RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Us Against the World (Roseden U #1) by Shayne Prescott

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Us Against the World

Author: Shayne Prescott

Publisher: Self-Published - Spartakittah Press

Cover Artist: GetCovers.com

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Friends to lovers, sports, college

Themes: Bullying

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length: 65 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

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Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?

Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?
 
For Roseden University frosh Theo Carter, the journey to his true self has been long and publicized. It seems most everyone on campus saw the TV series in which he was transitioning, and some feel very strongly he doesn't belong at the prestigious all-male school. Struggling with classes and bullying, junior Owen Lewis swoops in like his own personal savior.  But as the heat rises between the two, so too does the torment from some of the school's lacrosse team.
 
As a product of the foster care system, Owen knows all about not being wanted.  That's why his lacrosse teammates are so important to him — they've become the closest thing he's found to a real family.  Being bounced around constantly between different homes with just a plastic bag of his possessions taught Owen there was no such thing as love. But if that's true, why does Theo feel like a home he's never known? Owen is convinced that nothing will stop him from protecting Theo — but what if the choice is between his found family and his first love?
 
When all seems lost, both have choices to make. Will they choose each other?
 
Us Against the World is a 65 000-word HEA set at the fictional Roseden University, in Roseden, Pennsylvania. It is the first in the series of Roseden U books, and contains some derogatory language (LGBTQIA+)

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Us Against the World is a new adult romance by Shayne Prescott. The first book in the Roseden U series, this is a story of a trans man and an athlete falling in love.

Both characters are complex and interesting. Both bring baggage to their relationship, with Theo's gender dysphoria being an issue for him to learn to overcome, and Owen struggling with his upbringing and being a black, gay athlete. 

Their journey is a nice journey as they learn how they fit together. Theo has a lot of growth throughout, as he's unexperienced with sex and being comfortable with his body. His journey isn't anything unexpected, but it's well done. His emotions are well written and easily jump off the pages. 

One would expect Theo to have the most growth along the way, but damn, Owen's story is just as important. Having grown up without stability and a loving family, he struggles to deal with opening his heart and trusting one to love them. 

I enjoy the some of secondary characters, with Brett and his girlfriend being fabulous friends to the young men. I appreciate that both men have supportive and understanding friends. 

Their story includes a transphobic teammate, a lot of bullying, and a slew of doubts and fears. Uncertainty pops up throughout, adding a lot to the storyline.

Overall, Us Against the World is a nice romance. I enjoy the way Shayne Prescott brings these men through the pain of their pasts and into a loving, supportive relationship. It's a worthwhile read and I highly recommend it to anyone in a mood for a new adult hurt/comfort book. 

 “Hi! Do you need help finding your books?” My books, my brain, my capacity to speak…

 “Y-yes.” My tongue tangled like when I was a kid, when I’d had a mouth full of Gobstoppers and couldn’t manage any words. I bet I looked really intelligent.

 Owen grinned at me, either oblivious or nonplussed by my brainless moments. “Do you have your class schedule? I’ll need that to find your books.”

 “Sure do,” I confirmed. I handed him my class list and he looked it over, nodding quietly to himself before suddenly grinning even wider at me.

 “You’re in my Spanish class. But I don’t remember seeing you in the fall semester?”

 “I took the fall semester online, back home in New Hampshire.” Before he could ask why — I could see the curiosity on his chiseled face — I explained. “I had surgery early in the year; it made more sense to be home, rather than recovering here.” Smooth, Theo, so smooth. Why don’t you tell him about the time you tripped and skinned both knees while you’re at it?

 Owen nodded. “I totally get that. So since you’ve got Spanish covered, it’ll just be the other four classes?”

 “Yeah. Take all my money,” I groused, and he laughed, which made my stomach do a little flip-flop. I fought the urge to groan. I needed to get over myself. I didn’t know this guy, and despite him looking damn good, I shouldn’t have been swooning.

 Owen went off to search the stacks for the books, while I decided to pick up some more highlighters. I’d brought some from home, but given the current state of my Spanish book, it would take me no time at all before those were dried up and in need of replacements. Finding a five-pack of assorted colors, I made a happy little noise and snatched them up, coming back to the book section just as Owen approached with a thick stack of books.

