Open Ice Hit (The Sin Bin #1) by E.M. Lindsey & Marina Vivancos

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Vicki and Tommy aren't just enemies on the ice—they're explosive off it too...in more ways than one.

Noah Viklund doesn’t play hockey in order to make friends. That’s not what the game means to him. And he especially can’t stand the Sea Dog’s new rookie, Tommy Tremblay. After all, Tommy’s the sort of player that gets under Vicki's skin.

He’s reckless.
He’s wild.
And he won’t take anything seriously.

But when a chance meeting during the offseason shows Vicki what a good boy Tommy can be for him, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep seeing him as the bad guy. After all, how can he hate the only man who has ever made him feel worthy?

Tommy is tired of Vicki’s stuck-up, holier-than-thou attitude. He’s fought hard to get where he is, and he’s not going to let some tightly wound guy make him feel like he doesn’t deserve his hard-won success.

So, he can’t explain why they keep falling into bed together, or why he’s starting to fall for the man he’s supposed to hate.

They both know this shouldn’t work, but the more they try to push each other away, the more their souls seem to connect. The question is, will they find a way for their hearts to be vulnerable and let love in?

Open Ice Hit is a steamy MM romance set between the fictional NHL teams of the Brooklyn Phantoms and the Queens Sea Dogs. It contains hate that might not quite be hate, team as found family, sick goals from soft hands, some really stinky marine animals, praise kink a mile wide, and an unexpected journey that might just be worth taking.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Open Ice Hit is the first book in The Sin Bin series. This EM Lindsey and Marina Vivancos tale is a delightful enemies to lovers romance. 

Being an avid fan of sports romances, I was super excited for this book. And, damn, it's everything I hoped it would be. 

Noah/Vicki and Tommy are the perfect combination of animosity, hatred, chemistry, and love. Their hatred leads to a D/s relationship they never saw coming. It's hate sex and more hate sex, with plenty of light kink involved. 

And then the feelings come. Seeing these two let their walls down and start melting for one another is fabulous. 

From the start, everything between these two is complicated. The sex isn't cut and dry, they are stuck sneaking around, and they have plenty of outside problems. And of course they're rivals. 

This is a story with a controlling father who causes plenty of pain and unresolved feelings. Ugh, I both hated this as it made me so angry. But it certaintly adds tremendously to the character's layers. 

There's a lot going on in this book. And I enjoy it all. The sports moments are enjoyable. The obstacles in their way are great. And the issue of coming out to anyone is well done. There's an age gap that also adds plenty to this tale. And, omg god, I adore the ending. 

Open Ice Hit is a riveting book. This EM Lindsey and Marina Vivancos collab is enjoyable from the start. I couldn't put it down. Definitely pick up this book the next time you're in the mood for hate sex, some D/s, and sports. You won't regret it. 

All You Touch (Love Starts Here #2) by E.M. Lindsey

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

When he prayed for an angel, this blond Norse god wasn’t what he was expecting…

West Balkany lived his life by one rule: make your own luck. And that means fighting his slum lord when his building starts falling apart, forcing himself to finish school no matter how much he wants to quit, and most importantly, never do something as stupid as falling in love.

Unfortunately, that last part isn’t so easy when his gorgeous one-night-stand who dragged him into a bar supply closet and made him see god, keeps turning up everywhere he goes.

But he doesn’t have time for Jake—no matter how much he wants to. His father’s health is failing, his deli is barely getting by, and now he’s facing a massive legal suit against Larsen Property Management for trying to kick everyone out into the streets. He also knows that Jake is hiding something, and he’s pretty sure whatever it is, it’s enough to turn his life upside down.

But Jake also makes him want to try, and that’s what scares him the most.


Jakob Larsen spent his life running from the man his father always wanted him to be, but that all comes to a stop when the man announced he was leaving LPM. He finally has a chance to prove to both his brother and to St. James that he can turn Larsen Property Management around and do something good for the people his father has been tormenting all these years.

The problem is, he’s just not quite sure how, when no one trusts him to do the right thing.

