Monday, February 28, 2022

Down by Contact (Tackled by Love #1) by Quinn Ward

 



Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link





He’s never faced a blitz like this. Will romance be sacked by the media, or can this star-crossed couple make it to passion’s endzone?

My whole life, I’ve carried a secret that could destroy my dreams. Sure, I may have completed one of the greatest rookie campaigns the NAFL has ever seen, but the only way to keep myself and the team focused on winning was to stay firmly in the closet. And now, with the whole world eager to prove I was a one-season wonder, a TV crew follows me everywhere… and the cameraman is the guy whose heart I broke.

At first, we thought it was a coincidence. But it didn’t take long for both of us to figure out that someone at the network was in on our history. And they expect drama.

With a spot on the Breakers roster and my heart on the line, I’m about to face the most terrifying opponent I’ve ever played: love.

Down by Contact is the first book in the Tackled By Love series, previously available under the pen name Sloan Johnson.
 





My Rating - 5 Stars!

Down By Contact is a wonderful sports romance by Quinn Ward. No surprise that I love this book! As a sports romance whore, I loved this book when it was first released. I'm thrilled it's now being re-released by Quinn Ward.

If you like football romances, look no further. This has everything I could ask for. Sports. Closeted players. And all the angst of if, when, and how to ever come out.

The first book in the Wilmington Breakers series, this is a spin off of Quinn's Homerun series, with Nate as the connecting character.

Zach, Nate's twin, is a closeted football player. In this read he gets a second chance with Griffin. They're reunited via a reality show that follows Zach's team. And yes, Griffin is one of the men working on the show.

I enjoy the way everything develops between these two. The feelings are real, yet so is the angst. These two definitely are great together, but they first have to overcome some major obstacles in their way.

Down By Contact is a fantastic sports romance. Quinn Ward delivers all the feels in this closeted world of sports. A subject I can't get enough of, I love it all.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

RELEASE BLITZ, GIVEAWAY & EXCERPT - Audiobook Club by Jessica Frances

 







Audiobook Club
Jessica Frances
Publication date: February 25th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance




Being a police officer in a small town doesn’t often offer up many surprises. Working the night shift means I rarely see or do much of anything that doesn’t involve a speeding vehicle, or a drunken rant. And, while quiet nights are better than deadly ones, it still takes some getting used to after living in a big city for years.

So, I’m rather shocked when I pull over a driver and find the dirtiest audiobook playing from the car speakers. And, paint me intrigued when the hot driver struggles to get the enticing words to stop broadcasting to the entire street.

The embarrassing encounter has us both lowering our guard, and I find myself a new friend, one who suggests we start our own audiobook club.
Soon, we become more than just friends as we listen and fall into stories and new worlds together and, naturally, the sexy scenes we’re listening to become a blueprint for our own experiences to try … together.
But, when life intrudes and our audiobook club breaks up, I’m left wondering if everything was just fiction, or if maybe there is something real under it all.
Can we get our happily ever after, or will it all fizzle out before it has a chance to become something permanent?

Goodreads / Amazon

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Thirty minutes later, we have a functioning bedframe. Two minutes after that, with just a few grunts and one moan stating permanent back pain, the mattress sits on top of it.

“Should we test it out?” I ask, my hands on my hips, breathing just a little hard from the exertion to get the mattress on it.

“You mean, have sex on it?” Ethan asks around a surprised cough.

I laugh, since I’m definitely not that bold as to suggest something like that. “I more mean just jump around on it; see if it holds. But, I mean, if you’re offering …” I trail off and waggle my eyebrows, only a tinge sad when he laughs instead of taking me up on the offer.

“I haven’t jumped on a bed since I was a kid.”

“Me, neither. I wonder why we stop doing this kind of thing? Why does being an adult mean you can’t still have silly fun?” I ask, crawling up onto the bed, feeling all sorts of out of balance as I force my shaky knees to stiffen and hold me.

I have never been great with heights and, apparently, even being just a bed high off the ground is too much. Still, I need to save face now. So, I do a small jump and watch Ethan roll his eyes at me.

“If that was supposed to test the bed out, then you must have the most boring and lifeless sex in here.”

