Reviews

Books I’ve read and reviewed

Cephalopod Coffeehouse Dec 2015–SHOULDER PADS AND FLANNEL-A Review

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Hi there, and Merry Christmas for those who celebrate! It’s the last Friday in the month, and that means I’m participating in the Armchair Squid’s blog hop. So….welcome one and all to the Cephalopod Coffeehouse, a cozy gathering of book lovers, meeting to discuss their thoughts regarding the tomes they enjoyed most over the previous month. Pull up a chair, order your cappuccino and join in the fun. Today I’m sharing a review for SHOULDER PADS AND FLANNEL, a YA coming out romance from Jo Ramsey.

Shoulder Pads and Flannel (Deep Secrets & Hope #2)About the book:
High school football star Guillermo Garcia can count himself among the popular kids—for now. Although he secretly dates Evan Granger, who is openly gay and badly bullied for it, Guillermo doesn’t dare let his teammates, classmates, or close-knit family learn about his sexuality.

But Guillermo witnessed an attack on Evan, and now the school bullies plan to out Guillermo in retaliation. In their small town, word spreads rapidly, so Guillermo must make a quick choice—come out now on his own or risk having someone else do it for him.

My Review:
4.5 Stars for this realistic YA coming out romance. This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

Guillermo “Moe” is a high school junior, new to his small Massachusetts town. He’s only been there six months or so, and he’s a closeted gay athlete. A football star. He is secretly dating Evan, a femme out-gay boy in his class. Evan was the MC from the first book in the series who had been assaulted (gay bashed) by two of Moe’s former teammates, Jim and Ray. They were kicked off the team for participating in a hate crime, and sentenced to probation.

Moe feels guilty for being gay. His parents are from Puerto Rico, and they have rather conservative ideas about manhood and family. They moved from NYC due to crime in their neighborhood, and Moe’s both happier and more frustrated. He likes his school more, but he laments the lack of anonymity. In this small town people notice things–like how he and Evan walk around town together. They threaten to reveal Moe’s “gayness” and tease his younger brother Ernesto. Moe fears coming out, and what that would mean for his position on the football team, with his home life and with Evan. Evan is still being threatened–now because people are mad that Jim and Ray are off their team, as well as his own femme style. It upsets Moe that he can’t really protect Evan they way he wants to–because doing so would clearly out him. But, after anonymous calls to his father at work and coded messages he starts receiving on social media indicate, it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows. Should Moe tell his family? His teammates? How “out” does he have to be?

I found this to be a refreshing look at so many aspects of teen life. There are girls who own their sexuality (“promiscuity”) and boys who own their homosexuality and bullies–physical and emotional–and kids taking things “too far” and homophobia and slut shaming and reality. Moe doesn’t always understand Evan’s need to be femme, and even wear female clothing and make up, but he loves Evan, and that means loving all of him. Evan doesn’t want to pressure Moe to come out, even though doing so would make their relationship easier–and probably get the bullies off his back.

Moe’s family is really wonderful, well, his parents are. They are thoughtful and concerned, and care deeply for their boys. His brother is a typical tween boy and has a lot of anger regarding the rumors surrounding Moe’s sexuality. There is much more to this story than coming out. There is hope and acceptance and manipulation and drama. I believe the ending is happy, for most of the parties, and it’s a positive and uplifting message. I expect this kind of situation is less-than-easy to deal with, but the narrative was sensitive and realistic at the same time.

I really like Moe and Evan. They are great kids. Their rocky start is sad, but there is certainly plenty of hope in the end. Also, this is a YA story which has no steam. Evan and Moe spend time alone together, but mostly they hang out, talk and occasionally kiss. Evan has never had a boyfriend before, and Moe wants to take everything slow because he believes, like his Catholic parents, that a sexual relationship is better saved for people who plan to spend their lifetimes together, and high school is too soon to make those kind of choices.

Speaking of Catholic parents, Moe’s parents plan a conference with their parish priest, to discuss Moe’s sexuality in confidence and determine if there will be blow back in their house of worship. Their plan is to leave and find an inclusive church if that is the case. Though we don’t find out the results of that meeting in this story, I really respected this family decision, and the comfort that it brought to Moe.

Interested? You can find SHOULDER PADS AND FLANNEL on Goodreads, Harmony Ink, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

Thanks for popping in! Be sure to check out the review on fave books from my fellow Coffeehousers. And best wishes for a glorious holiday season! 😀

Finding Love as a TWOFER–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a brand-new contemporary M/M romance from Daisy Harris. I’ve liked her books in the past, including CITY SLICKER AT THE HORNY GOAT RANCH, and was eager to check out TWOFER. This is a New Adult romance, that really thinks outside the box, and packs in the steam.

TwoferAbout the book:
Bottoms up!

If a college freshman can’t get laid in sun-drenched Miami, he’s doing something wrong. Frankie Perez is determined to help his roommate get some man action in any way possible.

When Frankie’s arsenal of dating apps, fashion advice, and playing-hard-to-get lessons doesn’t work, he realizes Jeremy needs remedial help. Except tutoring Jeremy in the art of sex gets steamier than Frankie expected—and it scares the hell out of him.

Jeremy’s not sure why he’s wasting his time hooking up when he’s only got eyes for the slinky, sexy roommate he comes home to at night. But the hotter their chemistry simmers, the quicker Frankie dances away.

In near desperation, Frankie suggests the two of them team up to find a third to top them both, forgetting that two bottoms aren’t immune from lusting after each other. In a world where every man is an option, choosing one to love can be the sexiest risk of all.

Warning: Contains questionable morals, copious immature hijinks, an X-rated photo shoot, and disastrous threesomes. Sex toys were misused (but not harmed) in the making of this book.

My Review:
This is a book that is going to get mixed reviews, I think, because it is a non-traditional M/M romance.

Jeremy and Frankie are college freshmen and roommates at Miami Central. They are both gay, and Jeremy is out on campus, but I don’t think he’s out to his family. Frankie is out and proud, happy to hook up with anyone–except Jeremy. They are friends, and he feels bad knowing that his awkward, geeky engineering roomie is a hapless virgin, but he doesn’t want to get into a relationship. His first BF was a jerk, and he is done–DONE!!– with boyfriends. And, Frankie knows that Jeremy is the keeping type. It’s true; Jeremy wants a boyfriend, and he wants to start his sex life with a partner who will be considerate and compassionate. Problem is, Jeremy’s really drawn to Frankie.

