Thursday, July 30, 2020

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Pieces of Us (Missing Pieces #3) by NR Walker


Title: Pieces of Us

Author: NR Walker

Series: Missing Pieces, Book 3

Genre: MM Romance


Goodreads Link




This is the final installment in this series and is not a standalone. Reading further will contain spoilers.

Amazon US   *  Amazon Universal


Missing Pieces Series, Book Three

As Justin’s recovery moves forward, Dallas dares to hope their lives are settling into their new normal. His money worries have eased, business is picking up, and best of all, Justin now laughs more than he frowns.

Justin’s memory still eludes him, but with each snippet or flashback, small pieces of his old life start to slot into place. He remembers more of Dallas and how perfectly happy their lives used to be, and with each passing day, Justin realises he can have that again.

But when someone from Justin’s past turns up, he discovers that not all the missing pieces are good, and sadly, he and Dallas also learn just what it means to live with a traumatic brain injury.

If Dallas and Justin have to fight for their Happily Ever After, then Dallas will stop at nothing—nothing—to give Justin the life he always wanted.

“. . . as I tried to put the puzzle of myself back together, it was the pieces of us that made me whole.”

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My Rating - 5 Stars!


NR Walker's Pieces of Us, the third and final book in the Missing Pieces series, is fabulous. 
 
Oh, how I have come to love these men through their journey. Justin's accident could have ended them, but instead it worked to further strengthen them. 

In this last installment of their tale, Justin is interested in restarting their sex lives, which leads to some entertaining, as well as serious moments. He's also dealing with his past, his present, and struggling to find his purpose in the world. 

The emotions are heavy in this series, fully bringing the reader into everything the men are experiencing. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with these men. The character development of these men is spectacular, but don't ever worry about their love, as that is present at every moment. Rather than worrying about love, this is the journey of two men finding their way through the worst of circumstances and traversing their new reality. Every single moment is amazing. 

The author continues to take these men on an intriguing journey, with these two fascinating characters. It's definitely a thought-provoking journey for the reader. Not many people are as strong as these two. I'm not a stickler for reality in my romances, but the author definitely takes these two on a path that is realistically possible and handles it with care. 

Most impressive of all however, is the way the author sprinkles plenty of light hearted moments throughout, keeping the seriousness from overwhelming the reader. Some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud.

Basically if you haven't started reading the Missing Pieces series yet, start now. The entire series is absolutely amazing, with this ending, Pieces of Us, being the perfect way to cap off the series. NR Walker was one of my early M/M reads, and she continues to be one of my favorite authors in the genre. 

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Juss got up from his seat and sat on my lap. I had to pull my chair out a bit so he could fit, but he just sat right down and put his arm around my shoulder, his forehead pressed to mine. “Remember how you said we choose our own family?”

I nodded.

“Well, I’ve chosen mine.” He kissed me soundly. Then he picked up my fork and stabbed some meat and brought it to my lips. “Open wide.”

I laughed and he shoved the fork in my mouth. “You’re gonna feed me?” I asked.

“For all the times you helped me, now it’s your turn.”

He continued to feed me until my plate was empty and he even had some more of his own. It was fun and cute, we laughed a lot, and it had been far too long since we’d done anything fun and cute. The fact that he punctuated every forkful with a kiss made it even better.

He put the fork down and turned his full attention to me. “You know,” he said with a kiss. “I slept a lot today, so I’m not too tired.”

I chuckled because I was pretty sure I knew where he was going with this. “Is that so?”

He kissed me again, a little softer, more playful. “And we did get those test results back.”

I hummed, not too sure if he was up for anything rigorous. “You’re supposed to be on bed rest.”

He smiled. “So take me to bed.”

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N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…


For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at:

Website

Facebook Readers’ Group

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Instagram

Amazon

Audible

Bookbub

Email:


nrwalker@nrwalker.net

During the Flight (Small Town Hearts #3) by Emma Alcott



Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link




They say joining the Army changes a man... too bad Chris never got the memo.