“Who says I don’t like boring and lifeless sex?” I say somewhat defensively, and then I regret it immediately. “Fine, release your inner child and jump all over my bed to prove your handyman skills and impress me,” I tease, moving off the bed, grateful to be back on steady ground.

Ethan removes his shoes, and then, much more confidently, he gets up on the bed, standing to his feet with an ease I never had. While I shook and probably went three shades paler, Ethan grins widely and is as steady as a seasoned yoga instructor.

“Ready to have your bed and world rocked?” he asks me with a cheeky smile.

“Fuck yes,” I breathe out, meaning it in more ways than just jumping on my bed. I think he knows that, given the heat in his gaze. Then he proceeds to do a small jump, perhaps testing out the strength of the bedframe.

So far so good.

Another couple of jumps, and he begins to laugh. The carefree way he does this has me grinning back up at him. He looks so joyful, so happy, and so … close to the ceiling.

“Ethan, maybe you—”

His next jump has more oomph to it, and the top of his head slams straight into the ceiling.

Drywall and paint rain over him, while his legs collapse out from under him, and he lands down hard on the mattress. This is apparently too much for the newly erected bedframe, since it cracks, perhaps the wooden slats that are there breaking, and the middle caves in.

Shock silences me, and my heart is in my throat. I fear Ethan could have been knocked unconscious. He’s not moving.

Did I just kill my neighbor? How the hell am I supposed to explain this to anyone?

Then Ethan coughs while moving his hand to cover his mouth, and then that cough turns into a laugh, and that laughs has him folding in half as tears start to run down his face.

“Ethan?” I hesitantly reach out to touch his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

I’m not sure I’m ready to find the situation funny, given he could have a head injury.

“I think … I …” He can’t stop laughing, and I have to wait a good two minutes for him to get himself under control. “I think I just figured out why adults don’t do this shit anymore.”

I look up at the head-sized hole in my ceiling and chuckle. “You could be right.”



Author Bio:

Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


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Extended Stay (California Crush #1) by Mia Monroe

 



Amazon Link - Available in KU  
Goodreads Link





I’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?

Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected.

Unfortunately, my plans go awry when I fall for the quaint neighborhood, quirky locals, and loyal employees. That’s when he enters my world. A contractor down on his luck, looking for work and a place to stay, offers me an offer too good to pass up.

He makes me feel things I never have before, and now I’m considering hanging around much longer than intended. As long days turn into even longer nights, I can’t force myself to leave him. His presence turns my carefully planned world upside down, and before I know it, my quick trip becomes an Extended Stay.

Extended Stay is a double bi/gay awakening, opposites attract, slow burn romance starring a laid back contractor and the buttoned up hotel owner who hires him. It is book 1 in the California Crush series, featuring tan lines, thick thighs, and plenty of hot guys. Book your vacation and meet the men of Hillcrest Hideaway.





My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Extended Stay is a great romance by Mia Monroe. The first book in the California Crush series, this one had me entertained throughout. 

This is a delightful friends to lovers romance that combines a double sexual awakening and plenty of heat. 

Atlas and Rome's story is fun, with some cute stumbling along the way. Their new feelings and developing relationship all happen via forced proximity. I enjoy the way they come together to fix up the old hotel. But, best of all, I love the way everything evolves between them. 

The writing is great, fully pulling me into the story immediately. The characters are charming and I can't wait to read more about the secondary characters. 

Extended Stay is fun great from start to finish. I love every moment of this Mia Monroe gem. 


Friday, February 25, 2022

Hot Seat (The Hot Cannolis #1) by Eli Easton & Tara Lain

 



Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link





Wait. Can a Canali be gay?

Hero firefighter, youngest of six macho Italian brothers and—in love with Shane Bower, who never met a unicorn T-shirt he didn’t love? How does that even work?

When Mike Canali meets Shane Bower, his attraction to the guy is off the charts. But then his huge family and intense job full of rules and expectations intrude and he never calls.

Until they both get a medal—
and his mom falls in love with Shane at the ceremony—
and all of a sudden Shane’s all over his life, whether Mike likes it or not.

The butch Canali family face-to-face with sparkly Shane Bower? This is a wildfire of its own.