Frankie tries to take the middle road of “sex guide” getting Jeremy a make over of sorts, and playing wingman on his escapades. With mixed results. The two-timing TA? Bust. The Grindr hook-ups? Fleeing (quite literally) for his life. Frankie does take a bit of pity on his newly-sexy friend. He works out a bit of experience with him, just so Jeremy can be prepared (yeah right! Super altruistic of you Frankie…) for his meet-ups.

Thing is, Jeremy’s pretty sure he’s a bottom–even without ever having had penetrative sex. Frankie KNOWS his preference, and he’s unwilling to even try topping Jeremy. Instead, he tries to find a top to satisfy them both, this way he can guide Jeremy’s partner into treating him good. Hence the book’s name: “Twofer.” So, yeah, while Jeremy and Frankie are really falling for each other they also recognize a bit issue in their relationship: neither of them can truly satisfy the other sexually. (Jeremy does try topping, and it’s a disappointment.) They enlist a few tops, and nothing really goes well. They strategize. They invest in toys. Things get better, but it’s not quite the end they seek. And an answer appears that they can’t deny–which is where I think a lot of readers could get frustrated.

See, romance readers are often married to the HEA, and this is generally acceptable ONLY for an exclusive couple. Or, maybe, an exclusive triad. Jeremy and Frankie don’t fit that mold, but they figure out what works for them. They seem happy at the end, and I can accept that. Personally, I think the idea of finding one’s true love in college is unrealistic, but that’s okay. Within the setting of the book, they only commit to each other for their time. There are no wedding rings–which is excellent, on account of the guys being barely 20 y/o. I liked how they support each other, and comfort each other and how they make a great pair. Do I think they are going to be together for ever? Unlikely. But, I’m satisfied with their story to this point. I felt convinced of their commitment to each other as a couple, even if they were not exclusive. As a romantic, I am sure I would have liked it more if I felt these guys were a perfect fit sexually–and then I set my rose-colored glasses aside and recognize the futility of championing the love of a couple of college kids. Even if they were a great sexual match, college is a weird time, and lots of people aren’t looking for a forever match, there.

I think if you like interesting couple dynamics, sexy menage action, and two likable guys who aren’t exactly perfect, you’ll probably enjoy Twofer. It’s got a lot of heat, and some terrific humor. The hi jinks are funny, the awkwardness is real and, sadly, hysterical. Jeremy’s a sweet soul, and his patient love melts poor Frankie’s jaded heart.

Interested? You can find TWOFER on Goodreads, Samhain Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Retired party girl and science fiction enthusiast, Daisy Harris spends most of her time writing sexy romance and plotting the fall of Western civilization. Her books can be found on Amazon, Nook, and wherever else fine erotic romance is sold.

Ms. Harris lives in Seattle, where she tortures her husband by making it rain. She enjoys watching bridges cause traffic, watching football games cause traffic, and blithely wearing wool socks with sandals. She has never taken a single picture in which her bra strap is not showing.

Want to find out about new releases, general news, and her latest inappropriate boy band crush? Sign up for her newsletter, or check out her website, or twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Melodrama Reigns in CRAZY BEAUTIFUL LIES–Review & Giveaway

CBL BT ban
Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a newly-released debut romance from Kathrun L James. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL LIES is a mistaken identity romance that puts an emotionally walled-off billionaire into bed with a sassy baker. Time and time again.

Catch the excerpt below and be sure to enter the $20 Amazon GC giveaway!

CBL 1st revisionAbout the book:
Blake DeLuca is a manwhore with a reputation to prove it.

Jenna Capwell thought she had the perfect life until tragedy happens and betrayals unfold. In a chance meeting, Blake mistakes her for the call girl from an elite escort service. Jenna wants nothing more than a carefree, reckless night of passion, so she plays the part, and plays it well. When their paths cross again, Blake stops at nothing to see her again…even uses blackmail.

She knows what kind of man he is and yet she falls for him during their angsty relationship. He reminds her time and time again not to get attached to him and he doesn’t know what he’s about to lose until the table is turned and she makes a bold decision. One that changes the rules of the game and one that brings him to his knees. Can she survive another heart break and can he survive her betrayal?

How about a little taste?

He leaned into the door frame and folded his arms across his chest. Green eyes sparkled at me with amusement as I stared, and my skin must have flushed three shades of red. He cocked his eyebrow up and his lips curved into a delicious, lazy smile. I took in his strong chiseled jaw and his messy, damp, jet black hair.

Probably just out of the shower. Him naked… just damn.

“You’re late, and I don’t like waiting.” He moved aside for me to enter.

Late? Kept him waiting? I tried to snap out of my mesmerized stupor.

“Honey, come in. I don’t bite. Unless you’re into that.” He dragged his hand through his hair. The song changed and the tune was slow and sexy.

Like the fly drawn to the spider web, I stepped inside.

Finding my wits, I managed to ask, “Is Colin here?”

“No threesome tonight, honey. Just me and you. The money’s on the bar in an envelope. Once we’re done, you can see yourself out. I only want to fuck. I don’t want to get personal. This is just a fuck. Understand?”

Money… Only want to fuck… Just a fuck… He thinks I’m a hooker!

I gazed around the room and stared at the thick white envelope on the bar. So thick, I wondered just how much he was paying.

“It’s all there.” His voice sounded cocky.

I held back a laugh and smiled. A no strings, carefree, reckless night was exactly what I wanted. What I needed.

Let the games begin…because, I’m all in.

My Review:
I must say, I was a bit disappointed by this book. The premise and excerpt were all about a girl getting her groove back in a very sexy manner–and don’t let me steer you wrong, the book is sexy–but it really wasn’t the romp I thought it would be.

Jenna loses the love of her life months before their wedding, and then finds out he was living a double life with her–sad. She tries to get over it on a trip to LA and ends up meeting Blake and being mistaken for a call girl. She rolls with it because she’s feeling low and Blake’s keen interest lights her up. Their one night is sexy and fun and completely out of character for this successful businesswoman. She leaves without a goodbye, taking the memories of that experience to bolster her self-esteem–and then runs into Blake again a few weeks later in NYC while out with mutual friends.

