Month: August 2021

Baby Struggles BACK CHECK: Review and Giveaway!

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review and giveaway for a contemporary M/M hockey romance from the writing team of RJ Scott and VL Locey. BACK CHECK is the second book in their new Boston Rebels series. You can catch my review for TOP SHELF, the first book, though this one is fine read as a a standalone.

Drop down to catch an excerpt, my review and enter for a chance to win a $10 GC or some backlist books.

About the book:

Meeting Joachim could save his daughter’s life, but it may well cost Isaac his heart.

It’s been one hell of a year for Joachim Löfgren. After a long summer in rehab, he’s been moved to a new town, one far away from the warm Florida sun he so adores, to bolster a struggling Boston defense since the departure of their beloved team captain. He hadn’t even unpacked his skates properly when fate lands another blow, and he’s told that he is dad to a gravely ill child he never knew existed. It’s an easy decision for the burly defenseman to help and he opens up his new home to his child and her guardian Isaac. He’s instantly enchanted with the preschooler as well as her uncle and decides that his life will only be complete if his daughter is part of it. Filing for custody is the only option he feels he has, but this throws his budding relationship with Isaac into utter chaos. The two men soon find themselves on opposite sides of the courtroom as they both fight for the life they feel is best for Sophia.

Despite grieving for the loss of his sister, Isaac doesn’t hesitate to take on the responsibility for his newborn niece Sophia, creating a brand new family of two built on love and laughter. He has a steady income painting pet portraits during the day, but it’s the subversive and satirical cartoons he draws at night that silence his thoughts in the dark. They don’t have much as a family, but he is Sophia’s dad now, and nothing and no one will ever come between them. When a routine pediatric checkup shows that Sophia is ill, it forces Isaac to confront every one of his fears. Finding a matching donor is her only hope, and Isaac begins the journey to find Sophia’s mysterious father. There are no names or dates in his sister’s battered journal, and all Isaac knows is that he’s looking for a hockey player who was nothing more than a one-night stand. Little does he know that finding Joachim could destroy everything.

How about a yummy taste?

“Hey, guys, did you see this story coming out of Fort Lauderdale?”
Everyone looked at me.
“I didn’t do it,” I quickly said as I lifted my hands up innocently. “I was here in Boston.”
“No, it’s nothing bad like you’re used to,” Austin blurted out. Xander swatted him upside the head. The boy’s eyes bugged out, and his soft cheeks turned scarlet. “Oh! No, I didn’t mean you did bad stuff! Being drunk isn’t bad. Well, it kind of is bad when you run off the road and hit a mailbox. It’s not bad in a bad way. It’s, uhm… well, it’s just an addiction right, and you’re not drinking anymore so it’s all okay. No, well, okay in that you’ve stopped drinking and are now—”
“It’s okay, Rowe, I know what you meant, and it’s fine. I did some pretty fucked up things when I was under the influence of alcohol.”
Austin wilted a bit. “Okay, thanks. I didn’t mean to imply that addictions are bad. I mean they are! No, not bad like bad but—”
“It’s okay, kid. Just move onto the news story.” I chuckled. Moral lobbed a chunk of apple at Austin. He ducked it and the glob smacked Kyle in the cheek.
“Right, yeah, so there’s this guy down in Florida who’s looking for a bone marrow donor for his daughter. He showed up at a preseason hockey game to search for some mysterious fan called ‘Hockey Guy’ which the dead mother named as the possible father.”
“Shit, so the guy is raising his daughter alone?” Moral asked, the sad news slowing his inhalation of muffins for a moment.
“Wait…” He placed his muffin on its plate. “If he’s the father then why is he looking for the father?”
“He’s the baby’s uncle but has been raising her as her father. It’s all super sad and everyone in the league is signing up to see if they’re a match for the little girl with leukemia. Look at her.” He showed us all an image of an adorable little girl of perhaps three and her daddy/uncle who was also cute as hell. “We should sign up.”

My Review:

Isaac is in his middle 20s, living in Tampa and raising his deceased sister’s daughter as his own. He could never get his sis to reveal the name of her baby daddy, though he tried. And when she died in birth, well, Isaac took full custody and did his very best. Problem is his little sweetheart, Sophie, is gravely ill with leukemia, and Isaac is not a donor match. And, he has no remaining family to test and see if they could help with a bone marrow transplant to save poor Sophie. Scouring his sister’s old journals, Isaac gets a hint that Sophie’s dad is potentially a hockey fan, so he gets a babysitter and makes a spectacle of himself outside of the arena, hoping to catch some viral buzz and raise awareness of Sophie’s plight. Record numbers of strangers go and get tested as a result, and though Isaac had tried to keep his hope in check, he’s astounded that a match is found. Unfortunately, it’s also Sophie’s biological dad, and he’s a pro hockey player now playing for the Boston Rebels.

Joachim Löfgren is a disgraced professional hockey player newly traded to Boston from Tampa Bay now that he’s out of his fourth stint in rehab. He’s long since spent his signing and endorsement money, though he still makes a good bit of coin as a defensemen. He isn’t sure if he’ll get along with his teammates, but they seem like genuinely nice guys and he’s got few friends. So, he’s pretty stunned to learn that his blood isn’t just a match to helps save a young girl with leukemia–he’s her daddy. Week’s out of rehab, this kind of shock is nearly enough to send Joachim searching for some alcohol, but this time he’s determined not to mess up his life again–or that of his apparent daughter.

The Boston Rebels want to play this as a heart-wrenching story of amazing triumph, but Joachim and Isaac are both wary. It’s not a good look that a pro player didn’t even know he fathered a baby–too drunk to even remember having relations with the mom. Still, Joachim has a nice house and he wants, begs, Isaac to stay with him, so he can get to know his daughter. Having lost his parents recently, Joachim is desperate for a familial connection, and he’s definitely attracted to Isaac. Though his AA sponsor reminds him it’s best not to jump into a relationship while still managing his recovery.