Shane worked damned hard to be who he is—fantastic, femme and in-your-face. He won’t compromise that, even to have the super-hot man of his dreams. But can he really ask Mike to give up his family and future just to have his fabulous self? Especially when he’s falling in love with the Canali family too?

HOT SEAT is a hot firefighter, big crazy family, coming out, opposites attract, forced proximity, romantic comedy—with all the feels.
 




My Rating - 5 Stars!

Hot damn! Hot Seat is a fabulous romance by Eli Easton and Tara Lain. The first book in The Hot Cannolis series, this writing duo had me riveted throughout.

Shane and Mike's story is heartbreaking, yet beautiful. 

Shane's and out and proud man that one can't help but to fall in love with. He's femme and owns every moment of it. Mike, meanwhile, is a hot and sexy firefighter, who's sadly closeted. 

The emotions are front and center throughout, with the reader feeling every moment of Mike's worries, doubts, and fears. And omg, does Mike ever have a lot of these. 

Their story is hot, with amazing chemistry, while also being cute and funny at times. Of course, the angsty moments will leave your heart hurting and grabbing for a tissue.

A lot of this story revolves around family and family expectations. But ultimately, isn't it better to risk losing one's family to be happy in love?

The writing is fantastic, as I've come to expect from these authors. The characters fully come to life, are totally lovable, and their storyline will keep you invested throughout. 

Hot Seat is a great read. I love everything about this Eli Easton and Tara Lain gem. I am loving this series and can't wait to see what comes next. 



Unholy Yearning (Sinful Natures #2) by Lynn Burke

 









As a Christian counselor, I strive for integrity in helping guide others in God’s will for their lives.

Until a young man walks into my office for premarital counseling—the stranger who ensnared my soul eight months earlier with his bewitching green eyes.

Levi Townson.

The one whose addictive, luscious mouth I can’t cleanse from my memory.

My hunger for another taste of him should assure me of my need for a savior, not shepherd me down the rabbit hole toward depravity.

Levi’s yearnings mirror mine, the kind that dominates my will. Incinerates and leaves me powerless against my sinful nature.

But if we fall from grace, neither of us will escape unscathed. 





My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Unholy Yearning is a hot forbidden romance by Lynn Burke. 

This book is hot from the start, with an arranged menage. That said, it took me a while to fully get invested in the characters. 

At first, I hated the circumstances of this story. Besides the taboo nature, and the two men desperately aching for each other, it just seemed so icky to me. I don't want to give the storyline away, so I am purposely remaining vague.

But, by the end, I enjoy the way everything plays out. 

This story includes an age gap and a whole lot of angst.

Overall, Unholy Yearning is an emotional, super steamy forbidden romance. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski by Ian O'Connor

 







The definitive biography of college basketball’s all-time winningest coach, Mike Krzyzewski
 
Mike Krzyzewski, known worldwide as “Coach K,” is a five-time national champion at Duke, the NCAA's all-time leader in victories with nearly 1,200, and the first man to lead Team USA to three Olympic basketball gold medals. Through unprecedented access to Krzyzewski’s best friends, closest advisers, fiercest adversaries, and generations of his players and assistants, three-time New York Times bestselling author Ian O’Connor takes you behind the Blue Devil curtain with a penetrating examination of the great, but flawed leader as he closes out his iconic career.
 
Krzyzewski  built a staggering basketball empire that has endured for more than four decades, placing him among the all-time titans of American sport, and yet there has never been a defining portrait of the coach and his program. Until now. O’Connor uses scores of interviews with those who know Krzyzewski best  to deliver previously untold stories about the relationships that define the venerable Coach K, including the one with his volcanic mentor, Bob Knight, that died a premature death. Krzyzewski was always driven by an inner rage fueled by his tough Chicago upbringing, and by the blue-collar Polish-American parents who raised him to fight for a better life. As the retiring Coach K makes his final stand, vying for one more ring during the 2021-2022 season before saying goodbye at age 75, O’Connor shows you sides of the man and his methods that will surprise even the most dedicated Duke fan.  




My Rating - 5 Stars!

Ian O'Connor's Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski is a fabulous look into the leader of Duke basketball. 

Having been a fan of Duke basketball and Coach K for most of his time at the elite program, I was thrilled and honored at the chance to review this book. 