 “Oh God. How am I going to get all of those back to my dorm?” Yes, Theo, complain to the handsome man about your own ineptitude.

 Owen peeked around the books to peer down at me. “You didn’t bring a backpack?” I shook my head morosely. “Two options. You can either buy a Roseden one, or if you’ve got one back in your room, I can set the books aside while you go grab it.”

 “Can you really set them aside?” Owen nodded. “Okay, thanks! I’ll get back here as fast as I can.”

 “Don’t rush,” Owen assured me with a dazzling smile. “It’s been slow. More professors are going for online textbooks instead of the physical ones.”

 I hazarded a glance at my stack. “Not mine, it seems.” Owen winked at me and my stomach fluttered again. I started towards the door, then remembered the highlighters in my hand. Turning, I placed them beside my texts. “I’ll pay for those, too, when I come back.” Owen gave me a friendly wave, and then I was off, back to Tucker Hall.

Shayne Prescott has been putting together books since his medium was scraps of paper and pencil nubs. A children’s book was considered for publication while in middle school, and his short stories were often a favorite of his beloved English teacher, Mrs. Mazzacarro. Still, he writes.

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Pines and Violets (Colors of Love #7) by V.L. Locey

 

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Colors of Love Series

Lost In Indigo - All Buy Links

Touch Of A Yellow Sun - All Buy Links

The Good Green Earth - All Buy Links

Slow Dances Under An Orange Moon - All Buy Links

A Brush Of Blue - All Buy Links

Songs of a Red Currant Wine - All Buy Links

Amazon Link    

Goodreads Link

He never thought he’d find love again, but one summer changes his entire life.

Greg Mattar always had a clear path in life. The son of wealthy professionals, he and his sister wanted for nothing growing up in Montreal. His skills playing hockey led him to be picked first in the draft and a successful career as one of the premier defensemen in the league. He married his college sweetheart and within a year, they’d been blessed with twin girls. Then the unthinkable happened, and Greg’s life was turned inside out.

After losing his wife to cancer, he’s left alone to raise his daughters and at the same time balance his career. After a rough two years of mourning coupled with a dismal season, Greg and his girls travel to a small vacation community deep in the Catskills. There he meets Aiden Burke, a local artisan with a past who enchants not only Greg’s daughters but Greg as well. During a vacation filled with laughter, acceptance, and morning goose parades, the two men fall for each other, which begins a journey down a winding road of revelations and romance. 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pines and Violets is the seventh book in VL Locey's Colors of Love series. Each book is easily read as a standalone. 

Greg's a black hockey player who's spending some time in the woods with his daughters. Still grieving the loss of his wife, he's surprised to find himself attracted to the strange guy with the goats. 

Their story is cute and sweet, with everything evolving naturally between the men. And I adore the kids and their contribution to the story. They are cute and funny, and totally loveable. 

I appreciate that Greg never struggles with his sexuality. Instead, this is the story of him falling in love, coming out, and dealing with some obstacles that are in his way. 

Their story is full of first times and sexual experimentation. It's a story with racism and homophobia, both of which had my heart hurting for Greg. 

Theirs is a story of redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness. It's a story of finding one's place in the world again. And I love it all!

Pines and Violets is the perfect feel-good escape. This VL Locey is nice and low-angst, with plenty to keep you charmed throughout. 

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USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Exquisitely Yours (Sin City Tale #3) by M. Jay Granberry

 

Title: Exquisitely Yours

Series: Sin City Tale #3

Author: M. Jay Granberry

Genre: Secret Romance

Release Date: July 27, 2021

I don’t take anything too seriously.

Not the career that’s brought me fame and fortune, or the never ending string of women that fill my bed, and definitely not myself.

But life has a way of turning on a dime.

The party is over.

All the jokes have been told.

One beautiful face blurs with the next beautiful body and all I feel is…empty.

Until her.

The sexy complication too intelligent to ignore and too complicated to keep.

Jessica Johnson isn’t supposed to be in my world but now that she is I plan to make sure she enjoys the ride.