Sure, his battle-sculpted body and brooding blue eyes are hotter than asphalt in summer, but he's still every bit the jerk he was before leaving their small town for the military years ago. Pompous. Arrogant. Cocky as hell… and constantly on Warren’s mind.

It should be easy to ignore him. Straight single dads aren't worth pining over, and straight a*holes even less. If only Warren could stop dreaming about the way it would feel if Chris were to grab him by the hair, rake his teeth down his neck, and—well, you get the point.

The problem is, Warren’s fantasies aren’t likely to dry up, because something about Chris did change while he was away… and the glint of desire in his eyes when he argues with Warren now? There’s nothing straight about that.

During the Flight is the hot and hilarious third book in the Small Town Hearts series, but no knowledge of previous books is needed to fall in love with this one.
 



My Rating - Stars!


During the Flight is another amazing romance by Emma Alcott. The third book in the Small Town Hearts series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Chris and Warren are two men who hate one another. It's been ten years since they've seen each other, but the anger is still real. Now put in the position to see one another again, commence the fun. 

This story is classic small town fun, with plenty of secondary characters who contribute to the story. The two most prominent are Libby and Jack. I enjoy the presence of Libby, who is caught in the middle of the two men, having ties to both. And then there's Jack. Oh, how I love Jack. Every moment with him is precious. I know some don't like children in their tales, but Jack is adorable, as he tries to help his dad make a friend.

This is a story revolving around the aspect that people change. One can't argue that "...time changes people." 

It involves incredible pent up anger and frustration, tension and rage, and a whole hell of a lot of hate sex. If you enjoy relationships that develop through hot hate sex, you will love this book. That said, if hate/revenge sex is a hard no for you, run far, far away from this story.

I love Chris's evolution. When we meet him, he's just a man who's looking out for his son's best interests. Later on, he finds  love and people who care for him. He finds a family. 
 
It's no surprise that the writing is fabulous. The author is consistent is developing compelling characters and taking them on a riveting journey. She also throws in some twists and turns that are gut wrenching. 

During the Flight is enemies to lovers at it's finest. I love every moment of this Emma Alcott tale and I couldn't devour it fast enough.



The Thomas Flair by E.J. Russell

The Thomas Flair



Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link




A M/M Summer Games Romance

It’ll take more than medals to mend their relationship.

Diabetic gymnast Sol Ashvili, an alternate for the 2016 men’s Olympic gymnastics squad, had one thing on his agenda for the last day of competition in Rio—corner teammate Tony Thomas, his best friend for half his life, and finally confess he’d been in love with him for years. But instead of returning to the team suite after winning his second silver medal, Tony jetted out of Rio and turned his back on everything: a college degree, gymnastics meets… and Sol. The first two Sol could forgive—barely. The last? Not a chance.

Commentators had a name for Tony’s crowd-pleasing, no-holds-barred, high-octane gymnastics—the Thomas Flair. After the 2016 Games, he parlayed that reputation into a career as an internet celebrity, specializing in extreme sports and risky stunts. His decision to battle his way back into competition shape for a chance at the 2020 Olympic team is extreme all right, but now he must survive the biggest risk of all: facing Sol again after his epic betrayal in Rio.

For the sake of the team and the reputation of US men’s gymnastics, Sol and Tony struggle to leave the past behind and find a way to work together. But as the Games draw closer, they’re starting to realize that finding their way back to each other may be the only way for both of them to truly fly high.

The Thomas Flair is a 64,000-word enemies to lovers second-chance rom-com set around the Tokyo Olympics that might have been, featuring a thrill-seeker who needs reining in, a perfectionist who needs to let go, redemption, rowdy teammates, and a few gymnastics moves that will never make it into the Code of Points.



My Rating - 4 Stars!


The Thomas Flair is an enjoyable second chance romance. This EJ Russell read is a great standalone sports romance involving two gymnasts. 

I love sports romances, so I definitely enjoyed falling into this one about Sol and Tony.  It's their tale of being a closeted athlete and the complications of expectations, both in work and in personal life. 
The two men have a past. but Sol has to find a way to move forward and forgive Tony, all while dealing with the pressure of the Olympics and his continued health issues. 