This book is an absolute must read for any fans of Duke and Coach K. The author does a wonderful job looking back through the coach's career; thoroughly revisiting many of the important moments of his career. 

As a Duke fan, this book carries me back to the highs and lows of Coach K's time at Duke. I cried many times, as the author brought me fully back to some emotional wins and losses through the years. 

This is a look at many pivotal moments. From the start of his own basketball career, to his time at Army, and his rough start at Duke, this is a fantastic read. Many important games are discussed, many former players and coachs are talked about, as well as the way Coach K had to adapt through the years. 

I love this book. It takes me back to some moments I will never forget. It reminds me of the way the game has changed over the years, with Coach K right there adapting throughout. 

This Coach K book is a great way to honor a legend as he's about to retire. Love him or hate him, he has had an insurmountable impact on the sport over the years. His name will forever be up there as one of the greats. I enjoyed every moment of this look back at his journey. 

Monday, February 21, 2022

RELEASE BLITZ = To Whom It May Concern (For Him #3.5) by A.M. Johnson

 

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
To Whom It May Concern
By A.M. Johnson

TOWHOMITMAYCONCERN_EBOOK


For Him, Book 3.5

To whom it may concern,

I can't be sure what you're into, that being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading...

Ever since Clay Saxon's parents passed away a year ago, he's been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer's block ever. But when Syrus Albie, aka yellow sweater guy, (you'll see) walks into The End Book Store, Clay's mundane little world turns to sunshine.

I don't want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted as hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames.

Set in the For Him World, this standalone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection.

Sincerely yours, A.M. JOHNSON

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Special Release Excerpt:

It was noon when he walked into the bookstore wearing a yellow sweater and pale blue jeans. The yellow, not quite yellow, more mustard than canary, stood out against the muted colors of the book spines stacked against each other on the shelf. A shock of dark brown hair fell over his brow as he dipped his head, kneeling to get a closer look at something on one of the lower shelves. His long legs folded neatly beneath his trim waist, his broad back facing me, I most certainly checked out his ass. He was fit, built more like a runner and less like a tank. And from my first glance, I thought he had a nice face. Handsome with a short, trimmed beard, and a strong profile. I wanted to ask him if he needed any help, but something in the way he held himself, eyes down, shoulders tight, told me he didn’t want to be bothered. I’d been working at The End, my parents’ bookshop, long enough I’d learned how to read people. Hell, I'd worked here ever since my folks had deemed it safe for me to climb the ladders on the stacks. I wouldn’t have ever considered my parents the cautious type, they'd allowed me to cook my own pancakes at the age of six, but apparently climbing a ladder had been too perilous for anyone under the age of ten.

“Do you have this in paperback?” A pimply teen pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and set down a copy of The Street Vendor’s Son, blocking my view of the yellow sweater guy.

Sighing, I leaned an elbow on the counter and shook my head. “The paperback hasn’t been released yet.”

“I heard on Reddit that Wilder Welles hid a bunch of copies throughout the city.” He stared up at me with a superior look on his face.

I’d heard the same rumor, but I didn’t have the heart to tell the kid it wasn’t true. I actually knew Wilder, the author of said book. I was represented by the same literary agency, Lowe Literary, and had met him through our mutual publisher, Bartley Press, at a Christmas party a couple of years ago.

“Maybe try Book on Main?” I suggested and he nodded, his hazy blue eyes widening. I imagined he was plotting out his next move. “I’d hurry though. I heard yesterday there were only a total of three.”

“Three,” he hissed. “Dammit.”

He turned for the door and left without a thank you. Maybe I should have broken his heart. Laughing to myself, I picked up the book and placed it under the counter next to the small pile I planned to reshelve when we closed in an hour. Distracted, I didn’t realize the cute yellow sweater guy had approached the counter. He cleared his throat, keeping his quiet gaze pointed at his feet.

“Hey, man,” I said, smiling in what I hoped was my best flirty, easygoing, no-I- wasn’t-staring-at-your-ass-earlier smile. “Did you find everything okay?”

He cleared his throat again, setting two books down in front of me. “I’d like to purchase these.” Though unsure, his voice was the perfect harmony of smooth and low. It settled in my stomach, warm and heavy. “No bag, please. I prefer to carry them.”

