking about the consequences of his actions while all Julian ever does is contemplate the repercussions of every decision he makes.

So, when I was looking for my usual character inspiration, I had to find two very different types of men. Then, something happened to me for the first time in over ten books: I knew exactly who I wanted to be the carefree Cody—Jake McDorman.mcdorman

Those of you who watch Limitless will recognize McDorman, since he is the star of the show. To me, McDorman’s character, Brian Finch, is the epitome of goofball Cody, who makes decisions on the fly and who also makes it his life’s mission to annoy those around him. Like Finch, Cody makes jokes to deal with the difficulties of life, but there’s more to Cody than what might appear on the surface. Underneath the smiling face and quick one-liners lies a mess of insecurities that stem from his mother’s many failed marriages and Cody’s disastrous attempt to find his own happily ever after.

That’s why for me, McDorman was the right fit for Cody.

While finding my Cody was relatively easy, locating my inspiration for uptight senator Julian Canales proved a bit more difficult. Unlike Cody, Julian lives by a strict set of guidelines, designed to bring him success and happiness his family could never find. I had to find someone who would capture the seriousness with which Julian lives but who also possessed a repressed playfulness that was just dying to come out. That was when I came across Wilmer Valderrama.wilmer

Valderrama made the perfect Julian. Not only does the man look like he could be a senator, but his time on That 70’s Show told me he also had the ability to be just as much as a cut up as Cody.

That’s what makes these two men perfect inspiration for my characters, and what makes Cody and Julian a great match for each other. Both men are strong on their own and in their own way, but together, they are unstoppable.

To me, that’s the best combination of all.

Interested? You can find SUDDENLY YOURS on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Google Play.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card (Grand prize). One of 5 winners will win an e-book from Jacob’s Dreamspinner back list.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Jacob Flores - Author PicAbout the Author:

Jacob Z. Flores lives a double life. During the day, he is a respected college English professor and mid-level administrator. At night and during his summer vacation, he loosens the tie and tosses aside the trendy sports coat to write man on man fiction, where the hard ass assessor of freshmen level composition turns his attention to the firm posteriors and other rigid appendages of the characters in his fictional world.

Summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, provide Jacob with inspiration for his fiction. The abundance of barely clothed man flesh and daily debauchery stimulates his personal muse.

When he isn’t stroking the keyboard, Jacob spends time with his daughter. They both represent a bright blue blip in an otherwise predominantly red swath in south Texas.

Catch up to Jacob on his website, Facebook, twitter, Goodreads, and Tumblr.

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Happy Book Birthday to OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED-Excerpt and Kindle Giveaway!

oohc-availableHi there! Just wishing a Happy Book Birthday to a new contemporary romance from Julia Kent and Elisa Reed. OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED looks like a fun ride! Can’t wait to share my review with you next week.

In the meantime, be sure to check out the excerpt and enter the Kindle Fire giveaway, below!

optionschanged-kent-reed-ebook-1About the book:
Having it all is a fantasy, right?

Chloe Browne knows all about fantasy. Fantasy is her job. And she’s very, very good at what she does.

As director of design for the O Spa chain, a sophisticated women’s club that is trending its way into being the Next Big Thing, Chloe’s ready to take on the world.
One baby at a time.

Her home study’s done, and she’s about to adopt, a thirty-something single mother by choice. Who needs to put her life on hold for the right guy when the right baby is waiting for her?
Besides, talk about fantasy.
The right guy?
Pfft. Right.

And then in walks Nick Grafton, with those commanding sapphire eyes and wavy blonde hair and a sophisticated mouth that only smiles for her.
He’s perfect.

But the last thing Nick wants is to start fresh with a new baby as his college-age kids fly the coop. A single father for more than fifteen years after his wife walked out on her family, Nick finally tastes freedom.
But he likes the taste of Chloe more.

Interested? You can find OUR OPTIONS HAVE CHANGED on Goodreads,
Amazon (US and UK) Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a Kindle Fire!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Authors:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.

Connect with Julia on her website, twitter, Facebook, or sign-up for her newsletter.

