The List (Second Chances #1) by Felice Stevens

Title: The List

Series: Second Chances #1

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: June 16, 2021

Cover Design: Reese Dante

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Oops. He did it again.

Elliot Hansen has a terrible habit of falling in love with every man he dates.

His friends have had enough and make a list of Elliot’s perfect man.

That V…

Those abs....

Shouldn’t a boyfriend be more than the sum of his parts?

But when sexy detective Winston Rogers bursts into his bedroom to arrest a burglar, Elliot knows he wouldn’t mind checking one or two things off that list with him.

What if you had it all?

Five years after the death of his husband, Winston Rogers is single and determined to stay that way.

He throws himself into his job—the more dangerous the assignment, the better.

He can’t face another risk to his heart.

But then a routine arrest in his neighbor’s bedroom leaves Win searching for more than evidence as the man’s sweet smile and vulnerable eyes strike a chord inside him Win had thought gone forever.

Why not enjoy each other with no strings attached? Win and Elliot decide to make their own list.

Rule #1: Strictly friends with benefits.

Rule #2: No doing anything stupid like falling in love.

Rule #3....

See Elliot and Win ignore Rules #1 and #2.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The List is a beautiful standalone romance by Felice Stevens. The start of the Second Chances series, I am all in for reading about these four best friends. If you love series with a strong friend element, you will adore this.

Elliot is one of four best friends. As he's always falling for the wrong guy, his friends help him make a list of what he wants in a man. 

Elliot is adorable and easy to love. For the reader. But he doesn't find it easy in his own life. The poor man just wants to find someone. 

Enter Winston. Oh dear god. The feelings for this man are intense. I just love him with all of my heart. He's lovable and a sympathetic character, who's still grieving the loss of his husband.

These are two men who aren't looking for the same things in life. One wants love, the other wants no strings. Their journey is fabulous. I love the way they meet. I adore the way things progress as they get to know each other. And I appreciate everything they go through as they are falling for each other. 

Basically, this is classic Felice Stevens and I love it all. The characters are charming, their storyline is emotional, and the ending is perfect. The combination of seriousness and humor is well done. Nothing is over the top angsty, and overall it's a feel-good and charming read.

The List is a wonderful second chance at love romance. Everything about this Felice Stevens tale is riveting. Definitely check this one out the nest time you're in the mood for a good hurt/comfort read. 

Crazy Bookish World - “Once again, I found Felice’s writing to be completely engaging, her characters so easy to fall in love with.”

Goodreads Review - “Shut the front door!!

Omg I can not express how much I LOVE The List by Felice Stevens. THIS IS PURE ROMANCE with just a splash of angst.”

Goodreads Review - “I loved The List! It was so good, I want to read it again and again. The writing brings the characters to life and you feel the emotions. I laughed and I definitely cried.”

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy, and that includes love.

She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe yet can't stop buying "just one more pair" of black pants. Felice is a happily addicted Bravo and Say Yes to the Dress addict and proud of it.

 And let's not get started on House Hunters. Her dream day starts out with iced coffee and ends with Prosecco, because...why shouldn't it? You can find her procrastinating on FB in her reader group, Felice's Breakfast Club.

You can find all my books, grouped by series in proper reading order on my website located here:   Website

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Let Me Love You (Love Permit #1) by Gianni Holmes

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

What happens when a guy who constantly needs rescuing meets his Prince-not-so-Charming?

After bailing on his corporate kingdom due to a very public scandal, the last thing Tate expects is to bump into temptation in the woods. A five feet four, one-hundred-and-twenty-pound guy who reeks of a damsel in distress. In other words, Tate’s kryptonite.

When a sprained ankle leaves him trapped in the woods, Bryan has no option but to accept help from the only man within miles around. But there’s just so much to do in a cabin before boredom kicks in. With only one bed, one brooding inexperienced hunk, and a few days for his injury to heal, it's only a matter of time before things heat up.

Just when Tate starts opening up to Bryan, an unexpected turn of events throws Bryan in the face of danger. To rescue him this time, Tate must leave his fortress in the woods to return to society. Will their brief encounter be enough for them to survive what lurks in the city?

