Giveaways

Life Was Rotten. THEN SAWYER HAPPENED–Review and Giveaway

BannerTemplate(22)Hi there! I’m excited to share a review for a new contemporary cowboy M/M romance from Hurri Cosmo. THEN SAWYER HAPPENED is a sweet love story, and a dangerous mystery wrapped together.

Catch my review, the excerpt and enter to win in the $50 worth of AllRomance giftcards giveaway below.

SawyerAbout the book:

Trace is nursing a broken heart. He lost his job, his boyfriend of two years was cheating on him, and his apartment building burned right to the ground with all his worldly possessions.  It was time for Trace to get out of Minnesota.

So Trace heads for Texas and Riven Creek Ranch, the horse farm his Aunt Lois owns. But hours before he arrives, Lois is in a terrible car accident that nearly takes her life, and Trace finds himself in charge of the ranch kitchen. Sounds simple enough and it’s the least he can do for his recuperating aunt.

Then Sawyer happens.

Sawyer is his aunt’s big, beautiful, muscle bound, incredibly sexy straight ranch manager. Someone who has no clue Trace is gay. And meeting the big man should have been okay, except it was in the middle of his aunt’s kitchen at five in the morning and Trace was nearly naked. Embarrassing? Yep. But the very next day Trace proceeded to ramp up his embarrassment by quantum leaps when he nearly sets his aunt’s house on fire and the brooding Sawyer has to come to the rescue.

Seems like Trace’s “luck” followed him. Not to mention that Aunt Lois’s “accident” was actually attempted murder. And now, they just might want Trace dead, too.

Can Trace figure out who’s behind the attempts on his aunt’s life AND keep Sawyer from finding out he’s hot for the cowboy?

He probably can’t. But he’s going to try.

How about a little taste?

“Sawyer! Damn. You scared me.” Trace fell back against the freezer suddenly feeling light headed. He took in the big body blocking any escape he had and his cock twitched as if it liked the idea there was no way out. “I didn’t hear you… behind me.”

“I saw your car in the driveway. How’s Lois?”

Trace shook his head in an attempt to clear it. “She’s awake and very alert… but…” But someone wants her dead. Who? Someone on this ranch? Could it be Sawyer? I trust him with my life… That’s what she said.

“But what?”

Trace looked up into hard cold eyes. The question was genuine. He cared about the condition of his aunt. But what condition did he care her to be in? “Nothing… just… well… I guess you’re going to have to know… I mean…” Damn, he had to stop acting like a horny teenager in front of this man. “Let me… I’m going to make coffee…”

“It’s made. The big insulated urn on the counter is full. Just made it about a half hour ago so it’s fine.”

“Oh. Good. Let’s sit down. I need to sit down.” Trace took a few steps forward which brought him right in front of the cowboy. He expected Sawyer to move, to back up, but he didn’t. Then Trace did the unthinkable. His body reacted on its own as he put his hand on the big man’s chest and pushed. There would have been no way on God’s green earth he would have been able to physically move the cowboy without his express permission, not to mention help. But Trace’s brain seemed to totally malfunction in this man’s presence.

And, as expected, being pushed in any direction was never going to work for Sawyer. Sawyer grabbed his wrist, twisted it tight behind Trace, which brought Trace up solid, against Sawyer’s hard body, chest to chest. Being several inches taller, Sawyer glared down into Trace’s shocked face, a smoldering look in his eyes. Trace could feel Sawyer’s hot breath on his face, sense the man’s tense muscles from his pecs down through his thighs…

My Review:
Trace is a 20-something college graduate who’s having a run of really, really bad luck. Laid off, newly-single, and suddenly homeless, he returns to his aunt’s Texas ranch for the first time since his mother died several years ago. His aunt, Lois, is critically injured in a car wreck just before he arrives, however. She charges Trace with taking care of her ranch hands’ meals and managing the bills–while she recuperates. Her foreman, Sawyer, will be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the ranch.

Trace is dumbstruck when he meets big, burly, beautiful Sawyer. His imagination often goes wild, but he knows better than to out himself on an isolated Texas ranch. Sawyer is a kind man, which only makes Trace more swoony. In the meantime, Trace has some hilarious escapades, messing up meals, getting bucked off his horse, needing general rescue which always seems to come in the form of Sawyer.

As the story winds on, we learn that Lois had been being pressured to sell her ranch to a neighbor, and her car wreck was clearly no accident. Goons try to physically intimidate Trace into convincing Lois to sell. Expect some homophobia and hair-raising moments as Trace endures beatings and serious physical threats. Also, expect Sawyer to make it clear that his intentions regarding Trace are thoroughly dishonorable…and a little kinky.

I liked the story, though I felt the pace was a little slow and the dialogue was a little juvenile in parts. Trace is a really neurotic guy, and his headspace is cluttered with needless doubt and questionable choices. I wanted to reach into the book and shake him every time he lied about his intentions, and his feelings, and his abuse. I loved Sawyer, and I really liked Trace a lot. He’s such a compassionate guy. I had some questions regarding Aunt Lois’ recovery–because it was written as if she was 80 years old, but that didn’t make any sense. Even if she was twenty years older than Trace’s mother, she’d still only be in her late 60s. She could have easily been rehabilitated enough to return home–to my experience. *shrugs*

If you’re looking for a mostly-breezy gay cowboy romance, this one will wet your whistle.

Interested? You can find THEN SAWYER HAPPENED on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AllRomance and Smashwords.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win one of FIVE $10 GC to AllRomance.

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Hurri Cosmo lives in Minnesota where she holds tight to the idea that there, where it’s cold a good part of the year, she won’t age as fast. Yep, she avoids the truth as much as she avoids mirrors. But one of the reasons she loves writing is reality doesn’t always offer up a “happily ever after” and being able to take control of that is a powerful lure. Being a happy ending junkie, writing just makes them easier to find. Oh, she doesn’t mind “real life” and she does try to at least keep it in mind when she writes her stories, but she truly loves creating a wonderful couple, knowing they will fall in love and have their HEA. Every – single – time. And, of course, that is exactly the reason she loves reading this genre, too. Give her a glass of red wine, some dark chocolate, and her computer, whether she is reading or writing, and she will entertain herself for hours. The fact she actually gets paid to do it is Snickers bars on the frosting on the cake.

Catch up to Hurri online on her website, blog, Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Oh! To Be SPANKED IN THE WOODSHED! Excerpt and Giveaway!

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Hi there! Just getting the word out on what looks to be a yummy new contemporary M/M BDSM romance released today by Brina Brady. SPANKED IN THE WOODSHED is the last book in a series, which should be read in order.

