Strings Attached by Riley Hart

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I spent college worrying about responsibilities and earning my teaching degree, so before graduation and moving to Atlanta with my best friend, Ross, I figure I deserve a little fun. I’ve never been with an older man, but the guy at the bar grabs my attention and doesn’t let go…for multiple rounds, all night long.

The next day, when Ross introduces me to his dad, the last thing I expect is for him to be my hookup from the night before, in town from Atlanta for his son’s graduation.

The best thing would be to pretend it never happened, which is easier said than done. The more I talk to Harrison, the more I like him. We enjoy teasing each other, spending time together, and despite how successful he is, we both know what it’s like to have nothing. Neither of us wants a relationship, so when Harrison suggests a no-strings-attached fling, it’s perfect.

But between bills, worrying about Mom, and wondering how I thought I had what it takes to be a good teacher, Harrison’s always there, even when it’s hard for me to accept help.

Falling for Harrison wasn’t part of the agreement.

I don’t know how to trust, there’s a seventeen-year age difference, and he’s my best friend’s dad.

No strings attached has never been so difficult, because I’m pretty sure I want to be tied to Harrison for good.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Strings Attached is an amazing best friend's father romance. Riley Hart packs a whole lot of emotion into this sweet age gap romance. 

Harrison and Zander make for a wonderful couple. What starts as a hook-up leads to love when they discover their connection. 

Their story is one with an age gap, opposites, and a rich versus poor trope. 

Their story isn't much about the forbidden aspect of their relationship. Instead, it's about these two men and the baggage they bring into their journey. 

I love these men! Harrison is simply amazing, full of so much love for his son and Zander. He's known hard work and obstacles, yet completely overcame everything. 

But winning over Zander isn't quite so easy. Zander is closed off, full of doubts and fears, as well as a need for independence. 

The title is simply fabulous, as the whole story revolves around their friends with benefits relationship turning into so much more without ever knowing it. 

String Attached is a riveting and compelling read. Everything about this Riley Hart book had me mesmerized. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3) by Colette Davison

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Unapologetically Me (Offbeat Shifters #3)

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Independently Published

Cover Artist: Colette Davison

Release Date:  March 23, 2021

Genre: Supernatural M/M romance

Tropes: shifters, mpreg setting but there isn’t pregnancy or childbirth in the books,

age-gap, pop-star, hidden disability, hidden relationship

Themes: Standing up for yourself and others, not letting opportunities pass you by,

importance of family, second chances

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 68 000 words

Book 3 could be read as a standalone, 

but has spoilers for the other two so is definitely better read as part of the series.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links 

Universal link  |   Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Austin Steele is my idol. He’s also the guy I can’t get enough of.

Austin Steele is my idol. He’s also the guy I can’t get enough of.

Everyone thinks they know who I am—one of pop’s biggest divos. They don’t know me at all. Austin Steele makes me want to see the real me, only there’s some problems:

We’re both omegas, he’s nineteen years my senior, he’s nursing old wounds, and he wants to keep what’s happening between us a secret.

I thought a one-night stand was all I wanted. Now it’s becoming so much more. But how can we look to the future when we can’t let go of our pasts?

Unapologetically Me is the third book in Offbeat Shifters, an m/m paranormal romance series with a continuing storyline. This book includes a misunderstood and unapologetic Arctic fox shifter, a caring capuchin monkey shifter, and a HFN ending. While it’s set in an alternate universe where omegas give birth, there are no pregnancy or birth scenes in this book.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Unapologetically Me is a fabulous read. The third book in Colette Davison's Offbeat Shifters series, it's a wonderful continuation of this spectacular omegaverse world. Be sure to start with Secretly Mine to fully appreciate this stunning story.

This is Austin and Charlie's romance. And oh how I love it! It's an age gap romance, with nineteen years between the men. This is definitely a struggle for Austin. It's also a best friend's father romance, as Charlie is friends with Jesse, adding a forbidden romance aspect.