“Yeah… sure.” I picked up the titles, both nonfiction reads on shipwrecks, and rang them up. “Are you a fan of Jack and Rose?” I teased and his shoulders stiffened.

“What?” he asked, and I couldn’t tell if he was confused or aggravated.

He raised his gaze, revealing in short blinks, bursts of green and amber. I’d never seen eyes like his. Hazel, but more. Shiny, but shy. I struggled to remember what the hell I’d said in the first place.

“Um… uh…” I smiled, rubbing at the back of my sweaty neck. When he didn't smile in return, I scratched my head, looking down at the shipwreck books, and it came back to me. “Titanic. Jack and Rose? I’m the king of the world.” I held out both of my arms like an idiot. Who knew I had such a thing for yellow sweaters?

He blinked again, his throat working as he stared at me. “I haven’t seen it.”

I didn’t waste too much time thinking about how that was possible, and told myself not everyone was into overly produced blockbuster movies. “It’s not the greatest film of all time or anything, but if you’re a shipwreck kind of guy, it would be right up your alley.”

“I’m not a shipwreck kind of guy,” he said, his cheeks ruddy as he handed me his credit card. “This is research.”

I swiped it through the card reader and let the three words hang in the air, hoping he’d elaborate. He didn’t. He didn’t seem much older than my twenty-three, but I was a shit gauge when it came to age. He couldn’t be over thirty, though, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t in college. Or maybe he was a scientist? A sexy, sweater-wearing nerdy chemist or botanist, or something equally intelligent.

“Cool.” I slid his receipt across the top of the counter along with his credit card. “Are you a scientist?”

“What?” He grumbled as he picked up his card and slipped it into his wallet. “No? Why?”

“Research? I figured…”

“That I was a scientist? Lots of people do research for their work. Actors… I could be an author, or a professor, or a… ship maker. Among many other options.” He didn’t sound rude, per se, but definitely annoyed. “A treasure hunter.”

“Now that sounds like fun.” I tried a smirk this time and his entire face flushed.

“I can’t say I agree.” He scooped up his books and tucked them under his arm. “It’s dangerous, for one, and stealing history seems unethical.” I wanted him to keep talking. Honestly, I could listen to him talk for hours. His voice was like a balm, even if he was kind of an asshole. “And there’s no guarantee you’ll ever find what you’re looking for. Seems like a waste of time.”

“But if you do find what you’re looking for, what then?” I asked.

He’d avoided direct eye contact until that very second, and holy shit, my lungs forgot how to work.

Air out, air in. Or was it air in and then air out. 

Shit.

It has been my experience that life is only a game of mishaps and unexpected coincidences,” he said, and I laughed.

“You just quoted my book.”

“Your book?”

“Yeah… The Branches Between Us,” I said, feeling a puff of pride as I exhaled, remembering how to breathe after all.

His throat bobbed again, his face paling as he took a step backward. “Your book. I didn’t realize you were—”

“I’m flattered.” I leaned both elbows on the counter. “Not a lot of people liked… or read that book.”

“I enjoyed it immensely,” he said but not in a starry-eyed, starstruck way. He was matter of fact in the delivery, and even more so when he continued. “I’ve read it ten times.”

“Wow.” My grin pinched at my cheeks. “Ten times.”

The air snapped in the brief silence that descended. I stole a few seconds to unabashedly stare at him while he glared at the floor. His thin nose twitched, and I noticed his upper lip was fuller than his bottom. A subtle crease sat between his thick brows, and it deepened when he scowled.

“I need to go,” he said, tacking on a curt, “Thank you,” before he turned to leave.

I watched him exit the store, bewildered and a bit shocked.
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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of To Whom It May Concern, Amanda is giving away a signed paperback of To Whom It May Concern and the reader can choose which verison they'd like; the Amazon or the Exclusive Illustrated version.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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About the Author:

Amanda is an award winning and best selling author of LGBTQIA and contemporary romance and fiction. She lives in Utah with her family where she moonlights as a nurse on the weekends and hikes in the mountains as much as possible.

If she’s not busy with her three munchkins, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard where she explores the human experience through the written word, exploring all spectrums and genres.

She's obsessed with all things Hockey, Austen, and Oreos, and loves to connect with readers!