Spanked in the Woodshed E-Book CoverAbout the book:
Young Shane gets himself in trouble again with his Dom. Afraid of Julien thinking he is insane when he believes someone is following him at the university, he makes matters worse for himself. He wants to please him, make him happy, and be the best sub for Julien.

His Dom gives him everything he needs. He helps him learn to deal with his problems the right way and not with drugs. He pays for his college and lets him work at one of his clubs to be independent and earn some of his own money.

Something or someone always seems to get in the way of their progress. This time besides the lies and rule breaking, it’s a couple of different people trying to ruin their relationship.

Julien tries to be patient with Shane. He loves him and wants to be the safe place Shane can always come home to, but misunderstandings, lies, and shortcomings threaten the one thing they need more than anything else:  each other.

This story is steamy hot, but it isn’t just a story of BDSM. It is a story of love with a super HEA to end the series.

A little taste…

When Shane O’Rourke’s cell phone buzzed on the end table, he straightened up against the headboard in bed to read the message. There was no question as to who was messaging him at noon. Sure enough, Julien’s leather-clad picture wallpapered his screen. Shane’s stomach constricted and his clammy hands trembled. He inhaled a deep breath to center himself. Fuck no. Julien had told him that they couldn’t meet for lunch because of some business meeting with his partner, Adam. Shane didn’t have a clue what prompted him to check up on him.

Shane hadn’t attended school the entire week. He didn’t mention it to Julien, because he was supposed to attend all of his classes according to their agreement for tuition.

Julien: “Where are you?”

Shane: “UCLA.”

Julien: “Did you take a bus?”

Shane: “My motorcycle.” Why would he ask me if I took a bus? He knows I ride my bike. It doesn’t make any sense.

Three minutes later the bedroom door busted open. Julien stood in the doorway, arms folded and glared at him. Shane knew that particular look, and it never meant anything good on the horizon. He shouldn’t have lied to Julien. He always found out, one way or another. When would he learn from his past mistakes? His father had been right; he was nothing but a liar going straight to hell.

Tut, tut, Shane! You’d better learn this lesson. Now!

Interested? You can find SPANKED IN THE WOODSHED on Goodreads and these Amazon outlets: US, UK, DE, FR, CA, and AU.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a copy of the book!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Brina Brady hails from Huntington Beach, CA where she taught various subjects for 27 years. A lifelong fan of learning, Brina’s sure she’ll never stop.

Catch up with Brina online on her blog, Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

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Broken Lives, New Dreams–ROCK Book Blast and Giveaway!

BB BannerHi there! Today I’m getting the word out for a new dark contemporary romance from JA Huss. ROCK is a second chance romance, with a twist. Is the boy getting back with the girl? Or, her maniac twin sister? (O.O)

Catch the excerpt and get in on the amazing giveaway, below!

Rock Ebook CoverAbout the book:
He had it all. He lost it all. And all he wants now is a second chance.

RK Saber ran from tragedy five years ago when his car went over the side of a mountain in a prom-night crash. Consumed by guilt, he walked away from Juilliard and morphed into Rock, front man for the global rock-band sensation, Son of a Jack. Five members. Five best friends. Five rising stars burning so bright, they had to know it couldn’t last.

When tragedy strikes again and the band goes from five to two, RK is sentenced to… home. Back to the place where all his nightmares started. Back to the memory of all the things he lost. Back to the reality he refused to face before he left.

The Vetti twins were identical in all ways but two. Melanie was insane and Melissa was not. One twin was killed on prom night five years ago and one twin was not. And now that RK has returned home, the twin left standing has quite a story to tell. Could she really be the girl he thought he’d lost forever? Or is Melanie just up to her same old tricks?

ROCK is a rock-star romantic suspense by the New York Times bestselling master of twist, JA Huss.

How about a little taste?

“We’re not done, Melissa Vetti.”

“Not even close,” she says, winking at me as she pulls the door open to a waiting Gretchen.

“Oh, my God, you guys are disgusting. Who has sex in a break room?”

Missy giggles, then grabs my arm as if to cling to me. Her grin is wild and wide, her eyes are dancing as they look up at me, and when she leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder for a brief moment, just as I open the back passenger door to Gretchen’s stupid hybrid car, I sigh.

It’s long and deep. But everything about it is good.

“Get in,” I tell Missy. She does, searching for her seatbelt as I close the door and walk over to the other side.

“You’re not sitting in back, RK,” Gretchen says.

“The fuck I’m not,” I mumble, getting in next to Missy. Her hands are all over me as Gretchen huffs about not being a chauffeur and some other bullshit that I can’t be bothered to listen to.

I put my arm around Miss and she leans into my chest. One hand tucked behind my back, one lifting my shirt up, a fraction at a time. And even though I just came inside her five minutes ago, I’m ready for more.

Gretchen talks the entire ride but I don’t understand a word she says. Melissa’s mouth is on mine, then biting my shoulder, then she’s scooting back and lowering her face to my stomach, still lifting my shirt up with that one hand.

When Gretchen stops in my driveway, Missy and I give off half-hearted waves as I push her up against the front door and stare down into her blue eyes. “You know what?” I slur the words just a little.

“What?” She laughs back.

I have so many thoughts in my head at the moment. About her, her music, the bar, this town. What it felt like to come home after five years. How alone I felt. What it felt like to go to her show tonight. To be included. Part of something again.

“I missed you,” I say.

“I missed you too.”

“No,” I say. “I mean I missed you.” I place my hands on each of her cheeks and bump my forehead against hers. “I missed how you started that band. I missed how you worked out those songs. I missed all the mistakes, and all the triumphs. I missed the stressing out over money. I missed the conversation you had to have with Teej to get a spot. I missed picking out the guitar you play, the strap, the picks. I missed you making a decision about what you’d wear on stage. I missed you squealing to whoever is your best friend these days about your first show. I missed the applause, I missed TJ’s proud face afterward, I missed the first blown amp, the first time someone said, Hey, are you the chick who plays at Float’s? I missed everything, Melissa Vetti, rock star. And I’m so fucking sorry. Because life would’ve been so much better if we’d done it together.”

She pouts her lips and nods her head. I can see a little gleam of light in her eyes as she tries not to cry. “I missed your life too.”

“Yeah,” I whisper. “It just would’ve been so much better if we’d done it together.”

She looks up at me and smiles. “We’re together now, RK. And that’s all that matters.”

Interested? You can find ROCK on Goodreads, Amazon (US, UK, CA, AU), Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

****GIVEAWAY****

Rock GiveawayClick on this Rafflecopter giveaway link to enter the giveaway for a $100 gift card, signed copy of ROCK, Coach Wristlet, Perfectly Posh Pack, Brighton Notepad with Pen, Prada Sunglasses, and ROCK Super Swag pack.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
JA Huss is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who make you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

Catch up with Ms. Huss on Facebook, twitter, her blog and Amazon.