And it doesn’t help that Jakob has found himself distracted, falling for a gorgeous, stoic deli owner who has no idea who he really is. All Jakob has ever wanted was to be truly loved, but now that he’s found the one person he could see himself growing old with, he has to face the truth: everything they have is based on a lie.

Will he ever be a man worthy of forgiveness, or will he have to face the fact that everything he touches turns to dust?

All You Touch is the second book in the low-angst, humorous, steamy series, Love Starts Here. It contains no cheating, and a happily ever after.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

All You Touch is a the second book in the Love Starts Here series. This EM Lindsey book is a wonderful love story. 

Jakob and West are fabulous together. They immediately connect and have a hook up. And damn, it's hot! 

The opposites attract aspect is wonderfully done, as these two are night and day. And the age gap of more than ten years is a lot of fun.

I enjoy every interaction between these two. They're both looking for the same results, but they have some issues to face to get there. Because damn, sometimes a lack of communication, or lie of omission, is tough to get through. 

Their story involves family issues, a rich versus not so rich vibe, and a strong connection. 

Written in alternating pov, we get both men's thoughts and emotions. This is perfect to help the reader understand both men. Their story includes a lot of family members and their issues, keeping things interesting for sure. 

All You Touch is another great book by EM Lindsey. Unlike many of EM's books, this one is much lower on the angst, but just as great in the romance department. This is a heart-warming story that fell into my lap at the right time. I love it. 

Absolution by E.M. Lindsey

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

"I’m madly, irrevocably in love with a man I met on the streets one night, and if I get a second chance, I plan to make sure I spend every day reminding him just how absolutely loved and cherished he is.”

By the time he turned twenty-nine, Alexei Gurgov has managed to put his dark past behind him. Running a bookshop and living a quiet life in London, he has very few expectations. He may be lonely, but alone means nothing can hurt him. Alone means there's no one in his life to abandon him.

Then one night, he's mugged in an alley, and his life is irrevocably changed.

Instead of going to the police, Alexei tracks down the mugger and learns he’s merely a starving man trying to get by. Offering him a job and a place to stay, Alexei is determined to help make it right. After all, he knows better than anyone what it's like to struggle.

The one thing he doesn’t expect, however, is to fall for his sudden flatmate, even if it seems like August his hiding something from his past.

When all the chips fall, will this be his own version of a storybook romance, or are they star-crossed lovers, determined to burn bright and fall apart?

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Absolution is an emotional hurt/comfort romance by EM Lindsey. 

I have mixed feelings about this one. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the story and the characters. But something left me a little disconnected and I'm not sure what it is.

August and Alexei are two men who both know bad circumstances, pain, and suffering. When they meet, Alexei offers to help August. 

Upon living together, the two quickly give into their sexual attraction, and start a relationship. I think the quick nature of them falling into a relationship threw me off. Something about it just didn't work for me. 

But later...

The men have secrets and obstacles that come to cause problems. I enjoy this part, but it's a lack of communication that will through off some readers. That's not an issue for me though, so I just fell into the emotional rollercoaster of the second half of the book completely. 

The writing kept me from rating this higher as I didn't connect fully with it from the start. If it had more depth at parts, this would easily be a five star read. As is, it's a nice story, with two men who you want to smack around and shake the stupidity out of them. 

Absolution is a story with a phenomenal basis of a story idea. EM Lindsey had me entertained with these men and their tragic backgrounds. It's a nice story and the ending left me pleased. It's well worth a read if you enjoy seeing characters find a second chance at life, as well as love. 

Without a Doubt (Love Starts Here #1) by E.M. Lindsey

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

How did the worst date of his life turn in to the man of his dreams?

Carter Winter’s not sure there’s anything worse than watching the man he’s on a date with slip his number to the bartender… except maybe finding out six months later that his bad date is his new boss who doesn't seem to remember Carter or that night. He wants to run, but he also knows he can’t pass up this opportunity. After all, it's been his dream to work at London Enterprise, and he can't turn it down now, even if it means working as a PA for Rhys London.

