Why I Trust You by Colette Davison

Amazon

This is a story of abuse, finding love and healing.  It was vey well developed and it kept me intrigued throughout.

Ryan was in an abusive relationship.  When he started talking to Martin about creating a video game,  he was encouraged to leave his abusive boyfriend. Ryan lives in LA. Martin wants him to come to Europe to live for a while.  That will help Ryan escape and they can work on their game together.  Unfortunately, trying to leave an abusive partner is often not easy.  Especially when it's one who has alienated you from everyone and who has complete control over you. 

Martin has never wanted to be in a relationship because his past lovers had all used him.  He wasn't willing to allow anyone to use him again.  And Ryan is determined to be on his own and to take care of himself.   He wants to prove to himself that he can survive on his own.

When their relationship develops into more, they want to find a way to have their relationship last.  Their time is limited, however, because Ryan's visa is ending.  Ryan will have to return to the states.

The author did a wonderful job portraying the abusive relationship and the effects it had on Ryan. That part of the story was so well done.  The abuse, escaping from the abuse, and overcoming it enough to find love.  It was all gripping and a great storyline.
As for Martin, the affect of being used multiple times was very realistic.  Finding Ryan and getting to know him, and falling in love with him, helped him to heal and trust again.  It was written so well. The affect of their separation was so tough to read.  Being apart on them was awful. As a reader, I was overcome with grief for them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.  It weaved together so many factors to create two great men who really needed each other to heal.  It was such an emotional ride.

Review, Release Blitz, & Giveaway - Corked by Brigham Vaughn

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title:  Corked

Author: Brigham Vaughn

Publisher: Self Published (Two Peninsulas Press)

Cover Artist: Brigham Vaughn

Genre/s: Gay Romance, m/m, contemporary

Length: 42,042 (novella)

This is a standalone story.

Blurb

Sean Powell is having a terrible day. When he walks into Bistro Argent, ready to unwind over a glass of wine with the sommelier, he’s stunned to discover his friend has been replaced by a hot young guy with big ideas. Lucas Spencer is determined to liven up the staid and stodgy wine list, but his brash approach alienates the wine distributor during their first meeting.

There’s no avoiding each other though and the more they butt heads, the hotter the tension between them gets. As they work together and their relationship progresses, they have to figure out how to blend their professional frustration and personal attraction without risking their careers.

Lucas is eleven years younger than Sean, and despite their sizzling chemistry and compatibility, Sean can’t quite believe the feelings are mutual. A wine tasting trip to Traverse City, Michigan threatens their fledgling relationship. Sean’s insecurities rise to the surface as Lucas’s fears of losing Sean lead to jealousy.

Does the relationship have legs or will they find out it’s corked?

My Review-

When Lucas and Sean first meet, they get off to a bad start.  Honestly, at this point, Sean was a complete jerk.  He was attracted to Lucas but treated him like a complete ass.

As they work together, and their paths cross more and more, the chemistry explodes. And as their relationship develops, they find that they have much in common besides their love of wine. They are both homebodies and enjoy the same things and their relationship develops quickly.  This part of the story was very sweet.  The getting to discover each other part of their process had me changing my feelings towards Sean.  He really was able to redeem himself.  

The light angst was just the right amount.  They definitely were apprehensive to be openly gay in this tourist town.  I enjoyed the age difference (11 years) as it added to the angst, as Lucas couldn't believe that Sean's feelings towards him could be real.

I am not a wine person, but I have read enough about wine to be able to appreciate the wine moments. Everything seemed realist and believable.  I enjoyed how the wine and wine testing was weaved throughout the story.  

I definitely enjoyed their hot chemistry and loved the way their relationship developed so naturally.   Both men ended up being likeable and sweet in the end.  And the epilogue was a perfect ending!

Overall, I found the story to be well written and well developed.  It was a fun and hot read.

Buy Links

Amazon US Author Page

Amazon UK Author Page

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Excerpt

“I disagree. I think customers want to be educated. As a sommelier, it’s my job to shape palates not cater to them,” Lucas said. “You’re not giving them enough credit. They want to learn. They just lack the opportunities.”

Sean snorted derisively. “And you give the general public way too much credit.”

Lucas rolled his eyes. “I’m not saying it’ll be easy, or that we should make these changes all at once, but I think there’s a real opportunity here. And look, I think if I add a good description, a tasting note of sorts on the menu, people would be drawn in. Hell, I’m willing to crack open some bottles and offer people samples before their meal. I’ve seen it done successfully in other restaurants. We can market it as a house wine and offer it by the glass.”

Sean sneered at him. “Look, kid, I get you think you know it all, but I’ve been in this business longer than you and I know the way this works.”

“Kid?” Lucas sputtered.

The argument devolved from there. Sean grew progressively less open-minded and Lucas grew more frustrated. When Sean began pacing the room Lucas soon stood too, then tension that had been on a low simmer spilling over into a furious boil.