Full of playful banter, lingerie, heels, a slight age gap, devious friends, stubborn exes, mystery, and intrigue, this book will give you a thrilling and swoony experience.

Please note, this approximately 100k word book was previously published as Falling for Mr. Corporate and My Dear Mr. Corporate. Over 20k words have been added to the story for a dual POV of the section which was formerly Falling for Mr. Corporate. Also newly edited. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Let Me Love You is the first book in the Love Permit series. Gianni Holmes has revamped the previously released Falling For Mr Corporate and My Dear Mr Corporate and added more to the fun. And what a story it all is!

There are essentially three parts to Bryan and Tate's relationship. 

First, they meet in the mountains, after Bryan has had enough of his abusive boyfriend/boss. Ugh. That man is such an ass. With Bryan alone and needing help, Tate meets him and ends up helping him out. 

What follows is an instant attraction, as the two men quickly fall into bed. And damn, they are hot together. 

Tate's a recluse, with his past slowly revealed. The way Bryan helps heal him and bring him back to life is wonderful.

I love this quote. "Sex is easy...Relationships are different, and I'm not sure I'm any good at it."

Second, once Bryan is ready to return to the city, they have to try to make things work, juggling all the insecurities and doubts involved. Bryan doesn't want to be a kept boy and is desperately trying to make himself self sufficient, while also trying to be with Tate. 

As for the heat, there's lots of it, including some sexy lingerie and some hot rimming. 

Third, there's action and danger, with plenty of twists and turns. There's abuse, assumptions, and plenty of manipulation. 

Both men have a lot of healing to do. Tate's getting over the death of his wife and daughter, but there's a lot involved with that situation and it isn't easy for Tate to deal with. 

And then there's Bryan, who's struggling to deal with the abuse he suffered from his ex, the long term effects of his upbringing, and his need to be dependent. 

All the while they're still dealing with Bryan's ex and plenty of issues with Tate's family business.

I love the author's writing style and her well developed characters. It's easy to fall in love with these men and root for them through all they have to deal with. My only complaint, if I had one, would be the completely different feels for the different parts of this book. It's a little strange, but I didn't let it bother me.

Let Me Love You is a wonderful mix of hurt/comfort, healing, and suspense. Gianni Holmes will definitely leave you turning the pages throughout.

Gypsy Heart by Ann Lister

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Brett “Gypsy” Hart has never been one to abide by social norms, whether it’s professionally with his band, Gypsy Heart, or in his private life. He’s had an ongoing relationship with his music collaborator for many years but never fully committed to him nor said those three all-important words. Now Gypsy’s longtime love is gone, and he’s left picking up the pieces of his life while settling his friend’s estate.

Jacob McKinney owns the local cafe. He knows who Gypsy is the moment he walks into his restaurant and also knows why the famous musician is in town. They were formally introduced years ago, but he doubts Gypsy remembers him, which is just fine. Although Gypsy and Jacob live in two very different worlds, there was one person who’s tied them together.

John Kirby was a talented award-winning lyricist who worked with many musicians throughout his long career. Born with a heart defect, he made the most of his time, but in the end, left behind two very different men to process their loss. Kirby’s one wish was to bring Gypsy, the only man who owned his damaged heart, and Jacob together somehow—first, as a way to help each other mourn, but then as a new opportunity at love.

Can two grieving men find lasting love together and uncover the connection Kirby already knew existed between them? Dead men can’t talk, but their dreams can still come true—even from the beyond.

Gypsy Heart is a stand-alone rockstar romance with a slow burn, high emotions, grief/comfort, and an HEA.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Like every Ann Lister book, I immediately fell into Gypsy Heart and couldn't put it down. Everything about this story spoke to me. 

Gypsy and Jacob's love story is as wonderful as the rest of Ann's couples, but their tale is definitely a little different. This is a tale of grief that follows rockstar Gypsy after he loses his partner, Kirby. 

When Gypsy returns to the cabin he owned with Kirby, he meets Jacob, who had his own sort of relationship with Kirby. Things are definitely a little complex as far as how these three men are connected. 

Gypsy. Oh how my heart hurt for Gypsy. He's surprised by Kirby's death and is left with regrets and doubts. He and Kirby were secretly a couple. But Gypsy never claimed him publicly, never made him a priority, and kept their relationship open.