Charlie appears to be flaky and often misses his appointments. And when he dismisses Austin after a long desired hook up, that just reinforces Austin's negative opinion of him. 

But there's a good reason behind Charlie's actions. He has epilepsy and often has to deal with an oncoming seizure or is recovering from a seizure. And he doesn't want the world to know. 

The emotions are all consuming as Austin and Charlie slowly build an intense connection. And that connection is as strong as I've ever read. 

Hot damn, the heat scene is off the chart amazing. It's absolutely mesmerizing. 

And wow, the shifter scenes. Just wow. There is nothing else like it, except for the shifter scenes in the previous books. The author creates a shifting world that is all about the emotions. It's truly stunning, as the shifting in these books create calmness and a sense of security. I've never read another author who uses the shifter scenes in such an emotional manner.

The author wonderfully explores that being famous, or being in a group, isn't always what one thinks it is. One can easily find themselves surrounded by people, yet as lonely as can be. One needs more than a career to keep them happy.

Written in alternating first person pov, the emotions jump off the pages. Every look. Every touch. Every single moment. 

I'm impressed with the way the seizures are written. The author handles them with care and compassion, as well as knowledge and understanding. They're an important part of this story and I appreciate the way it's all developed. 

Unapologetically Me is an absolutely beautiful love story. Every moment of this Colette Davison gem is freaking amazing, and the series as a whole is superb. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

“I can’t remember the last time I just hung out with someone before this week.” I laid my head on his shoulder. “That’s not true. It was right before my first album went viral.”

“That’s a long time.” Austin didn’t sound even remotely surprised.

“I guess you know how that feels, huh?”

“Yes.”

“The cupcakes will be cool enough to decorate.” I cleared my throat and stood.

We’d been having fun, and I didn’t want to drag the day down with drama about how lonely I was. Had been. Could I consign my loneliness to past tense now that I was spending time with Austin?

“I’ll help you make some icing if you want.”

“That might help,” Austin said around a chuckle.

I showed him the recipe I liked to use, loaded up a piping bag for him, and hand over hand showed him how to use it.

“You’ve gotta be gentle,” I said as I left him to it.

I carefully cut a hole out of the centre of each of my cupcakes, into which I pushed a fresh strawberry. Then I popped the top back on and began to ice them. I’d coloured my icing a soft shade of pink, much paler than the bright red of the strawberries. Using a controlled motion, I spiralled the icing onto the top of each cupcake.

“Bollocks!” Austin said.

I looked around to see that his hands were covered in icing, and the nozzle had shot off the piping bag onto one of his cupcakes. Icing dripped everywhere.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You squeezed too hard, didn’t you?”

“It wasn’t coming out,” he grumbled.

He put the piping bag into a bowl, washed his hands, and grabbed a spoon. I watched for a moment as he dolloped icing onto the top of each cupcake. They looked anything but pretty. Still chuckling to myself, I finished mine off by sprinkling the tiny pieces of chopped strawberry over the icing.

“It’s obvious who’s won,” Austin said.

“No, it’s not. Don’t we have to do a taste test or something?”

“I guess so.”

“Get a couple of plates out.”

He complied. I cut one of his cupcakes in half and put a piece on each plate, then did the same with one of my own.

“Forks?”

“We could use our fingers?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s not how they do it on cooking shows.”

Austin smiled and grabbed a couple of forks. “We should taste the same one.” He handed me a fork. “Mine first.”

“Why?”

“So we’re saving the best until last? We’ll need to eat yours to get rid of the taste of mine.”

“They can’t be that bad.”

He raised his eyebrows. We both took a bite.

“Oh.” The cupcake was like a dry rock in my mouth.

“See what I mean?” Austin said around his own mouthful.

I grabbed some water to wash it down. “They’re not bad for a beginner. A little dry.”

“And heavy.”

“You might want to try adding a bit of milk when you’re mixing the ingredients. It helps to make the mixture light and fluffy.”