Isaac is terrified Joachim won’t help, then, he’s afraid of how much help he is giving. And well, he’s also afreaid of how attracted he is to Sophie’s bio father, which is how he thinks of Joachim because Isaac is her daddy–no matter the paternity. It seems like it could be a good situation, if Isaac and Joachim do fall for one another, but neither man is expecting a lasting connection. Isaac is planning a full return to Tampa with Sophie once the treatments are done, with visitation for Joachim if he wants, while Joachim wants full custody with Isaac released to regularly-scheduled-pre-baby life. Their diametrically-opposed goals do not become apparent to one another until pretty late in the story, once they have both grown significantly close, and Sophie has begun to bond with Joachim.

I liked this one. It had good, squirmy tension, with the family issues that both men are dealing with. Their mutual love of Sophie, and budding attraction for each other, keeps the story moving ever forward, and it was fun to see these relationships grow. The loneliness is palpable, as is the drama of Sophie’s worsening health condition. There isn’t a lot of hockey in the book, mostly just how the schedule was impacted for Joachim–and, well, how he goes bananas when the fit hits the shan between him and Isaac. Still, there was a great team dynamic here, and I loved how the Rebels all supported Joachim, Sophie and Isaac. When Isaac and Joachim do make it to sexytown, it felt pretty authentic, as they’d been house-sharing for going on two months and had a strong rapport.

Expect a superbly happy ending, and a slow-burn, pseudo-enemies-to-lovers romance.

Interested? You can find BACK CHECK on Goodreads and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 gift card or 2 backlist books from the authors.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Authors:

RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

Catch RJ on her website, Facebook, Goodreads, twitter and LibraryThing.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, Dr. Who, Torchwood, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, two Jersey steers and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.

When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.

You can find her on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads and tsú.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

WHY CAN’T SOPHOMORE SUMMER BE LIKE PIZZA–Review & Giveaway

Why Can't Sophmore BannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary LGBTQ YA coming of age story from Andy V. Roamer. WHY CAN’T SOPHOMORE SUMMER BE LIKE PIZZA? is the fourth book in the Pizza Chronicles and features a high school sophomore determining how to navigate several difficult friendships, and if he should come out. I adored WHY CAN’T LIFE BE LIKE PIZZA?, WHY CAN’T FRESHMAN SUMMER BE LIKE PIZZA?, and WHY CAN’T RELATIONSHIPS BE LIKE PIZZA? I highly recommend reading this series in order.

Scroll down for an excerpt, my review and to get in on the $50 GC giveaway!
Sophomor Summer coverAbout the book:It’s the summer after sophomore year and RV plans to enjoy new adventures and new challenges after finishing two years of high school.

He gets a job as an usher at a movie multiplex but discovers the realities of dealing with job stresses and unruly customers. It’s also time for him to start learning how to drive, and his father is eager to give him lessons. But he’s not the most patient of teachers and RV is not the most capable of drivers.

RV opens himself up to a new relationship and it looks like the start of a budding romance—until it isn’t.

And then there is RV’s family… Luckily, as always, Mr. Aniso, RV’s freshmen-year teacher, is always there to talk over anything that might be bothering RV. But he’s away for the summer, so there’s only so much time and attention he can give RV. It looks like RV’s summer won’t be fun and games after all.

How about a taste?

I can’t believe it’s summer again. I’ve finished two years at Latin School. Halfway to graduation.

And I just turned sixteen. Yeah. Sixteen. Wow. Am I an adult? I can do some things, like drive once I get my license. I can have sex here in Massachusetts. As if I’m going to, LOL. Though my parents can still forbid me to see certain people until I’m eighteen. Whoa! What? I can’t buy a drink yet. And I can’t vote. But I can pre-register to vote? What?

So, I’m, like, half an adult? A third? Two-tenths? Three-eighths? Double LOL!

Do I feel like an adult? Sometimes. And sometimes I still feel like that scared, confused kid with so much to learn about life. So, what is life going to teach me next? Where do I go from here? Where do I go from here?

!#$!@#!@$#!$!!!

Okay, RV, chill out. Stop getting ahead of yourself. Learn to stay in the moment like all those books say. Not just books, but Mr. Aniso too.

I hear you, Mr. Aniso! Hope you’re enjoying summer in— Where did you go? Ames, Iowa? Helping out your partner Ben’s parents. You’re such a good guy. Will I ever be like you? Helpful. Confident. And strong. Yes, strong. Maybe not macho strong on the outside, but definitely on the inside. As I keep pointing out to Bobby.

Oh, Bobby. Took him to our favorite place in the woods today. It was a perfect afternoon. Blue sky, green trees, those hills in the distance that always make me believe there’s a future. A good future. I wanted to share it with Bobby. Wanted to celebrate the start of summer, sitting on our rock, looking out at everything.

I don’t think Bobby was into celebrating anything. He just sat there, not saying a word, looking out into space.

Celebrate. Maybe it wasn’t the right word to use. I know Bobby teases me whenever I use a fancy new word—me and my words!—but “celebrate” isn’t fancy, is it? It’s regular, something everyone does. I know he probably doesn’t feel like celebrating these days, given everything he’s dealing with, but I’m just trying to stay positive. Is that so wrong?

I glanced over at Bobby. He just kept sitting quietly, staring straight ahead.

Wasn’t sure whether to say anything else that might come out as annoying. Or better to keep my big mouth shut. Last thing I ever want to do is upset him.

I decided a question would be okay.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked quietly, staring straight ahead too.

“Nothing much.”

“Oh.”

“Nothing much,” he repeated. “Only about last summer.”

“Last summer?”

“Yeah. Do you remember how we began last summer?”

“When we went to the park, you mean?”

“Yeah. Larz Anderson Park. It was nice, wasn’t it?”

The memory of sitting on the hill in that little grove of trees, looking over at the twinkling lights of downtown Boston, came back to me. And then another memory. Bobby’s hand on top of mine, making me feel happy and secure.

Today was and wasn’t the same. Bobby’s hand was resting on the rock right next to mine. I wanted to place my hand on top of his, connecting to that moment a year ago. But I didn’t dare. This was a different summer. And a different beginning.

My Review:
This is the fourth book in a series and I’m going to sum up a bit of stuff that many be spoiler-y if you haven’t read the previous books.