Sol has diabetes, taking the reader into his world and the effect having diabetes has on an athlete, making for an interesting aspect of this tale. The author does a great job addressing the issues involved and approaches it with care.

This is a story with plenty of outside influences as they try to fit into one another's worlds. And Tony, poor Tony has major issues with his controlling father. 

The writing is good. It's written in 3rd place alternating pov, which makes it a little tougher for me to become fully engrossed in the characters. But I enjoy the characters and their journey. 

The Thomas Flair is a story about learning to grab onto love and live for your own desires. EJ Russell definitely entertains throughout this intriguing tale. 


Wednesday, July 29, 2020

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY - A Brush Of Blue (Colors of Love #5) by V.L. Locey



Release Date: August 12

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan



Colors Of Love Series

Book #1 - Lost In Indigo - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 - Touch Of A Yellow Sun - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 - The Good Green Earth - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #4 - Slow Dances Under An Orange Moon - Amazon US | Amazon UK






The most difficult of life’s choices might be the one we make when we open our hearts to another.

Landon Reece is the ultimate Manhattan athlete. The elite goalie for the New York Metros is rich, handsome, generous, and purposely single. His life has been a whirlwind of fancy cars, beautiful people, museum galas, and championship rings. Landon now has one year left on his multi-million dollar contract, and the talk around town isn’t good. Despite carrying his team to the pinnacle of success, the aging goalie is hearing rumors that his contract might not be renewed next season. Hoping to curtail the rumors and show the Metros he still has what it takes, Landon and his agent set up a press tour to hopefully remind the fans—and Metros’ management—just how important Landon is to New York City.

During one of a hundred appearances on the tour, Landon finds himself a guest on the newest and hottest late night talk show in the Big Apple. There he meets Montrell Pittman, leader of the show’s band, A Brush of Blue, and his senses come alive. He resolves to do his best to woo the upbeat, sexy musician who ignites his blood like no other person ever has. As the two men grow closer, Landon’s ice time shows how happy his new romance is making him. Then a tragedy rocks his world, and Landon finds himself wallowing in despair and in danger of losing the man who might be the only one who can clear his blues away.




USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

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

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.









BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Fade to Blank (London Lies #1) by C.F. White

BLOG TOUR


Book Title: Fade to Blank (London Lies # 1)

Author: C F White

Publisher: Self-published 

Cover Artist: Rhys Everly-Lawless 

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romantic Suspense 

Trope/s: Slow burn, hurt/comfort 

Themes: Enemies to lovers, Revenge, Secrets, Mystery, 

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 78 000 words/ 280 pages 

It’s the first book in a new series. 

Book 2 is coming later in the year. Book 1 ends on a HFN for the couple.




Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

 


A celebrity accused of murder. A writer needing his big break. The lies that tie them together. 


Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, vilified celebrity Jackson Young enlists the help of a rookie journalist to clear his name and write his biography.

Jackson has a secret though. One he must keep from becoming public. But Fletcher’s dreamy green eyes, Irish drawl and effortless charm makes it hard to suppress those long-buried feelings, even if it could compromise his innocence.

Uncovering the murky past behind Jackson’s rise to fame, Fletcher grows closer to a man he’d once declared as talentless, and their intense attraction starts to affect not only his professional integrity but the life he’d made since moving to London.

Falling for the subject of his book could be fatal for Fletcher, and Jackson should know better than to trust a journalist.

Fade to Blank is the first book in the London Lies trilogy set in 1999, and is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort romantic suspense.


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My Rating - 5 Stars!


Fade to Black is a wonderful thriller/romance by CF White. The first book in the London Lies series, it sets the reader up for anxiously awaiting the next release. 

This story starts with Jackson being released from prison. As tough as that is for anyone, it is tougher for Jackson as both he and his now deceased girlfriend are famous.

This is a story with an intricate mystery and a reporter caught in between both worlds as he falls for his subject. 

Jackson's background is well developed over time, making him an extremely lovable character. Oh how I love him and wish I could save him. 