“What would help the taste?”

“Some vanilla-bean paste. It’s much better than vanilla extract,” I added, glancing at the small brown bottle of extract that Austin had bought but obviously not used in his own cakes.

Austin nodded thoughtfully before trying my cake. He closed his eyes and murmured his approval. “Now this is like an orgasm in my mouth.”

I snorted a laugh. “A what?”

“An orgasm in my mouth.” He devoured the rest of his half of the cupcake and then put his plate down. “You win.” He wrapped his arms around my waist.

“What do I win?”

“A kiss.” His lips and tongue tasted of strawberries and icing.

“Good prize.”

_______________________________________________________________

Check out the first two books in the Offbeat Shifters Series

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

  Amazon US   |   Amazon UK 

Pre-Order Book 4 here

_______________________________________________________________

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook Page   |  Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub   |   Twitter    |   Goodreads  |  Instagram: @colettedavison

  Mailing List  |   Newsletter Sign-Up

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Giveaway 

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Cabin Fever by Brigham Vaughn

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

It may be cold outside, but inside, the temperature is rising.

When grad student Kevin Taggert goes home with his best friend for Thanksgiving, the last thing he expects is to drool over the guy’s dad.

Forty-eight-year-old Drew Freeman would love a relationship, but he never expected to find it with his son’s best friend.

When a last-minute change of plans leaves Drew and Kevin alone in a cabin the week before Christmas, the heat between them is too much to deny.

Although they promise it’ll only last the week, every day that passes brings them closer together. When Christmas Day arrives—along with Drew’s son—can they salvage the relationship and the holiday?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Certain books just consume me throughout. Brigham Vaughn's Cabin Fever is one such book. This best friend's father romance is absolutely wonderful. 

I love everything about this story. The forbidden romance aspect is well done, with the angst we would expect. But the forced proximity aspect is the leading factor at play. Drew and Kevin have a lot of time alone, all because Drew's son keeps spending time with his girlfriend. One could easily ask why the hell he'd do that. Seriously, why would you invite someone to spend the holidays with you but keep sneaking away? That is weird, but who cares. The way it's written makes sense, but it's also necessary to let Drew and Kevin develop their relationship. 

The result is a beautiful tale. I love the way they immediately feel comfortable together and bond over their time spent together, as well as their common interests. 

Everything about this May to December romance is heartfelt and passionate. Their attraction is instant and their chemistry is sizzling. 

The writing is fabulous, with both men well developed and their connection extremely well illustrated. The author spends a lot of time of the build up of their connection and I love it. The reader can't miss how deeply they connect. There's fantastic dialogue and some amazing sex scenes. And the passion just oozes off the pages, with every feeling, every move, every word fully felt by the reader. 

Cabin Fever is one of those addictive books I could read a hundred times. Brigham Vaughn has left me in love with this age gap romance. I can't wait to read this again.

Love In Slow Motion (Love Beyond Measure #2) by E.M. Lindsey

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

“Maybe it didn’t end there. Maybe it started with a kiss…”

The only thing Ilan Nadav knows about relationships and marriage is that they ruin people. He’s committed himself to the bachelor life, and he’s never been happier—until his best friend had to go and fall in the sort of toe-curling, sonnet-writing kind of love. Witnessing that created a hunger in Ilan, and now all he can see is the people standing near him who deserved better than they got. And one of those people makes his heart beat a little bit harder and a little bit faster—but he’s the last man in the world Ilan is allowed to want.

After all, Fredric Pedalino is his best friend’s dad.

When Fredric comes to him for advice about dating men, Ilan is forced to re-write his own reality—and maybe his stance on love, because Fredric is the sort of man with the ability to sweep him off his feet. Even when he isn’t trying.

Ilan wants Fredric more than he’s ever wanted anyone before, but he’s not sure he’s willing to take the risk. After all, loving that man might cost him everything.

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

Good god, Love in Slow Motion is an extraordinary story. The second book in the Love Beyond Measure series, EM Lindsey has once again left me in awe. 