Finding Love FOR NEVER AND ALWAYS–Review and Giveaway!

BannerTemplateHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a fantastic supernatural M/M contemporary romance from Ana J. Phoenix. FOR NEVER AND ALWAYS is an emotional tale about two friends who had secretly loved one another finding themselves in the afterlife. It’s a total tear-jerker…

Catch the excerpt, my review and the giveaway below.

forneverandalwayssmallerAbout the book:
Seth finds himself alone at an abandoned train station, with no idea what happened, or how he got there. He boards a train, only to discover it’s a special express transporting the recently deceased to their final destination.

The conductor tells him he’s having a near-death experience. Seth wonders if it has something to do with his violent boyfriend, but that doesn’t matter. All that matters is getting the hell off the train before he actually dies. But when he spots his best friend and secret crush among the traveling dead, the urge to leave fades…

How about a little taste?

For a minute, they sat in silence with only the rumbling of the train disturbing the quiet. When it became apparent that Seth wasn’t going to start speaking, Carter asked, “Still want to go on that road trip?”

“Not without you.”

“Mhm… If we could go together?” It wasn’t possible, of course, but Carter wasn’t interested in reality right now. One reason he hadn’t told Seth he was dying was because he’d enjoyed making all those unrealistic plans, after all, and he still did.

“I would go anywhere with you.”

“Yeah?” Carter let go of Seth’s neck and tightened his grip around his shoulder. “Where would you like to go first?”

“Seattle.”

“Why there?”

Seth looked at him with that certain shine in his eyes he got when he talked about technology and space and all that. “The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame,” he said, predictably.

“God, you are such a geek.”

“Geeks rule the world.”

“Yeah? I don’t know about that.”

“It’s true, though! We created the Internet and launched mankind into space. What did zombie fanatics ever do?”

“Uh… we make good movies?”

Seth scoffed. “We have Star Wars and Star Trek and—”

“Aren’t those the same thing?”

“Oh no, you didn’t!”

Carter laughed. He’d rarely seen Seth look so offended. But whatever it was Seth had been worrying about earlier, he wasn’t thinking about it now, and that was a win.

My Review:

Seth and Carter have been friends since forever. They haven’t kept in touch over the last couple years because Seth’s controlling and abusive boyfriend, Tony, has isolated him from his few friends and family. Seth felt this was acceptable, to some degree, because he harbored a long-time crush on his straight best friend. A good boyfriend wouldn’t talk to guys he finds attractive, right? And, especially not when his boyfriend doesn’t want him to do so, right? Besides, Carter’s at college, and he has a girlfriend. He doesn’t want to hear Seth’s troubles…

The book opens with Seth on a strange train platform, uncertain how he arrived there, and wondering how to get home so he can make Tony’s dinner. Immediately the reader knows that something awful has happened to Seth, and that Tony has likely had some role in it. A ghostly train arrives and Seth steps aboard. The conductor gives him the low down–it’s a train of souls on the way to their final destination. Thing is, Seth’s not dead…yet. He has the power to step off the train at any station, as long as the doors remain clear to his vision. If he lingers, however, that option will disappear, and Seth will be dead. While Seth sorts out if he should disembark, he’s shown to his cabin, and his roommate is Carter.

Carter has only 6 stops remaining until he’s a lost soul. He knows this, knows he must make peace with himself and his choices, but he’s struggling. He hid his disease from the two people he loved most in the world–Seth is one of them–and he’s saddled with regret for never telling Seth that he loved him.

Even now, as they share space and final moments on this train, both Seth and Carter are shielding their deepest secrets from the other. Carter wants Seth off the train, right now, but Seth won’t leave. He can’t remember how he came to be on the platform, and he needs to solve this mystery before he decides if he wants to return. Did Tony beat him into a coma? Was is some other trauma? This makes a difference to Seth; he doesn’t want to return to the living if he’s only going to make the same mistakes.

Carter watches the stops tick off, and is unable to let go of his past–mostly because his love for Seth is so strong. When he finally confesses, it’s not to the reaction he expected. Seth is angry that they never had their chance, and frustrated that Carter hid his bisexuality. These do work it out, over the course of the train ride, and they get their collective houses in order, too.

I’m not going to say more about the plot. It’s fantastic, and heart-rending, and tumultuous. I feel better having read this book, not for any sense of spirituality, but for thinking about my own regrets and soul burdens, and considering how best to let them go. This is a love story, at it’s core. Seth and Carter have an epic love for each other that was never acknowledged in life, but this ride of reckoning allows it time to bloom.

Small flashbacks allow the backstory to be inserted at poignant moments. The clock is always ticking, however, and Seth wishes to linger with Carter forever. Will he? Carter died young, and his regrets are many. Can he clear his soul and enter the afterlife? Or will he be one of the tormented lost souls that claw at the doors of the train whenever it stops? I will say that the book has a happy ending, even if it’s not a convenient as it could have been. I liked that. Hard choices make for good conflict and interesting stories. At each turn we could have had the “easy” answer, and we really never get that, here, which is a credit to the story. I loved the idea of soul mates meeting as souls, and it’s very well handled here. It’s even a bit steamy, which was awesome. Highly recommend!

Interested? You can find FOR NEVER AND ALWAYS on Goodreads and Amazon. It’s a phenomenal deal for $.99!

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a set of Star Wars cookie cutters!
Good Luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Ana writes m/m romance and erotica. Her interest in hot guy-on-guy action was first sparked by reading scandalous Japanese mangas. A dirty secret she couldn’t resist. In a long bout of insanity – also known as her life — she decided to learn the language and escape to the land of sushi, sumo, and yaoi.

She’s since moved back to Europe to be with the love of her life – delicious European chocolate.

Now she resides in the sunny part of Germany where she fills her days chasing her dreams and writing about men in complicated relationships. Her family believes she’s writing “erotic manga stories.” She’s pleased they got the erotic part right, at least.

Catch up with Ana online on Facebook and twitter.

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Giving Him 6 DAYS TO GET LUCKY–Review and Giveaway!

BannerTemplate(18)Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review and giveaway for a new contemporary M/M romance from LE Franks. 6 DAYS TO GET LUCKY is the sequel to 6 DAYS TO VALENTINE and should be read in order. That said, I enjoyed it fine on its own.

12597096_10208671112325666_1761266609_oAbout the book:
Mixologist Nick Valentine never thought love was in the cards, but after a scorching Valentine’s Day kiss from bouncer Davis “FatBoy” Newman, he’s beginning to think it’s possible. After four weeks of dry spell, Nick’s losing patience—it’s time FatBoy stop acting the gentleman and just throw him over the bar or Nick may just change his mind.

