The Real Baxter (The Baxter Chronicles #1) by Lane Hayes

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

The silver-fox and the faux bodyguard…

Sebastian

Who’s the true hero behind the Hollywood heartthrob, crime-fighting, adventure-seeking international man of mystery? Me. I’m the real Baxter.

Well, I wear the suit and let the action play out onscreen. You want to know the secret of my success? Sell the story you want to tell. Even if you have to bend the truth a little.

Okay…a lot.

Trust me, no one will notice. Except Trent, who seems to notice everything. And for some reason, I like that. I like him. I’m just not sure what to do about it.

Trent

Look, I’m not exactly killing it. I’m a typical struggling actor-slash-waiter, hoping for a break. And boom…in walks Sebastian Rourke. He’s a cutthroat, wickedly charming silver fox, a Hollywood legend in the making. No joke. You’ve got to sell a piece of your soul to get in this man’s orbit. Or fake a British accent, then take a job playing bodyguard to fool the press. As one does.

I know I should take advantage of the very strange situation I find myself in, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for it. However, I’m willing to take a chance, ’cause I want the real Seb.

Even though it might cost me everything.

The Real Baxter is a MM age-gap, bisexual romance featuring the man who has everything and the actor who’s willing to show him what’s real.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Real Baxter is a great start to The Baxter Chronicles series by Lane Hayes. 

Seb, who we met in the Starting From series, is a famous and wealthy Hollywood man. From the start, his relationship with Trent is everything I never saw coming. 

Trent definitely brings out a different side to Seb. And I love it. Seb isn't a bad guy, but love isn't on his mind when he meets the inexperienced actor. He just has a lot going on in his life and isn't looking for anything serious. 

These two are fabulous together. I enjoy the layers to their relationship, as well as the unconventionality of it. 

Their story is hot and emotional in all the best ways. I love the age gap as well as the opposites attract. And damn, these two are complete opposites in every way. 

Of course, there's a fake relationship aspect which is well executed. We all know how Hollywood is about fake relationships. 

The writing is wonderful, with a lot of heart, and a slew of secondary characters who we all have come to love. 

The Real Baxter is everything I never knew I needed. This looks to be the start of another amazing series by Lane Hayes. Be sure to check it out.

His Assistant (His Chance # 3) by Alexa Land

 

Title: His Assistant

Author: Alexa Land

Series: His Chance Series, Book 3

Release Date: November 28. 2020

Pre-Order: Yes

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance

Main Characters: Phoenix, a personal assistant; Harper, an A-list Actor

Tropes: Boss-Employee; Opposites Attract; Romantic Comedy

Contact Information: AlexaLandWrites@gmail.com

Amazon US - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

I knew going to work for movie star and party boy Harper Royce was a mistake.

It was a bigger mistake to sleep with him, but here we are.

At least this situation is temporary. I’m on the verge of a major breakthrough with my musical career, and then my days of working as a personal assistant are over. As long as I don’t fall for Harper, this should all work out just fine.

If only he wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous, but I can resist a pretty face. When he starts showing me his vulnerable side, though? Well, now I’m in trouble.

This light-hearted, opposites attract gay romance features a spoiled Hollywood A-lister, his long-suffering assistant, and a loopy chicken. It’s set in the world of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever and His Chance Series, but it absolutely can be read as a stand-alone.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

His Assistant is a fantastic romance by Alexa Land. The third book in the His Chance series, it's a wonderful addition to the fun. 

This is a tale of a Hollywood actor and his assistant falling in love. Harper and Phoenix are total opposites who need one another to balance their personalities. One's a free spirit while the other's too serious and too rigid. I love the way they mesh and the way their relationship plays out. They are just so damn much fun together. 

There's plenty of issues for the men, Phoenix especially, to deal with. Phoenix's relationship with his twin is a huge factor in his personality. I absolutely love the layers involved between the two and the way their tale carries out. 

And, damn, the financial differences make things tough for Phoenix. He struggles with the rich, entitled people he works with. He struggles with his assumptions and has a major inferiority complex. As well, his stubbornness for independence is his biggest flaw. 

As for Harper, I enjoy the way things unfold for him. He's always been closeted, but with Phoenix he's found the one worth coming out for. It makes for some great scenes. 

In the end, I love the way everything develops for these men. Harper is just the man to help Phoenix in his personal and professional life. And Phoenix is just the man to do the same for Harper. It's all wonderful and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

As usual, I love the writing style. The characters are nicely layered, and the storyline is a great mix of serious, sweet, and funny. Alexa never fails to tell a heartfelt romance in her unique way. 