 

We met Fredric and Ilan in The Edge of Heaven. If you haven't yet read it, do so now. It's an equally wonderful story on it's own. But it also helps to give the necessary background for these two. 

There's a lot going on in this book. Ilan has always loved his best friend's father, Fredric. He knew he could never have him, but he wished for him to find happiness and love. Unknown to them both though, Ilan is the one who can do just that. 

Their story is beautiful and all-consuming. They find such strength in one another, as they are both at a crossroads, wishing to discover what they want out of life.

Fredric's story is tough to read. A lot of it was explored in the first book, but now we discover more and get to see him searching for someone who understands his blindness and accepts him as is. He spent years being abused by his wife, years of letting his wife abuse his son, all because he felt trapped. 

Now he's divorced and living on his own. He's learning to be independent, wanting to find a new career, and making new friends. You will simply adore Agatha, the best neighbor he could have ever had. Dear lord, I am still shocked by how wonderful she is.

As for Ilan, he's never had a relationship. After being bullied for years, and treated like dirt, even by Julian's mother, he never believed in his own self worth. His career isn't his passion anymore, and he just wants to find peace. 

Both men have some major baggage they're dealing with, and they find complete solace in one another. The way they have developed their own friendship through the years is touching and wonderfully illustrated. And the way they grow even closer with encouragement, understanding, and plenty of time spent together is special. 

I absolutely love the slow burn nature of this story. And with Fredric exploring his sexual side with a man for the first time, wow, it's just beautiful. The two men very slowly come together and find a heartfelt love in each other. It's truly the best of the best when it comes to slow burn. The reader is never left wondering if they will be together. Instead, we're taken on the long and winding road to their union. 

I love everything about these men and their story. Written in alternating pov, the author gives us an intimate look in the emotions involved. The feelings are intense, with everything jumping off the pages. The longing. The peace. The passion. The love.

Love in Slow Motion is the perfect addition to EM Lindsey's Love Beyond Measures series. I couldn't have asked for a better love story for either of these men. This series is a must read the next time you're in the mood for a stellar hurt/comfort read. You will be elated to have met these men. 

Fragile (Strictly Off Limits #2) by Skyler Snow & Rheland Richmond

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Jack​
Flying out to LA to check on my son’s new relationship is one thing, but what do I do when I fall in love with his best friend Tom?​
I know Elliot wants Tom to be our buffer. I think he's meant to distract me. He definitely does that. The more I talk to Tom, the more I realize there’s more to him than a flirty, over the top persona he shows the world.​
He’s real, he’s lonely and everything about him draws me in.​

Tom​
My best friend wants me to check in on his dad. That’s it. So why am I feeling this way?​
Sure, the man’s hot, but there are plenty of gorgeous men in L.A... All I have to do is talk to him, keep him company and make sure he's occupied during his stay.
There’s just one problem; the more I get to know him the more I want him to be mine. This was never part of the plan. But I’m falling for Jack and I don’t know how to stop. I don’t want to.​
Fragile has little to no angst and lots of fluff! There is no cheating, and definitely a HEA! This a short and sweet read.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

After loving Forbidden, I was super excited to dive into Fragile. The second book in the Strictly Off Limits series by Skyler Snow and Rheland Richmond, it's everything I hoped it would be.

In the first book, Forbidden, Elliott fell in love with his father's friend. This time Jack falls in love with his son's friend Tom. Yes, this time around we get to see Elliott's father, Jack, find love. And, yay, it's another May to December romance. Woo Hoo!

I love everything about this story. It's wonderful that their friendship is what develops first, as they naturally gravitate to one another. Their relationship is one of flirting and hot tension, followed by first times, spanking, and the struggle of coming out to one's son. There's heat and humor, sweetness and tenderness. 