All FatBoy wants is a shot at winning Nick’s heart. As long as meddling bosses, an Irish hurling team and a bar riot don’t ruin his chances forever, he might just get lucky and take the man of his dreams, home.

How about a little taste?

Reaching across the empty bed next to me, I rode out the last waves of my dream alone. I could still feel his phantom kiss on my lips and the sensation of a hand stroking along my thigh.

The rest of it was just a blur of emotions and sticky residue on my sheets—though I could guess at it without much effort. FatBoy Newman had been a specter haunting me at work so it was no great leap to assume he’d shouldered his way into my dreams as well.

In fact, he was at the root of my problem: I’d been having a hell of a dry spell.

Four weeks of near misses had done nothing but stoke my bad mood and turn my balls a lovely shade of indigo that matched my jeans…

Four weeks of dashed hopes…

Four weeks since the most romantic kiss of my life…

Four weeks of nothing.

Fuck the South and its mythology of the Southern Gentleman—if FatBoy Newman didn’t stop treating me like a delicate flower and throw me up against a wall soon, I was going to explode.

It was six days until St. Patrick’s Day, and FatBoy had until then to make his move, or I was moving on.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

The previous book, 6 Days to Valentine, was apparently about one romantic kiss that happened between mixologist Nick Valentine and Davis “Fatboy” Newman, the strong silent and “straight” security manager at the restaurant/bar Frisson where they both work–on Valentine’s Day. That was three weeks ago and there’s been nothing between them but a lot of heated looks, and passing gropes, since.

Both men work a lot of evenings, and their nights off hadn’t lined up, and inexplicably they cannot meet during the day. Also, Davis is closeted and doesn’t acknowledge his interest in Nick unless they are behind closed doors. Nick’s been a party boy in the past, and was never one to miss out on a cooler quickie until this “thing” with Davis developed. His three week drought is more than he can stomach, quite frankly, and he’s equally intrigued and frustrated. He’s got a self-imposed six days to make it happen, or walk away.

So, that the premise. The intervening six days, ramping up to St. Patrick’s Day are filled with more heated looks, and some promising sexy phone conversations, a missed date, two aborted trysts, and tons of bar hi jinks. The constant undercurrent of desire keeps the sexual tension high, especially when the National Irish Hurling Team pulls into Memphis. These well-put-together gentlemen are more than a bit taken with Frisson, and their captain Corwyn is certainly swoony for Nick. Davis is not happy, but he’s also not out. And it does not seem that this will change.

I liked the book. It’s funny and quirky and downright wacky in parts. There are Little People causing bar brawls and drunk Irishmen, and bad cover bands and a running fight over the possibility of dyeing the beer green–Nick is very much against–but the book lack connection, for me, between Nick and Davis. Nick needs a partner who’s all in, and despite Davis’ words, his actions aren’t quite there. The book ends on a happy note, but it felt more Happy For Now, with conflict remaining about the status of their relationship. There were very tender words exchanged, but I never saw one public declaration on the part of Davis to either claim or acknowledge Nick as a partner. As a reader who adores swoony romances, it left me feeling a bit cold toward these guys. Well, mostly Davis.

The oddest thing was, there were people in the book who totally would have supported them. Davis is closeted because his absentee dad is a powerful judge. *shrugs* I didn’t see why that was an impediment, if Nick is all that Davis says he is, for him. Davis is a grown man, a 30 y/o combat veteran, with his own income. Why does Daddy have a say in his happiness? Part of why I didn’t love this book was the separation I felt between Nick and Davis, even at the end. The other part was the inexplicably long wait these guys experience before taking steps to be together. Nick’s apartment is blocks from where they work. They get out late at night. They cannot crash there, together, once in a month? Felt a little suspect, which made me continually question Davis’ interest in Nick–pretty much the same as Nick did.

The rest of the book is amusing. Lots of situational comedy. And I’m always a fan of traveling Irish athletes. The mad cap misadventures of the Little People were funny and horrifying, by turns.

Interested? You can find 6 DAYS TO GET LUCKY on Goodreads, Wilde City Press, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win an e-copy of 6 DAYS TO VALENTINE and a $5 gc to Wilde City Press.
Good luck and keep reading my friends.

About the author:
LE Franks lives in the SF Bay area and writes M/M Romance in a unique mix of humor and drama with enough suspense to produce fast paced stories filled with emotion and passion and featuring characters that are quirky and complicated and sometimes a little bit dark. LE Franks is a best selling author and finalist for 2013 & 2014 Rainbow Awards. Her books are available through her publishers at MLR Press, Dreamspinner Press and Wilde City Press and Pride Publishing and online bookstores.

You can find LE online on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, twitter and Tumblr.
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Trouble Awakens THE STAR HOST–Review and Giveaway!

BannerTemplate(19)Hi there! I’m so excited to share a review of a fantastic sci-fi M/M YA romance for FT Lukens. THE STAR HOST is an interesting and engaging adventure with a dash of romance and a whole lot of power.

Catch the excerpt, my review and enter the $25 GC and book giveaway below.

Star Host 1600px (web smashwords)About the book:
Ren grew up listening to his mother tell stories about the Star Hosts – a mythical group of people possessed by the power of the stars. The stories were the most exciting part of Ren’s life, and he often dreamed about leaving his backwater planet and finding his place among the neighboring drifts. When Ren is captured by soldiers and taken from his home, he must remain inconspicuous while plotting his escape. It’s a challenge since the general of the Baron’s army is convinced Ren is something out of one of his mother’s stories.

He finds companionship in the occupant of the cell next to his, a drifter named Asher. A member of the Phoenix Corps, Asher is mysterious, charming, and exactly the person Ren needs to anchor him as his sudden technopathic ability threatens to consume him. Ren doesn’t mean to become attached, but after a daring escape, a trek across the planet, and an eventful ride on a merchant ship, Asher is the only thing that reminds Ren of home. Together, they must warn the drifts of the Baron’s plans, master Ren’s growing power, and try to save their friends while navigating the growing attraction between them.

How about a little taste?

Once at the hangar, Ren broke away from the two guards and entered the lancer, walking up the stairs, irritation a heavy feeling in his chest.

“Reporting for work,” Ren said, his tone heavily laced with annoyance.

Janus popped up from a console she had been working under, goggles on her face, gray hair sticking up everywhere. “You!” she snapped. “I told you not to come back.”

Ren rolled his eyes. “It’s not my choice. I don’t want to be here anymore than you want me here.”

“Where are your guards? I told the dumb one not to bring you back, Abiathar’s orders be damned. I don’t want your kind working on these ships.”

She poked a finger hard into Ren’s chest and he staggered back, and rubbed his hand over the spot.

“What the stars do you mean by my kind?”

Her eyes grew comically large behind the goggles. “You don’t know?” She laughed, bordering on hysterical. “You’re more dangerous than I thought. You can’t try to control it if you don’t even know what you are.”