His Assistant is a beautiful romance. Alexa Land combines charming moments with character growth and humor throughout. It's a perfect addition to her series for me. 

If you haven't yet read an Alexa Land book, you seriously need to start now. Just start with Way Off Plan, book one in the Firsts & Forever series, and enjoy the world that Alexa has created in her three connected series. You won't regret it. I could re-read these books every day if I had time. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Tahoe Blue by Eden French

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Tahoe Blue by Eden French

A paramedic must face old wounds when his Hollywood heartthrob ex returns home and tries to win back his affections. Will he find closure or will he give first love a second chance?

Coming back to Tahoe was a mistake. At least, that’s what Carson Keaton thinks the minute he returns to his hometown. When he ran away seven years ago, he left everything behind, including Brand West, the only person he ever loved. Not that he had a choice. But now that the danger has passed, he returns home to reclaim Brand. The biggest question is, is it too late?

Brand West is a paramedic with a broken heart. Just after high school graduation, the love of his life hopped a Greyhound to Hollywood, leaving without explanation. Now, seven years later, Brand is determined to forget about Carson by throwing himself into his career, his community, and—thanks to his best friend playing matchmaker—a hot new lover. But now Carson’s back in town, as irresistible as ever, leaving Brand with two choices: find closure and move on, or give first love a second chance.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

Goodreads

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Tahoo Blue is a wonderful second chance romance by Eden French. 

Carson skipped town, without explanation, leaving his boyfriend behind. Now, seven years have passed, and he's back. What follows is an emotional and heartfelt second chance with his ex.

Unfortunately for both men, it won't be easy. Brand spent the past seven years unable to forget his first love. But he's just now decided to move on and had found the man he wants to do so with.  Then Carson shows up back in town. Cue the heartache. 

Carson's an actor who goes home during a writer's strike. His fame made it tough for Brand to ever forget him, even if he could have.  Their reunion involves some explanations, acceptance, and forgiveness. I love it all. 

Their story includes a homophobic father, as well as years of separation and years of secrecy. I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a lot of angst. Instead, it's a lot more of trying to win back one's true love. 

There is never a doubt these two belong together. All these years later, the pull between them is as strong as ever. Luckily for the reader, the reason Carson left town was for a valid reason. It's painful and definitely lead their lives on unwanted paths. But, that's what second chances are for. 

This is a short, quick read. Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the emotions of both men fully come to life.  The author does a wonderful job with the setting, fully drawing the reader into the Lake Tahoe atmosphere. As well, Eden keeps the reader riveted with the nice tone and easy pace. Despite it's length, I never felt anything was missing.

Tahoe Blue is a beautiful tale of grabbing onto second chances. This Eden French book is definitely a good choice when you're in the mood for a quick, tender-hearted tale of forgiveness and love. My first time reading this author, I look forward to see what comes next.

 

Brand West reached up to the sky and stretched his arms high until his abs pulled tight in both directions. Holding the position just a minute longer, a small moan escaping his lips, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes. When he had pushed his muscles to the max, he released the stretch and, standing upright, let his body relax.

            It’d been too long since he’d hit the trail. Looking around at the towering pines, he inhaled deeply and let the thick scent of spruce and earth fill his body. A few steps forward and he stood on the lookout, Lake Tahoe splayed out before him down below, deep blue and still.

God, he loved it here. Especially these late fall mornings. Those mornings when the air was cold and hinted of winter. He craved the smell of chimney fires, the feel of the crisp, clean air in his lungs, the quiet mornings, and the starry evenings. Ever since he was a teen, he’d climb up to the lookout behind his grandfather’s cabin and sit on the flat boulder for hours, a feeling of peace settling in his soul.

He smiled as he watched the sun peek out from behind the Sierra Nevadas at the opposite end of the lake. The crunch of pine needles and early snow caught his attention. Turning, he smiled as his closest friend, Ryan, rounded the corner. Her dark hair was falling out of the messy bun piled on the top of her head, and her cheeks were rosy from both the chilly air and being winded.

“I swear… to God… I’m gonna fuckin’ beat… you for making me climb this… mountain… before my coffee.” She reached the boulder and doubled over, her left hand flush against her chest.

Brand laughed, the sound echoing down into the valley below. “Coffee, before a run? You really are going to give yourself a heart attack, you know that, don’t you?”

Ryan plopped down onto the boulder and waved him off. “Never gonna happen. Why do you think I keep you around? I got my own personal paramedic to jolt me back to life if I go down.”

“You know I don’t actually carry my AED on runs, right?”