Oh, the open relationship for these two was a complex thing. Kirby loved Gypsy with his whole heart, and didn't try to sleep with others. Instead, he loved Gypsy from afar and waited at home for him. Jacob, however, is one of the men Kirby did sleep with. 

And oh man, Jacob. When we meet Jacob, we learned that he loved Kirby. He would have done anything to be Kirby's guy. But he knew Kirby's heart was taken. 

And then Gypsy and Jacob meet. I love these men and their story. 

Instead of jealousy and anger, these two bond over their mutual grief, and end up attracted to each other. It's a beautiful love story. Absolutely beautiful.

I appreciate the way the author brings these men together, as well as the strength of their love. Their love for Kirby is never belittled, but instead, Kirby is what helps bring them together. 

And, oh dear god, just crush my heart now - the letter from Kirby! Tears. So many tears.

One thing you won't find in this story is the rocker scene. Yes, Gypsy's career and his bandmates are present, but this is not what this story is about. This is solely the story of Gypsy and Jacob's grief and their resulting love story. 

Gypsy Heart is easily one of my favorite of Ann Lister's books. This book is oozing with heart and romance. The emotions are present throughout, as the men go from grieving, to bonding, to loving. I love every single moment of this story and can't wait to read it again. 

Honestly, as big of a fan I am of Ann Lister, I am shocked to say so, but Ann easily outdid herself with this stunning tale.

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Storm Warning by Thom Collins

RELEASE BLITZ 

Book Title: Storm Warning 

Author: Thom Collins 

Publisher: Self-Published 

Cover Artist: Designerans 

Release Date: October 12, 2020 

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance 

Trope/s: Cruise ship romance, moving on 

Themes: Widower finding love again, 

international travel, emotional healing 

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: 52 000 words/208 pages 

It is a standalone story. 

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Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited 

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon  CA  |  Amazon  AU 

The trip of a lifetime is far from smooth sailing

 

Jamie Johnson is going to sea for the first time in his life. Atlantic Star is one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, and a two-week trip to Iceland offers Jamie the perfect escape. His life has been on hold since the death of his husband and a working holiday onboard a state-of-the-art ship is an opportunity to explore the world he’s been hiding from. A chance to think about his future and decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life.

When Dexter Fordyce steps onboard, all he wants is a good time. The cruise is his first holiday in years, and workaholic Dexter is ready to relax and enjoy himself. If he can manage a little fun with someone like Jamie, even better. Jamie is flattered by the attention. Dexter is handsome, charming and great fun and proves impossible to resist.

Jamie’s hopes of romance died with his husband. The prospect of a shipboard passion is attractive, but Jamie’s heart has been broken for too long and he can’t take the risk of falling in love. With stormy weather ahead, the two men are set for a voyage they will never forget.

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Storm Warning is an entertaining whirlwind romance by Thom Collins. My first time reading this author, I am delightfully interested in checking out his other works. 

Jamie and Dexter meet on a cruise. Jamie is a man loaded down with grief, as well as being stuck with physical and mental scars after losing his husband. Honestly, this should be a whole book on it's own. The tragedy of Jamie's experience is heart-breaking. But, as this is his second chance at love, he meets Dexter and the two work to overcome their issues together. 

Dexter's a confusing man. Used to hook ups, he's suddenly finding them empty and soul sucking afterwards. His connection with Jamie is actually on a mental level which is a nice change. As for his other hookup, it really pissed me off, yet definitely helped establish his character. 

Written in alternating third person pov, both men are well developed, charming characters with an intriguing storyline.  The author adds in many interesting, as well as haughty characters. Dexter's mom is a hoot, and is definitely an entertaining character in her own right. The cruise is well written, with even the weather playing a factor. I am certainly jealous and wish I could have been on this cruise. 

Storm Warning is ultimately a story of overcoming grief and pain. This Thom Collins read is a tale of taking chances and trying to live again.  And with a suspenseful ending, I definitely am looking forward to finding out what happens next. 

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“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, gazing into the night. Straight ahead he could see nothing but dark, the blackness was complete, but leaning on the balcony and looking down, he saw the moderate swell of the ocean and the white-capped waves hitting the side of the ship.