So, what happens in Vegas…?

Boundaries are crossed.

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Exquisitely Yours is a fabulous addition to the Sin City Tales series. This M Jay Granberry series is full of rock, sex, and love. 

God, I love this story. Everything about Jessica and Daniel oozes sex. They are awesome together; sensual and full of emotion. 

Daniel's one of the bandmates who finds himself intensely attracted to the sister of Sin's fiancee. Yikes. 

The whole time they ooze steam, with the scenes perfectly hot and seductive, the reader can feel the tension this can invite. Ugh! Love it!

I adore Daniel and the way Jessica makes him want more than his groupie sex lifestyle. He craves her and starts to crave more. All the while, he's messing with fire, and it's awesome.

The forbidden romance and opposites attract elements are everything in this story. They add plenty of fun and tension to the storyline, making the emotions intensify. Love it all!

This is a story of family expectations and a rich mother wanting certain things for her children. Obviously this adds to the story, but damn, I wanted to smack her. 

There's a lot going on in this story and I love it all!

Exquisitely Yours is a wonderful read. This M Jay Granberry story is the perfect book when you're in the mood for a rocker being knocked to his knees. 

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“Don’t think, Jessie. Fall.”

For a second the microscopic space between our lips is a chasm too wide to cross.

Insecurity and self-doubt double down.

The insidious message—I’m not hot enough, sexy enough, experienced enough— get louder with each repetition. The idea that I can’t be anything more than a sad little notch on his massive bedpost. An embarrassed, sad little notch especially when compared to all the others.

My experience consists of scintillating missionary and barely achieved orgasms. Can’t really imagine blowing his mind.

“Stop thinking. Just...” His eyes close and he takes a deep inhale through his nose before saying in a strained voice. “Fall.”

I hesitate. My nerves are completely at war with my common sense.

Daniel opens his eyes and probes mine for long seconds before he speaks. “I swear I’ll catch you.”

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M. Jay Granberry is first and foremost an insatiable reader.

Among her favorite things are classic fairy tales, smutty books where characters have heart, old lady sweaters (preferably chunky knit), gift baskets (giving not receiving), and charcuterie trays (green olives, smoked cheese, and Genoa salami).

She is a true Las Vegas native, the one in Nevada not New Mexico, and to answer the most frequently asked questions about growing up in Sin City…

• No, she doesn’t live in a hotel.
• No, she has never been a stripper although she does know some.
• Prostitution is absolutely illegal in Clark County (Las Vegas)!
• And what happens in Vegas does indeed stay in Vegas.

M. Jay earned a degree in words and stories, and after fifteen plus years of doing everything other than writing, she penned her first novel.

Giving a voice to characters, that are strong yet fragile, that are sometimes uncomfortably real, that express love in dirtiest ways with the sweetest sentiments is honestly a dream come true.

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Whirlwind by Reese Morrison

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

A magical moment.

A single night.

A collection of stories about first kisses, second chances, kinky explorations, and having the confidence to ask for what you want.

Five whirlwind relationships celebrating queer bodies and queer love.

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Waiting for You: Taylor has been pining for his best friend, Julio, for most of his life. But he knows that he’s too big, too fat, and too plain to ever appeal. It doesn't help that his secret desires for lace, makeup, and submission don't match his outsides at all. He could never catch Julio’s eye, could he? (MM, friends-to-lovers)

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Here for You: Eric has always avoided dating. But something’s different about the new sub, Micah. He’s both vulnerable and strong, owning his disability, his transgender identity, and his unconventional desires. Eric is happy to arrange a group scene for the night... and perhaps look for something more tomorrow. (MM, first time)

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Game for You: Ben and Parker have been circling each other for years in a frenzy of insane dares and sexual innuendo. But as two Doms, they know they could never get together. Enter sassy, gorgeous Dakota, a perfect mix of masculine and feminine, and a perfect challenge for the two men to claim. This story contains spanking, whipping, an erotic game of darts, and an even sexier bet. (MMX, friends-to-lovers with someone new)