Arvydas “RV” is the eldest son of Lithuanian ex-pat citizens and living a middle class life in Boston. RV’s parents have worked hard for their modest American existence; it’s not exactly the American Dream they had envisioned upon emigration. RV has a younger brother Ray who is more outgoing and popular–he’s got a steady girlfirend and regularly challenges their parents on their conservative beliefs. In contrast, RV is very non-confrontational, and hides pretty much all of his feelings, all of the time. This is especially true about his sexuality, which RV is pretty sure that he’s gay. He did have a girlfriend, Carole, and he like the physical things they did, but his responses are away more intense when he’s with or near a boy he likes. One of these people is Bobby, who was his boyfriend–until he’d had a catastrophic concussion playing football and he’s been struggling to recover since.

It’s the beginning of summer and RV has a new job as an usher at a multiplex–which means doing whatever is necessary in the theaters, like clean up, ticket taking, and telling customers to behave when they are unruly. He meets Matteo there, and Matteo is a bit of a kindred spirit. He’s about the same age, and has gay or bisexual attraction. Casual attention seems to bloom into more, leaving RV both excited and guilty. Bobby is not really acting like a boyfriend, but he still wants RV to visit him at home and help with his recovery exercises. It’s tenuous and troubling because Bobby’s frustration with his physicians and condition is high and he’s sometimes angry with everyone that he’s so injured. He wants to recover and get back to football by the end of summer, no matter how dangerous or unrealistic this sounds. In truth, I felt his parents were problems here, for not being honest or realistic with Bobby, allowing him to hope for something that was never to be. And, it upset RV too, to see Bobby so determined, and be so scared for him.

During the summer RV connects with people that had been important in previous stories:  Carole, Mark, the S-head cousins, Mr. Aniso, even Joe the pizza guy. They provide support and struggle for RV to work with and against. Like Carole gets RV to have some fun tours with her boyfriend Guillome. And, Mark gets him thinking about whether gayness could, or should, be cured. Mr. Aniso and Joe are voices of reason and comfort, allowing RV to help them in turn. Even Ray, his argumentative brother, is a source of immense support, knowing RV’s sexuality and loving him unconditionally–challenging him to come out to their parents, and supporting him through it.

As RV is learning growing up is about overcoming challenges, and building friendships that will stand the test of time. It’s about loving yourself, and being your true self, whenever possible. RV has brushes with bullies in this one, those who pick on him for suspected gayness, and his levelheadedness and need to analyze the situation before acting sometimes aggravates the people around him. It was fun to watch RV practice driving with his dad, who is trying to build some type of rapport on common ground, except that RV is terrified of driving, and he’s really bad, at first. RV’s friends all consider him to be a pretty innocent kid, and he may be, but it’s refreshing that he’s not totally jaded.

Like the previous books, this story hits a great balance between voice and action, with RV both narrating and living his experiences. I’m glad I’ve read this series through, and would be happy to keep riding along on RV’s emotional and evocative journey. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy YA and tween LGBTQ stories.

Interested? You can find WHY CAN’T SOPHOMORE SUMMER BE LIKE PIZZA? on Goodreads, NineStar Press, Books2Read. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $50 GC from NineStar Press.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Andy V. Roamer grew up in the Boston area and moved to New York City after college. He worked in book publishing for many years, starting out in the children’s and YA books division and then wearing many other hats. This is his first novel about RV, the teenage son of immigrants from Lithuania in Eastern Europe, as RV tries to negotiate his demanding high school, his budding sexuality, and new relationships. He has written an adult novel, Confessions of a Gay Curmudgeon, under the pen name Andy V. Ambrose. To relax, Andy loves to ride his bike, read, watch foreign and independent movies, and travel.

Catch up with Andy on his website and Facebook.

Tasty Rebirth: DINE WITH ME–A TBT Review

Hi there! I’m sharing a Throwback Thursday review for a M/M contemporary age gap romance from Layla Reyne. DINE WITH ME is a standalone romance between a chef having a swan song, and the young physician who’s determined to save him. I’ve also enjoyed thrillers like VARIABLE ONSET and sports romance like RELAY from this author, among other books.

DIne with Me coverAbout the book:

Life never tasted so good.
Miller Sykes’s meteoric rise to award-winning chef is the stuff of culinary dreams, but it’s all crashing down around him. He’s been given a diagnosis that could cost him something even more precious than his life: his sense of taste. Rather than risk the very thing that defines him, Miller embarks on a last tour of his favorite meals while he still can.

But there’s a catch: he needs a financial backer to make it happen, and he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s sick.

Dr. Clancy Rhodes has two weeks to come to terms with putting aside oncology to work at his father’s thriving plastic surgery practice. When the opportunity to travel with a Michelin-starred chef presents itself, the foodie in him can’t believe it. It doesn’t hurt that Miller’s rugged good looks are exactly Clancy’s cup of joe.

As Clancy and Miller travel from coast to coast and indulge in everything from dive bars to the most decadent of culinary experiences, they’re suddenly sharing a lot more than delicious meals. Sparks fly as they bond over their love of flavors and the pressures of great expectations. But when Miller’s health takes a turn for the worse, Clancy must convince him he’s more—so much more—than just his taste buds. And that together, they can win a battle that once seemed hopeless.

My Review:

Miller Sykes is a renown chef, and a gay man who’d just turned forty. And two weeks ago he learned he had throat cancer. While it’s a treatable cancer, the treatment will likely destroy Miller’s sense of taste–and that would mean the end of his career as a chef. Against medical advice, Miller has declined treatment, divorced his longtime female partner, Sloan, and closed his restaurant. He’s planned a two-week swan song, touring the country with a partner (or a couple) who choose to pay the way through Miller’s culinary “greats” stopping at restaurants and other establishments to have amazing last meals.

Clancy Rhodes is a newly minted, board-certified physician and surgeon. He’s always had a deep desire to work in oncology, but his father is a plastic surgeon and it’s expected that he join the practice, doing reconstructive surgeries, as necessary. It’s not ideal, but it is secure. Clancy has two weeks before joining the practice, and as a huge foodie, he’s excited to spend those days on Miller’s culinary adventure.

The chemistry between these men is strong, and despite their age and experience gap they find lots to chat about, both cooking and life-wise. It isn’t long before Clancy begins to recognize that Miller is ill, though Miller refuses to fully disclose his private medical affairs. Though, their attraction continues to simmer and reach a boiling stage where Miller can’t help but physically connect with the bright and witty young doctor. It seems like they could really make something of this fling, in Clancy’s eyes, until he learns about the cancer, and Miller’s plan to not have any treatment. Naturally, that’s a huge problem for Clancy.