Blake doesn’t want to keep Jenna, he does want to have her, though, and proposes a short (three month) no-strings fling for while he’s in town. She reluctantly agrees, and the sexytimes roll!

Thing is, Jenna’s not a no-strings gal, and the more time she spends beneath Blake, the more she wants this to BE MORE. It’s kinda formulaic, and I had some serious issues with the melodrama and catfighting in the book. Plus, Blake’s a billionaire playboy sex god security firm and nightclub and sex club owning manipulative guilty conscience with daddy issues. He’s a lot to keep up with, and he’s quixotic and moody and able to jet off in his private plane at a moment’s disgruntlement. Jenna’s an orphan who pulled herself up by her bootstraps, survived the loss of love, the betrayal of love, and now she’s coddling a 6′ 3″ alpha male who won’t take no for an answer. She runs at every chance and sometimes Blake seeks her out and sometimes she fights for a second (third?) chance. If you are into books with more sex than sense, this is a book you are going to want to pick up.

Interested? You can find CRAZY BEAUTIFUL LIES on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Kathryn James lives in a southern small town with her husband and kids. Being a hopeless romantic, she loves to read and write about bad-boy sexy alpha males and a strong heroine. She weaves her characters along a roller coaster ride full of angst before they reach their HEA. The beach is one of her favorite places to relax and write. But most days, when she’s writing, you can find her snuggled under a blanket in a recliner with her sweet apricot poodle curled up beside her. She’s loves diet coke, and is certain it helped her stay awake pecking away on her laptop writing her debut novel Crazy Beautiful Lies.

Catch up with Kathryn on line on her website, Facebook, twitter and Goodreads.
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Their Love. More Than BROKEN RECORDS–Review and Giveaway

BR--BannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary M/M “rock” romance from Lilah Suzanne. BROKEN RECORDS features a cross-over country star falling for a stylist. And, it’s so yum.

Catch my review, the excerpt and get in on the $25 gift card and ebook giveaway!

Broken Records 1600px COVER (RGB) - FrontAbout the book:
Los Angeles-based stylist Nico Takahashi loves his job—or at least, he used to. Feeling fed up and exhausted from the cutthroat, gossip-fueled business of Hollywood, Nico daydreams about packing it all in and leaving for good.

So when Grady Dawson—sexy country music star and rumored playboy—asks Nico to style him, Nico is reluctant. But after styling a career-changing photo-shoot, Nico follows Grady to Nashville where he finds it increasingly difficult to resist Grady’s charms. Can Nico make peace with show business and all its trappings, or will Grady’s public persona get in the way of their private attraction to each other?

How about a little taste?

Grady presses his lips flat, looks up at the ceiling again to gather himself, sniffs and nods, then tugs Nico’s foot closer by his ankle. “Do you think… If we’d met at a bar. Or through a friend of a friend. Or the gym.” Grady’s thumb strokes the tender skin of Nico’s calf beneath the hem of his pants. “If we had just been two regular guys? We really could have been something.”

There’s a question in his voice, a hesitancy that maybe Nico would have rejected him eventually anyway. Nico scoots across the cramped bunk, crowds against Grady, shoulder to shoulder. “Well, we never would have met at the gym because I would have taken one look at you and gone home to mourn the body I’ll never have by consuming gallons of ice cream.”

Grady bumps his shoulder. “Shut up, you’re gorgeous.” He tips his head against the wall and grins. “If I’d first seen you at a bar I probably would have humiliated myself by trying to win you over with bad karaoke and shameless flirting.”

Nico’s eyebrows raise. “You mean to tell me you’ve been holding back on me? You have a level of flirting that’s even more shameless?”

“Oh yeah. You ain’t seen nothin’, sweetheart.”

“That is truly terrifying.”

Grady laughs, bright and uninhibited. Nico is so relieved to hear it, a moment of light in the darkness. Grady’s hand rests on Nico’s knee, Nico watches his own hand brush his fingers there, but he doesn’t linger.

“We aren’t, though. Just two random guys.”

Grady’s fingers flex, curving over his kneecap. “No.”

Nico exhales harshly. “I have never wanted to be a groupie so badly.”

Grady shoves at his leg. “Come on, you didn’t really think that I would do that to you—”

“In my weaker, more insecure moments?” Nico scrunches his face, embarrassed. “Yeah, I did.”

“You think that little of me, huh?” He says it with a teasing grin, but Nico’s heart sinks.

“No, Grady. I think you’re…” A million adjectives flash through his head: beautiful, amazing, stunning, compassionate, kind, generous. A supernova. He settles on, “Really special.”

Grady gives a skeptical lift of his eyebrows. “Uh oh. I’m really special, huh?”

“I’m so, so into you and it’s…” He cringes at the words but it’s true, “It’s not you, it’s me.”

“Oh lord.” Grady laments with a laugh. “Not that, please.”

“I’m the guy on the sidelines. I’m the one who makes everyone else shine. I don’t belong there, in the spotlight. I like that at the end of the day I can go home and just walk away from the cameras and the red carpets and the scrutiny. And you—you’re a star. And you can have anyone.”

Grady turns, the cramped space of the bunk making his limbs bump and nudge and curl around Nico’s body. During Grady’s shows, in the moment just before he starts singing the opening line of “Broken Records,” there’s this pause, this moment suspended in the air when the audience is silent and waiting and doesn’t even dare to inhale because in that moment, Grady’s soul is laid bare. He looks at Nico just like that and Nico can’t breathe around it.

“I don’t want anyone,” he says, voice low and serious. “I want you. How do you not get that?”

My Review:
Nico Takahashi has seen it all, and done little of it. He’s a behind-the-scenes guy, styling B-list clients who mostly drive him cuckoo. With his partner Gwen, he works crazypants hours and has built a good reputation. Good enough to draw in Grady Dawson–insanely gorgeous country music sensation, and noted flagrant bisexual. Grady is delicious, and Nico is a veritable starving man. When Grady pours on all his southern charm, poor Nico’s a goner.

But.