Fortunately, Rhys seems like an entirely different man. And while Carter doesn’t want to trust him, that isn’t easy when Rhys makes him want to believe in second chances. Carter’s been burned before, but being graced with one of the man’s rare smiles, Carter finds himself absolutely helpless against the racing beat of his heart.

Rhys London has never been a man of feeling. Spending most of his life running his company and cleaning up after his destructive brother, he hasn’t had time for things like love.

Until his business partner hired Carter Winter—a bright, beautiful man who makes Rhys want to feel.

And while Rhys is used to losing out and shutting off his heart, something about Carter makes him want to reach for the unreachable. After all, Carter is the first person he’s ever met that makes him believe in love, without a single doubt.

Without A Doubt is the first book in a romantic, light-hearted, small town trilogy. It contains no cheating, and a happily ever after. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Without a Doubt is the first book in EM Lindsey's Love Starts Here series. Omg. I love this book. 

It starts with a horrible date, followed by the more awkward of job interviews. And then it gets good. 

Carter's in a messy situation. His friend wants him to get laid, which ends up with him on a date from hell. And when he finally gets  a new job, that bad date is his boss, who doesn't remember him. Of course, there's a reason for that. 

Rhys, oh poor Rhys has so much on his plate. His brother's an out of control ass. But it's his grief that had me wanting to hug him. Since losing his husband, he can't get past his pain. 

Everything about this story had me mesmerized. I couldn't put it down. At all. 

The mistaken identity. The boss/employee situation. The confusion. The doubts. The misunderstandings.

But what keeps it all awesome are the feelings. I love the connection between Carter and Rhys. 

As for Carter's hearing loss, I love how it's written. Best of all is the way that's it's a huge aspect of Carter's life. Yet, with Rhys, it isn't at all. I love it!

Overall, Without a Doubt is a wonderful read. This EM Lindsey romance had me invested throughout. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - The Other Side of Here by EM Lindsey

 

Release Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
The Other Side of Here
By E.M. Lindsey

 

Married for nearly two decades, Luca and Sebastion know what they want from life and from love, but they certainly don’t expect the shake-up that is Alexander Thomas. Their marriage has been open since the start, but it’s not until Luca sends a wrong text that they realize there might be room for something new. Something a little bit more permanent. The only problem is, Xan’s already taken, and the man he’s with is dangerous.

Xan’s life has been off the rails since his parents died, and with his current relationship turning toxic, he’s not sure he wants to inflict his chaos on the lives of two men who don’t deserve it. Luca and Sebastion are worthy of so much more, and Xan isn’t sure he’ll ever deserve the chance at their unconditional love. After all, he’s been engaged to a man who can’t stand him for two years, and he still can’t find the courage to leave. But when things go from bad to worse, Xan knows something has to give, and he realizes then the only difficult step to take is the first one.

Some relationships are meant for moments, and some are meant for forever, but none of these men know how their story will end until they’re standing together, on the other side of here.

Universal Link

Goodreads

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Other Side of Here is an exceptional story by EM Lindsey. Everything about it is amazing. 

This is a tale of two men in an established relationship and another man who connects with both of them. 

This is a slow read. Things develop slowly over a long time. It takes a while to read it, as it's long and so damn involved. But it's well worth it. 

Nothing about this story is easy or conventional. There's an abusive relationship, and falling in love with two men knowing they can't return his love. 

The decisions that Luca and Sebastian make are amazing. Luca and Sebastian are relationship goals. No, not necessarily the open relationship thing, but the strength of their bond.  Not only do their decisions surprise me, but they impress me. Dear god, they really love Xan and make decisions to keep him healthy. 

Alexander is a lovable character who's so damn broken when we meet him. His journey from being Max's punching bag, to healing and finding himself again, is one hell of a long one. 

I love every moment of this story. The connection between all three men is wonderful and their relationship is ultimately a beautiful thing. 

As for the heat, hot damn! There's plenty of heat, including one hell of an awesome rimming scene. 

As for the lesson the author teaches her readers, it's absolutely wonderful.

