Gay romance

Nutty Fun: NUTS ABOUT YOU–Review and Giveaway!

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Hi there! I’m sharing a review for an adorable M/M shifter romance from Kate Lowell. This fun and fresh novella, NUTS ABOUT YOU, follows the, initially, unrequited interest of a squirrel shifter and the customer who makes him nutty.

Catch my review and enter to win a cute plush squirrel buddy!
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About the book:
Nathan’s been crushing on one of his regular Bulk Mart customers for a while now. In his squirrel form, he sits on Vince’s bird feeders, munching on seeds and enjoying the eye candy. Until the day Vince catches him raiding the feeder…

A voyeuristic taster….

The best part was coming next. Nathan took an absentminded bite of the sunflower seed in his paw and hung a little further out from the feeder to get a better view. Because now, the body wash was coming out. Vince’s hand stretched past Nathan’s field of vision, returning with what looked like the Natural Sea Sponge Vince had bought at Bulk Mart a month ago. He flicked open the cap on the almond-scented body wash and spread it on the sponge. Though Nathan couldn’t smell it through the window, he knew that scent. It drove him wild—he stopped to sniff it every time he walked down the aisle, and he even had a bottle on his bedside table. Not to use, just to smell every night as he lay in bed, wishing it was Vince’s hand on him instead of his own.

There it went, the sponge traveling over all the places where Nathan would like to run his tongue. Vince started on his neck, smooth up and down movements covering his skin with a rich lather. The bubbles slid down his body, clinging in a way that made Nathan irrationally jealous of them. The sponge followed the bubbles down, making circles over the sleek chest, then crisscrossing back and forth over the flat stomach and past his bellybutton, with its narrow trail of hair leading down to—OH MY WALNUTS!

My Review:
I breezed through this cute little story that centers on Nathan, a squirrel shifter and workaday cashier at a big box store. Vince has been a regular customer for the past few months, coming in to purchase bags of seed for his many bird feeders. Nathan does a little bit of stalking, and a lot a bit of peeping on his crush.

Crashing out in his squirrel form, munching quality bird seed from Vince’s feeders, Nathan revels in the lack of window coverings for Vince’s bathroom and bedroom. It certainly feeds all his fantasies…until an irate Vince startles him from his perch and apprehends him!

I really liked the pace here, with little beating about the bush…Nathan and Vince are well on their way to enjoying more adult activity. The elements of squirrelness were adorable, and, as Nathan tells this tale, we get a whole lot of his nutty point of view. Okay, okay, enough with the puns already. This is a short read, perfect for a sexy lunch break.

Interested? You can find NUTS ABOUT YOU on Goodreads, Amazon, iTunes, and AllRomance.

Squirrel****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a plush “Nathan” squirrel. (Shifting not guaranteed!)

Meet the author:
Kate Lowell lives on the east coast of Canada, in an old farm house that has way more personality than it has any right to. During the winter, she spends her time dreading snow, cursing at snow, shoveling snow, and scheming ways to shove it down the kids’ necks. During the summer, she prays not to have snow. 🙂

Kate likes to play in ALL the sandboxes. While her main genres are paranormal and contemporary suspense, she is also interested in science fiction, fantasy and–weirdly–romantic comedy. She’s willing to pay large amounts of money to anyone who can come up with plot-bunny repellent, which she will first use on herself, then sell to LA Witt for an exorbitant price to recoup her costs.

You can contact her at katelowellbooks (at) gmail.com . If you think you’d like to try writing gay romance, come visit her critique group (Link can be found at http://katelowell.com). New members are always welcome.

You can catch up with Kate on her website, Facebook, https://twitter.com/, and Goodreads.
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Dangerous Terrain–GONE AWAY-Excerpt Review & Giveaway

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Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary M/M reconnection romance from Elizabeth Noble. GONE AWAY is a thriller with a romance mixed in. I really was blown away by the plot and how realistic the danger felt.

Be sure to drop down and enter the giveaway for your chance at winning one of Elizabeth’s many published titles.