Yeah, it’s tough falling for a guy who is hounded by fans and lives in the limelight that Nico abhors. He’s fixed up with placid, nice guys all the time, and experienced none of the passion that one of Grady’s smiles inspires. They are open and honest with each other, and go into a physical relationship with lust-filled eyes, yet Nico’s feet get frozen the second he gets identified in the tabloids and fan forums. Nico would normally walk away…if only Grady wasn’t such a great guy. Grady’s had it rough, and Nico doesn’t want to be yet another somebody who disappoints him. Nico can’t function in the spotlight. He can’t, and Grady soon learns he doesn’t want to go this long road alone.

I really liked this one. Nico’s a bit prissy, admittedly, and he’s bowled over by Grady’s genuine personality. He begins to crave Grady’s approval and their incendiary passion, but really struggles with the celebrity aspects of being the lover of a star. Nico doesn’t want their life to be tabloid fodder, and there’s the issue of Grady being bisexual–and continually paired with an industry darling, Clementine. Some of their fans are pretty vociferous regarding the desires of a match, there.

Nico tells this story, and I think he tells it honestly. He’s never had a relationship and he’s as easily overwhelmed by Grady’s generosity as by his celebrity. They are well-matched in so many personality aspects; It’s a bit Notting Hill, in that respect. Two people with different backgrounds who strike a match together. I liked the culture clash–Nico’s American, of Japanese descent–and Grady’s a country boy, raised in a trailer in the shadow of Nashville. While he and Grady are different people, with different experiences, Nico doesn’t want to be “an exotic;” he’s as American as any other native, and he makes that clear when they go out for sushi. Grady’s all “How do you eat this?” and Nico tells him “Pick it up and stick it in your face hole.” I had to laugh.

There is a lot of pondering on Nico’s part. How to life the half-life of being a celebrity partner. How to exist after feeling the depth of Grady’s affection, and knowing that he was falling hard for the soulful singer. There are reunions and separations and a well-resolved plan to bring these two together. It’s a good story with interesting characters and excellent sexytimes. I liked Nico, a lot, and I wanted Grady to leap off the page into my waiting hands. Yep. I got smitten. I hear there’s a sequel planned, and I’ll definitely follow up with another book.

Interested? You can find BROKEN RECORDS on Goodreads, Interlude Press, Amazon, Smashwords, AllRomance, iBooks.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $25 Interlude Press gift card or one of FIVE ebooks.
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:

Lilah Suzanne has been writing actively since the sixth grade, when a literary magazine published her essay about an uncle who lost his life to AIDS. A freelance writer, she has also authored a children’s book and has a devoted following in the fan fiction community. She is also the author of Interlude Press books Spice and Pivot and Slip. Broken Records is Book One in Lilah’s Spotlight Series.

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

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Fixed by a REBOUND REMEDY–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a recently published contemporary M/M romance from Christine d’Abo. REBOUND REMEDY is a light-hearted fling between virtual strangers, that turns out to be WAAAAAY more.

Rebound Remedy
About the book:
The last thing Cole expects to get for the holidays is dumped. But there he is, in the airport on his way to Banff for a romantic getaway, helplessly watching as his boyfriend’s ex declares undying love, proposes—and is accepted. With a few weeks to go until Christmas, Cole’s mood dives from jolly to jaded. But instead of sitting at home alone and feeling sorry for himself, he goes to his favorite bar, McGregor’s, for a pint and some company.

The moment Owen McGregor sets eyes on Cole, he knows there’s something wrong. So he takes it upon himself to ensure that Cole has a happy holiday: twelve outings for the twelve days before Christmas. Even if he can’t quite think up twelve activities that don’t involve getting the forlorn hunk into his bed.

With each outing they take together, Cole realizes that the love he thought he’d shared with his ex was less than perfect. And that Owen might prove to be more than just his rebound remedy.

My Review:
This is a sweet M/M Christmas romance. It is being offered as a charity book, with 20% of profits given to the National GLBT Hotline.

Cole is a successful man who always seems to be the “Rebound Guy” in all his relationships. He’s literally departing for a Christmas holiday with his boyfriend of the past 6 months when the guy’s ex shows up to woo him back. At the airport. Down on love, he hits his neighborhood bar where he’s engaged by the sexy bartender, Owen.

Owen isn’t just a bartender, though. He’s the owner of MacGregor’s–ever since his dad’s stroke three years ago. While Owen’s a bisexual, he hasn’t had a fling with a man since college. Still, he’s intrigued and attracted to Cole.

They decide to start a fling to get Cole out of his rebound rut. Buddies with benefits, and it’s working–a bit. Cole doesn’t want to have a rebound guy, and he feels like he’d be taking advantage of Owen. Owen’s got some family issues–namely his father, who is undergoing some emotional problems–and he doesn’t want to burden Cole with all that.

Keep it light, breezy…

Yeah, not so much. Cole pulls back, only to dive back in. Owen has to open up if he’s going to be fair at all to Cole.  They have a nice little romance, but it’s a bit rushed at the end. Insta-lust I can buy, but it got a little too serious too quickly. That said, these guys are great. They are fun and friendly and just looking for the right person with whom to spend time. I bet they get it right in the New Year, as Christmas seemed to be the final reconciliation.

Interested? You can find REBOUND REMEDY on Goodreads, Riptide Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:
A romance novelist and short story writer, Christine has over thirty publications to her name. She loves to exercise and stops writing just long enough to keep her body in motion too. When she’s not pretending to be a ninja in her basement, she’s most likely spending time with her family and two dogs.

Christine can be found on her website, twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Choices Made in a MOMENT OF SILENCE–Excerpt, Review and Giveaway!

Moments-BannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a book out today, MOMENT OF SILENCE from Karen Stivali. The Moments in Time series, featuring the novellas MOMENT OF IMPACT, MOMENT OF TRUTH, and MOMENT OF CLARITY, is a contemporary M/M romance that I’ve really enjoyed. This mixed-faith, mixed up romance is so tender and sweet. It just plain melted me.

Be sure to check out my review and enter to win an ebook for yourself.

MomentofSilenceFSAbout the book:
Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world’s best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything—except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors. He’s got friends who treat him like family, and he’s proudly running the largest LGBTQ teen shelter in Manhattan. Life is good, but he’s still falling for the wrong men.

When charming, sexy Quinn Fitzpatrick begins work at the shelter, Jason falls hard and fast. Quinn is tall, blond, funny—damn near perfect. Only if Quinn’s gay, even he doesn’t seem to know it. If he does, he’s not telling anyone. And he’s about one ceremony away from becoming a Catholic priest.