Jack and Tom are two characters who are easy to love. Each man has a past that is complicated and has fully shaped them into who they are today. Jack is one who put his life aside in order to raise his son. He's bisexual, but hasn't ever been with a man. Tom, meanwhile, has a heart wrenching past, full of a homophobic family and a life on the streets. 

I love these men and the ease in which they fall in love. The two complete one another perfectly, with each bringing a sense of calm to the other. Of course, this is a story of a relationship that develops in secret, which adds a touch of light angst.

The writing is great, with alternating 1st person pov that brings the emotions out in full force. The authors excel in entwining these men with Scott and Elliott, making them ever present in this story. 

Fragile is a fantastic read. Be sure to check out this Skyler Snow and Rheland Richmond collaboration the next time you're in the mood for a sweet May to December read. You won't be disappointed. 

BLOG TOUR, GIVEAWAY, & REVIEW - Liberating Love (Interlocking Fragments #3) by Michele Notaro & Sammi Cee

Liberating Love

Interlocking Fragments Series, Book 3

Sammi Cee & Michele Notaro

M/M Romance

Aiden

Finding out the man I slept with is my friend’s father is terrifying, but maybe forgivable since I didn’t know who he was… right? But falling into bed with him again… and again and again is probably not excusable. Maybe if Delaney got rid of his miles of muscles and stopped being so sweet to me, I could stop. I need to stop. If only I had the willpower—or the desire. Delaney is everything I want in a man, but we have no future together, so it can never be more than this. His sons can never find out.

Delaney

Serving time for a crime I didn’t commit wasn’t in my game plan, but I’m out now and determined to live my best possible life. After hooking up with a hot younger man, I regret letting him go without even his name. But then luck is finally with me, and he comes walking into my son’s house. In order to make him mine, I have to be honest with my sons about the past as well as my desire for Aiden. But Aiden’s fear of getting involved is deeper than he’s telling me. He’s hiding something, too.

Will Aiden’s fear of revealing his private life and losing his friends keep him from the man who wants to be his everything or will he allow Delaney to help bear his burden?

Liberating Love is the third book in the Interlocking Fragments series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the whole series. This is a contemporary romance intended for 18+.

Amazon US  *   Universal Link

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Ohhhh...Michele Notaro and Sammi Cee's Liberating Love, the third book in their Interlocking Fragments series, is fabulous!!!!

A hot hook up that ends up being your best friend's father? Yes please!

Aiden and Delaney are damn enjoyable together. A.k.a. "Freckles" and "Old Man," these two are hot from their first hook up, and get even hotter when they get to know one another.

Delaney's newly out of prison, trying to re-establish his life. His issues are well developed and well carried out. The reader is easily able to feel what he's going through. His backstory is extremely well done and very emotional. As for Aiden, well he just happens to be a cop. That's right, he's a cop who falls for an ex con. This definitely ups the fun. 

Both men are worth a read, as Delaney's newly out of prison, has some relationship issues to work on with his sons, and finds himself falling for his son's friend. The conflict of best friend's father is well explored, with some good hesitation and doubts. But damn, with a connection like the one they have, they definitely belong together.

Aidan's mother has dementia which is explored in a sweet way. It's touching, emotional, and ultimately beautifully done. 

Their relationship contains a strong connection, some hot sex, and lots of sneaking around. There's a lot of guilt, fear, and confusion, as well as family secrets and work issues.

The authors' writing is seamless, with two compelling characters, a fabulous story line, and a whole lot of heat. The characters are heart felt and their relationship is beautiful. As well, I am very impressed with the way the issue of dementia is handled. The authors definitely show a whole lot of care, compassion, and understanding.

Damn, if you love a steamy May to December read, you need to read Liberating Love. This Michele Notaro and Sammi Cee read is totally sweet and feel good and will leave you 100% satisfied.

I lean my elbows on the trunk of Aiden’s car as I wait for him to walk out of the building. With him working with Jovany right now, I know his schedule, which makes tracking him down easy. The only hard part is keeping a lookout to make sure I don’t run into my asshole ex-brother-in-law and his spineless son.