New England native Elisa Reed now lives, writes, and plays in New Orleans and along the sugar sands of the Gulf Coast. Connect with Elisa on Facebook.

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Hidden Love: THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new M/M romantic suspense from HelenKay Dimon. THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS is the second book in her Tough Love series and is best enjoyed after MR. AND MR. SMITH.

mr-riversAbout the book:
HelenKay Dimon’s suspenseful, provocative series of double agents and dark desire continues with a novel featuring two men bound by a dangerous job—and by the cravings they feel for each other.
As the son of an international crime lord, Will Rivers only inherited one thing after his father died: trouble. The Pentasus organization deals in kidnapping and murder, and Will wants no part of the power grab that’s tearing leadership apart. But the only way he’ll be able to escape is with some help from his former bodyguard, Hunter Cain, whose sculpted body and brooding looks keep Will awake at night. Somehow, Hunter has resisted the tension between them . . . until, suddenly, he gives in.

As a German intelligence officer working deep undercover, Hunter has a very good reason to keep Will in the dark about his identity and his intentions. Although the sex is hot, Hunter’s true feelings are a growing liability. Now the only way to save Will from his old life is to push him deeper into danger. But when two strong men are each determined to protect the other, the heat isn’t just combustible—it’s a firestorm.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, and is probably best enjoyed when read in order. This is M/M romantic suspense series, and each book features a new couple, but most are CIA-type agents.

Will Rivers is the youngest child in his nefarious crime family. In the first book, MR. AND Mr. SMITH, we learned that Will’s family ran Pentasus, a corporation known for human trafficking and murder-for-hire. The situation resulted in a huge fire-fight on the Rivers’ estate and an explosion that killed Will’s ailing father and murderous sister. Will’s not sure if his brother escaped, but the first person who finds him hiding in Paris is his bodyguard, Hunter.

Hunter is a deep-cover agent from Germany’s secret police. He discovered Pentasus, its activities, and the principals–the Rivers family–but Will was the sheltered bookish half-sibling who’d spent the past ten years in the US in college and grad school. He’d only returned to England to attend at his father’s death bed. Hunter was immediately drawn to nerd-chic Will and the two months he spent watching him, gathering intel for the CIA co-op, were fraught with mutual attraction. They never stepped past the boundaries: Will was afraid any liaison would make him weak in front of his feuding siblings, and Hunter wasn’t sure he could stomach any physical contact with Will if he was directly involved in Pentasus.

Now, however, Will claims he wants nothing to do with Pentasus or his tainted legacy. That doesn’t mean he’s free to go. No, there are factions who are pushing Will to take up his family’s mantle–if only as a figurehead. There’s millions at stake, and Will’s not sure which side Hunter is on…until the CIA comes a-callin’.

I liked this one better than the first book in this series. Will and Hunter have had a long time of close interaction for a slow burn to develop. We already knew there was something going on in the first book, so stepping in at their beginning is really easy. Also, we know that Will’s a decent guy from the start. Hunter doesn’t want to fall for him and isn’t convinced Will’s completely innocent, but the more they battle to gain Will’s freedom, the more Hunter learns he can’t step back. It’s a fast-paced, romantic thriller with very high stakes. There are lots of room for double and triple-crosses, but the heart of the story is two solitary men finding solace and support. We get a return of deep-cover CIA agents Fisher and Alex, from the first book, as well as Seth who takes a front-stage role here–so I expect he’ll be the focus of another/the next book in this series, if it continues.

Expect bullets, backstabbing, back-biting, big men posturing, late night heart-to-hearts, love and sexytimes. And an HEA.

Interested? You can find THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

About the Author:
HelenKay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a divorce attorney—not the usual career transition. Now she writes full-time and she’s much happier. The author of more than thirty novels, novellas, and short stories that have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan, she’s on the board of directors of the Romance Writers of America and teaches fiction writing at UC San Diego and Mira Costa College.

You can find HelenKay online on her website, Facebook, twitter Tumblr and Pinterest.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!