Ren frowned. His tolerance for the cryptic nonsense everyone had spouted since he arrived was gone. He took a step toward the hull and Janus stiffened.

“Don’t,” she barked.

“Don’t what? Touch it? What will happen, huh?”

Her face paled and her chest heaved with panicked breaths. “You don’t know what you’re capable of.”

Ren laughed. “I’m capable of nothing. I’m a duster, planet-born with very limited experience with tech. You have no reason to be frightened of me.”

He moved closer to the hull, hand outstretched, fingers splayed.

She whimpered. “Please, don’t.”

Ren slammed his hand against the hull, his fingertips leaving greasy marks on the shiny surface. As he predicted, nothing happened.

He turned back to Janus. “See? Nothing–”

His word tangled in his throat, cut off, because suddenly, Ren was consumed with power, rushing from his toes to his fingertips. A blue tint clouded his vision, and his body suffused with golden warmth. And then he was floating amongst the wires, connected to the ship, to the energy source, to everything. The lancer pulsed under his skin, tangling in his veins, its systems integrated with his senses.

It was freeing and frightening.

His consciousness raced along the circuits and he could fix it. He could fix everything. He found the tangle of wires in the artificial gravity system and bypassed it. He found the broken circuits in the air recyclers and with a pulse of power, refurbished them. He saw the static in the com system, a physical entity, and he cleared it away with a brush of his metaphysical hand.

The longer Ren floated through the ship, the less connected he was to his physical body. And if he thought about it, he didn’t need his body. Why would he need his body? He was free here. He moved around with ease, the wires and the systems his route, and the more he pushed, the more he felt the other ships too. They were nearby, on the edge of his perception, and he could go to those, he could jump to the other ones and repair them too.

He could.

He could.

My Review:
Ren is captured while trying to hide his brother from the gangs of soldiers who range the countryside near his home. Forced to march several days to the citadel of the Baron who rules Ren’s segment of the planet Erden, Ren learns that he’s got powers that rival the legends his mother taught him. he has the ability to shutdown the electric cattle prods and stunners that are continually aimed at him.

He wants to escape, but he knows he needs to be strategic about it. The baron seems to be amassing an army–to what purpose none of the new captive can even guess. The citadel is a fortress, and the baron’s general knows that Ren’s power allows him to control any machine. Ren’s a star host, and his gift is technopathy; he’s soon put to work fixing all the broken tech that serves the baron’s army. And this includes spaceships that seem poised to go offworld.

Ren is housed in a technopath-proof iron prison alongside Asher, a political prisoner. Asher was born and raised on a drift–a space station. He was a member of the Phoenix Corps who crashed on Erden. The only reason he’s still alive is because his mother is a galactic counselor–and providing regular evidence that Asher lives keeps the Phoenix Corps from landing on Erden and wrecking the baron’s plans for offworld domination. These plans include coercing Ren into tapping into ships and space stations, defending and controlling them in the name of the baron. Ren has other ideas, however. He wants to go home, but knows this is impossible. With Asher’s connections they may just be able to escape Erden together, and keep Ren from fusing with the machines that call to him.

It’s a fascinating “chosen one” tale with elegant prose and a fast-paced plot. Ren comes into his powers slowly, but realizes that he’d likely had them all along. His memories of the legends his mother would whisper to him at night and their home strangely devoid of all tech now seems so prescient. He’s just seventeen, but Ren must grow up quickly and hone his abilities if he’s going to survive as a human with free will. Every time he joins with the machines (and the bigger the machines the worse it is!) he risks staying in his star form, detached from humanity and thinking only of the power that courses through him. It is Asher who has the ability to connect with Ren when he’s trapped in the tech-phase. And, as Ren becomes more and more dependent upon Asher to keep him grounded he recognizes that his feelings are getting involved.

This is a YA adventure/romance and there is a dash of romance to go along with the story. Ren’s attracted to Asher, and they are fast becoming the best of friends…maybe more? Could they be? What will happen if Asher can’t get into Ren’s head when he’s in his star form? The last battles of technopath star hosts broke the sky, according to the legends. Ren can see how it happened, and he fears repeating these mistakes as he’s not yet strong enough to control his power lust when fusing with a large machine. Naturally, the only way to save himself and his friends is by joining with a gigantic space station…

Honestly, I loved the book. I found it fresh and interesting. There are very sweet friendships and harrowing escapes and lessons that need learning and boundaries that must be tested, and bested. Ren and Asher together are so perfectly mismatched, and that’s totally adorable. There’s a bit of kissing, but nothing else. Great for YA readers who enjoy clean romances and sci-fi adventures. This world is rich and lush, and there’s no condemnation for same-sex pairing–so no one thinks anything derogatory of Ren and Asher for falling for one another. The book ends with a complete resolution of all hostilities, but you can bet there will be more where this came from, and I look forward to a sequel.

Interested? You can find THE STAR HOST on Goodreads, Interlude Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $25 GC from Interlude Press or an ebook of THE STAR HOST.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
F.T. wrote her first short story when she was in third grade and her love of writing continued from there. After placing in the top five out of ten thousand entries in a writing contest, she knew it was time to dive in and try her hand at writing a novel.

A wife and mother of three, F.T. holds degrees in psychology and English literature, and is a long-time member of her college’s science-fiction club. F.T. has a love of cheesy television shows, superhero movies, and science-fiction novels—especially anything by Douglas Adams.

Connect with F.T. on her website, Twitter, Tumblr and on Goodreads.

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Earning JACKSON’S TRUST–Review and Giveaway!

jt-releasedayHi there! Today I’m so excited to share a release day review for a contemporary romance from Violet Duke. I really enjoyed LOVE EXES AND OHS so I was eager to read more of her work. JACKSON’S TRUST is a fun and flirty romance that blooms between a football analyst and a sideline reporter–but neither is who they claim to be…entirely. And earning each other’s trust, is well..fraught with difficulty.

Catch the excerpt, my review and enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

Jackson's Trust_Duke (1)About the book:
New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke kicks off her sizzling-hot new Fourth Down series with a friends-to-lovers romance between a no-strings-attached sports analyst and the hottest damn tomboy he’s ever met.

It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is…complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer…until now.

Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.

Advance praise for Jackson’s Trust…
“I totally love this hotter side of Violet Duke. You still get the same sweet, emotional story but with a little bit of extra sizzle. Jackson’s Trust is a must-read novel.”—New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett

“A delightfully fresh read . . . Violet Duke delivers it all in Jackson’s Trust!”—New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin

“Violet Duke’s writing jumps off the page and grabs you from the first sentence. You will love Jackson’s Trust.”—New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre

“Jackson’s Trust is hot, sweet, and filled with tender moments. Violet Duke writes heroes who make me swoon!”—New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan

How about a little taste?