This book is a bittersweet read, but it’s not hopeless. The love story that develops between Clancy and Miller is sweet and fresh and the exact right moment for these headstrong men to meet. While Clancy resigns himself to a career that’s not ideal, his expertise proves invaluable to Miller as his illness progresses. Miller’s treatment decisions, made in despair, prove to be less than rock solid as Miller experiences both his own mortality at hand, and a love worth fighting for. I really enjoyed how each man took charge of their lives, and worked for their futures and their passions, discounting the power of their immediate hurdles. There is so much love and good and happy that develops between them, and the end is truly delicious. I really enjoyed it.

Interested? You can find DINE WITH ME on Goodreads, Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. I read a review copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

About the Author:
Layla Reyne is the author of the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey, Trouble Brewing, and Changing Lanes series. A Carolina Tar Heel who now calls the San Francisco Bay Area home, Layla enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart pounding romance.

Catch up with Layla Reyne on her website, Facebook, twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Goodreads, or sign up for her newsletter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Absolutely Galacticly CAPTIVATED–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m excited to share a review for a M/M space opera adventure romance from A.C. Thomas. CAPTIVATED is the second book in The Verge adventure series and I couldn’t put it down. Check out my review for RESTRICTED, the first book in this series. So good!

Captivated coverAbout the book:

Dr. Theophrastus Campbell leads a comfortable life, along with his twin brother, buried in academia. His unique gift for obscure languages goes unnoticed as he teaches University students to conjugate Latin. Everything in his world is just as it should be; restrained, understated, boring. He would give anything to break away. In all his daydreams of adventure, Theo never expected it to arrive in the form of an outrageously attractive Outlier covered in intriguing tattoos. And Theo never thought the price he might pay for adventure would be his own freedom.

Captain Park Jun-Seo leads a dangerous life, running a Crew of misfits through Restricted space as he desperately searches for the key to completing his parents’ work. Work that could mean the difference between life and death for countless others. In all of his frantic searching, Jun never expected to find the key in the form of a beautiful professor with more brilliance than good sense. And he never thought the price he might pay for knowledge would be his own heart.

Stoic Jun and irrepressible Theo must work together to break the code before their time is up. Falling into bed together is effortless, but their growing connection wasn’t in the plan. Theo charms his way beneath Jun’s skin with every nonsensical move he makes. Jun must decide if he can make room in his harsh, goal-driven life for the unpredictable force of love. Theo begins their journey as a lighthearted adventure—until he cracks Jun’s tough facade to reveal the hero within. Theo must decide if he can risk his battered heart when Jun is risking everything.

In the lawless depths of space, can two captive hearts set each other free?

My Review:
Dr. Theophrastus Campbell is a resident of Brittania, one of the Core planets stuck within the Verge, a force field that prevents marauders from attacking the main planets. He’s an extroverted linguist–one of the best in the Core–and that’s my Captain Park Jun-Seo, from the Restricted Section beyond the Verge has come to his office to kidnap him. Theo scribes out a hidden message to his twin brother, Dr. Aristotle Campbell, a pre-eminent geologist, and decides to take Captain Park’s kidnapping as a bit of an adventurous lark, one that could net him some fascinating linguistic opportunities as well as some sexy-time with the delicious, if gruff, man.

Jun is a beast of a man, tatted and augmented to help keep him alive in the desolate and dangerous areas of space he’s grown up in. But, there might be a way to bring a new energy source to the planets beyond the Verge, which would open trade routes and perhaps help those of his family still exist beyond the Verge. If only Dr. Campbell wasn’t so lithe, and clean, and verbose about his sexual desires. Jun needs Theo’s help deciphering the dead language that hides these galactic secrets. If only the young, gorgeous academic could keep his sexy, tempting mouth shut.

Well, all of Theo’s suitors had felt the same, so he’s going to make the most of his forced proximity to the virile and forceful captain.

This is a unique and engaging world that’s a bit of a mix with Victorian sensibilities and the space exploration tech. As with the first book in the series, I really loved the story, and the originality of the plot twists. Theo is cheeky and fun, absorbing his captivity with salty aplomb, and teasing the heck out of Jun. He’s brave and bold and unashamed of his attraction to Jun. They develop a rapport that feeds the sexual tension growing between them. Jun is really a decent man, stressed to all lengths to achieve independence for himself and his followers. Their part of space is continually ravaged by marauders, and he wants to level the playing field, so there can be more than a subsistence existence beyond the Verge–where plenty of beings live. Even his initial resistance to Theo’s overtures is admirable, if frustrating!

Their adventures are risky, putting Jun in position to be captured by his former captain/owner and maybe scuttle the entire mission. For those who’ve read the first book, you know that Ari is doggedly trying to save Theo from his captors–and their reunion is so joyful. Captains Jun and Orin (who helped Ari locate Theo) are outmatched, but never outclassed, by this dynamic duo of intelligence, the Doctors Ari and Theo Campbell. It seems that the stage is now set to liberate the energy needed to power the planets and outposts beyond the Verge, but the story ends pretty much with a plan to go on. I flew through both RESTRICTED and CAPTIVATED, adoring the adventures and the romances, and I SO HOPE we will have a third book to complete the story arc. If so, I look very much forward to reading it.

Interested? You can find CAPTIVATED on Goodreads, NineStar Press, and Amazon. I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley.

About the Author:
A.C. Thomas left the glamorous world of teaching preschool for the even more glamorous world of staying home with her toddler. Between the diaper changes and tea parties, she escapes into fantastical worlds, reading every romance available and even writing a few herself.

She devours books of every flavor—science fiction, historical, fantasy—but always with a touch of romance because she believes there is nothing more fantastical than the transformative power of love.

You can catch up with A.C. online on her website, Facebook, and twitter.

A Tough Choice: SINK OR SWIM–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary LGBTQ YA adventure from Tash McAdam.  SINK OR SWIM is a novella featuring a 16 year-old trans teen and the girl he really likes enjoying a joyride in the sea before it takes a dark turn.

SInk or swim coverAbout the book:

Sixteen-year-old shy, socially awkward trans teen Bass reluctantly skips school and goes on a boat trip with his adventure-seeking girlfriend, Rosie. When a sudden storm smashes their boat on a rocky shore off a deserted island, Bass and Rosie struggle to make it to safety.