“We’re moving at a fair speed,” Jamie said, glancing at the wake they gave off.

“I suppose we have to, to cover the miles.”

Jamie stepped near to him, their upper arms touching as they stood against the railing.

He’s regaining his composure, Dexter thought.

Somewhere inside Jamie was a desire to be loved again, Dexter was sure of it. To be desired and wanted and not to spend the rest of his life alone. His love for Tyler could never be doubted, but Jamie was too young, had too much of his life remaining, to be on his own forever.

Dexter took a mouthful of champagne and swallowed, choosing his words. “I know this is new for you, and that it can’t be easy. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to, or aren’t ready for. What I’m trying to say is this is all up to you. How much or how little we do together, you decide. I won’t push you into anything.”

Jamie took a deep breath and sighed. He moved his hand from the railing and put it on Dexter’s waist. “I know what I want. And he’s standing right here.”

Dexter turned to face him. How handsome, how striking he looked, in the early hours of the morning, so far out to sea. He caressed Jamie’s face with the tips of his fingers, along his cheek and the lean length of his jaw. “You’re taking my breath away right now; I hope you realise that.”

Jamie put his own hand on top of Dexter’s. “Let’s go inside.”

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Thom Collins is the author of Closer by Morning, North Point and the Anthem Trilogy. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels.

He is currently working on a new series.

Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world.

Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night.

Other links

Twitter: @thomwolf | Instagram: thomcollinsauthor | Newsletter Sign-up

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What Comes After by Quinn Ward

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

He knew “Till death do us part” would bring him here.

A year after his wife’s death, Scott’s family forces him to find his new normal.

He’s not ready to love again, but he owes it to Shelly to not give up. A bereavement group is the last place he expected his heart to come alive again.

Chris hasn’t forgiven himself for not being there when his sister needed him.

As much as he hates going to group therapy, it beats the hell out of drinking away his pain.

Everything changes when Scott walks through the doors.

When friendship is not enough and Chris pushes for more, it sends Scott spiraling into a dark place. The road to recovery won’t be easy, but Chris is determined to help Scott see that life is still worth living.

But when the truth comes out, will it be too much for Chris?

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

What Comes After is one of those special all consuming books. Quinn Ward is a must read author for me, so I grabbed this book without even looking at the blurb. And damn, I am glad I did. 

This is a powerful story of loss, grief, and recovery, as Scott is drowning in his grief after losing his wife. Until he meets Chris. With Chris, Scott finds a reason to move on, the strength to move on, and a second chance at love. 

Chris and Scott are wonderful together. They both know loss and help one another move past their pain. Their tale includes some great first times and sweet, hot moments. And plenty of tissues for me. 

This is a story with plenty of tearful moments and a whole lot of heartache. The angst is perfectly done, and the build up to love for the men is stellar in it's development. 

It also includes some family issues that are touching, as Chris's family are amazing, as well as Scott's ex in-laws. Of course there's the controversary involved with the death of Scott's wife. If death with dignity is a trigger for you, avoid this book at all costs. 

The writing is fabulous, written in alternating 1st person pov, including some moments told from Shelly's pov, including a beautiful epilogue. 

Quinn Ward exceeded all my expectations with this powerful read. What Comes After is a heart-felt beautiful read. Grab your tissues and dive in asap. This is an exceptional hurt/comfort read.

MF - Game Changer (Wynn Hockey #5) by Kelly Jamieson

Amazon Link 
Goodreads Link

Jackson Wynn

I don’t want anything to do with my crazy family’s drama, which I’ve been watching unfold from a distance over the last year, but now my grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I feel I need to at least make a quick visit to see him. My hockey season’s over, all I have to do is get through my teammate Steve’s wedding, and then I’m on a plane to Los Angeles to do my family duty. After that, I’ll head home to Manitoba for some summer R&R at the family lake cottage.


Molly Flynn
Nobody’s expecting what happens at my wedding, which becomes pandemonium. I need to get out of there. Fast. Who do I turn to? Jackson Wynn, one my fiancé’s teammates. He’s been a friend to me since I met Steve. For one night, we hide out in his condo, but he’s leaving in the morning for California. I want to go with him.