Then there's Fletcher, the reporter whose whole life is not his own, searching for the truth. Jackson has no memory of what happened that night. But as the men get to know one another, things clearly come to light that not everything is as it seems. 

This is a story with danger, action, and intrigue. It's a story of backstabbing and affairs, as well as manipulation and control. The writing is fabulous as all of this is carried out. 

As for the relationship, the chemistry between the two is hot. The developing relationship between the two is delightful in that it's forbidden and is definitely a conflict of interest. 

Fade to Black does leaves off with a cliffhanger. If the whole series is this good, this London Lies series will be fantastic. I am excited to see what comes next. 

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Fletcher drew troubled eyebrows in. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“Okay? Okay?” Jackson breathed out a laugh that was more a release of pent up anguish. He’d always been taught to laugh in the face of adversity. He hadn’t been able to do much of that lately. Any flicker of amusement seeping out when in Flaymore would only have been captured by an inmate wanting a name for himself and used against him in the media. He rubbed his stinging eyes. “My girlfriend is dead. Someone strangled her whilst I was passed out in the other room. The world thinks I did it. I’ve spent six months inside because I wasn’t granted bail. This morning I wasn’t told that I was free because they believed I didn’t do it. They just couldn’t prove that I did. I can’t quite see how I would be okay after all that. Do you?”

Perhaps that was too blunt. Too much, too soon? Perhaps all this seeking the truth was coming across more selfish than he’d anticipated. It was. But the world was pointing at him. So he needed to prove his innocence to force people to look at who might have killed her, instead of allowing them to tie the noose around his neck.

And on that thought, his heart almost stopped. So the desperation kicked in. “I need you. Your help.”

Fletcher softened before him. “Okay,” he said. “Go on. Why would I, the fella you tried to knock out due to one bad review, want to write another article about you?”

“I want more than an article. And you’ll have a ready and waiting readership for this. It’ll rocket you to a fortune you never knew existed.”

“Wind your neck in, lad, that’s a touch arrogant there.”

“Arrogance doesn’t equal guilt.” Jackson leapt up from leaning against his bike, new found energy resumed. “Nor does it equal untalented.”

Fletcher glanced away, flicking his gaze back just as quick. “What are you talking here, then? A featured piece?”

Jackson forced a smile. “A full exposé of Jackson Young and why he isn’t the man he’s been depicted as in the media of late.”

“So this is all about you? Not… Tallulah?”

Jackson sucked in a breath at her name. It still stabbed at his heart, strangled his chest, erupted bile into his throat. He wondered if it would ever stop.

Scrubbing fingers across his perspiring forehead, Jackson had to find the right way to explain what he needed. What he had to do before it was too late and this was all hidden under the carpet as so many of the lies and manipulations already had been. He wasn’t sure how far he should go. How much he should admit he knew. There was the whole story. And there was his story.

“I was arrested for something I didn’t do,” he settled on. “I’ve been painted in the media as a monster. Pretty much all my friends and family have abandoned me because they believe people like you.”

“People like me?”

“People with the ability to write words and print them for the public to read, to believe and to act upon.”

“I never wrote about what happened to her. I’ve avoided talking about you, or her, since.”

“I know. Now I want you to.”

Jackson waited for the faint glimmer of understanding to work its way across Fletcher’s face. He had to know this would be the ultimate scoop for him. A writer, a journalist, a gossip columnist…whatever the man claimed to be, if he took this opportunity he could retire.

“I don’t write news. I write…gossip.” It sounded a lot like he hated to say that word, and his gaze blinked away from Jackson toward the glass frontage of London Lights HQ.

“I don’t want you to write for a paper. I don’t want this to be news, or gossip. This is the truth. My truth.”

“I’m not sure my editor will buy into it.” Fletcher sighed. “And if she did, she’d pass it onto the more seasoned journalists.”

“I don’t want your editor. I don’t want this in your poxy magazine.” Jackson spat the word, nodding toward the office block in contempt. He wanted nothing to do with any of that. Especially not London Lights. “This has got to be independent.”