The Other Side of Here is a stellar menage hurt/comfort romance. Everything about this EM Lindsey story works for me. I am thrilled to have found this amazing and heart fought tale.

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He dialed up his husband and sat back in his chair as it rang.

“Oh, my love,” Sebastion breathed through the speaker.

Luca closed his eyes and let the sound of Sebastion’s voice wash over him. “I’m home.”

“Was Alexander still there when you got in?” he asked.

Luca chuckled. “Yeah, and in my morphine haze I don’t remember you telling me he was going to be here. Todd said it was some kid, and I figured it was like the neighbor’s grandson or something.”

“Oh god,” Sebastion groaned.

“It was fine.” Luca stared down at his arm again—at his fingers which were bright red, and he let himself feel the pain for a moment. “I asked him to stay. I hope you don’t mind, but I really don’t want to be alone right now.”

“Luca,” he warned, and there was that tone in his voice—the one that was always more reasonable. The one that was able to turn off his dick and his heart whenever he needed to. 

“I know,” Luca said, “but I couldn’t let him go.”

Sebastion was quiet a long moment, then he sighed. “He’s very beautiful. You told me he was, but I didn’t have any clue.”

Luca closed his eyes and nodded. “Yes, he is. When I got in, he and Ivy were napping on the sofa, and I think I fell a little bit in love with him right there.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate E.M. Lindsey's new release, They're giving you a chance to win one of 2 prizes:

• US winner - Signed Paperback & Swag!
• International winner Swag & ebook of your choice from E.M. Lindsey

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57178/?

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E.M. Lindsey is a non-binary, MM Romance author who lives on the East Coast of the United States. When they're not working, EM is spending time on the beach, kayaking, swimming, and playing with their dogs.

Connect with E.M. Lindsey:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/e-m-lindsey
https://www.facebook.com/emlindseyauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lindseysliaison
https://twitter.com/authoremlindsey

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Staccato (Magnum Opus #2) by E.M. Lindsey

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

“Two men from two different worlds, with hearts aligned in a staccato beat.”

Blind from childhood Yanik experiences life though taste, touch, feel, sound. And his passion for music was the heart all of those things, leaving room for nothing else. But his dreams of making it in the classical world didn’t last after his brother calls him home to take care of their dying father.

It’s easy for Nik to resign himself to watching his career crumble—now relegated to an elementary school music teacher where the parents see blind musicians as side-show acts. He can even resign himself to being alone the rest of his life, because he’s long-since accepted he’s an impossible man to love.

But he’s not sure he can live with the sudden rush of desire that crashes through him the moment he meets Adam—a bright spark in his sea of turmoil.

Adam is the sort of man Nik has never allowed himself to want—a guitarist in a punk band working at the local tattoo shop, with no real direction in life. And it doesn’t take long for Adam to get under his skin.

But just as Nik is finally is starting to feel settled, one of his idols shows up at his door and offers him the chance to leave everything behind and work with one of the most prestigious composers in Rome—Nicolas Michaud.

With the most talented modern composers at his disposal, Nik will be able to compose his Magnum Opus for the world to hear. But will it mean anything at all without Adam by his side?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow! EM Lindsey's Staccato is an amazing read. The second book in the Magnum Opus series, it's definitely best if read after Verismo. This one isn't quite as dark and heavy as the first book , but it's also full of pain and loneliness. 

Nik and Adam. A blind musician and a piercer at the tattoo shop. Two men who desperately long for stability and normalcy. Both are in a place holder kind of job, currently sacrificing their lives to help out their families. 

Nik's caring for his father and teaching music lessons. Nothing he has planned for himself.  Adam meanwhile, is also sacrificing for his family, helping his sister while her husband's deployed. 

There's a lot of depth to these men. Adam's trans, which leaves him with a slew of doubts and insecurities, especially when meeting a potential romantic interest.  He's so damn lost in his life. With no direction and set future, he's just floundering. He just wants to be loved and feel safe.  I do love his niece though.  