Ryan waggled her eyebrows. “No need. You are a walking talking AED, doll.” She gripped his forearms and ran her fingers along the strong muscle line “Damn, who are you working out for?”

Brand rolled his eyes. Here we go again. “No one. And I’m really not in the mood for another lecture about why I need to be opening myself up for a real relationship. I’m just not interested right now.”

Ryan narrowed her eyes. “Sure you’re not. You know, there are other fish in the sea, Brand. I know you feel there’s no one who can compare to him, but honey, believe me, there is.” She held his hand and entwined her fingers with his. “It’s been seven years, Brand. Seven years, and you mean to tell me that you haven’t met anyone who is relationship material? Not even worth a second date? Are you sure you want to be waiting around for something that may never happen?”

He pulled his hand from hers. “I’m not waiting around for him, Ry. I’ve dated other people. Lots. I’m just… busy. I don’t have time for relationships.” He heard the bullshit flow from his mouth.

You’d have time if he were around, his inner voice poked.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Tahoe Blue, Eden is giving away a $10 Amazon Giftcard

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57105/?

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Eden French is an American author of erotic queer romance with swoon-worthy heroes and happy ever afters. In addition to writing books that’ll set your blood on fire, she also writes romance stories for an interactive gaming app.

A hot yoga junkie, she often gets some of her best ideas while in a difficult pose. She’s a relentless daydreamer, chocoholic, and Scotch whiskey aficionado who likes life a bit kinky, and spends as much time as possible playing with the sexy characters in her head.

A born and raised California girl, she graduated from San Francisco State University with an English lit degree, and has a borderline obsession for Mexican food. Eden currently resides in the quirky Pacific Northwest with her amazing spouse and five… yes, five fur-babies.

Connect with Eden:
Website: www.edenfrench.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EdenFrenchRomance
Twitter: www.twitter.com/E_FrenchWrites
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17206696.Eden_French
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Eden-French
BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eden-french
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edenfrenchwrites

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Fool of Main Beach (Love in Laguna #5) by Tara Lain

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

How can Merle swim with the sharks when the guy he loves is bait? Just when Merle's dreams of finally amazing his intellectual family with his accomplishments as a respected actor are about to manifest - he comes face-to-face with Tom Henry.

Can this guy even be real? Tom's as simple and unsophisticated as an angel and totally happy with who he is as long as he can protect his sister and take care of his dogs. 

Everyone loves Tom - but "in love" with him? That's another whole story. Even Tom knows that out of bed the only thing he can do for Merle is wreck his career - and lose his family's respect. Merle's going to have to give up something. Hey Merle, your money or your heart? 

FOOL OF MAIN BEACH is a MM, opposites-so-far-apart-they-might-as-well-be-on-different-planets attract, world's colliding, blue-collar lover, saving your sister, desperate for approval romance - - with the very best dogs. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Fool of Main Beach is a fabulous book by Tara Lain. The fifth book in the Love in Laguna series, this is easily read as a standalone. 

Tom and Merle's story is as unique as the characters themselves. Tom's an extremely well developed character. Everyone thinks he's slow, or stupid, but he isn't. I love the way Merle sees his worth from the start.

The opposites attract aspect of this story is the guiding factor throughout. The men are as far apart as can be in the way they live their lives. One is famous and successful. The other is a construction worker who everyone thinks is mentally slow. There are always characters you fall in love with while reading their tale, but Tom is one of the men who I will never forget. The author excels in developing Tom's character without ever seeming insensitive or in a judgmental. That isn't always easy. 

As for Merle, he's a conflicted character who feels inferior to his intellectual family. I enjoy the way he's multi-layered and full of internal problems. His parents are awful to him and I definitely hurt for the man having to deal with them.

Both men have some growth throughout, and their story is tender and sweet most of the time. There's definitely one character who I hated, and it definitely took away from the story for me. He's over the top creepy and I hated the way he affected the story. 

Fool of Main Beach is an impressive read. Tara Lain combined a tender tale with a unique character that charms it's readers. And if you like dogs, you will love the attention the author gives them here. I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. 

Flirting with Fire (Shore Thing #3) by Grace Kilian Delaney

 

Amazon Link 
Goodreads Link

A stuntman with a love for fire.
A yoga teacher in search of zen.
A holiday season neither will forget.

Stunt performer and self-declared badass, Tate Astbury returns to his hometown to spend another dreaded Thanksgiving with his dad. But his father forgets and makes other plans, resigning Tate to a quiet and depressing holiday alone unless he can find someplace else to celebrate.