“I don’t understand. I thought you wanted an exposé?”

Jackson stepped forward, a hair’s breadth from Fletcher, so close he could taste the man’s coffee breath. “Ever want to write something different? Something good. Something that could make a name for yourself away from the trash rags? Don’t you want to see your name on a shelf?”

“What type of shelf?”

“A book shelf. I want you to write my biography. So if you ever wanted your fortune handed on a plate, Fletcher Doherty…” Jackson held out his arms. “It’s here.”



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Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.

Studying at a West London university, she realised there was a whole city out there waiting to be discovered, so, much like Dick Whittington before her, she never made it back home and still endlessly search for the streets paved with gold, slowly coming to the realisation they’re mostly paved with chewing gum. And the odd bit of graffiti. And those little circles of yellow spray paint where the council point out the pot holes to someone who is supposedly meant to fix them instead of staring at them vacantly whilst holding a polystyrene cup of watered-down coffee.

She eventually moved West to East along that vast District Line and settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.

After her second son was born with a rare disability, C F White’s life changed and brought pen back to paper having written stories as a child but never the confidence to show them to the world. Now, having embarked on this writing journey, she can’t stop. So strap in, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. 





 
   

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Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway to win 

a full ebook box set of The District Line novels


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My Reviews -

Kick Off  *  Break Through

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Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Rooming Together (The Boys of Talbert Hall #1) by Quinn Ward




Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link




An M/M Daddy Romance

After things went south with my last roommate, I'm determined to hide my little side until I graduate from college. That's not possible once Jayden learns my secret...

Being a little in the dorms isn't easy. When my first roommate found out, he freaked. With a new semester and a new roommate, I promise myself I'll keep my gear locked away.

Except at night when everyone is sleeping...

Jayden's not nearly as inclined to let me hide after he finds my binkie in the laundry. Correction, after his mom finds it.

Shoot me now.

Even though he's never considered himself to be a Caregiver, Jayden makes it his mission to help me find a daddy. Neither of us knew he'd be the best fit for the job. He's always there and he's a natural caretaker.

No matter how close we get, the D word is off-limits for him. Will he ever accept the role he's assumed in my life? Or will I start the next school year once again looking for a place to stay?

Rooming Together is the first in a new series set in the kinky town of Annandale featuring binkies, stuffies, and adorably padded backsides. It features cameo appearances from The Lodge series characters but can be read as a standalone.



My Rating - 5 Stars!
 

Rooming Together is a delicious age play tale by Quinn Ward. The first book in The Boys of Talbert Hall series, it is awesome.

This is an age play romance between two college roommates. The way their relationship develops is great, as it is natural, yet still has a lot left to be worked out between the two. 

One of the things I adore is that Jayden gives Chase's little side it's own name, Ash. And I love the reasons behind this name. So much fun. 

Their story includes learning how to be a daddy, and the fear of showing one's little side to anyone. It explores the fine line between a little and his grownup side. It's a story with binkies and diapers, as well as first times. It's a story with a whole lot of shame and embarrassment. 

There's a lot to this story that just adds a sense of security and comfort to these men. I love that they find people they can be open with and can be true to themselves more often. I don't want to ruin anything, but read it to meet these wonderful secondary characters. 

And then there's the suite mates situation. OMG. I can't get enough of this story and the ways Matt and Brandon are involved is fabulous. 

My favorite part though is the author's exploration of kinks in general. I love the way it's addressed that people often will not know they are into a kink until they try it. 

Damn, I just love everything about this story. It's pure fun and deliciousness! Age play is my guilty pleasure and there's something extra special to get to read a good age play romance between college roommates. 

Rooming Together is an amazing age play read. This Quinn Ward gem is a must read for any fans of age play. I love every single second of it. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series contains.