 

Bruised and battling hypothermia, the pair have to seek shelter and work together to survive until they can be rescued. After a horrible night, Rosie, an experienced climber, decides to scale a steep cliff to find help. She falls and injures herself badly. Now Bass has to find the strength and courage to swim around a dangerous headland and make his way back to civilization before it’s too late.

 

My Review:

Sixteen year old, Bass has a distinct thing for his friend Rosie, but he’s not sure if she reciprocates, exactly. It’s a little difficult, maybe, because Bass is trans, and he’s afraid that dating Rosie will bring her trouble at school, or at home. Also, he doesn’t want to mess up their firendship, and Rosie’s an adventurous and lovely girl. She’s all sport, while Bass, well, he reads a lot.

One sunny school day Rosie gets the daring idea to steal a rowboat from school grounds and have a sweet little picnic lunch at a nearby secluded cove, Bass is pretty eager–despite not being a strong swimmer. He really just wants some alone time with Rosie, and it seems that this is going to be a fun afternoon. Except for those thunderheads approaching swiftly on the horizon. And, the huge thunderstorm that arrives brings huge waves that capsize the boat, leaving Bass and Rosie stranded in a tiny cove for damp and miserable shelter overnight. Rosie daring cliff climb for  help leaves them in worse straits than before. It’s up to Bass to swim for safety and help–if possible.

This is a quick, suspenseful read that evokes all the tenderness and exhilaration of new and young love–combined with the heart-twisting struggle of a life-or-death experience. Bass is a great kid, and he’s so hopeful, in the beginning. Putting all his worries into Rosie’s capable hands. Their connection seems strong, but the continued misadventures have Bass fearing that he’s lost all chance of friendship, even, by the end–if they even do make it back home. I really loved being in Bass’s head. He’s a reliable narrator, and his fears are all well-founded. The resolution brings a satisfying end, with Bass and Rosie getting help and happiness. 

Highly recommend for readers looking for a short adventure, and those who enjoy LGBTQ YA romance.

Interested? You can find SINK OR SWIM on Goodreads and Amazon. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

About the Author:

Tash is a Welsh-Canadian author and teacher. Their publications include The Psionics (Nine Star Press), and the Gold Standard Select Blood Sport (Orca Books) as well as multiple anthology contributions.

When they’re not writing, they’re usually found teaching either Computer Science or English in Vancouver. Tash identifies as trans and queer and uses the neutral pronoun ‘they’. As an English teacher they are fully equipped to defend that grammar! They have a degree in computer science so their nerd chat makes sense, and a couple of black belts in karate which are very helpful when it comes to writing fight scenes.

Their novel writing endeavours began at the age of eight although they will admit that their first attempt was derivative, at best. Since then, Tash has spent time falling in streams, out of trees, juggling, dreaming about zombies, dancing, painting, learning and then teaching Karate, running away with the circus, and of course, writing.
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They write fast-paced, plot-centric stories with diverse casts. They write the books that they wanted to read as a queer kid and young adult (and still do!)

Catch up with Tash on their website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Now Available: MY ONLY DEFENSE

Hi there! Today I’m sharing an excerpt and review for a contemporary M/M romance from new-to-me author Leigh Lennon. MY ONLY DEFENSE is the third book in her Love is Love series, and features a guilty sportswriter and the Navy SEAL he fell for but inadvertently wronged.

About the book:

Garrison

Love sucks! There I said it. I’ve never looked for it, nor do I want it. All it seems to do is cause open wounds. I already suffer from the guilt of a horrific accident. I won’t let love suck me down the rabbit hole. But Murphy’s Law is a diva out to destroy my life. Someone sees me for more than just a one and done and though I’ve pushed men away for years, he’s refreshing. But remember that diva I told you about, she’s sort of a b**** too. Yeah, love more than sucks but since I can’t use the words I want, I’ll just stick to that because the man I want has a connection with me, no one knows about.

Lawson

I met a man. Sure he’s a little detached and cynical. Though, try telling my heart he’s all wrong for me. I’ve been over it with this particular traitorous part of my body. And, I do the one thing I never do with my hook-ups. I give him a way to reach me. But it’s more—I almost beg him to call me after my next deployment. Oh, yeah, forgot to mention, I’m in the military and am shipping out. I want him to be my welcoming party, when I come home, yet, when I unravel every complicated part of Garrison Fisher, I find more and more I should run from. But I can’t. He’s broken, but after my time in the military, I’m broken too. Can we fix one another and heal the wounds that may very well tear us apart?

How about a little taste?

I haven’t had enough beer or scotch or bourbon or rum to endure the I’m concerned for you speech I get from this crew of people. It should make me feel secure in the friendships of so many who care for me. But it doesn’t.

Making my way through small groups of people mingling together, I see many teammates huddled up, partaking in different conversations. I hear Ryder’s voice carry through the crowd. I’m on my way to him in an attempt to bow out for the night. I’m tired, grumpy, and want to go over some more statistics before I fall asleep with my laptop open.

I have the Uber app pulled up on my phone and blindly walk over to find Ryder.

I’m overcome with this searing feeling I’m being watched. Darting my gaze over to the set of eyes that I can feel are on me, like the sun on a clear day, I’m met with the one person who I’ve been trying to forget for way too long. Charging toward me is the handsome and familiar face of Lawson Solaritez, and he’s anything but happy to see me. Oh, fuck!

I’m paralyzed, unable to move, his eyes piercing me, and the entire group he’s a part of stops, staring at our interaction. With Crush near his husband, I hear him ask, “Did you know, Ryder?”

But nothing fazes the angry Navy SEAL. His entire gaze is ready to set me on fire. With the heat in his eyes, the kind I’m not accustomed to, I turn on my heels, taking my leave. I won’t come clean with him, not in this house, not ever. He’s been hurt enough, and by the flames ready to destroy me, he’s already one step in the right direction. But the memory of his family being lowered into the ground will only hurt him further.

I’m around the corner of this mansion type of home when the strong arms of Law pull me back to him. Six months we fucked, and I’d know his touch anywhere.

We’re just far enough away from everyone, and we have privacy when he backs my body against the farthest wall, his one arm pushing my shoulder against it and the other over my hand.