“Just listen for a goddamn minute,” Lucas snarled. He spun and faced Sean and realized they were nearly nose to nose. The tension crackled between them, heating the air. Already worked up over their argument, frustrated by the constant bickering, and wanting Sean so bad he physically ached for it, Lucas finally snapped. He shoved Sean back against the wall, pinning him against it and ravaging his mouth. Sean gripped his shirt and Lucas half-expected him to shove him away, but instead, he surrendered with a needy groan that went straight to Lucas’s cock.

“Why the fuck do I want you so much?” Lucas growled, trailing his lips down Sean’s neck.

“You think I know?” Sean asked with a gasp, gripping Lucas’s shoulders so tight that it seemed like he might leave bruises. “I don’t even like you. I don’t want to want you.”

His words were offset by the way he tilted his head to let Lucas bite and nip at his neck. The needy way he rubbed his hardening cock against Lucas’s thigh was a dead giveaway too.

“Just shut the fuck up,” Lucas muttered, yanking Sean’s head forward for a kiss. It was so much better when they were kissing rather than talking—or arguing in their case.

About the Author

Brigham Vaughn is starting the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga.  She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.

Social Media Links

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Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one  of three copies of ebooks from Brigham’s backlist.

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RELEASE BLITZ SCHEDULE

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

A Light in the Darkness by Alice Winters

Amazon

Could not stop laughing!

Felix and Lane are two of the funniest people ever.

It was a pleasure to read their antics. 

And their banter was just the most funny, loving, natural, non-stop banter I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
And Lane's family is just as great.
I was laughing like crazy and smiling throughout.

They are starting out their new life together.  And they have Copper by their side. They are learning to have Copper be Lane's service dog.  And they have to deal with Felix's brother, Darian, who wants to see him again.  Felix doesn't trust Darian, but goes and meets up with him.  The path they are taken on because of Darian is crazy, scary, and a complete and utter roller-coaster.  Honestly, I found this mystery a little weird.  Well, more than a little weird.  But, it is still a keep-you-on-your-toes mystery, as you never really know for sure what is happening and what will happen.  But, even through the life and death situations, they keep their humor. 

The author does a FANTASTIC job with these two men.  I cannot rave even about the writing style in this book.  It was superb. Not everyone can infuse so much humor ALL throughout a story.

Honestly, I LOVE Felix and Lane.  And I will be re-reading this book many, many times just because  they are so damn lovable and funny.

Ice on Fire by GR Lyons

Amazon

This is the first book I have read by GR Lyons.  I am so glad I gave it a chance.  It was a wonderful story.

Zac is a college student who dreams of becoming a rock star.  He fights hard for this dream because he needs money to help out his family.  But, to stay in his band, he needs to hide the fact that he is gay.  And is doing so, he is hurting himself mentally and physically.  He is lucky to still be alive.

Adrian is an extremely shy college student who is basically a recluse.  He is completely controlled by his father. He is also mentally ill and needs medicine to help him even leave the house.   His path is life is set for him - graduate college, work for his father's company, and marry an appropriate girl. Unfortunately, Adrian is gay.  And his only way of dealing with not being able to be true to himself is to self-harm.  He is on a path that could kill him.

When Zac and Adrian are forced to work together on a class project, they get to know each other.  And their are sparks.  Some hot sparks.   Unfortunately, Adrian's father catches them together.  Adrian is kicked out of his house, all his money is taken away, and he won't be able to get the medicine he so badly needs.  

The road to happiness for these two is not an easy one.  They will both have to sacrifice a lot.  And it won't be easy.  They have to both decide what they really want and if they really want to be together.  And they need to admit that they actually love the other.   Harsh words and miscommunication is a big problem that they will need to overcome.

Again, I am new to this author.  But, I am so grateful to have found her.  I loved this story.  The love between these two is passionate and intense.  The sacrifices they each make will bring you to tears.  The overall crap they need to overcome is heart-breaking.  The mental issues that Adrian faces when forced to deal without his meds is gut-wrenching.  These are two men who both come with so much baggage and desperately need the other to help them through everything.  

I seriously loved these characters and was rooting so damn much for them to get their happiness.  I am excited to see what else GR Lyons come up with for the side characters.  

The Omega King by Libby Clarke

Amazon

This is a very good Omegaverse story.

When Prince Adrian's brother, the King, is killed, Adrian is set to be the new King.  He never wanted this or planned on it, but this was what his brother wanted.

Problem is, Adrian is an Omega.  And Kings are always Alphas.  Afterall, an Omega is too emotional, too soft to rule.  And their are people set out to make sure that Adrian does not become king.  They will do anything to stop him.   And the Law states that he cannot be King unless he is married to an Alpha.