Long hours of work turn to long nights of talking and laughter, and Jason dares to hope this time he’s falling for the right guy. But Quinn’s got a past to deal with and major decisions to make about his future. When Quinn leaves for a silent retreat, Jason knows the silence may change everything.

A Yummy taste!

Pierogi were just what the evening required. We got two orders, potato with fried onions, and cheese doused in butter. To round things out, we added a gigantic link of kielbasa and finished it all off with blueberry blintzes. By the time we were done eating, I was so full I could barely move.

“This was awesome.” Quinn licked a purple streak of blueberry off his fork before setting it down and pushing his plate away.

I was too mesmerized by the sight of his tongue to speak right away.

The waitress stopped at our booth. “All set?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

She placed the paper check between us, and Quinn reached for it, but I grabbed it first. “I’ve got this one. Make up for the popcorn you gave away.”

“You don’t have to do that.” He pulled out his wallet and put a twenty on the table.

“You can’t let anyone do anything for you, can you?”

Quinn’s eyes bugged, then softened. “Yeah, I guess I do have a problem with that sometimes.”

“Sometimes?”

“Okay, most of the time.”

“You know what they say. The first step is admitting you have a problem. And the second is letting me pay for dinner.” I stuck the check and enough money for the meal and tip under the glass sugar shaker, then grabbed Quinn’s twenty, folded it in half, leaned over, and tucked it into his shirt pocket.

My fingers were in the pocket before I fully realized what I was doing. Then the whole universe condensed into the drag of my fingers on that two-inch-square area of his chest. His rock-solid chest that tightened the instant I made contact. My own chest froze, devoid of air. I’d forgotten how to breathe. All I could do was think about the fact that I had my hand on this man who’d consumed my waking and sleeping hours for weeks. And I had to let go. Literally.

I pulled my hand away, trying to turn the rush of breath that returned to my lungs into something resembling a laugh. “Ready to get out of here?”

Quinn nodded.

Shit. He’s silent again. Did he notice that moment of fantasy lust I just played out? What the fuck is wrong with me? Way to make him uncomfortable. Fuck—My monologue of self-criticism was interrupted by his hand on my shoulder.

His hand was probably a normal temperature, but given the heat it generated in my body, he might as well have been the Human Torch . Great. I’m not only in love with a straight priest, he’s also a superhero.

Quinn chuckled, and for a second I worried I’d said my crazy thoughts out loud. My face flushed to match the heat that coursed through the rest of me. “What?”

He handed me my keys. “You left these on the table.”

“Oh.” I took them, heat flaring through me in another rush when his fingers brushed mine as he placed the keyring in my hand. “Thanks. Geez. That would have sucked if I’d left those here.”

“Yeah.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I nearly tripped over the step as we left the restaurant. It was a text from Campbell. I laughed. “Apparently my roommate’s having an orange juice crisis, as in we’re out of orange juice. I need to stop at the bodega on the way home. I feel like we’re married sometimes. In a weird, sexless way.” Stop talking. Now.

“It’s good you get along so well.”

I gestured to the store on the next corner. “You need anything?”

“Nah. I’m too full to even think about eating or drinking anything.”

“The power of the pierogi.”

He grinned. “See you tomorrow?”

“Get some sleep. Tomorrow we’ll work on those shelves. Unless you think we need to run the math one more time.”

“Just triple-checking your skills.” The teasing sound in his voice made me want to stay on that corner and talk to him all night. Anything to keep hold of the pleasant hum that was vibrating through my body. But then he turned away, heading toward his place, hand in the air in a backward wave of sorts. “Good night.”

It was indeed. “Night.”

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

Jason is on his own, working as a grants writer and administrator for a shelter home for LGBTQ teens/young adults who have been turned out due to their sexuality. Jason knows this experience first hand–five years ago his father, the esteemed Rabbi Stern, disowned him for coming out. He’s had no contact with his family since, and has relied on the strong friendship with Campbell–who literally saved him from homelessness–to get by.

While supervising the renovation of a bigger living space for the shelter, Jason meets Quinn, the eldest brother of Collin Fitzpatrick from the first three books in this series. Quinn attended seminary, and is expected to take his final vows of the priesthood any day now. He took a short leave of absence to consider his path, and is enjoying his time working as the lead carpenter on the shelter rehab job.

Jason is completely gone over Quinn–and his internal monologue is hysterical. Jason–raised a conservative Jew–has given up his faith following his father’s banishment, but he’s sensitive to the idea of seducing a priest. Still, it’s been a long time since Jason’s had a buddy, and he and Quinn just click. They go out for dinners and drinks as two friends would, with Jason’s lust rolling at a low simmer. They spend gobs and gobs of time together, with Jason becoming increasingly frustrated with his inability to NOT love Quinn.

Expect Jason’s feelings to be reciprocated. Ten-fold.

As Jason and Quinn find each other, in the Biblical sense,  Jason’s called on by his sister to help with another domestic issue. Jason’s overwhelmed by family drama, but thankful to have some reconciliations on the horizon. All the while, Quinn steps up as boyfriend, and carpenter. Their days are numbers by the length of time to rehab the building. The shelter’s grand opening (and Quinn’s departure) draws steadily nearer.

This book is so about the feels. Jason’s agony is palpable. His wistfulness regarding his family is present in the pages as poignant micro-flashbacks. I was completely with him, throughout. This story is told only from Jason’s POV, which helps keep the tension high. We don’t know how Quinn’s feeling until he reveals himself, and that’s only after several long bouts of deep thinking. Quinn’s decision to pursue a romance with Jason is monumental, and world-changing for him. It means disappointing his bigoted mother, and walking away from a career in the church that he’s worked toward since his was 15–ten years now. Expect serious HEAs–not only on the romance, but on the family side, as well.

I was really touched by the beautiful moments of family and friends and festivity. Quinn being taught to make latkes from scratch by Jason’s mom. Campbell and his gram taking Jason into their family when he was adrift. Jason’s sister Leah’s plight–pregnant by a good man who won’t be accepted in their family, and fearing that she’ll be cast out just like Jason. There are great secondary characters here, but the focus is always on Jason, and Quinn. They have such a tender love, with Jason being a patient teacher to novice Quinn. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and scorching. We’ve seen a similar scenario in earlier MOMENTS books (with Collin and Tanner) yet it didn’t feel derivative.