GA Final Draft 101515About the book:
Mason Arquette isn’t one for mincing words. In fact, he often rubs people the wrong way—with the exception of Riece Burrell. Riece came with his own set of social issues, but he saw right through Mason’s tough exterior, and they made a perfect couple. Or so Mason thought… until Riece abruptly ended their relationship without much explanation.

Years later, Mason and Riece are thrown back together. As a US Forestry Service photographer, Riece is sent on assignment to the Black Hills, where Mason works. When Mason is tasked with guiding Riece around the territory, old feelings quickly are rekindled.

But nothing is ever easy. Just as Mason and Riece begin to work things out, they’re targeted by people with motives so vile and twisted they defy imagination. In a desperate race for their lives, they must depend on one another and take a big step out of their personal comfort zones to find their way back to safety—and back to love.

How about a little taste?

“Hungry?” Mason poked at the campfire he’d started. This spot was a popular one. There was already a fire pit rimmed with rock and stone, set against an outcrop and facing a small stand of trees. Whoever constructed it had clearly thought out the location well. The trees were far enough away to be of minimal danger from the fire, yet close enough to be convenient for hanging food from. Their fire was protected by the outcrop and the shallow pit.

Riece turned and studied Mason and their camp. He grinned and raised his camera to take a few more pictures. “You photograph very well.” Riece walked over and sat beside Mason. “Want to see?”

“Sure. If I don’t like them, do they get deleted?”

“No,” Riece said and rolled his eyes. He settled on the ground beside Mason and leaned against him while going through the photos he’d taken that day.

Without thinking, Mason lifted one arm and put it around Riece, tucking him close to his side. “Those are pretty good. Even the ones with me in them.” Both of their actions seemed natural and easy.

Riece snorted and pulled the micro-memory chip out. “Of course they are. I have excellent technique.”

Mason laughed and handed Riece his bag. Riece extracted a plastic case, slipped the chip into one of the slots, and put a new one in the camera. “What’s on the menu?”

“Chicken burritos—well, my version. I threw some potatoes on to bake too, and the all-time campfire favorite of s’mores.”

“Oh, nice. I haven’t had those since I was a kid. My mom used to make them for me over the stove.”

“You haven’t had s’mores until you’ve had them made over an open fire,” Mason said.

Riece tucked his camera away, and they set about assembling and eating their dinner. Mason squeezed shredded chicken from foil pouches onto tortilla wraps. They added shredded cheese, some salami, and dried fruits and spices to the mix. Mason rolled them in foil and set them on the hot embers from the fire to warm up. Dried power-drink mix to add to their water completed the meal. It was completely dark by the time Mason loaded skewers with marshmallows for roasting.

“That was pretty good.” Riece leaned against his pack and gazed up at the sky.

Mason laughed. “What were you expecting, squirrel meat?”

“I was worried about what we were going to eat. I’ll admit I had visions of freeze-dried food packets. I didn’t really pay attention when you were packing. I was afraid to look too closely,” Riece confessed.

“Tomorrow we’ll be near a river, and we can score some fresh fish and use our water filters to refill our bottles. I’ll show you how to spear fish.” Mason stood and stretched. When he began collecting their food stocks and garbage, Riece immediately joined in, helping him. “Anything like toothpaste or mouthwash we’ll store in our sack as well. That stuff smells good to wildlife too.”

“We can keep the lube with us, right?”

That made Mason laugh. “I wouldn’t dream of having it any other way. It’s nice enough out tonight. I can set the tent up, or we can sleep without it.”

“If you don’t mind, and if the wildlife will cover their eyes, I’d like to be able to see the open sky.” Riece sat cross-legged near the fire and pushed his hands against the ground. “Sort of hard and lumpy.”

“You’re such a city boy,” Mason said with a chuckle. “That’s what I brought a sleeping pad for.”

“Now who’s being a city boy? I was thinking more along the lines of how comfortable you are to sleep on.”

Mason smiled, rolled his eyes, and shook his head before he went about completing the task of getting their sleeping area readied. Riece packed their food in the bear bag they would use to secure it high enough off the ground it would be safe. Using a rock and some utility cord, Mason showed Riece how to rig it between two trees.