Various noble Alphas are brought before him at a ball.   He is supposed to choice one of these men.

Problem is, when he reunites with  his former classmate, Callum, he is instantly attracted.  They used to be rivals at school, but now they just can't stop their attraction.  Callum is an Alpha, but he isn't a noble one. And Callum's only goal has been to be a wonderful and loving "father" to his nephew, Philipe.

They will have to fight to be together and to keep the rule of the kingdom.

Both men are very sweet. Their relationship is very well written and you can't help but to route for both men.  There is a lot of romance and love between them and they are definitely meant to be together.  The addition of a pregnancy makes for some tender and loving moments.

The tension and angst in the book was very well written.  This is a new author.   I look forward to what she might be coming up with for her next book!

Tremendous Thursday - Last First Kiss by Diane Adams

Amazon

I think I have found a new favorite character. Gage Harris!

I have owned this book for almost 2 years, but it got lost among my other books on my kindle.

Now I want to go and check out all the other books by this author.

Yes, that is how much I LOVED this book.

Trent moves to a small town after finding out that his boyfriend is not faithful. He plans to spend a couple years at this new job before moving on to a bigger, better job somewhere else. But he doesn't plan on spotting an attractive farmer walking to work. Once Trent stops to give this farmer a ride, everything changes.

Gage is one of the best characters I have ever read. To an outsider, he would seem to be just a loser, with nothing good in his life. But he is so much more.

He is caring, thoughtful, ambitious, generous, hard-working and innocent.

And he is beautifully in touch with what is most important in one's life.

He is only 18, but he is married with 2 young sons. 

He is a farmer who works full time as well as tends his own farm to care for his family.

His sons are the sweetest kids ever.

Gage is definitely is attracted to Trent and Trent is starting to love being with Gage and his sons. 

But how can these two men possibly be together?

A few things I really love - - 

I love that Trent can overlook Gage's age.

I love that Trent can start to care for this young man so much that he wants to start helping him.

I love the slow pace at which they fall in love.

I love that both men are willing to change their plans for love.

It is truly a beautiful story!

Second Chance Omega by Alice Shaw

Amazon

Addison is an Alpha Football Star who gets scared and leaves behind his Boyfriend, Kristoff, who is an Omega.

Years later, they are reunited.  Addison decides to retire from football after he injures another player on a hit.   He is depressed and needs help. His family calls upon Kristoff to talk to him.   When he does, the sparks are still there.

Together, they are able to come clean about the past, revive their relationship, and start a family.

This was a very sweet second chance story.  I enjoyed the romance between the men, the hot sex, and the humor.  I loved how wonderfully forgiving Kristoff was.  And I loved the friends in the story.

Test of Valor by Keira Andrews

Amazon

This is a follow up to Valor on The Move.

And I am so happy this follow up was written.  It was the perfect way to continue their story!

In it, we get to find out how Shane and Rafe deal with the way their relationship started.  They have moved to Australia, but they can't get away from their past.  Their love will be tested.
Rafe's parents come to visit and they are not happy about this relationship. During their visit, they certainly aren't going to make things easy on the couple. Rafe is caught in the middle between Shane and them. And Rafe's old work colleagues are being downright rude and dismissive to him.

This book was seriously wonderful.  The love between Shane and Rafe is just so perfect and tender. And it is constant.  Every moment, you can just feel the love between them.   I loved being able to read more about them.

Alaska by Cate Ashwood

Amazon

Alaska by Cate Sherwood

Holden is a doctor who is ruled by his father, who happens to also be his boss.
Holden's father demands that Holden go to Alaska to perform the impossible task of bringing home Gage, who used to work with his father.
Holden does not want to go, but he has no choice.
When he finds Gage, Gage won't even listen to him.
Gage refuses to return to that city or to work with Holden's dad again.
That is just NOT an option for Gage.

As the days go on, Holden is stranded in Alaska because of a storm.
After his father fires him, he is invited to stay with Gage and work as a doctor with Gage.
As they explore the chemistry between each other, feelings just might get involved.
But how could a relationship work if Holden doesn't want to live in Alaska and Gage doesn't want to leave Alaska?

What can I say?  

I enjoyed every damn second of this book!!!

I felt bad for Holden from the very beginning.  He was at his father's mercy for all parts of his life.  He might have been a rich kid growing up, but he certainly didn't have an easy time of it.
And Gage.  What's not to like about Gage?  He wants to help people.  He wants to work as a doctor where people truly need him.  He is a good guy.
The chemistry between the two men is hot.  And their friendship / relationship that develops is natural, heart-felt, and fun to witness.
I was excited to see that this story would take place in Alaska.  I love stories that take place in remote Alaskan towns.  The town and the small amount of people that live there always become a part of the story.   And Cate did a wonderful job of doing that in this book.

I have read a couple of Cate's other books, but I definitely want to go back and try to read more of them now.