Stay up to date by signing up for her newsletter here: http://bit.ly/NewsLetterAMJBooks

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Monday, February 14, 2022

Blackbird (If I Fell #2) by Mia Kerick

 



Amazon Link   - Available in KU  




Sequel to Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell Series, book 2)

Timmy and Cole’s angsty love story continues…

Last year, in Timmy Hale’s junior year at Edgewater University, he set his romantic sights on Colton “Cole” Ledger—a burly and sometimes over-protective dormitory maintenance man. Cole soon had it bad for sleek and snarky Timmy too, and—despite a bumpy road (a frenzied stalker and an uncooperative son)—before year’s end they’d found love. Now, in Timmy’s senior year, the couple has left the dormitory behind. Cole is back to running his own custom construction company, and they’ve turned an antique Victorian home into a love nest. For a while, life is good.

But insta-love comes at a cost, and for Timmy and Cole it’s steep. Cole’s doubts haunt him: he’s almost certain he’s too old for Timmy, and that he’s pushing him into a life he’ll eventually resent, keeping him from spreading his newfound wings and taking flight toward his best future. Acting on his fears, Cole pressures Timmy to accept an internship in Manhattan—far from the home they’ve built together. He means well, but Timmy feels like a baby bird kicked out of the nest too soon.

Tensions rise until fear, resentment, and desire draw Timmy and Cole into explosive conflict. When the dust settles, will Timmy wing away like a young blackbird, or return to nest with Cole in their happy garden home?

For maximum enjoyment, Blackbird is best read after Hide Your Love Away.

Stay tuned for Book 3 in the IF I FELL Series, Come Together, coming in January, 2022.
 





My Rating - 4 Stars!

Gah! Blackbird is a heart-wrenching tale. The second book in the If I Fell series, Mia Kerick manages to break my heart throughout. 

We met Timmy and Cole in Hide Your Love Away. We saw them fall in love and we saw Cole help mend Timmy's pain. 

But in this follow up, Cole pushes Timmy out of his comfort zone and sends him off to NYC for an internship. 

And this is where the Gah reaction comes in. 

It's so tough to see Cole's son push Timmy in the directions he thinks Timmy should go. Let's just say I wanted to punch him. 

Ultimately, in this part of their journey, Cole has pushed Timmy out of the nest like a bird who needs to spread his wings. It's a long and hard journey for these two. It's hard to read and had me so mad at everyone. I just wanted these men to open their eyes and realize what's going on. 

Blackbird is a good addition to the If I Fell Series. This Mia Kerick tale isn't for those looking for a light read. But in the end, these men are witness to how much better off they are together than apart.  


Sunday, February 13, 2022

Hide Your Love Away (If I Fell #1) by Mia Kerick

 


Amazon Link   - Available in KU





Too young.
Too damaged.
Too close to Cole’s enormous secret for comfort.

Rough and tumble Edgewater University maintenance man Colton Ledger should keep his distance from the sleek and snarky college junior who has caught his attention. After all, Timmy is half his age, not to mention that Cole has a secret life he can’t afford to reveal. So why is he compelled to undermine the young man’s cocky game and lure him into his private life?

As the product of an unwanted late-life pregnancy, Timmy Hale has been emotionally shattered by a loveless upbringing. After years of desperate attempts to garner attention from his apathetic parents fail, young adult Timmy changes course. He hides his feelings of vulnerability behind meaningless sex, endless partying, and a big, bad attitude. Until Cole comes along…

When trouble finds Timmy in the form of a dangerous and relentless stalker, Cole must decide if Timmy is worth the risk of coming clean about the confidence he’s obliged to keep, as Timmy weighs the potential havoc falling in love could wreak on his heart.


Hide Your Love Away is Book One in the IF I FELL Series.

Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Keeping Secrets, Opposites Attract, College Setting Adult Contemporary MM Romance.
 




My Rating - 4 Stars!


Hide Your Love Away is the first book in the If I Fell series by Mia Kerick.

This story has so much going for it. It's an age gap tale between Cole and Timmy. This is a unique to me idea, as Cole is a college employee who falls for one of the students.

I love the sneaking around they have to do, as well as why. Cole's working at the college to pay the tuition for his son. His son who happens to be friends with Timmy.