“We’ll use this as a base camp, hike farther out tomorrow, and come back here to sleep before heading to the next area you need to go to,” Mason explained. He’d spread the map out and traced their path with one finger.

Riece looked over his shoulder. Mason could feel his warm breath on the back of his neck and how he nodded every few seconds. Eventually Mason spread the sleeping pad out, and Riece inflated it before arranging their bedrolls over it.

The temperature dropped fast after the sun went down. Riece was lying on his back, arms bent under his head, looking up at the sky. They’d hiked quite a way that day, and Mason was getting tired. He spent a few minutes watching Riece. He’d folded his clothes and neatly placed them in his backpack, which made Mason smile. Even in the wilderness, there were some things Riece would do to follow his routine, and there was no stopping him. Mason had learned long ago trying to make Riece give up too many of his habits too quickly would cause him to close off and withdraw. Something Mason wanted to avoid at all cost.

Mason stripped off his clothes before he slid into the bedroll with Riece and wrapped one arm around his waist. Despite the cool night air, he was warm in seconds with Riece’s body against his.

My Review:
While this is the fourth book in a series, it can be fully enjoyed as a standalone.

Mason Arquette is a mixed-race (white and First Nations!) gay US Forest Service ranger whose territory covers the Black Hills region of South Dakota, his homeland. Years ago he met Riece Burrell at college. Both Riece and Mason have some emotional issues; Mason has a temper and Riece has OCD and crippling social anxiety, but they fit well together in spite of those impediments. They had a satisfactory relationship that ended when Riece left suddenly, with no discussion. As it turned out, Riece’s mother counseled her son to leave–making it clear that Mason wouldn’t continue to tolerate Riece’s tics indefinitely. (Thanks, Mom!!)

So, after three years they are reunited when Riece is assigned to photograph parks in Mason’s jurisdiction. Mason surprises him at the airport, and again, when he takes them to a romantic inn en route to their destination. While Riece and Mason have separate rooms, Riece can’t take the separation any longer. They seem to get on like a house afire, burning up the sheets anyway….

After getting Riece settled in Custer the ardor ebbs, a bit. Mason wants time to regroup, and be sure he can trust Riece again. They have an extended hike planned so Riece can get images of some of the more remote vistas, and while their reconnection is still going strong, it suddenly gets thrust into overdrive. Encountering some shady characters on the trail has Mason thinking of remote meth labs or poachers, but it’s far, far worse.

No, Mason’s soon employing all his backwoods tracking skills to keep himself and Riece out of the range of lethal crossbow bolts. Nothing like some psychotic killers to make a scenic trail harrowing, amiright? I really got into this thrill ride, as it truly was something I hadn’t expected. Expect bloodshed, mayhem and daring forays. Expect Mason and Riece to fully repair their breach and become better than the couple back in college–excellent sexytimes, yo. Also, expect slurs of all varieties–including homophobic and racial. Just sayin’.

Interested? You can find GONE AWAY on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a book from Elizabeth Noble’s giant backlist!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:
Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for a good mystery complete with murder and twisty plots as well as all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.

Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess and one tabby cat. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe!). When she’s not writing she’s working as a veterinary nurse, so don’t be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives. Three of Elizabeth’s books have received Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards.

You can catch up with Elizabeth on her website, Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, or sign up for her newsletter.

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Coming Soon! Herc’s Mercs THE HARDER THEY FALL–Excerpt and Giveaway

Herc-BannerTemplateHi there! Today I’m sharing an excerpt and book giveaway for a new release from Ari McKay. THE HARDER THEY FALL is the newest in the Herc’s Merc’s series, so expect hot alpha men working security and getting down and dirty.

HMthehardertheyfall1400About the book:
Chris Hardison never expected the simple consulting gig to put him on somebody’s hit list, but Hercules Security’s resident computer whiz never does anything by halves. Now he’s on the run, guarded by gorgeous Jason Hekili, the newest member of Herc’s crew. But Chris and Jason have a past, and holing up in a safe house together is as complicated as it is dangerous.