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Back for You: When Nina was betrayed by her teenaged crush at their all-male boarding school, she vowed to move on in her life. She transitioned to being the woman she always knew she was and didn’t look back. But when she meets a gorgeous new customer, it takes only a moment to recognize those eyes. Angel has a new name, but she’s as intense and commanding as ever. And she wants to ask for another chance. This story contains role play, spankings, foot worship, and a chance to reclaim the one who got away. (FF, second chance)

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Time for You: Charlie knows that she’s too old and grumpy for someone like Carla. He’s young, dapper, confident, and most of all, just as butch as she is. It’s easier to just ignore his flirting and push away any hope for something between them. What would that even look like? When Carla asks her out, Charlie has to decide. Can she take the risk to not only trust Carla, but explore sides of herself she never dared to face? And if she does, will Carla still want her? This story contains shibari and first-time submission. (XX, friends-to-lovers, younger Dom/older sub)

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The first three stories (Waiting for You, Here for You, and Game for You) were previously available as separate books.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Whirlwind is a fabulous collection of 5 Reese Morrison stories, all revolving around the Whirlwind bar. I love that it isn't the main setting, but rather a place all the couples hang out.

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In Waiting For You, we get the romance of Taylor and Julio, best friends and business partners who secretly love one another. In a nice twist, Taylor is a large man who desires the smaller Julio to dominate him. Theirs is a story of secrets being unveiled, and desires being satisfied.

Both men are lovable. Taylor's overweight, looks like a bear, but doesn't have the mindset of a bear. He prefers femme clothing, including lace, as he enjoys being pretty. I love these two friends who have secret desires that perfectly compliment one another. Their story is full of heat, including BDSM, spanking, and bondage.

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In Here for You we get a stupendous BDSM romance between Micah and Eric. 

Micah has a secret desire to be dominated, held down, and taken by multiple men at the same time. Being transgender, he's always struggled with baring both himself and his desires. He also has a physical disability caused by his cerebral palsy, which is well written and explored.

Eric's a Dom who is able to give Micah everything he's ever wanted. And oh my, I just love him and his connection to Micah.

Their story is multi-layered with characters full of pain and doubts. The plot is serious, yet fun. And be ready for some serious heat!

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In Game for You, we get a fabulous menage romance between Ben, Parker, and Dakota.

Ben and Parker are great friends, both in love with each other, but sexually incompatible. Both are Doms, and soon they find the answer to their problems in Dakota. 

With Ben and Dakota immediately attracted across the bar, things get fun. 

In general, there's a lot going on in this story. Ben's biracial, never fitting in fully, always just seen as a black guy. Parker's trans and has been abused and disowned by his family. And Dakota is intersex. I love how all are explored.

The gender identity issues are in full force throughout and make this story extra special. 

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In Back to You we a second chance romance between two trans women, Angel and Nina. 

The two have a messy past, and a lot of new things to unveil about themselves. Their tale involves some forgiveness and a new chance. 

I love how their kinks align, including roleplay and a foot fetish, which is rare to see in a book. 

This story involves two POC in this hot, erotic, and sweet tale. 

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In Time For You, we finally get to see Charlie finds love, with the trivia guy Carla.

Charlie's a butch queer, while Carla's a transgender man. It's cute and sweet, as Carla finally gets Charlie on board with a date. 

Charlie's interested, but is full of doubts, all because Carla loves kink and she's never been involved with kink before. Charlie has a lot of baggage and has a journey to get past it. 

Their tale is hot and intense, with everyone accepting each other. It's fun, playful, and passionate and a lot of fun. 

I love how Charlie can trust Carla. They understand that everyone can have different feelings about their bodies. I applaud the author for the  way they explore this with Charlie. 

And then we get some Shibari, which is hot, but gentle and freeing. I love how Charlie discovers new likes and new things about herself.

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I love the representation of varied genders, races, couplings, and gender expression. It's as varied as you'll ever get, and it's wonderful. Reese includes a variety of employment types, backgrounds, and body types. 

Overall, Whirlwind is a fabulous collection of 5 stories, all of which start at the Whirlwind bar. All the people involved are part of a type group, making for plenty of fun moments.