When Tate’s mischievous friend learns about the unfortunate twist, he dares Tate to enter a radio contest to become a fake boyfriend for a desperate caller’s holiday dinner, and Tate never turns down a dare.

Endre Michel is a mess. His yoga business is on the cusp of ruin, and his moms are visiting from out of state for the holiday, intent on meeting his boyfriend, a person Endre invented. Through the contest, he meets Tate, a crude, tattooed older man who plays the role of doting boyfriend so well, Endre suspects and hopes it’s not all for show.

Neither man can deny the unintended connection, and they struggle to overcome the distance between Tate’s put-together Hollywood career and the chaos surrounding Endre’s unsteady future—a situation that intensifies when an unthinkable tragedy uncovers a dark and painful truth.

Will Tate and Endre’s future together perish in flames, or can their love rise from the ashes?

Flirting with Fire can be read as a standalone holiday romance with several cups of angst, questionable jokes, a bird with a wicked sense of humor, a bed with loud, squeaky springs, and an HFN/HEA ending.

CW: suicide, substance abuse disorder, grief, mental illness

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Flirting with Fire is a wonderful hurt/comfort read by Grace Kilian Delaney. The third book in the Shore Thing series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

The themes explored throughout this book are heavy. There's a huge emphasis on grief, guilt, depression, and addiction. Everything is written with extreme care, compassion, and heart. It's realistic, emotional, and all consuming. I am downright impressed with the way the author handles everything. 

As for Tate and Endre, they meet via a radio contest for a fake boyfriend for the holidays situation. It's a cute thing and I adore their first meeting, as things get off to a bad start. They do eventually click and end up being great supports for one another.

Learning the details of these men's pasts is as emotional as it gets. Both suffered, and continue to suffer, greatly. The meat of this story is Endre and the fact that his life is at a crossroads. Things with his best friend are strained, he's struggling with his business decision, and he's trying to stay clean through it all. It's a lot to deal with and the reader gets a front row seat for it all. 

One of the highlights of this story for me is the way Endre uses his videos to talk through his pain and addiction issues. He not only talks through his current issues, but we get flashbacks to how he started doing so and why. He's open and honest about his addiction and recovery, putting his vulnerability out into the world. It's remarkable and would be a fantastic way for many people to deal with such issues in real life. I truly love this. 

I love and adore Tate and Endre as a couple. They have a lot on their plates and many reasons to not try to be together, including distance. But through it all, they genuinely are perfect for one another and help the other to heal. Fate is definitely at play for these two.

And then there's Endre and Jackson. What a complicated relationship these two have. Omg, my heart breaks for Jackson and I completely understand his decisions, despite the impact they have on Endre. I am crossing my fingers that we get Jackson's story, as I desperately need him to find love. 

This story has a lot going on. Much of it is the men dealing with their emotional baggage. It has looks into Tate's career as a stunt man and the danger he faces. There's also real life danger to deal with, as well as some twists and turns that help bring this story full circle. I should say, the twists and turns weren't a shock to me, as I suspected the big reveal all along, but I love the way it's developed and executed. Another well done moment for the author.

In the end, Flirting With Fire is a beautiful story. This Grace Killian Delaney book is one hell of a ride. as we're reminded that sometimes what looks like a bad thing can actually be a new opportunity for better things. Definitely consider this book the next time you're in the mood for an angst ridden emotional journey towards healing. You won't regret it. 

Prince of the Playhouse (Love in Laguna #3) by Tara Lain

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Is Ru’s shady past the new black?

Fashion designer Ru Maitland’s so obsessed with movie star Gray Anson, the Cosmic Joker can’t resist bringing them face-to-face at the Laguna Playhouse.

But Gray’s in the closet—to protect his billion-dollar career.
Ru’s so not.

When Ru’s dark past collides with Gray’s paparazzi-haunted present, Gray’s macho identity threatens to crumble, and Ru finds himself in jail!

Somebody better learn that the only acceptable compromise is the truth.

PRINCE OF THE PLAYHOUSE is a coming out, hidden identity, billionaire, movie star, your-past-comes-back-to-bite-you, MM romance.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Tara Lain's Prince of the Playhouse is a fabulous Hollywood romance. The third book in the Love in Laguna series, it has all the charm and love we've come to expect in this series. It can be read as a standalone, but is even more fun if you've met Ru before.

We met Ru in Knight of Ocean Avenue and his story is everything we'd expect from the out and proud fashion designer. He's over the top flamboyant and it's wonderful. His wardrobe is well illustrated and it's perfectly dazzling, just like Ru himself. 