“So what’s your stance on morning-after breakfasts?”

Her gaze never wavered. “I actually like cooking breakfast for one,” she replied with an honesty he could hear clear as day. “But,” she concluded softly, “I think that’s an irrelevant point for us.”

Coming from any other woman, the finality in that statement would be merely disappointing. Coming from Leila, his brain was finding it almost unacceptable. “Let me guess. You don’t sleep with guys you work with.”

She answered via a slight head tilt, before driving the point home. “This job is really important to me.”

Enough said. That was that.

Jackson did his best to curb the disappointment while he dropped his hands from the wall and backed away. “I don’t blame you. It’s a great opportunity for your career.” He grit his teeth against the urge to crowd her back up against the wall when he saw her chest rise and fall, at a pace that matched his own.

Hell, even the way the woman breathed was a turn-on.

Being the consummate professional around her was going to be a damn nightmare. But not impossible. He just had to focus. “So that brings us right back to why we’re here today; throwing you into the deep end so you can hit the ground running in this amazing career opportunity.”

Her eyes widened the slightest bit in surprise. “Just like that? No muss, no fuss? I’m now in the same category as Rachel, never to be flirted with again?”

He almost laughed at that as he swept another quick glance over her. Commercial-shiny, sleek layers of caramel and toffee framing her face, ultra-feminine curves he couldn’t spend too much time on without disrupting the fit of his slacks, and approximately a mile or two of toned legs. Seriously, she was superheroine pretty. Tough and sexy, with a sweet country rock goddess smile, and a hella cute tomboy way about her that she couldn’t hide. Not even under that chic thigh-high skirt and five-button blouse—yes, he’d counted—she had the rightfully held confidence to wear unplastered to her body . . .

The same category as Rachel? Was she kidding? Christ, she belonged in a category all her own. When you threw in her wit, fire, and football chops, Jesus, she was basically his dream girl.

“Don’t think it’s going to be easy for me not to flirt with you, sunshine. But I respect your commitment to your career.” So saying, he walked over to the refreshment bar at the corner of the conference room and poured them both some coffee, giving his brain the time it needed to shift gears and make good on his declaration.

This wasn’t going to be easy.

Because while he had absolutely no problem stepping back when a woman wasn’t interested, Leila wasn’t disinterested. In fact, all evidence would point to her being about as interested as he was.

She was just . . . off-limits.

A volatile combination.

My Review:
Leila and Jackson both have secrets. They are both haunted by families that have serious dysfunction–in Leila’s case she’s the “other” child. The one her congressman father only sees as a commodity to barter for political power. For Jackson, he’s well, on the outs with his half-brother who runs their late father’s company. At any moment, however, he might be needed to correct his brother’s missteps.

Jackson’s a well-respected football analyst with a fledgling sports network and he’s earned the respect of many teams’ management. He’s wondering why the newly-hired sidelines reporter, Leila, is allowing their producer to speak down to her, as if she doesn’t know anything about football. Jackson sees immediately that Leila’s putting on an act–but why?

Thing is, Leila’s a football guru. And a well-educated woman. Sports reporting is her dream job, the one she pursued when her beloved Gram died. Jackson’s drawn to her–because he sees her intellect, and that’s even sexier than her pleasingly-plump frame. Over the course of their time in the office each sees the little kindnesses the other extends to the rest of the staff. Leila’s a big hit with the management, well, until her SOB of an ex reveals some of Leila’s secrets involving sports gaming and gambling websites. It’s all a wash, however, and she win’s Jackson’s trust completely.

Just when we think it’s going to go completely right we get a squib kick to the guts. I don’t want to give things away, but I’ll say that Jackson’s big bro is at the root of the problem, and he steadily endeavors to make things worse. There are some harrowing bits here, I won’t lie about it. While Leila and Jackson pull through, they aren’t quite together…for a bit. I so loved how each of them made sacrifices for the other, both assuming they’d never be a couple again. It was charming in an O. Henry Gift of the Magi sort of way. Expect an HEA, and a football fantasy come true.

There isn’t a lot of conflict here–between Leila and Jackson. They have a mutual respect and grow to care for each other long before this gets physical. The conflict all comes from outside–mostly resulting from one or the other’s family. this is the first book in a series, and it’s likely the next one will feature one of Jackson’s best friends.

Interested? You can find JACKSON’S TRUST on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romances filled with strong, unique heroines and memorably romantic heroes. With just under a million books sold to date, since becoming an author in 2013, Violet has appeared on the USA Today bestseller list thirteen times and the NYT bestseller list three times, with the additional honor of charting in the Top 10 across the major eretailers both in the U.S. and internationally. Her fans, who she just adores to pieces, affectionately call her books sweet & sexy ‘laugh & cry’ love stories.

When she’s not feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking impossible-to-be-duplicated ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days in Hawai’i chasing after her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband (their ringleader).

Connect with Violet on her website, twitter, Facebook, Facebook Fan Page, or sign up for her newsletter.

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Out Today! MOSAICS: Stories by Women–Review and a Giant Giveaway

Hi there! I’m so glad to share a release day review for MOSAICS: A COLLECTION OF INDEPENDENT WOMEN, an anthology of poems, short stories and art that celebrate womanhood in all it’s terrible grace. All proceeds will be given to the Pixel Project to support the production of films that will highlight, and hopefully end, violence against women.

Don’t forget to enter the mega giveaway, including a Kindle Fire, a $50 gift card, and a paperback library, at the end of this post!

A project focused on bringing women’s voices to readers and celebrating the stories they have to tell. Including stories by Keyan Bowes, Carol Cao, Chelo Diaz-Ludden, Sarina Dorie, Naomi Elster, Jordanne Fuller, Ari Harradine, Karen Heuler, L.S. Johnson, Tonya Liburd, Kelsey Maki, Julia Ray, Patty Somlo, P.K. Tyler, Deborah Walker, Keira Michelle Telford, Kim Wells, Elizabeth Wolf, and Sylvia Spruck Wrigley

https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.jsMosaic CoverMosaics: A Collection of Independent Women will inspire and shock you with its multi-faceted look at the history and culture surrounding femininity. If gender is a construct, this anthology is the house it built. Look through its many rooms, some bright and airy, some terrifying- with monsters lurking in the shadows.

Mosaics Volume One features twenty self-identified female authors writing about Intersectionality, including women of color, and members of the disability, trans, and GLB/ GSD* (Gender and Sexual Diversities) communities. We have curated amazing short fiction, flash fiction, poetry, essays, and art. It’s personal, political, and a great read.