I’ve enjoyed all the Moments in Time books, but this one is my fave, so far. It’s a fully rounded novel with great plot turns and deep emotions, not swamped in angst. That said, I wished we had a LITTLE more time of experiencing Jason’s anxiety during the SILENCE part of the book. I wanted to tag along to his tattoo appointment and experience his decision-making there. I wanted to mope, just a bit longer. I heard he moped, but three days of depression happened in a few statements. The distortion of time leeched a bit of the tension away, for me. Still, the book’s great and I’m glad to hear there are more stories on the horizon!

Interested? You can find MOMENT OF SILENCE on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press (Ebook and Paperback) Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win an e-book of MOMENT OF IMPACT, book one in the series.
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Also! Check out the sale on the boxed set of the three Moments in Time novellas! $.99 for the lot over on Amazon and Dreamspinner Press.

99 cent sale MIT  

About the author:
Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men. She’s also the multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romances. She writes novels about love…like real life, only hotter.

Her lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen’s novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex—all the best things in life.

When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don’t hesitate to contact/follow/like her at Twitter, Facebook, or her website.
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Space Farm? HELL FOR THE COMPANY–Review and Giveaway

HFTC-BannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for wacky and wild jaunt through space. HELL FOR THE COMPANY is a fun futuristic M/M supernatural romance I had the chance to review on audiobook. Author Angel Martinez weaves a fantastic yarn about demon space merchants who inadvertently rescue a defecting angel. Also, floating cows. Yep. It’s a bizarre trip.

HftCAudioAbout the book:

Shax, the Demon Prince of Thieves, has reconciled himself to exile. He has a grand time careening around the galaxy as a high-end, intergalactic purloiner of pretties. Everything’s going just fine, thank you very much. All right, fine, the anti-gravity cows are a bit problematic and some of his buyers are bad for his health, but he manages until he comes across an injured angel in a psychedelic alien jungle.

He only rescues the wing boy for his golden feathers, but what Shax doesn’t know about angels could fill an intergalactic encyclopedia.

My Review:
First off, this is an audio book of roughly 2 hours in length. I enjoyed every second of it. The narrator, Vance Bastian, is engaging and makes the story really pop. His voice is well-suited to the major characters. While the narrator’s voice sounds “young” I think he did a great job conveying Shax’s bravado, shy flower Nes, and a sassy falsetto for “Ivana” the ship’s drag queen audio file. Bastian seemed to have a good range of voice timbres, allowing the gruff voice of Varin to sound completely separate from the others, and good pacing. On the whole, I enjoyed the audio book very much.

Shax is a prince from Hell, Varin is his compatriot demon, and both of them are hurtling through space on a small freighter, attempting to turn a tidy profit while keeping well clear of Earth. Shax is a playful being, eager to charm and sure to find the “pretties” he’d like to swipe, because he’s a thief demon, I guess. Varin is a more impatient sort of demon, mechanically-inclined and not thrilled with Shax’s antics.

While en route to deliver a cargo of floating cows, they detour to an uninhabited planet and recover an escape pod. Inside they find an angel, completely unconscious, and injured. Shax is captivated not only by the angel’s golden feathers, but also by the beautiful man before him. Problem is, Angels and Demons have been fighting each other for eons. Shax begs Varin to let him keep the pretty angel, and while they travel they get to know one another. Nes, as Shax dubs their passenger, is a lower eschelon angel, who cannot believe that Shax and Varin aren’t plotting to kill him.

This is a super fun story. Really. It’s so completely wacky, I had to stifle my laughter when listening on my earbuds so strangers didn’t give me the side eye. Shax is a great MC, and he’s so captivated by Nes. Nes is delightfully innocent, and naive, constantly surprised and unsettled by Shax’s propositions and veracity. I really dug the idea of space demons and angels. Expect double-crossing humans, a sassy computer, and a cargo hold filled with sexual tension, but no actual sexytimes.

Interested? You can find HELL FOR THE COMPANY on Goodreads, iTunes,
Amazon, and Audible.

Download a sample of the audiobook here!

How about some insights from Verin…

The author catches Verin Hammer, demon ship’s pilot and all around grouch, in a rare good mood over coffee and cinnamon rolls for a (brief) interview:

A: So Ver…you and Shax have known each other a long time…

Verin: I thought you were asking questions. That’s not a fucking question.

A: I’m getting to it. Hold your garters. When did you first meet?

Verin: Bunch of centuries ago.

A: *exasperated sigh* Can you tell us how you first met?

Verin: You’re not real good at this, are you? Yeah, guess I can. Hadn’t hit my full growth yet. Some older demon punks decided I looked like easy pickings, so they jumped me. Shaxy came riding by – literally on his high horse, damn demon prince. He had some big night mares back then. Anyway, Shax may be bad but he doesn’t like shit that’s not fair, right? So he orders the punks off. Let his horse kick a couple in the bargain. Arrogant little son of a—

A: And you were instant friends?

Verin: Absofuckinglutely not. He was just a kid, too, and his mommy wouldn’t let him have minions. So he figured he’d tell her I was a friend. But, yeah, he wanted a minion. I told him to piss off.

A: But you stayed with him anyway?

Verin: *shrugs* Didn’t have anything better to do. Living with him in a palace was better than scraping by in the slums of Hell.

A: So eventually…

Verin: Look, I know what you’re getting at. Yeah, Shaxy’s my friend. Dunno when it happened exactly, but it did. He’s a bonehead and a high-handed little prick, but he keeps life interesting. He decides what stupid shit we’re gonna get into next and I keep him from getting his skinny ass killed. And no, we never fucked. Cause everyone always asks that. He’s not anywhere near what I go for.

A: Oh, um, good. Now if we could just touch on some of the—

Verin: Nope. I’m done. That’s all the stupid questions I have time for this year. This century. Hell, maybe ever. *Verin stomps off in a cloud of steam*

(Verin can be found in every Brimstone book, and is voiced perfectly by Vance Bastian in the Hell For The Company audio edition.)