“What the fuck?” These are his words.

“No hello?” Yeah, I’m an asshole—it’s the only way I know when I’m met head-on with a crisis. “It’s the normal way to greet people.”

“Hello, asshole.” His eyes widen, and his words are just as cold. “Now, with our pleasantries out of the way, want to explain ghosting me?”

I choke on the air, attempting to explain the ridiculousness of his little tantrum. I clear my throat, and I seem to breathe normally again. “Are you serious right now, Law? I believe your words were something along these lines—‘I know this isn’t what we do, but the ball is in your court.’ This is my paraphrase, but I think I’m pretty fucking close. So, don’t act as if you have a reason to be upset.”

He lets go of my shoulder, but his body is still pressed against mine. I’ve dreamed of him every day since saying goodbye to him six months ago. And there’s nothing I’d rather do than allow him to ravage every part of me.

“Give me something, Gary. We had a connection and, by your reaction, I know you wanted more from me. I didn’t give you a chance to answer, but I expected something. Yeah, my words were just words because I felt it, here.” He places his hand on my heart. “Here, Gary—right here. I didn’t imagine anything, and I’m left to wonder why the hell you’ve changed. I have the right to know. Fuck, you know my name. I know nothing about you. Just tell me your name. I know it’s not Gary. Give me something so that when I dream of you, I’ll know it was real, if only for a second.”

“It doesn’t matter what we felt here.” I give myself permission this one time to touch him, and I place my hand over his. “I don’t have any right to care—catching feelings for you.”

My Review:

Lt Colonel Lawson Solaritez is a SEAL and a twin brother to pro-hockey player Edward. A few years back Edward, who’d long had a drug problem, was the subject of a news piece that also called him out for being a serial adulterer. His distraught, young, pregnant wife fled the home and was killed in a car wreck. Law still feels terrible about this, missing his SIL and the niece that was never born, but he blames Edward for all their trauma–a man who’s dropped out of society and been on the run for the past three years. Law’s recent happiness has come from his frequent connections with a submissive man he knows as “Gary” and he’d hoped to return from a deployment and pick up where they’d left off–but Gary is a ghost, now. And Law is heartbroken.

Garrison Fisher is a sports reporter turned colorman for the Nashville football team. He’s regretted writing the tell-all on Edward Solaritez for three years now. His only bright spot was having incredible sex with Law–until Law deployed and Garrison learned his full name–and relationship to Edward. He’d started to fall hard for Law, but how could Law ever want the man responsible for his family’s tragedy? When he finally reveals his troubles to a good friend, well, that guy totally goes behind Garrison’s back and meddles, but only in the effort to reunite the starcrossed lovers.

It’s tricky, obviously, because Garrison’s a guilt bomb waiting to explode and Edward’s out there, a detonator on the run. Law is finally feeling good–capable of building a relationship–if only submissive Garrison will get with his program. It’s a tangled story, with lots of good secondary characters helping both Garrison and Law find the happily ever after that they deserve. For me, I think the writing was a little convoluted, with odd phrasing at times, and really long, explanatory dialogue. It slowed the pacing for me, and hampered my ability to really connect with the characters. Beyond that, I felt like Garrison and Law were good guys, and I was glad to see how caring and understanding Law was toward Garrison, who is really mired in self-loathing due to the article. It showed that Garrison was really affected by the sequelae from his actions, which was also admirable. I was rooting for these guys, just wishing the prose moved a little quicker.

There’s a happy ending for these guys, but they do have to work for it. And, I liked how their cadre of confidantes really stepped in to support them. Clearly, some of these guys were main characters in previous stories of the series.

Interested? You can find MY ONLY DEFENSE on Goodreads and Amazon.

About Leigh Lennon:

I am a woman who loves to share all my imaginary friends with the world. My characters become as real to me as those I call family. I am a girl, who loves pretty nails, spikey hair and large earrings. Coffee and wine call to me daily, depending on the time of the day. I am a mom first and foremost and my kids are the breath of my life. I met my husband while serving in the military and I am proud to say he’s kicked cancer’s ass! I write real life issues that reflect a little of my own little world. My family tolerates the seventh member of our family, my computer, as I lug this vital piece everywhere I go.

Catch up with Leigh on her website , Facebook, and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Best Friends to Lovers: TABOO FOR YOU-A TBT Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a Throwback Thursday review for a sweet M/M contemporary romance from Anyta Sunday. TABOO FOR YOU is the first book in her Love and Family series and features two very close neighbors who finally figure out that they are in love.

Taboo for You coverAbout the book:

Sam:
He’s solid, kind, and he’s back. Luke. My next door neighbor. My best friend. My unofficial co-parent.
God, I’ve missed him. Really, deeply missed him.
Now he’s around again? Maybe he’ll help me tick my way through my Must Do List . . .
Swim with the great whites?
Get into crazy, nasty shape. Lift weights before work!
Date someone ten years older.
Flirt, have fun, don’t fall in love.
Do something sexually taboo. (Or just have sex again.)
I mean, I’m straight, so Luke doesn’t have to help me with the last three points.
But, what . . . what if he does?

Luke:
He’s the guy I’m in love with. He doesn’t even know I’m gay. God, I’m screwed.

My Review:

I read this book, originally titled TABOO FOR YOU, but you might find it re-titled as THERE FOR YOU.

Sam and Luke have been neighbors for seven years, and they have developed a very close friendship. Luke even helps with the caring for Sam’s teenaged son Jeremy. Sam is approaching 30–he was a father within days of his 15th birthday, and he hasn’t had any sexual partners since that time. He hardly has any attraction for people, mainly because he’s been a full-on parent for half his life. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities, in any case.

Luke has been visiting his parents for the past six months, helping out when his mum got ill with cancer. Now that she’s better he’s come back home, but he’s been riled thinking of the “list” of experiences Sam has wanted to complete before he hits the big 3-0. And, on that list is “do taboo sex” which could dovetail into Luke’s own desires, because he’s gay and closeted–and in love with Sam. He’s afraid to tell Sam, though, because it might break their friendship.