Jason still wants Chris even though his broken heart hasn’t healed. He isn’t sure he can trust Chris, but when a crime syndicate targets Chris for assassination, Jason has to put his life on the line to protect Chris or risk losing their second chance for happiness before it even begins.

How about a little taste?

It took him a few minutes to find the right place, and his heart lurched when he saw Jason sparring with a tall, broad-shouldered Native American merc. He hovered in the doorway of the training room, torn between wanting to run over, fling himself at Jason, and beg for forgiveness, or wanting to flee.

Jason had changed. Gone were the thick, dark waves that Chris had loved to run his fingers through; Jason had shorn it all off in favor of a buzz cut, and Chris wanted to cry at the loss. Jason’s shoulders were broader, and he was even more muscular overall. After working with mercs for so long, Chris knew the difference between bodybuilder muscles and working muscles, and he could tell Jason had gotten those hard muscles from work. Jason’s body wasn’t the only thing that looked harder; Jason’s face looked different as well. More closed off, more distant. It was enough to make Chris want to turn and run. How could he possibly stand a chance with this Jason?

Before he could slip away unnoticed, the other merc knocked Jason on his ass. Jason let out a grunt when he hit the floor, but he didn’t grimace or show any other sign of pain. He simply bounded to his feet and turned—and spotted Chris.

For a long moment, he simply stood there, holding Chris’ gaze, and something that Chris thought might be hope brightened his eyes. Then Jason turned away, said something to his sparring partner, and headed toward the far side of the room.

Chris’ heart plummeted at that clear rejection signal, but he knew he deserved it. He lifted his chin and squared his shoulders. Jason had seen him, so he couldn’t just sneak out like this had never happened, and he hadn’t come all this way to give up so easily anyway. The other merc’s eyebrows climbed as he watched Chris march across the room, and Chris heard him say something about going to the showers, but Chris’ attention was focused entirely on Jason.

“Jason, I’d like to talk,” he said firmly as he approached.

Jason draped a towel around his neck, his spine straightening before he turned slowly to face Chris. Up close, Chris could see that a slender, pale line of a scar now bisected Jason’s right eyebrow. The line mercifully skipped over his eye, but picked up again on his cheek, running down to the sharp line of his jaw. It made his cheekbones look even more pronounced and pulled the line of his lips slightly crooked, though that wasn’t easy to judge, since he was clenching his jaw.

“I believe you agreed six months ago that there was nothing more to say,” Jason replied, his voice ragged, betraying emotions that didn’t show on his face. “And you didn’t want to subject yourself to a long, awkward ride.”

“A lot can change in six months,” Chris pointed out, aching to reach out and touch Jason but knowing he didn’t have that right yet. “You have. So have I.”

“Is that so?” Jason regarded him with narrowed eyes, a muscle twitching slightly in his jaw. It was something Chris recognized at once as a “tell,” an indicator that Jason wasn’t nearly as unaffected by Chris’ presence as he was trying to appear; sometimes the little things he’d learned from being around people in the physical side of the security business were quite useful.

“Yes, that’s so,” Chris replied quietly. This was the part where he laid himself utterly bare and held nothing back, which was terrifying, but it was necessary if he wanted any hope of winning Jason back. “I’ve had plenty of time to think about what an idiot I was. I’m sorry I hurt you, and I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was all me and my stupid insecurities getting in the way. Letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Jason’s eyes widened slightly as if he was surprised at Chris being so blunt and forthcoming. At first, he stared back at Chris, seeming to search for something. Finally he gave a terse nod. “I’m glad you realize that,” he said quietly.

“I do, and I’m willing to do anything to make up for my stupidity.” Chris took a little step closer, gazing up at Jason hopefully. “I’ve missed you so much, Jason. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how good we were together. I came here to see if there was any way you’d consider giving me a second chance.”

Again, Jason didn’t answer immediately, and this time, there was no mistaking the pain in the look he gave Chris. “There’s a problem with that.” He glanced away from Chris and frowned. “Trust has to go both ways.”

Interested? You can find  on Goodreads, Torquere Press, Amazon, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win an ecopy of Herc’s Mercs–THE HARDER THEY FALL.