Jackson
I can’t take Steve’s fiancée with me to California. He’s going to flip shit over this. But the lying cheating bastard kind of deserves it, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Molly. Or maybe not so soft…because she’s not only sweet and kind, she’s hot as hell. This is a bad idea for so many reasons, and I sure as hell don’t need more drama in my life, but I can’t say no to her.

On this nutso trip, neither of us expect Molly to bond with my bonkers family…especially my poor, confused grandpa. And neither of us expect to bond with each other. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Kelly Jamieson's Game Changer is a fabulous sports romance. The fifth book in the Wynn Hockey series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I enjoy everything about this story. As Molly leaves her fiancee at the altar, her friend and the fiancee's teammate comes to her rescue. Jackson. Ahhh, Jackson is a wonderful character. We are talking book boyfriend all the way. 

What follows is a wonderful slow burn romance as the two spend time together. There are many fantastic moments, with Molly being introduced to Jackson's family. And what a family they are. (The definitely make me want to read the previous books in the series.)

This is a fun hockey romance, without all the hockey. Which is ok. (Not every good sports book needs to have action.) It takes place during the off season, so there's only teammate and contact issues involved. 

The connection between Molly and Jackson is absolutely fabulous. They are so perfectly compatible from the start, and things only get better. Their story is one of getting a second chance at love, as well as friends to lovers. 

The writing is great, with a good flow and riveting dialogue. But the beauty of this story is in it's lesson. Sometimes bad things happen for a reason. Sometimes we need to break in order to improve. Sometimes leaving one's fiancee leaves to real love. 

Game Changer is a great read for any sports romance fan. Kelly Jamieson entertains with this heartwarming tale that has a beautiful ending. 

Fool for Love (Lost in New York #1) by Felice Stevens

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Can there be a second chance for a first love?

When Presley Dawson falls in love with a married man, he knows it’s wrong but can’t help himself. For the first time he’s wanted and desired and not so lonely. When his lover returns to his husband, Presley doesn’t worry. He always comes back—until he doesn’t. Years later, Presley is stuck in neutral and lonelier than ever. He can’t forget his past and doesn’t know how to reach for his future. When his best friend suggests a support group to work through his grief, Presley agrees but without much hope; nothing has helped before. At the first meeting, he’s instantly attracted to Nate and struggles not to fall so far, so fast. He won’t be fooled again. Nate Sherman is only attending a support group to get his family off his back. True, he hasn’t slept through the night in over three years, but he has reasons. Discovering your father—the man you love and idolize—is a liar and a cheater will do that. And dying in his girlfriend’s bed? No wonder Nate has trust issues. Meeting Presley changes everything. Nate sees Presley’s sweet nature and good heart and when he sets boundaries for their relationship, Nate surprises himself by willingly going along. With Presley by his side, Nate is able to sleep again and find the trust that he’s lost in himself and other people. He can even fall in love. But Presley is keeping a secret and if he tells Nate, it could be the end of everything between them. He knows it’s wrong to start another relationship based on a lie. But it isn’t a lie if you don’t say anything.Is it? 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Fool for Love, the first book in the Lost in New York series by Felice Stevens, is a tender story of healing and finding love. 

The story starts off strong, with two men meeting at a grief meeting. One lost their lover, the other their father. But both men are angry with the one they lost, as they were betrayed.

What follows is a story full of hurt, pain, and healing. It includes secrets and mistakes. It's a story of two men who each come with a lot of baggage and end up having to strip themselves bare before they can move on. 

These are two men with different outlooks on love. Nate is a one night stand kind of guy, while Presley is looking for love. Together, they set off on a journey that will keep the reader intrigued and riveted. 

Told in alternating first person pov, the reader easily follows both men, fully feeling their desires and confusion along with them. In addition to a entertaining storyline, the author includes many interesting side characters. 

The fact that Presley was a cheater should bother me, but it doesn't, as he's a redeemable character. My feelings for him are full of sympathy, as he's never known true love. 

As for Nate, I understand why he was so negative about love, but I also wanted to kick some sense into him at times. I think his attitude is what held me back from fully embracing this book, thus the 4 star rating. 

Fool for Love is an emotional tale of learning from one's pain. I am excited to see what comes next in this Felice Stevens series.