This collection includes Hugo Award Nominees, Tiptree Shortlists, Pushcart Prize Winners, USA Today Bestsellers, indie superstars and traditionally published talents alike. The anthology combines leading and new voices all proclaiming their identity as Women, and their ability to Roar.

My Review:
This is a collection of stories, poems, and art from female authors collected into an anthology for charitable sale. All proceeds will be given to The Pixel Project to support the production of films that will highlight, and hopefully end, violence against women.

The stories are not related in any way. They are diverse, with characters who are of color, disabled, of varying ages, and in various states of control regarding their lives and opportunities. All together these stories represent many people, all female, who are taking steps toward empowerment. The tone varies from story to story, but you should expect all of them to resound with desire to better their situation. From the African woman whose husband abuses her and her daughters finally taking a stand, to the wheelchair-bound woman fighting Social Security to get her due benefits, to the elderly woman, shamed at the lack of interest she receives from her only child–the one she continually sacrifices herself for, these women want a life free of drama, and pain, and suffering. And they deserve it. And they take it, make it happen.

These are very uplifting messages. The characters empower themselves. Oh, how I gloried with the octagenarian stealing her own car back from her shiftless daughter. Oh, how I giggled when Captain Obvious had to cool his heels so the narrator could tour with Star Girl. Oh, how I felt the rage of gamer girls /deleted by hate speech, or Lilith’s impotence when Ya gave Adam the power to name all in creation. There are so many points of view to experience in this collection.

Length of each offering varies from short poems to longer stories. There’s a little bit for everyone.

Interested? You can find MOSAICS on Goodreads and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win the mega giveaway, including a Kindle Fire, a $50 gift card, and a paperback library!

ALSO!!! For those who dig Facebook parties, there’s a launch party tomorrow March 8th beginning at 9am CDT. Tons of giveaways to be had! Click here for more info.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Book Blast! DIRTY MARTINI 2: THE SCREWDRIVER–Excerpt and KINDLE Giveaway!

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Hi there! Sharing an excerpt and giveaway for the latest in G. R. George’s The Other Team contemporary M/M romance novella series. DIRTY MARTINI 2: THE SCREWDRIVER is the eighth novella in the series, and it’s advised to read at least THE DIRTY MARTINI, first.

Catch the excerpt, and the Kindle Fire giveaway, below.

thescrewdriverHRAbout the book:
Marty Lincoln and Chris Lawson are only happy when they’re in each other’s arms. Unfortunately, their relationship remains long-distance as Marty completes his final months in the Army. Chris has a new and challenging job that keeps him busy, but he yearns every day for Marty. Marty suffers from PTSD and needs Chris as his anchor. Time apart feeds the doubts each man harbors as they deal with their tragic pasts and try to hold on to the love blooming between them.

Will fear make them give up before they even get started? Or will love find a way?

How about a little taste?

Mid-August…

Marty pulled up into the parking lot of Chris’s apartment complex in his mid-sized rental car. The evening heat and humidity clung to his skin. He and Chris had talked at least three times a week since that first phone call a month earlier, but he’d really wanted to see the man again. They’d decided to meet up on Chris’s first weekend off since becoming day manager at the bar. Marty had the jitters. What if they didn’t have the same chemistry? The same spark? All their intimacies since June had been via phone.

Chris had suggested video chat, but Marty had been too much of a chicken. Living in the military made a man paranoid about privacy. He pulled his tee shirt at the collar to let in some air, mustering his courage. The heat exacerbated the oily scent of the recently tarred parking lot. He smiled, remembering the choice words Chris had about the tar sticking to his tires. The outside steps leading to the second floor were concrete. Marty gripped the metal railing. His leg ached as he walked the flight to apartment 3B.

He bit his upper lip, running his fingers through his hair, as he stood at the door. His stomach ached with a misery born of anticipation and fear. His impulse was to bang down the door, but instead, he simply knocked. Twice.

The door opened. Chris smiled. “You made it.” Chris wore a kiwi-green tee shirt that brightened the green in his hazel eyes and a pair of low-slung jeans that hugged his narrow hips. His chestnut hair was neatly combed, and his narrow, angular face was clean shaven.

“You look nice,” Marty said.

Chris stepped back inside his apartment. “Come in. You’ve had a long trip. The bathroom is the door across the way.” There were two doors off the living room. Chris pointed the nearest one. “If you need to use it.”

“I’m fine,” Marty said. The living room and kitchen were combined in the small apartment. Chris had a blue couch, a coffee table, a recliner, and a small flat screen on a stand across the room from the couch in the living room. The kitchen had a three-by-three wooden table, four chairs, a fridge, dishwasher, sink, stove, and limited counter and cabinet space. The place wouldn’t win any decorating awards, but it was clean.

“Do you want to sit down?” Chris asked.

“Sure.” Marty felt let down by Chris’s mild reaction. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but this congenial greeting hadn’t been it. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too,” Chris said. “Can I get you a drink? Beer? Wine?”

“Sure. I’ll take whatever beer you have.” He watched Chris open the fridge and heard the telltale clinking of bottles.

Chris brought two beers into the living room. The bottles hissed as he popped the tops with an opener. He sat on the couch next to Marty. “Here you go.”

The cold bottle sweated against his hot, clammy hands. He swigged the beer, glad to have a reason not to talk for a moment. They’d talked so much on the phone over the past month that he’d assumed they’d never run out of things to say.

“So,” Chris said. “Long drive, huh?”

Wow, this conversation really was going nowhere. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Chris said. “Yes, of course. Why? Is everything okay with you?”

“Sure.” Marty scratched at the small hole near the knee of his jeans. “Good.” Why was this so goddamn hard? He turned to Chris and waited for Chris to meet his gaze.

They both laughed nervously.

“Maybe you should kiss me,” Marty said.

These guys sound like a great pair! I sure hope they reconnect…

Interested? You can find DIRTY MARTINI 2: THE SCREWDRIVER on Goodreads, and Amazon (US, UK and CA).

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a Kindle Fire!!

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Meet the author:
G.R. George is the pen name for USA Today Bestselling author Renee George’s GLBT urban fantasy, paranormal romance, erotic romance, contemporary romance, and romantic comedy books that highlight varying themes including ménage, gay and bisexual relationships. A published author since 2005, she has written and published over 30 books in the past decade. Accolades include: EcataRomance Award for Best Paranormal Erotic Romance and Best Gay Erotic Romance and a Literary Nymph Blush Award for Best Paranormal Romance.

Catch Ms. George online on Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook, twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.

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Tasty Revelations WHEN ADAM FELL–Review and Giveaway!

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Hi there! Today I’m happy to share my review of a new contemporary M/M romance from Pat Henshaw. WHEN ADAM FELL is a reconnection romance from Ms. Henshaw’s Foothills Pride series. As you know I liked BEHR FACTS, so I was eager to read this one.