DOUBLE COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY - Hurricane Reese & Typhoon Toby (Forces of Nature 1 & 2) by RL Merrill

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 Check out this Double Cover Reveal:

Hurricane Reese and Typhoon Toby
By R.L. Merrill

Releasing: August 1st 


Hurricane Reese

HurricaneReese_Digital_HighRes

 Forces of Nature, Book 1

 

The life of Tony-winning musician Reese Matheson resembles a natural disaster, and caregiver Jude De La Torre is caught in the eye of the storm. But can the love of two opposites survive caring for an ornery octogenarian with wayward balls and a meddling family insistent upon tradition?

Fresh off the successful London run of his musical, the last thing Reese expects when he comes home is a house surrounded by paparazzi and his girlfriend throwing his stuff into the pool. All he wants to do is spend time with his beloved grandfather and musical mentor who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Reese knows he doesn’t have much time left before the elder Matheson forgets who he is. In classic “Hurricane Reese” form, he moves into the cottage by the sea and displaces Jude, the intriguing caregiver he hired two years before. When Grandpa proves too much for Reese to handle on his own, Jude comes to his rescue, taming Grandpa… and the Hurricane as well. Soon all Reese can think about is how to get Jude out of his scrubs and into his bed—permanently. Will Hurricane Reese destroy everything in his path, or will this odd couple learn to harmonize together?

Add to Goodreads!

Coming August 1st 


Typhoon Toby

TyphoonToby_Digital_HighRes

 Forces of Nature, Book 2

On the surface, Toby Griffiths appears to have it all—talent, money, a brilliant mind, and model good looks. With his best friend, Reese, he’s built an empire as a singer/songwriter. 

But beneath that glittering exterior, Toby suffers the lasting effects of abuse. To keep his tempestuous past where it belongs, he insists on anonymity with lovers—no names, no personal information. But a vacation fling in Bali changes all that, and he can’t get his recent playmate out of his mind. 

Therapist Spencer Hart left Bali with a bad case of pneumonia and a broken heart. Although he’s recovering, he’s shocked to find his secretive partner on TV, and he’s determined to see him again. Spencer arranges to attend one of Toby’s fundraising galas, and their reunion is tense. 

Toby tries to stick to his rules… until a New Year’s kiss with Spencer washes away the last of his resistance. But Toby is a man with secrets, and when the storm comes ashore, it could devastate not just his professional life but his fledgling love affair and his longtime partnership with his best friend. 

Will Spencer stand by his side and help him weather the storm as Toby faces his worst fears?

Add to Goodreads!

Coming August 1st

 

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate R.L.'s upcoming release, we are giving 2 lucky winners the chance to win an e-copy of BOTH; Hurricane Reese and Typhoon Toby!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a5746/?




About the Author:

“With a strong plot, an expertly crafted cast of supporting characters, and deep empathy, Merrill’s novel will keep readers hooked.” —Publishers Weekly review of Typhoon Toby.

R.L. Merrill brings you stories of Hope, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll featuring quirky and relatable characters. Whether she’s writing about contemporary issues that affect us all or diving deep into the paranormal and supernatural to give readers a shiver, she loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after. Winner of the Kathryn Hayes “When Sparks Fly” Best Contemporary award for Hurricane Reese, Foreword INDIES finalist for Summer of Hush and RONE finalist for Typhoon Toby, Ro spends every spare moment improving her writing craft and striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after. She writes diverse and inclusive romance, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and works on various other writing and mentoring projects that tickle her fancy or benefit a worthy cause. You can find her connecting with readers on social media, educating America’s youth, raising two brilliant teenagers, trying desperately to get that back piece finished in the tattoo chair, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more Rock 'n' Romance.

Connect with R.L.:

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Monday, July 27, 2020

Boyfriend With Benefits by Allison Temple




Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link





When Bailey’s new boss turns out to be his childhood bully, a.k.a. Jake the Jerk, it’s time to call in backup for the upcoming corporate retreat in Vegas. Too bad Bailey works too much to date. His best option is to ask his very straight roommate Gordo to play the part of temporary boyfriend, even if Gordo is better with pythons than he is with people.

Except Bailey and Gordo haven’t even checked into the hotel and Jake the Jerk is already everywhere. The pressure is on for Bailey to prove he deserves to climb the corporate ladder, but it’s hard to talk shop as Gordo goes from backup to an increasingly attractive distraction.