These relationships are so sweet and fun, with Sam and Luke such tight friends, and being bittersweet for Luke, whose longing is pretty apparent. Jeremy has certainly picked up on it, and in some ways he accepts Luke as a surrogate father. But, he’s also not happy about his mum finding a beau. There is some teen angst and a complicated story that Jeremy winds, to hide his own sexual activities. I liked that Sam, Luke and Jeremy each narrated some chapters, so they could give us their internal thoughts. Sam’s so clueless, but he’s so sweet and lovable, and once he and Luke try some of the “taboo” it’s clear that he really loves Luke, too, just as much as Luke does as well. There are some moments of hurting, when it all becomes too much and a break is called. The ending is amazingly fun and tender, and it was a great wrap on the story.

I’ve read the sequel as well, which picks up with a new couple, and enjoyed that book just as much. I highly recommend these feel-good romances.

Interested? You can find TABOO FOR YOU on Goodreads and Amazon. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

About Anyta Sunday: (in her own words…)
A bit about me: I’m a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.

Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, GFY/OFY, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.

I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of angst, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.

If you’d like to check out more of my stories, check out my website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Sexy Nerd Romance: RULES OF PLAY–Audiobook Review and Giveaway!

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a brand new contemporary M/M romance from Lane Hayes. RULES OF PLAY is the second book in her new The Script Club series, and features a literal rocket scientist falling hard for his childhood crush–a jock friend of his older brother. You can catch my review for the first book in the series, FOLLOWING THE RULES, but this one is fine read as a standalone, too.

Drop down to catch my review and enter for a chance to win a $25 GC.

About the book:

The genius, the mechanic, and a new playbook…

George-

My brother’s friend is hot. If you’re into flannel-wearing lumbersexual former jocks who eat donuts for dinner and still scribble to-do lists on their palms. I’m not. I’m a serious scientist in my final of grad school. Okay, I admit I have few quirks of my own. I also have a broken truck and a boss who thinks I can help him find love. I’m in over my head. Help!

Aiden-

A few quirks? Really? George the weirdest dude I know. He wears capes in public, brings a book everywhere he goes, and loves all thing spooky. He’s also the smartest person on the planet—who somehow thinks I can help him write a How-To-Get-A-Date playbook for his boss. Yeah, that sounds suspicious. I know baseball; I don’t know anything about love. But I can’t say no. I’ve always had a soft spot for George. I just didn’t count on falling for my best friend’s nerdy brother. This is against the rules, isn’t it?

Rules of Play is an MM bisexual awakening story where opposites attract and shenanigans ensue!

How about a little taste?

“The Script Club?”

I grimaced. “Well, yeah. That name came later.”

“You really are a little weirdo, aren’t you?”

The twinkle in Aiden’s eyes and his affectionate tone paired with an unlikely term of endearment were exactly what I needed to pull me from my infatuation-induced awkwardness.

I smacked his biceps playfully, then leaned against his side, staring up at the crescent moon in the twilight sky. “I am weird and I am proud.”

Aiden chuckled. “I like that about you. I like your idea too. It’s a good one. I should get in on that and collect a few new experiences before I quit the garage and move on to my next venture.”

“What would you do? I mean, what would you want to try?”

“I don’t know. Maybe something will come to me.” He set the half-eaten container of meatballs down and reached for his beer. “As for your boss…he needs a rule book.”

I shifted to face him. “What kind of rule book?”

“A dating rule book. It would be the equivalent of a sports playbook…a list of strategies and a backup plan if things go awry.”

“Okay, that makes sense. Step one, ask for a date.”

Aiden shook his head. “No. Don’t go in hot. Gotta practice a little finesse. It’s better to get to know someone—ask about their interests, share yours, and see if there’s anything there. Theoretically, that’s how I think it should work.”

“You’re right. They have to build a rapport.” I squinted. “He’s going to need an icebreaker.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. Hit me with your best shot.”

“Uh…what do you mean?” I stammered.

“Pretend you’re into me and you want to get to know me.” Aiden quirked a brow and wiggled his fingers. “Ask me something.”

“What are your interests?”

He made an obnoxious buzzer noise and rolled his eyes. “Wrong. That’s a date question. A lame one, too. Would you really walk up to someone and ask them what they’re into?”

“No, of course not.”

“Redo. You’re trying to get to know me, but you can’t be too forward, and you can’t make assumptions. Got it?” He waited for my nod of agreement and continued. “Pretend we’re standing at the coffee machine at work on a Monday morning. And…action.”

“O-kay…what did you do last weekend?”

Aiden smiled. “Good one. And my answer…not much. I went to that college ball game I told you about last week, watched a lot of basketball, made arrangements to schlep your Bronco here, and played pool with Kenny and a couple of high school buddies. You?”

“I studied and hung out with my friends.”

He stared at me long enough for me to wonder if I had meatball between my teeth.

“If that’s all you have to say, you just killed this conversation,” he deadpanned.

I chuckled. “I did not. It was your turn to ask <em>me</em> something. That’s how it works in real life. I’m not that big of a dork!”

“But what about your boss?”

Good point. “Newton is a big dork. Very big.”

“Right, so this is where rules come into play. You have to pay attention and take hints and clues to heart. Almost everything I mentioned about my weekend had a theme…sports. I told you what I’m interested in without announcing, ‘I like sports.’ If you really wanted to get in my pants, you’d ask me a sports-related question.”

I shot to my feet, whirling my cape like a true badass. “Who said anything about getting in your pants?”

Yes, I was entirely in favor of the idea, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t said it aloud.

“Isn’t that the end game?” Aiden flashed a devilish grin my way.

“No! I mean, maybe for you, but not for Newton. I don’t think he’s hoping for sex.”

“Then what’s the point?”

“Love!”

Aiden widened his eyes comically. “What’s that?”

“I don’t know,” I sighed in defeat, reclaiming my spot on the stoop next to him. “That’s why this is complicated.”

My Review:
I reviewed this odd-couple friends to lovers romance a few weeks back. The story connects George, a non-jock super literary astrophysics genius with Aiden, a super jock turned mechanic who’s looking to become a baseball scout. They agree to a collaboration: Aiden fixes Georges truck for cost and George looks over Aiden’s player algorithms–and well, they fall into sexy times. Because they have both had a crush on the other for years now.