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon GC.
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Meet the author:
While Angel Martinez is the erotic fiction pen name of a writer of several genres, she writes both kinds of gay romance – Science Fiction and Fantasy. (That’s a Blues Brothers’ joke FYI!!) Currently living part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware, (and full time inside the author’s head) Angel has one husband, one son, two cats, a changing variety of other furred and scaled companions, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.

Catch up to Angel on Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, and her website.

Meet the narrator:
Vance Bastian loves being a professional storyteller. He writes urban fantasy about sandmen and reapers. He has grown his acting and voice background into a career performing voice-over work and narration for both radio and audiobooks. He is also a founding host of the WROTE podcast – bringing you interviews and news of authors who write, perform, and tell LGBTQ stories. When nobody’s looking, Vance is a complete sci-fi and fantasy geek.

For more on Vance, please visit his website.
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Unmasking the NAME OF RA–Review and Giveaway

name of ra tour banner
Hi there! I’m so excited to share with you a review for the final book in the Decendents of Isis series from Kelsey Ketch. NAME OF RA is the dramatic conclusion to a seriously interesting YA supernatural romance/adventure. I really enjoyed DAUGHTER OF ISIS and was hooked by SON OF SET, so I had to find out what happened in the series.

Check out my review below and be sure to enter the giveaways, too!

NameOfRa_CVR_SMLAbout the book:
“Set has risen.”

After being on the run from a psychotic cult for a week, Natara “Natti” Stone has finally come to realize she and Seth are the only two people standing between the Sons of Set and the secret name of Ra. Holding a part of the key that unlocks Ra’s power, they relocate to a more isolated location in the California mountains. While laying low, Natti becomes even more determined to understand her mother’s bloodline and her blessing from the goddess, Isis. But when she starts seeing the truth behind her destiny, she begins to doubt her role in the events that are about to unfold.

Then the unthinkable happens . . .

All Seth O’Keefe wanted was to get Natti as far away from his father and the Sons of Set as possible. Unfortunately, after hearing of Natti’s destiny from Isis’s own lips, he realizes they have bigger issues to worry about. Especially when one stupid slip up leads the god of chaos himself straight to their doorstep. Now Natti is the god’s prisoner, and Set holds the key to unlocking the location of the secret name of Ra. Can Seth save Natti from her own destiny and thwart the demented god’s rise to power?

My Review:
This is the third book in a trilogy and needs to be read in order. The book series is marketed to older teens, because it contains sexual content that is not always consensual. The books are based upon a cult of followers of the ancient Egyptian god Set, the god of Chaos. Set, and his followers, have no respect for women and use their bodies for pleasure and sacrifice. Usually both.

Seth is the son of the high priest of Set. He’s been raised to believe that he was the next link in the chain for power, and that raising Set from his half-life in the underworld of Duat would lead Seth and his fellos Sons to glory and power. They are wealthy and careless, men, these Sons, enslaving women with chemicals and their innate Blessings–for Seth this is his Compulsion charm. Seth is a powerful Charmer, but his Compulsion didn’t work on newcomer Natara “Natti” Stone. Back in Book One he was attracted to Natti, and learned (even before she did) that she was a Daughter of Isis, and the last of her people to be Blessed by Ma ‘at. Seth’s father learned of her magic and wanted her for the ultimate sacrifice to raise Set. Seth stepped in the path of this destruction in Book Two.

Now, in Book Three, Seth knows he loves Natti–even if “love” is the antithesis of the Sons’ teachings. Natti knows that she returns Seth’s love, and entrusts him with ultimate power over her developing powers. THis si a precarious position, becasue Seth is very much torn in his loyalites. His father is the most powerful Son, but his mother was an unknown Daughter of Isis. He’s a “cursed” and disowned by both sects. Good thing Natti’s got enough love to shore him up.

That said, all bets are off when Seth’s father’s able to raise Set…sorta. See, Set still needs a bit of magic to restore his full powers, including immortality, and Natti’s the pure of heart one who is able to obtain the magic, with Seth’s help. Thing is, Set wants Natti for his wife, and he’s ruthless in stealing both her lifeforce and compelling Seth to heal her time and again so he can drink her essence to fuel his powers.

This unlikely and unwilling trio must travel to the Underworld via a magical gate that only Seth can open to find the hidden name of Ra which bears the magic necessary to restore Set fully, and allow him to kill Seth and join with Natti. Neither of them want to help, but the alternative is death–Seth a soulless one, due to his connection with Set and Natti to be Set’s unwilling wife in the Duat. If they can somehow stop (or better yet KILL) Set before they reach their destination Natti and Seth might just get the chance to return to high school… 😉

Expect lots of death, a fair bit of destruction and more than one resurrection. Expect to be very much unsettled by the callous treatment of women by the Sons of Set, and Set himself. The book is an interesting supernatural fantasy, with well-drawn characters. Natti is a girl on her own, with her heart tied to a boy who could crush it, or revere it. Seth is a boy raised to be cold and finally thriving in the love of a pure-hearted girl. It’s a good v. evil clash that has plenty of evil and wee bit of good. Praise Ra it was possible to save the day, at last.

Interested? You can find NAME OF RA on Goodreads and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter links below for a chance to win:
A signed set of the Daughter of Isis books:
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or a mini Anubis plush toy and a Ma ‘at feather pendant necklace!
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Good luck and keep reading my friends.

d4281-kelseyketchAbout the Author
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Son of Set is the sequel to Daughter of Isis, her debut novel.

You can find Kelsey on her website, Goodreads, twitter and Facebook.

ef137-yabounktourbutton

Mix-Ups And Meyhem in WITH THIS BLING–A Review

Hi there! today I’m sharing my review for a funny contemporary M/M romance from LB Gregg. WITH THIS BLING is the third book in the Romano and Albright series, and it’s a fast-paced adventure/romance.

With This Bling (Romano and Albright, #3)About the book:
Caesar Romano’s catering career is doing better than he’d ever dreamed. And so is his love life—even if his boyfriend’s house in Staten Island is way too far from civilization for his liking. But then in short order, Caesar is duped into helping his cousin propose, is tricked by his best friend and business partner into appearing on live television, and is harassed by a thug-like personal trainer and his far too beautiful wife. In fact, Caesar is almost too busy to notice that something is troubling his PI boyfriend, Dan Albright.

Almost.