And Nik is blind, which gives him his own set of issues. And oh dear Lord, he's so damn broken. It's a tough read. He's struggling with his father's illness, a stagnant career, and the ability to love. 

Of course, his job also leads him to some pushy parents who don't understand that you can't force a passion on someone. I love how Nic encourages the child though. 

This is a story of mistakes and frustration, self doubts and insecurities, and two men who want the best for the other, despite not knowing what that is. Damn. Everything is so complicated for these men. 

The author does a great job illustrating many of the ways that Adam being trans affects him. It's well written, with knowledge and care. 

And then, omg, and then we get to meet up with the men from the first book. Yes, I am that excited about this wonderful surprise!

And just like in the first book, the music doesn't come automatically. One needs to find their muse and the perfect accompanist. The musical journey through this series is truly impressive. 

Staccato is an amazing romance. This EM Lindsey series is hurt/comfort at it's best and I couldn't put it down.

Verismo (Magnum Opus #1) by E.M. Lindsey

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Two men, shaped by the demons of their past, find their lives inexplicably intertwined.

Nicolas Michaud, the prodigy composer and pianist, grew up apart from the world. A mother who neglected him, and a father who never met him. But when he's suddenly orphaned, Nicolas is taken from his comfortable home and thrown into a life where no one understands him. Consumed by his desire to find the perfect musician for his Magnum Opus, he turns away from human relationships, and it turns him cold. Taking a job at the University in the United States, Nicolas is met with disappointment and regret.

Until he meets Cedric Blum, a young chemical engineering student with a secret talent for music like Nicolas has never seen. But Cedric has his own past to overcome. With the help of an old friend, and new relationships, the pair begin their journey toward love, life, and the Magnum Opus.

In the end, will Cedric's happy nature thaw Nicolas' icy exterior, or will Nicolas find himself consumed by his fear of love? 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Verismo is a stellar read. The first book in the Magnum Opus series, this EM Lindsey story is impressive and powerful. 

This is an emotional rollercoaster, so be prepared for a lot of heavy and hard to read content. 

We first meet Nicolas and Cedric when they're kids. We learn about their tragic upbringings and all the hardships they face. 

Nicholas's childhood is awful with his mother and then he ends up an orphan. Sent to live with his rich and powerful half brother, money is never an issue. But love, or the lack there of, certainly is. He turns himself fully to his music, never learning how to be personable; never caring about anyone.

Cedric is left orphaned at birth. Taken in by a couple who end up traumatizing him in the end certainly shapes who he is. One father loves him, but caters to his abusive husband. That abusive father leaves him feeling unloved, unworthy, and in denial of his sexuality. Worst of all, he's told over and over that he's broken because he's blind.

Fast forward to when they meet years later as adults. 

This is a story of music. Two gifted pianists with different paths. One is a world renowned musician, but his life is lacking, as all his energy is devoted to finding someone capable of playing his great piece with him. The other is stripped of his natural born gift to play, as his father doesn't want music to make him gay. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this story is the powerful effect of internalized homophobia by Cedric's father. He himself is gay, but will spend all his energy making sure that his son is not. Crazy and sad, but definitely not far fetched.

The music aspect is well written. It's hard to make a reader feel the music, but somehow the author does just that. It's impressive. No, I don't have a strong music background, but I definitely love how it's written. 

These two are fated. Destiny has plans for them. It's a long road to get there, but in the end, they are certainly meant for one another. Their journey is paved with conflict, homophobia, tragedy, and abuse. Of course, it's also paved with a strong attraction and profound connection. 

I'm seriously blown away by this book. Written in alternating pov, both men fully come alive. The seriousness of this story is felt throughout. The men and the heaviness of their lives, jumps off the pages throughout. And the storyline is truly amazing. The author waits a long time for these men to meet. That isn't typical in a romance, but it is definitely done for a good reason. These men and their lives have lead them to someday meet. The author needs to build up who they are and what got them to the place where they met. Without that background, there is no story.

Verismo is a beautiful story. EM Lindsey left me heartbroken and stunned by these men and their harrowing journey. 

  

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.