Don’t forget to catch the excerpt below and be sure to enter to win one of THREE $10 Starbucks gift cards.

WhenAdamFellFSAbout the book:
When his lover Jason’s drug addiction spiraled out of control, TV celebrity chef and cookbook author Adam de Leon walked away from him. Adam also abandoned his renowned restaurant in San Francisco to start a small bistro in the Sierra Foothills.
Five years later Adam is battling the conservative leaders of Stone Acres, California, to open a new restaurant in historic Old Town when Jason turns up on his doorstep—a recovered Jason, now going by the name David and claiming he’s overcome his addictions. What’s more, he begs Adam to take him back and says he’s ready for their happily ever after.

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

I watched Jason rise from the stoop.
He looked good. His golden hair sparkled in the day’s first light. A happy smile tinged with nervousness spread across his lips. He was wearing a silver-gray Bogner jacket, some sort of expensive pants, and sturdy boots. Hanging from his shirt collar, his sunglasses looked like those high-priced titanium ones. All in all, the guy standing in front of me could easily have fit into the young, hip app crowd now flooding the valley. Too much money and no idea where to spend it. He looked like a guy who’d eat at the Bistro and then fucking strut up to me after dinner, put a wad of Franklins in my pocket, and whisper, “Quit this job and come cook for me.”
Nothing tempted me, especially not the hundred-dollar bills I’d thought were Monopoly money the first time I’d seen them. Nothing had moved me like this, seeing Jason rise straight up in front of me like a fucking miracle.
Standing there in my scuffed clogs, beat-up jeans, and ratty Stanford Cardinal T-shirt, I felt underdressed for this particular dream. Shouldn’t I at least be wearing my chef’s regalia, toque and all? Shouldn’t I have a Henckel in one hand and a Wüsthof in the other? Or maybe clutching a shield made of my cooking classics, which I’d written with an angry, tormented mind but a clear eye to royalties?
“Cat got your tongue?” the vision asked.
“Fucking A, man. Is it really you, Jason?”
“Sorta. Who else would come knocking at your door looking like me?” He flung his arms out like he wanted me to hug him or some shit.
I backed away and kept my hands to myself, though my dick perked up immediately. Did Jason have a twin or a younger brother, somebody who resembled him? I didn’t think so. All I’d thought for five years was nobody—and I mean nobody—could ever have come back from where my Jason had buried himself. At least I never thought so.
There’ve been moments in my life when I was sure I was losing my mind. When I knew whatever tenuous grasp on reality I thought I had was really smoke up my ass. This moment smacked of those. As the legendary John Fogerty sang and the great Yogi Berra is supposed to have said, it was like déjà vu all over again. Only not.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked. Suspicion tasted bitter on my tongue.
Slowly his arms came down, and he gave me a pained but understanding look.
“Yeah, well, it was too much to hope we’d just kiss and make up.” His husky croak had once made me roll over and do anything he asked, but not now. “Can I come in? It’s a little chilly out here.”
I wasn’t cold, but then I’m tall and stout, a real cliché chef image. Fuck, I guess somebody’s got to be the cliché, right? It’s how clichés are born.
I shrugged at his question, swiped at the sweat rolling from my forehead, and moved aside. “Kitchen’s downstairs.” I gestured to the steps.
He walked past me, letting his hand trail over my groin. Once I would have nearly come at the gesture. Now I ignored my dick because my mind was numb and had been for years. He might think he could reawaken my love and lust, but I was pretty fucking sure that ship had sailed and gotten lost at sea.

My Review:
This is the fourth book in a series, but can be enjoyed on it’s own.

Adam is a world-weary celebrity chef who’s always lamented the loss of his first love, Jason. They were two scared kids growing up in Stone Acres and left for San Francisco the first chance they had. While Adam scrabbled to become a chef, Jason was at his side, but things got muddled. Jason started using drugs and their partnership spiraled with his addiction until it hit rock bottom. Adam had to walk away, fearing that the only man he’d ever loved likely died alone.

Then, five years later, Jason appears on the stoop of Adam’s restaurant. And he’s not the emaciated shell Adam remembers. Now calling himself David, instead of his middle name Jason, he’s the pretty boy Adam fell in love with back in high school all growed up. Having had his heart broken once, Adaom’s wary, but every move David makes seems complimentary to Adam’s purpose. He’s the support gruff “thug chef” Adam always wished for.

The Foothills series is set in a town that’s rebelling against the influx of neuvo riche citizens out of the Bay area, particularly gay citizens. Each book has some drama related to a business enterprise and the meager attempts of citizenry or the town council to upset the progress. I’d really love for these conflicts to have a bit more meat on their bones. Chef Adam has to contend with vandalism and harassment, but he–and his trusty posse of gay entrepreneurs–seem to have the rapscallions bested before the first volley is even launched.

David, for his part, is a changed man who beat back addiction one app at a time. I would have loved to get into his head a bit. He’s the one carrying the guilt of their first failed love story, and while he’s apologetic, energetic and committed I never really got a sense of his struggle. I liked how he asserted himself, with Adam and with childhood tormentors, and felt he was a good guy–just the same as Adam did. I just would have liked more of his story and more of his angst. There had to be enormous challenges for him, in his past and also seeking this reunion with Adam. I wanted to experience his vulnerabilities, and was disappointed that I didn’t.

The book’s a romance, but it’s also a walk in Adam’s life. It’s not been easy, and he’s battled through. One of his adversaries noted that Adam’s a survivor, and he is, but he leaves the book far better off than surviving. Reuniting with David is the key ingredient his adult life had lacked. Do not expect any steam from this one. It’s breezy and shiny with a “we’ll conquer their town!” spirit that’s just a shade light. I’m always happy to see bullies and bigots get shafted, and you can expect that happens here.

Interested? You can find WHEN ADAM FELL on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon (US and UK), Barnes & Noble, AllRomance and Kobo.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win one of THREE $10 Starbucks gift cards.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Pat Henshaw, author of the Foothills Pride Stories, was born and raised in Nebraska where she promptly left the cold and snow after college, living at various times in Texas, Colorado, Northern Virginia, and Northern California. Pat enjoys travel, having visited Mexico, Canada, Europe, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Egypt, and Europe, including a cruise down the Danube.

Now retired, Pat has spent her life surrounded by words: Teaching English composition at the junior college level; writing book reviews for newspapers, magazines, and websites; helping students find information as a librarian; and promoting PBS television programs.

Her triumphs are raising two incredible daughters who daily amaze her with their power and compassion. Fortunately, her incredibly supportive husband keeps her grounded in reality when she threatens to drift away while writing fiction.

Catch Pat on her website, Facebook, Amazon, twitter, and check out the Foothills Pride website for more deets on the series.

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