About the authors:
Ari McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full-length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.

Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.

McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.

Where to find the authors online:
Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Website | Goodreads | Amazon

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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!

Happy Book Birthday to SAFE LIMITS!

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Hi there! I’m so excited to share in the release day festivities for SAFE LIMITS by Morticia Knight. I really loved BUILDING BONDS and this one sounds like a great addition to the series! The Kiss of Leather series is a M/M BDSM experience, with lots of feels and lots of sexytimes.

Be sure to enter the giveaway for the first book in this series, BUILDING BONDS. It’s a steamer!

safelimits_800About the book:
The men from Kiss of Leather gather together to rescue a terrified young sub. But it’s Master Derek who wants to keep him for good.

Master Gavin and his boy, Kyle are celebrating their newly established bond when Master Josh calls requesting their help. Josh’s sub, David, needs the men to help his best friend from childhood while they’re away at a BDSM convention in San Francisco.

Corey ran away from his Master after a horrible scene, but he blames himself for everything that happened. No Master would ever want him if they were to find out what he did. Corey’s not sure if he’ll ever feel safe enough to give himself to a Master again anyway, even if all he’s ever wanted was to belong to somebody.

Master Derek agrees to watch over Corey until Josh and David return from the convention. All he needs is another pretty twink messing with his head and his heart, so the older, growly bear of a man determines to keep his distance. But when Corey wakes up screaming after a devastating nightmare, Derek is more drawn than ever to the young sub – the need to keep Corey safe from whatever or whoever has hurt him becoming his main priority.

Kyle and Corey develop a friendship when Corey assists Kyle in the dungeon furniture workshop. Kyle has his own fears – the ones that make him feel he’s broken because of the things he desires to do with Gavin. Through helping Kyle, and receiving his own help through Derek, Corey decides he’s ready to let go of the demons from his past and move forward into a new life.

Now if Corey can only get Derek to believe that he’s ready – and to finally do something about it.

How about a little taste?

Derek was not one to live with mystery – especially with someone under his roof. He respected Corey’s boundaries and his need to keep certain things to himself, but he didn’t think it was completely unreasonable to at least attempt to be friendly with each other. Corey finally answered him.

“I’m usually up pretty early. I can’t sleep much past seven, even when I was going to school and it was the weekend.” Corey’s eyes tracked everything in the kitchen that wasn’t anywhere near Derek. “Plus, I get really tired at night. I used to be the one who fell asleep on New Year’s Eve.”

“Used to be?”

Corey finally looked in his direction. “Tony was more of a night owl. He insisted I stay awake the last few New Year’s.”

“Tony your Dom?”

Corey actually appeared to shrink into himself even more. “Ex-Dom.”

“Hmm.” Derek shut off the burners then pressed the lever down on the toaster. “Hungry?”

“Yeah.” Corey nodded with an enthusiasm that made Derek wonder about the kid’s recent circumstances and whether he’d had enough to eat. He finally lifted his gaze to Derek. “Can I set the table for you? Or…something?”

“I’m not that formal here. You can grab the orange juice and butter from the fridge though. I already have plates and glasses.” Derek wondered if he could draw Corey out of himself a bit more. Mundane topics seemed to be relatively safe. The mention of the Dom had caused him to shut down instantly. “Hope you like chorizo and eggs.”

Corey brought over the items Derek had requested. He set them down then moved quickly away.

“Anything you have is great. I meant…” Corey swallowed, his expression pained. “I meant to say thank you to you last night. I should’ve said it to Gavin…” Corey’s eyes flashed up at him with panic. “Um, Master Gavin and Kyle, but they left before I could tell them. This is really cool of you to do. So, thank you.”

Derek offered him a smile. It wasn’t an expression he employed often, but he sensed that Corey needed some reassuring. “Sure. You’re welcome.” He finished pouring the juice then handed the tumblers back to Corey. “Here you go. Have a seat and I’ll get the rest.”