Laid-back, open, charming—that’s the impression hunky former NYPD Detective Dan Albright gives everyone. Caesar can add sexually adventurous and a bit of an exhibitionist. But he also knows that Dan is hiding something—something dark and a little dangerous—and when Dan’s silence over his mysterious past threatens to harm them both, it’s Caesar’s turn to save the day.

But then again, a break-in, a gallery party, an heirloom ring, a new suit, and a stalker with bad BO are all just a typical week for Caesar Romano.

My Review:
This is the third book in a series, but it read fine as a standalone. 4.5 Stars.

Caesar and Dan have been dating for a short while. They are still getting to know one another, and enjoying their incendiary passion. Dan is a 40ish former NYPD cop turned private detective. He’s big and bossy and totally gone for Caesar, a 28 y/o Brooklyn native and member of a giant Italian famiglia that may or may not have mafia ties…he’ll never say. Out loud. Caesar has begun managing his friend Poppy’s catering business, and his cousin is trying to woo a very pregnant Poppy to FINALLY marry him.

Caesar is caught in this misfire/crossfire wedding proposal gone totally wrong when he is pressed into filling in for morning-sick Poppy on a local cable morning show. It’s actually quite hysterical, and leaves Caesay a black-eyed, bloody (possibly engaged!) mess. Is this the result of using his Nonna’s cursed rings? The jury is out…

Dan’s newest case is bleeding into their private life, too. Expect parkour-style espionage and explosions. Lots of explosions. Caesar always seems to be on the wrong end of a concussion, and yet, his dead-pan NYC humor is riotous. Complaining that the squirrel and bird he spies in Dan’s Staten Island backyard is “too much nature” for him. Deciding that the best way to handle being kidnapped and stuffed into a cool box is to snack on fresh-made cannoli? I died.

I loved Caesar’s family. From his flashy Nan to his Goodfellas-esque uncles and father. They’s good people. We don’t get to see much of Dan , as Caesar tells this story, but he’s a bit of alright. Honest, and loyal. Maybe a bit too trusting for some–especially as he’s an ex-cop. Caesar and Dan get really close in this book, so close that Caesar has to meet an ex. Unwittingly. And they continue building on an established pattern of semi-public sexytimes; all to the good in my book.

I breezed through WITH THIS BLING, and would surely head back for another episode.

Interested? You can find WITH THIS BLING on Goodreads, Riptide Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple, AllRomance. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:
LB Gregg (Lisabea) writes fun, fast-paced contemporary male/male romances for a variety of publishers including Riptide, Samhain, and Carina Press. Her wildly successful Men of Smithfield books feature hot, hunky men looking for love in small town New England. You can find more information about LB, The Men of Smithfield, and her fun series Romano and Albright at her website.  Catch her also on twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Captivated…IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a sweet New Adult reconnection romance from Keira Andrews. IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS Puts former best friends in an awkward position–a cross-country drive in a blizzard. Charlie and Gavin have a lot of ‘spaining to do. And, they get it done.
Like bosses.

If Only in My DreamsAbout the book:
To be home for Christmas, they must bridge the distance between them.
Charlie Yates is desperate. It’s almost Christmas and his flight home from college has been delayed. For days. Charlie promised his little sister Ava he’d be home for her first holiday season since going into remission from leukemia. Now he’s stuck on the opposite coast and someone else grabbed the last rental car. Someone he hasn’t even spoken to in four years. Someone who broke his heart.

Gavin Bloomberg’s childhood friendship with Charlie ended overnight after a day of stolen kisses. With years of resentment between them, they don’t want to be in the same room together, let alone a car. But for Ava’s sake, Gavin agrees to share the rental and drive across the country together.

As they face unexpected bumps along the road, can Charlie and Gavin pave the way to a future together?

My Review:
This is a feel good, frenemies-to-lovers New Adult, coming-out, cross-country-drive romance. Whew! I think I got it all…

Charlie and Gavin were best friends the summer before high school began. On Labor Day weekend they shared one hot kiss–the first for either of them–and the next day it was over. Gavin was dating Candace, cheer captain and otherwise It Girl. Gavin never acknowledged Charlie again, excepting that fateful day in the pizza shop.

Fast forward four years. It’s Christmas break and Charlie is desperate to return to Connecticut to spend Christmas with his family, especially his 8 y/o sister Ava. She had spent the last two Christmases in hospitals suffering the complications of leukemia, but she’s in remission (great story there!) and anxious to see her big brother. Unfortunately, the East Coast had been hit by Snowmageddon and San Fran’s airport is in it’s second day of grounding due to Fog-mageddon. There are no flights out, the buses are overbooked, and Charlie’s desperate. His last-ditch effort is to rent a car and drive the 43 hours, but yeah, no cars.

Well, there is ONE car. It’s been rented, but the driver hasn’t left yet. And, it turns out, the driver is going the exact same way Charlie would be–because it’s Gavin and their family homes are on the same street back in Connecticut. There’s a whole lot of tension in that tiny Jetta!

In the four day drive, they experience the traditional Airing of Grievances, oh wait that’s a Festivus ritual. Well, anywho, Gavin and Charlie slowly reveal their fears and issues. There’s mishaps and mayhem and matching sweaters and pancakes with fake maple syrup. And love. Because Charlie never forgot Gavin, and Gavin always remembered Charlie, no matter how deep he buried him in his closeted consciousness.

It’s such a sweet story, with real guys finding real love. There’s lots of love to go around, in truth. Charlie is a devoted brother to Ava, and they have a deep bond with touching rituals and open affection. Charlie’s parents are care worn but lovely, and include Gavin in their Christmas (because he’s special to Charlie, and because he’s Jewish and has no Christmas tradition). Even Gavin’s shell-shocked parents express a lot of love for him (and reservations! They have big reservations!) that helps heal a rift they didn’t even know existed.

It’s a solid HEA, and a sensational holiday story. It was fun to witness all of Gavin’s “firsts” and to know they were also special to Charlie because his tortured love was now at peace. The forgiveness was strong in this story, and that showed a maturity in these two young men that I totally dug.

Interested? You can find IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS on Goodreads, Amazon, Amazon global, AllRomance, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and Smashwords.

Keira AndrewsAbout the Author:
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and—although she loves delicious angst along the way—Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

You can catch up with Keira on her website, Facebook, twitter, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!