Ru's long time favorite actor is Gray, who he ends up designing clothes for during a Parkhouse play. His adorable crush on the actor is entertaining, and it ends up that the two have some things in common. 

As much as I love and adore Ru, my heart wanted to protect Gray. I have a special spot in my heart for closeted actors. We all know the industry can be very unforgiving to gay actors. And Gray is definitely is not taking his chances with coming out. And damn it, as much as it angers me, I just can't blame the man. 

Ohhh, Ru and Gray. Yes, Ru and Gray. They're as wonderful together as you'd think. Fancy, unapologetically awesome fashion designer Ru and the the tough, macho Hollywood actor, Gray. 

Their tale is one of instant lust. It's also a messy tale that's loaded with complications. It's full of twists and turns, as things are never easy for these two men. In addition to Gray's secret sexual identification, Ru also has secrets. Ru's past is full of some major issues, and he's no longer able to ignore them. 

The writing in wonderful, keeping me fully delighted and invested throughout. The development of both the men and their story is done well. And the author includes some great secondary characters to keep things fun. As much as I'm obsessed with Shaz, it's Gray's mom who stole the show for me here. If you like wonderful moms, look no further. 

Prince of the Playhouse is an marvelous read. This Tara Lain book will perfectly entertain and charm you from start to finish. You can't go wrong with this love story between total opposites. 

 

Unwritten (Unscripted #3) by JR Gray

 

UNWRITTEN by J.R. Gray

Series: Unscripted #3

Publisher: Graybooks

Release Date: October 8, 2020

Subgenre: Celebrity M/M Romance

Tropes:

May-December

Friends-to-lovers

Celebrity/Movie star

Virgin

Slow burn

Boss

___________________________________________

Goodreads Link

Amazon Link - Available in KU

_________________________________

Success was lonely.

I would have killed for the ability to use a hookup app or go out to a bar and meet someone but my life wasn’t my own. I belonged to the fans and the media. I should have been on top of the world but I was suffocated by fame.

I’d almost resigned myself to virginity forever and the impossibility of finding a relationship, until I met the most beautiful man I’d ever laid eyes on and hope sparked again, but in a cruel twist of fate, he was the only person forbidden to me: My director.

Twenty years older, and seemingly interested too, now I had four months to work with him while trying to keep my hands to myself or one of us would lose our job.

The temptation was going to kill me.

Unwritten is a slow burn, May-December with low angst and a dog that’s in charge. This book can be read as a standalone.

Catch a Tiger by the Tail (One Scoop or Two) by Gabbi Grey

Links:

Amazon US * Amazon CA

Add to Goodreads  

Tagline:  Breaking the rules can be so delicious…

Thomas Walsh knows the number one rule in the film industry. Don't get involved with the talent. But resisting the urge to take the big screen to the bedroom can be hell when the lead actor on the set looks good enough to eat...one slow lick at a time.

Peter Erickson's latest role as a gay man hits a little too close to home. He's still in the closet and secretly grieving the death of his lover. Then an enchanting production assistant catches his eye, and he's surprised by the instant attraction that stirs more than his wounded soul.

When the two men are caught on camera in a very intimate pose, both Thomas and Peter are afraid they've caught a tiger by the tail.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Catch a Tiger by the Tail is one of those books that intrigued me immediately and consumed me throughout. This Gabbi Gray One Scoop or Two book is fabulous. I love it all!

Fun from the start, Thomas and Jason are perfect together. Thomas is a PA on a movie set who's dumb struck the first time he sees Jason, the movie star. Jason, oh how I adore Jason. He's a closeted actor who comes with a whole lot of baggage. His ex kept him firmly in the closet and he's never recovered from the pain. 

Despite a 14 year age gap, Thomas and Jason can't fight their attraction to one another. Both men have their issues. Thomas is closeted due to his homophobic family, and Jason is still struggling with his past relationship. They also have to deal with outside forces that come with being famous, including the paparazzi.

This is an insta-love Hollywood romance. It's a story of sexual exploration, first times, and coming out. And I couldn't get enough of it.

The writing style flows well, and the storyline is pure delight. Told in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is easily brought into the character's minds and motivations. 

Catch a Tiger by the Tail is a sweet and easy going read. This Gabbi Grey gem is angst free and completely heart-felt. These men and their whirlwind romance could be cheesy, but it's not. It's truly delightful!

Gabbi lives surrounded by trees, racoons, deer, and other woodland creatures, on a mountain in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin poo keeps her safe from nasty bears. 

Working for the government by day, she spends her nights writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances…and while she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love.

Personal links:

Website: https://gabbigrey.com/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M

Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/gabbigreyauthor/

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey