Rhone's Rebel (The Road To Rocktoberfest #5) by T.L. Travis

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Rhone Horne, drummer for the band Embrace the Fear, bleeds rock ‘n roll. Being the son of legendary drummer Sage Horne, the first time Rhone picked up his father’s old drumsticks, he knew he was destined to follow in his footsteps. But filling such big shoes would not come easily.

Ely Pearcy, made a promise to himself on his eighteenth birthday that he would never again hide who he was. His love of lace, silk, and six-inch heels got him banned from his childhood home the day he graduated high school. Alone and penniless, Ely sought solace in a local LGBTQA+ shelter amongst his peers.

Rhone’s Rebel is the 5th book in the multi-author Road To Rocktoberfest series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not stay and enjoy the whole show? If you like scorching tales of hot rock stars and the men who love them, then you’ll adore the untamed musicians of Rocktoberfest!

Rhone’s Rebel takes place between Derek’s Destiny, book 2 and Jaxson’s Nemesis, book 3 of the Maiden Voyage series.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Rhone's Rebel, the fifth book in The Road to Rocktoberfest, is a fun rocker romance. As TL Travis' contribution to this multi-author series, we get yet another great look into this rock festival and all the men involved. 

Rhone and Ely certainly don't make a typical couple. Rhone's the hot rocker. Ely's the makeup wearing, androgynous chef on the tour. Both men are at the start of their careers. Rhone trying to make it big with his band while Ely's trying to graduate culinary school and start his career as a chef. 

The opposites factor is large for these two. Ely's backstory and lack of self esteem broke my heart. The poor young man believed every word his father ever spat his way. His anxiety attacks are fully brought to life, with the reader easily feeling his pain. Meanwhile Rhone is far from being on his own. Not only does he have a large support system with his music friends, but his family is wonderful too.  

I love the way Rhone cares for Ely and wants to help him. Ely's need for independence is definitely annoying, but also understandable.

As for the physical aspect, good god, the attraction is strong. Ely's virgin status and lack of sexual knowledge adds a lot of heat to their story. Add in some lace manties and wow. I seriously enjoyed the steam!

As I've come to expect from this author, the writing is fabulous. I was immediately draw to the men and their stories. The character development is marvelous and their storyline is emotional and compelling. The reader is easily brought into every thought and emotion throughout, including those suffocating anxiety attacks. 

Overall, Rhone's Rebel is a wonderful romance by TL Travis. I love everything about this book and look forward to reading it again. And, omg, the author left us with a sneak treat of what's to come in the next book. I can't wait. 

Dancing with a Star (Shore Thing #2) by Grace Kilian Delaney

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

"You had my heart as a boy, and whether you realized it or not, you’ve kept it all these years."

Androgynous fashion model Quinn Bouchard knew this day was coming. Hours before one of the most important photo shoots of his career, his wife asks for a divorce—a divorce they had agreed upon before exchanging vows—causing upheaval in his otherwise happy queerplatonic relationship. As if the day wasn’t hard enough, Quinn learns Xander Engstrom, his childhood best friend now a movie star, is part of the photo shoot, and their reunion awakens something Quinn hasn’t felt in years, leaving him sure of only one thing: he needs Xander back in his life.

Movie star Xander Engstrom has regrets, and the epic fight spread across the tabloids between him and his ex-boyfriend—an addict that won’t leave him alone—is the biggest. To control the damage, Xander agrees to an interview and photo shoot with a well-respected publication where he meets Quinn, the first boy he had a crush on. Xander’s pathetic, romantic heart falls all over again for his long-lost friend. The only problem is the type of relationship he’s thinking of isn’t possible with the stunning model.

Living on opposite coasts and worlds apart, they navigate through months of coordinating schedules, the whims of a finicky film company, and nights in hotel rooms to spend time with each other until secrets force them to choose between a future together or letting their pasts tear them apart.

This friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance contains implied sexual abuse, one photogenic gargoyle, and discussions about cannibalism.

Can be read as a stand-alone book as Quinn’s story starts before Julien’s in Living on a Dare (Book One) and ends a year later.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars! 

Ahhh, Grace Kilian Delaney's second book in the Shore Thing series, Dancing with a Star, is a fabulous read. 

Quinn and Xander are two former best friends who are reunited on a photo shoot. Love these guys and their complexity. Quinn's an androgynous model who's in a platonic polyamorous relationship with two women that is about to end in divorce. It's complex, and it's wonderfully explored. This is definitely something unique and worth a read. It's full of intense emotions that truly help drive the story, and is handled with care. 

Xander meanwhile is a movie action star. He's super lovable, but he's been burnt by his controlling ex Todd. And to say Todd was controlling is an understatement. That man is trouble with a capital T, as he's extremely abusive and manipulative. Honestly, this part isn't heavily explored, as the emotional impact isn't mentioned much, thus keeping this a lot less heavy than it could have been.

Quinn and Xander's relationship is extremely slow burn, as most of their story is about life and character growth, rather than romance. Their developing friendship is impressive in it's honesty, and the slowness to become lovers is fantastically natural. 

The careers are both men are explored nicely, shedding some light into the world of the famous, both the good and the bad. 

This story is heavy on the serious topics, so read with some warning. I love the complexity, and the moments of light humor that soften things up. A story build upon character development, this story needs some of those lighter moments. 

Dancing with a Star kept me intrigued and entertained throughout. The characters are interesting, leaving me wanting more of them. I'm impressed with the way Grace Kilian Delaney explores different kinds of love, relationships, and sexuality, and I highly recommend this book.

Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Reid

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Dear lord, I love hockey romances. Tough Guy, Rachel Reid's third book in the Game Changers series, is fantastic.

A second chance romance, Ryan and Fabio reunite after 14 years ago, back when Fabio's family housed Ryan for a while.

Ryan's a quietly out gay hockey player, but he definitely hides that he is attracted to femme men, as the androgynous look is what turns him on.
",,he was in awe of their confidence, of their bravery to openly be themselves and dare anyone to say anything about it." I  freakin love this!

Ryan's a multi-layered character, as he may be a big, bad hockey enforcer but he's terrified of flying. He struggles to get along with his teammates wherever he goes, as he has shockingly low self-esteem. He suffers from anxiety, including social anxiety and anxiety about sex. His attitude towards sex is well explored and made my heart hurt. The poor man feels unworthy of sex, which is heart-breaking. It's realistic and well written. I love this man and just want to wrap him up in a big hug.

And dear sweet Fabio. He's a femme musician who wears makeup. Basically, he's exactly the type of man Ryan's attracted to. Following along as they reuinite and develop their relationship, is a marvelous read. But best of all, I want to cry that Fabio isn't afraid of Ryan. It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

I love Rachel Reid's writing style. The writing is great, with compelling characters, and a riveting storyline. The anxiety aspect is extremely well written, with both care and compassion. 

Tough Guy is a must read for any fan of hockey romances. This Rachel Reid book will not disappoint. 

REVIEW - Angels Sing by Eli Easton

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Goodreads Link

Daddy Dearest Series

The Daddy Dearest series features single dads. Each book in the series features a new couple and can be read as a stand-alone.

Book #1 - Family Camp - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

Jamie Bailey has not had such a wonderful life. He gave up his dreams of Harvard at 18 to raise his sister’s unwanted baby, and later a prized job to help a sick friend. Now the father of six-year-old Mia, and assistant manager at Raven Books, Jamie’s dreams are dashed once again when Uncle Billy admits the bookshop is in dire straights.

Stanton Potter, son of the most notorious businesswoman in Bedford Falls, loves his job teaching at the local elementary school. But he’s less than thrilled when he is forced to put together a Christmas pageant with first-graders, including Mia Bailey.

When Stanton meets Jamie, angels sing. Jamie’s gender-bending fashion sense and sweet aura have Stanton suffering through the worse crush he’s had since he was a teen. But can there be any hope for them when Jamie and Mia’s lives are about to be uprooted?

This Christmas, it’s Jamie’s turn to receive a little help from heaven.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Angels Sing is a beautiful Christmas romance by Eli Easton.

In this sweet romance, a teacher falls in love with a student's father. Their relationship is one with an age gap and an opposites attract aspect. It includes  a Christmas pageant, a bookstore, and an amazing mother, in addition to giving the reader all the holiday feels.

Jaime's an extraordinary character, full of strength and integrity. Honestly, he couldn't have been written any better. His gender bending ways are written well, and makes him an even more charming man, if that's possible. I love a man who's unapologetically true to himself, and Jaime is just that. Add in all the sacrifices he's made in his life, and he's amazing.

And then there's Stanton. He's a jock who's flustered when tasked with suddenly teaching kindergarten and having to direct the class pageant. As he's Jaime's exact opposite, this makes their connection even more enchanting. Their tale also includes some great first times, as Stanton's never acted on his bisexuality before. 

Angels Sing is a perfectly tender and sweet romance. I love this book. It's a must read when you're looking for a feel good holiday romance. 

About Eli

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love by Arden Powell

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

What he wanted was a music career. What he needed was love.

When Kris Golding leaves his dusty Kansas hometown for a fresh start in New York, he thinks an apartment and a job are waiting for him. But when he finds neither, rather than admit defeat, he takes his chances busking—and meets Rayne Bakshi of international rock band The Chokecherries. Rayne needs a new guitarist, and gives Kris his first break since leaving home.

Rayne wears makeup and glitter and thinks nothing of kissing Kris in front of twenty thousand screaming fans for the attention. Instantly infatuated, Kris begins to question whether he might have a crush on Rayne—could he be bisexual? But since Kris claimed to be straight, Rayne’s wary of getting involved offstage.

As the tour gains momentum, Kris’s sexuality becomes the least of his troubles. Between his conservative brother hell bent on “rescuing” him from his life of debauchery, a peacock that may or may not be the avatar of a cult god, and a publicity stunt that threatens to upend his routine with the band, Kris is definitely not in Kansas anymore.

Review 

My Rating - 3 Stars!

A Summer Soundtrack for Falling In Love is a confusing rocker romance by Arden Powell.

Kris is saved from the streets by Rayne and invited to join his band. What follows is a tour full of sexual discovery, drugs, and peacocks.

There are parts of the story where I needed more explanation or development. I thought Kris's previous feelings weren't established. And the cult part was highly confusing at first. As well, Kris's struggle doesn't make a whole lot of sense. 

Overall, it's an emotional ride as Kris struggles with his feelings for Rayne, and struggles with coming out. I did enjoy this part. My favorite thing has to be Kris' androgynous look. I am a huge fan of that look, and I adore his clothes and makeup. And, omg, all the on stage kisses are totally Adam Lambert like, and I love it!!

This one is loaded with touchy feeling band members, which gave me all the feels. I was definitely confused about how quickly Kris and Rayne became so physical with one another, but I liked it. 

There tale includes some acting for the crowd, publicity stunts, and broken hearts. But it's the cult aspect that just threw me. I liked it the story until the last part. The cult just seems as forced as forced can be. To me, this plot point make the book average. There was so much hope in this story. Without the cult, it would be a good book. 

Thus, I can't really recommend it. It's ok, but that's about it. If it's ever revised and changed up a lot, I would definitely be interested in reading that version.

Where There's a Will (Project Runway #2) by Gianni Holmes

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Can they pull off a Valentine's Day Wedding in just two weeks?

Ainsley couldn't be happier that he and Willy have settled on a wedding date even if it's on Valentine's Day. With just two weeks to plan a fairytale wedding, he is adamant that everything has to be just as he envisioned it. Maybe if he gives Willy the perfect wedding, he will feel better about his insecurities that he's not good enough for Willy. But how can he feel otherwise when his social media accounts are blowing up with perfect examples of how unsuitable he is for someone like Willy?

Will knows Ainsley well enough to brace himself for an extravagant wedding affair. As the date approaches, he can't help but notice the difference in his fiancé since Ainsley started planning their wedding. The more invested Ainsley was, the more strained their relationship becomes. Can Will soothe his fiancé's fears, or will he cancel their wedding when he learns Ainsley's odd behavior is more than pre-wedding jitters?

This book is not meant to be read as a standalone. The story follows androgynous model, Ainsley, and his partner Will from Unwrapping Ainsley, the first book in The Runway Project series.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Gianni Holmes' Where There's A Will is a fantastic follow up to Unwrapping Ainsley.

I loved Will and Ainsley before, and I love them even more now. They're funny, sweet, and so damn steamy together. In this novella, we get to follow along as they plan a Valentine's Day wedding. 

I think my favorite Will moment has to be sleepy and confused Will. That scene is downright adorable and Will's so cute and loveable. My favorite Ainsley scenes are bridezilla Ainsley. Omg. Wedding planning Ainsley is perfectly him. It's frustrating but downright funny. Both men are fantastic. Ainsley's fun, loveable, and full of life and Will is just wow, the perfect guy for Ainsley.

And, of course, I love the lace!

I love every minute of Where There's A Will. I'm hoping Gianni Holmes will treat us to more of these guys in the future.