Ahh… there he is. Aiden walks with hunched shoulders as he stares down at his phone. Worry prickles at the back of my neck at how turned into himself he is. He doesn’t look up at the coworkers he passes, nor do they extend a passing word to him. In just his walk to the car I see his isolation, and Jameson’s concern for his friend takes on a whole new level. He’s almost to the car before he sees me, his steps falter and his face pales as he quickly scans the parking lot around us. “What are you doing here?”

“Freckles, I think we need to talk.”

Michele is married to an awesome husband that puts up with her and all the characters in her head--and there are many. They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with their two young boys and two crazy dogs. She grew up dancing and swimming and taught dance--ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, & modern--for ten years before her kids came along. Now she stays home to write about the sexy men in her head and does PTA everything--as long as coffee is involved. Two other tattooed moms run the PTA with her, and though she wants to rip her hair out from it, she still loves it.

Amazon author page link: https://www.amazon/author/michelenotaro/

Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning.

These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories.

Sammi Cee Amazon author page link: https://amazon.com/author/sammicee

Giveaway

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The Only Way to Live (The Mechanics of Love #1) by M.A. Innes

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Blurb

Flirting with his friend’s father was supposed to be just fun and games for Derek, but what happens when teasing leads to unexpected questions and some surprising curiosity?

Derek has known the unflappable Sean for years and nothing ever gets a reaction out of the attractive older man. Nothing, that is, until Derek senses some unexpected curiosity from the man he always thought was straight. But who better than an adventurous switch to help Sean explore his wild side?

Sean knows better than to take Derek’s teasing seriously. There’s a reason he’s always called the impetuous younger man “the pest.” But when Derek’s playful banter leads to some interesting reactions, Sean has to decide what’s more important…hiding behind what he’s always assumed or finally getting to discover who he really was all along.

62k words

Story Contains: M/m sexual content, playful use of the term Daddy, BDSM elements, spanking, a mischievous switch, a fun adult toy store, and a man who always thought he was straight.

Author’s Note: There is no age play in this book, although Derek loves to drive Sean crazy about their age difference



Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Only Way to Live is a delicious best friend's father romance mixed with some spicy BDSM. This MA Innes book is absolutely tender and exquisite.

The story of Derek and Sean, these two have a long, interesting past that includes a whole lot of shameless flirting. Derek's long been after Sean, the father of his friend Ethan.

I just love the dynamics in this story. Derek's a switch who works to wear down the older man, working for him to see what they can have together. Sean is not easy to win over, as he struggles with the age difference, which I enjoy a lot. 

Their story is fantastic, with great chemistry and fun changes in their long time friendship. Their story includes some hot scenes, including some luscious first times. It's refreshing the way that the younger man is able to introduce his older love interest to the world of BDSM. 

Derek, oh Derek. He's delightful as can be, full of spark, sass, and a dominant side. I love, love, love the way his switch aspect is illustrated. As for Sean, some of my favorite scenes are the awkward ones, as Derek pushes Sean into new situations. 

The secondary characters are fabulous, adding a nice dose of humor to the tale. Jules, oh how I love Jules and his little side. Just being friends, Derek completely understands Jules, supports Jules, and looks out for him. And wow, Sean's scenes with Jules are absolutely beautiful. Dear god, I love Jules, and these moments make me love Sean even more. 

The sex shop is awesome, including some hot moments and cameos of past characters. Seriously, I love the cameos! 

The writing is perfect, with a tone and voice I find soothing. The author excels in combining romance, steam, and character growth. Written in dual pov, the reader easily slips into the minds of both men, gaining fantastic insight into their feelings. As much as one might love a lot of hot sex in their books, it's the emotions involved with this one that makes it so damn fantastic. 

The Only Way to Love is a great read. It's a warm, comfy read that will also leave you fanning yourself often. It's truly a beautiful read, full of a heart-warming romance, mixed with plenty of steam and humor. I highly recommend this MA Innes read!