As an audiobook, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Both Aidan and George come off as fun and sexy, their playful banter really catalyzing their burgeoning romance. The voice acting definitely gave off the vibes I felt reading each character, and I enjoyed how gritty and throaty the intimate moments sounded–moments of wonder and mutual enjoyment.

This is a sweet New Adult romance with lots of playfulness, and the expected family struggles, as George attempts to keep his fling with Aiden on the down-low to not upset his brother Simon–who is Aiden’s best pal. I liked how this echoed the tension from FOLLOWING THE RULES, where Simon kept his interest in Topher–George’s good friend and housemate–on the super down-low. Aiden’s personal life is definitely changing, but in ways he’s ready to embrace as he finally follows his own path and becomes the man he’s strived to be. There are some dirty firsts, flirty moments, and caped crusades in this one, and I really enjoyed them all. Highly recommend.

Interested? You can find RULES OF PLAY on Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter Giveaway link for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards.

She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

You can reach out to Lane on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon.


Attraction with Bite: FANGS Volume 1–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new BoysLove manga from new-to-me author illustrator Billy Balibally. FANGS Volume 1 features a newly turned vampire finding the comfort and guidance he needs from an unexpected source: his Vamp liaison.

About the book:

Bitten by a vampire at a club, nineteen-year-old En barely survived. Taken under the wing of Ichii — a member of the health and welfare division of the vampire rights organization known as FANGS — En learns he’s to be taught about this new “world” he must survive in.

In order to control the urge to suck blood and attack innocents, FANGS established a “pairing system”, where two vampires support one another with regular meals. As a young, virginal vampire, En is highly sought after by many senior vamps. That is, until he declares his intention to pair with his guardian, Ichii…

My Review:

This was the first paranormal Boys’ Love manga I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. En is a 19 year old gay man who was turned to a vampire without his consent, something that truly troubles his new mentor in the Vamp society, Ichii. Ichii is hoping to pair En–a virgin and sexy with it–with a compassionate and stable partner, so they can provide years of companionship and blood-sharing, but En is not interested in any of the many men he’s presented at his first mixer. They may be sexy, but some seem pushy or entitles, and En has developed an affinity for Ichii, even if Ichii neither wants nor promotes this connection. 

Ichii is a good guy, volunteering with FANGS, a social group to help vampires meet their companionship or blood needs. He is attracted to En, but doesn’t want to exploit him. Well, En makes it clear that any of the other vampires he’d met would be exploiting him in any case, and at least he KNOWS Ichii, to some degree.  Throughout the story we meet several other vampires, some whom have open relationships, and others who do not want to replace a lost partner. I liked getting to know these characters, and expect that we will see more of them in the coming volumes.

As for this story, it’s an unexpectedly sweet when it is focused on Ichii and En. Ichii provides good humor while En is youthful, innocent and endearing. I really enjoyed the growing passion between the main characters, as well as how they cared for one another. There was a good level of maturity for most of the characters, some of whom are still young-looking despite being turned decades before. 

Expect a bit of steam between En and Ichii–and for it to be a little rough. The emotions were so evocative through the images and the words. I could really feel when someone was nervous, or concerned, or even depressed. It’s a glamorous society, and the characters are represented with grace and panache. If you are even a little interested in manga, this could be a good one the check out, since it’s the beginning of a series.

Interested? You can find FANGS Volume 1 on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. I read a review copy provided via NetGalley.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

A New Beginning UP IN SMOKE? A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary M/M hotshot fireman romance from Annabeth Albert. UP IN SMOKE  is the fourth book in her Hot Shots series that feature rural firefighters who live on the edge of danger. I really enjoyed BURN ZONE, HIGH HEAT, and FEEL THE FIRE,  so I was excited to read on in this series.

About the book:

Three Men and a Baby meets Backdraft with explosive chemistry and heartfelt feels.

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep.

Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor.

Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad.

Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist.

My Review:

Shane Travis is an up-and-coming country singer, if only he wasn’t always derailed by his impulsive sister. This time he’s up and left him with his baby niece, Jewel, disappearing into Canada to work some music festival and with no intention of returning to motherhood anytime soon. Shane has commitments of he own, and he hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in days, so he does the only thing he can do: hunt down the unwitting baby daddy and see if he can’t get Jewel a family she deserves.

Brandt Wilder is all his name suggests, a free-wheeling, free-loving adrenaline junkie that smoke jumps in season and does parachute jumps out of it. He’d met Shane and his sister, Shelby, when they did a parachute jump for Shane’s 30th birthday–round about 10 months back. Well, it was a fun night for sure, but he never imagined a child would come of it. He’s mighty suspicious when Shane turns up on his temporary doorstep, but agrees to take them in for a spell–at least until they can work out a paternity test. Because Brandt is not a deadbeat dad–at least he won’t be if little Jewel truly is his daughter.

While these unlikely babysitters await the testing and results, they also get acquainted. Shane is waiting for a callback to a reality singing show and Brandt’s between shifts in the field. They spend time co-parenting, and connecting in ways Shane had wished for the first time he’d met Brandt. Of course, he’s got prospects in the music industry, but he’s also got some down time, and he’s spending it mooning over both Brandt and Jewel, writing new lyrics for songs that he’d never imagined before. Brandt’s life hasn’t gotten less dangerous, but he’s got commitments he can’t escape, no matter how itchy his feet get. And, well, Shane is the kind of guy that worth being stable for, isn’t he?

Of course there are lots of complications, but there are also late night bonding sessions, first times, shopping sprees at the thrift store, and errant mothers turning up and making drama. I loved how Shane and Brandt built a connection between themselves, as well as with baby Jewel. They’re so sweet, and so sure that they are messing everything up, while trying their hardest to be good caregivers. Their attraction is hot as a wildfire, even if Shane’s afraid to make any moves–Brandt’s a big dude and he already knows the man likes women. Turns out, though, that Brandt is…open…to having sex with men, and though he doesn’t specify his sexuality in actual terms, it’s clear that Shane yanks his chain in just the right way.          

Their attraction simmers and then rages, but it’s still hard going for these guys and their little miss. Brandt and Shane are going to do the right things to make sure that girl lacks for nothing in life–not even a mama. It’s a totally sweet story with a great HEA.  

Interested? You can find UP IN SMOKE on Goodreads, Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo. I read a review copy provided via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Find Annabeth online on her website, Goodreads, twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!