Bailey’s trying to keep his cool, schmooze the executives and stick to the plan, even though Gordo’s not playing by any of the rules. They’ve always been just friends, but maybe it’s time to be boyfriends…with full benefits.

Boyfriend with Benefits is a 37k contemporary MM romance novella. It features fake boyfriends who might not be so fake, a hotel room with only one bed, and a James Bond moment in a tiny blue bathing suit. HEA guaranteed.
 



My Rating - 4.5 Stars!


Allison Temple's Boyfriend With Benefits is a fun fake boyfriends romance.

When Bailey has to deal with an ex bully, he has Gordo pretend to be his boyfriend. What follows are some great surprises and discoveries. 

But the beauty in this story is Bailey's sudden sexual attraction to his roommate. And best of all, "Bailey. Are you under the impression that I'm straight?"

Gordo's a unique character. I love the way the two men differ. Bailey always thinks Gordo is doing something weird, and then we learn Gordo's thoughts and wow. Every time. Gordo's just fun and truly delightful. Love it. 

This is a wonderful combination of roommates, fake boyfriend, friends to lovers, and opposites attract. Their story has some hot first time and an ex bully.  

One of the intriguing factors in this story is the size difference between the men.  Seriously, it is a huge difference. As well, the differences between their personalities is ever present. 

I love the writing style, as it's fluid with two intriguing characters and an even more intriguing storyline. The author does a wonderful job of taking these men on a fun journey to truly discover each other and their feelings for one another. 

Overall, Boyfriend with Benefits will keep you entertained throughout. This Allison Temple friends to lovers romance is fantastic. It's sweet, mostly low-angst, and will leave you satisfied in the end. 



High Heat (Hotshots #2) by Annabeth Albert


High Heat (Hotshots, #2)


Title: High Heat
Author: Annabeth Albert
Series: Hotshots, #2
Length: 352 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Imprint: Carina Press
eBook On-Sale: July 27, 2020
eBook ISBN & Price: 9781488057069, $4.99 U.S.
MMP On-Sale: July 28, 2020
MMP ISBN & Price: 9781335459510, $8.99 U.S.







Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all...

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: Burn Zone, High Heat, and Feel the Fire.



Buy Links
Kobo 





My Rating - 5 Stars!




Annabeth Albert's High Heat is a great age gap romance. The second book in the Hotshots series, this story picks up after Garrick's injury in Burn Zone.

The emotions are high in this story where a stray dog brings two strangers together. 

 Garrick immediately grabbed my heart, with his injury causing him tremendous emotional turmoil. He has been fighting to get back to his smoke jumping career, but a lot stands in his way. The author fully brings to light the mobility issues and accessibility issues involved with one being mostly wheelchair bound. Garrick's rage and pain at not being fully mobile is gut wrenching at times. 

And then there's Rain, who's free spirit, hippy personality is the perfect compliment to Garrick right now. Rain's gender fluidity is well written and explored. He's a breathe of fresh air. He likes pink, still loves to be like a princess, but he's drawn to a rugged man. It's a fun character trait and is well carried out. And it ends up that he's incredibly supportive, the perfect one to help heal Garrick's fear of being too needy. 

This is story with frustration and pain. It's a story of optimism versus reality and all the baggage that comes with it. The author perfectly nails this issue and I couldn't have been more impressed. Acceptance of one's loss is a large part of this story. It's written with care and compassion and I loved it all. 

And then there's Garrick and Rain together. OMG! To say they are hot together is an understatement. There's plenty of flirting and attraction. The author explores dealing with the differences of sex with physical limitations, and then there's some lace. Oh how I love Rain's love of all things soft and sexy. It's delicious fun.

High Heat is a story with plenty of emotions, lots of heat (or high heat as the title would tell you), and a whole lot of character growth. This Annabeth Albert book is wonderful and I definitely recommend it the next time you're in the mood for an opposites attract romance.





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

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


Connect with Annabeth Albert

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