Corey nodded and did what he was told. Derek found himself intrigued by the young man. It was the absolute last damn thing he needed at the moment, but he couldn’t help it. Corey was too young, too pretty – but he didn’t seem to be too spoiled. Derek ached to know more. All he had to do was figure out how to approach Corey without scaring the shit out of him.

I really love how Morticia writes these BDSM books with such care and respect built in. The love stories always build bit by bit with constant attention to detail from the Doms to the subs they grow to love.

Interested? You can find SAFE LIMITS on Goodreads, Pride Publishing, Amazon (US and UK) and Barnes & Noble.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win an ebook of BUILDING BONDS.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Morticia KnightAbout the Author:
Author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men forever after. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little heart’s desire. Even though she’s been crafting her naughty tales for more years than she’d like to share – her adventures as a published author began in 2011.

Once upon a time she was the lead singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She currently resides on the northern Oregon coast and when she’s not fantasizing about hot men she takes walks along the ocean and annoys the local Karaoke bar patrons.

You can find Morticia online on her website, Goodreads, Totally Bound, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading (and commenting!) my friends! Pride-Promotions

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!

Living With A FORCED SILENCE–Excerpt and Giveaway

AFS-BannerTemplateHi there! Today I’m spreading the word on a newly released contemporary M/M romance form Cate Ashwood. A FORCED SILENCE is a redemption romance, and also a police/paramedic coming-out story, so there’s a LOT going on!

Check out the excerpt and be sure to get in on the giveaway for a book from Cate’s backlist.

ForcedSilence[A]FSAbout the book:
For paramedic Adam Carson, his world is lights and sirens and saving lives. Pressures at work keep him firmly in the closet, and life is too busy to contend with the complications that come with dating and relationships. When a familiar face from his past turns up where he least expects it, Adam starts to question whether or not there is room in his life for those complications.

The last person forensic pathologist Sam McKenna expects to see at pub night is Adam, the guy who made his life hell in high school. The attraction is instant, but Adam isn’t gay and Sam has no interest in pursuing him. Still, the leftover animosity from their teenage years isn’t enough to extinguish the lust growing between them. After both are called to the scene of a horrific murder, Adam admits he’s not as straight as he led Sam to believe and they seek comfort and distraction in each other’s arms. One night becomes many as the murder investigation intensifies, but when Adam is faced with losing Sam, he is forced to make a choice: to break his silence, or to give up everything for the job he loves.

How about a little taste?

“Ah, here they are,” Ford said, turning his head toward two men who were making their way to the table.

“Adam, John, this is Sam. Sam, these are two of the city’s ugliest heroes, John and Adam.” Ford made the introductions as John slid into a chair across from him, lifting his head in greeting.

Sam swallowed hard, barely registering anything other than the man still standing in front of him. Adam Carson. He watched as recognition dawned in Adam’s eyes and a slow smirk appeared on his face. It was the same familiar cocky expression he wore when Sam knew him a billion years earlier.

“You sure have grown up, Dexter,” Adam said, exercising the nickname he had used for him all through school.

Sam lifted one eyebrow. “It seems you haven’t.”

“You two know each other?” Ford asked, eyebrows lifted in question.

“Oh, me and Dex go way back,” Adam supplied, never taking his eyes off Sam.

“Dex?”

Sam rolled his eyes. Ford was his friend, but that didn’t mean he wanted to rehash the shit that happened back in high school. That name was one that haunted him right through the twelfth grade. When he moved, he tucked it safely away, but tonight, it seemed, it had followed him.

“Long story,” Adam said. “It’s good to see you. It’s been a long time.”

Interested? You can find A FORCED SILENCE on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for you r chance to win a book off Cate’s backlist.
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Cate Ashwood wrote her very first story in a hot-pink binder when she was in the second grade and found her passion for writing. Her first successful foray into romance writing came five years later when she wrote her best friend, who was experiencing a case of unrequited love, her own happily ever after.

Cate’s life has taken a number of different and adventurous roads. She now lives a stone’s throw from the ocean, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, her little boy, and their two cats. Her life is filled with family and friends, travel, and, of course, books.

You can catch up with Cate online on Facebook, twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
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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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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!