The dynamics between Cole and his son are so damn tough to read at times. In the end, it all makes sense, but oh god, it's hard to read. Poor Cole. My heart hurt so much for him. And it isn't easy to like his son at all.

The stalker aspect is an addition that adds a lot of tension and danger, as his presence is felt throughout the story.

Cole and Timmy are just so damn sweet together. They can't ignore their chemistry and neither can the reader. They're certainly hot together. I actually enjoy the way Cole handles everything, although it's a little hard to believe Timmy would go along with all of it at first.

I love the author's writing style, but I would have enjoyed more background on Timmy. It's hard to get to know him properly, although it's easy to feel bad for him.

Hide Your Love Away is a nice age gap romance. I was definitely invested in this Mia Kerick tale from the start, and couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. There's enough angst to keep things intriguing, even if you don't care about age gap romances. As for now, I am left excited to see what happens next in this series.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Egotistical Puckboy (Puckboys #1) by Eden Finley & Saxon James

 

EGOTISTICAL PUCKBOY

Puckboys - Book One

by Eden Finley & Saxon James

Release Blitz

Release Date: February 10, 2022

Genre: M/M Sports Romance
Trope: Hate to love



EZRA

Partying, dudes, and hockey. What more could a gay NHL player want?

If it weren't for Anton Hayes, my life would be perfect.

Not that he affects my life in any way. At all. That would imply I care what the winger from Philly thinks of me.

Which I don't.

Not even a one-night stand with him can thaw his misplaced animosity toward me.

He says I'm the one with the ego, but he can talk. He rivals me for most egotistical puck boy in the league.

I hate him as much as he hates me. Even if I crave a repeat.



ANTON

When it comes to hockey, I'm all about the game.

I've worked for years to be one of the best in the league, and l've done it without splashing my orientation all over the tabloids.

My hockey image is one I've carefully cultivated, and after one night with Ezra Palaszczuk, I risk it all.

He's cocky, obnoxious, and has an ego bigger than Massachusetts. And okay, maybe he's the sexiest man I've ever known.

We'll never get along. Not when we sleep together. Not even when my possessive streak awakens.

That doesn't stop us from falling into bed together over and over again.

____________________________________


My Rating - 5 Stars!

Omg! I absolutely love Egotistical Puckboy. The first book in the Puckboys series by Eden Finley and Saxon James, I was hooked from the first page. 

Everything about this book is amazing. 
The characters.
The storyline. 
The relationship.
The friendships. 

Starting off as enemies, Anton and Ezra are ruthless to one another. And once they are on the same team, watch out. 

This story is full of pranks that had me laughing out loud, sex scenes that had me swooning, and a beautiful progression from enemies to lovers.

This story leans heavily on the aspect of being openly gay in the hockey world. On a positive note, there isn't any homophobia. Instead, it's the desire to not be simply known as the gay hockey player that keeps one closeted. 

The gay support group adds an emotional layer I wasn't expecting. These men have a comaraderie unlike anything you will normally see. There's no need to worry about being afraid of accepted into this group; you just are. And the bonds they have are unbreakable. 

Ezra's issues with his family are tough to read. His father is nothing but a piece of shit. I was so happy to see Ezra find support elsewhere. 

Every scene, every chapter is fabulous. But the ending is the best. Omg, I couldn't stop laughing at the last clubhouse scene!!

Egotistical Puckboy is a must have for fans of hockey romance. This Eden Finley and Saxon James tale is an immediate re-read. I love it all! And I can't wait to see what comes next in this series. Whatever it is, it's sure to be great!!!


Add to your TBR List!



Purchase Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/Ntn2



GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter Giveaway

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn't take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

With a short attention span that rivals her son's, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

Connect with Eden

Website:

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2owAsgY

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2GMjfag

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2t1KqM4

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ouFzya




Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3qkn0eP

Bookbub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ouhBDq

About the Author

Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

While not writing, SM is a readaholic and Netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.

Member of SCBWI.

Connect with Saxon

Facebook Author Page:

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/36slT1W

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2SYfPKU


Amazon Author Page: hhttps://amzn.to/2ZXjp9C

Bookbub Author Page: https://bit.ly/3fKt5MC



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