BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - All the Way Out by Ingrid Sterling

 

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: All the Way Out

Author: Ingrid Sterling

Publisher: Literary Wanderlust

Release Date: April 1, 2021

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, New Adult

Trope/s: One-night stand turned into true love; Forced proximity; Athlete with musician; closeted sports star

Themes: Self-acceptance, coming out publicly

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 79 000/263 pages

It is a standalone book.

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Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

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Literary Wanderlust  |  Bookshop.org

Ever since Zach was 14 years old, he knew two things about himself: 

1) He wanted to play football at the highest levels of college and pro ball. 

2) He was gay.

Even at that young age Zach knew that those two truths - all-star athlete and homosexual male - could not exist concurrently. So, he’d started dating Rebecca, his devoutly Catholic girlfriend who wants to wait to have sex until she’s married, during his junior year of high school and never looked back.

But on the last night of a team trip to Rome, on the cusp of his senior season at Northwestern University, a Heisman, a number 1 draft pick and a National Championship, Zach seeks out one last anonymous encounter. He opens Grindr and slips out into the Italian summer night to meet Liam - Liam who has a face that looks like it was carved from Carrara marble by one of the ancient greats and whose brazen facade becomes sheepish when he’s asked about his past in Paris. The night is intense, better than Zach could have imagined. But like all one-night stands, it comes to an end by morning’s light.

But what happens to Zach’s carefully manicured plans for a professional football career and a life in the closet when Liam shows up, not only on the Northwestern campus the first day of the fall semester, but in Zach’s upper-level Plato seminar, too?

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

All The Way Out is an amazing debut novel by Ingrid Sterling. As a lover of sports romances, I find this one to be absolutely riveting and perfectly charming. 

I really love this book. Everything about it works for me. But, yes, I am probably biased as it's about a closeted athlete. Love this trope!

Zach's a closeted college athlete with a long time girlfriend, Rebecca. The reader knows early on this relationship with Rebecca is for show only. One can easily feel how unattached they are. So, yes, there's cheating, but he and Rebecca are waiting for marriage, and the cheating is not in a way that it bothers me at all. 

As for Zach and Liam. I love that they hook up in Italy. Their night together is entertaining and sweet. But adding to the fun is that Liam ends up at the same school as Zach.

What follows is a beautiful romance between two people who clearly belong together. Their path isn't easy, but damn, I love them together. 

There's so much going on throughout their journey. Zach's closeted and terrified to be out as an athlete. This is a main part of his journey. The issues with his girlfriend definitely has some interesting surprises along the way. 

The author does a terrific job illustrating the pain of being a gay athlete who's unable to be themselves. I appreciate every bit of how this is handled. This is all too real and well explored. 

The writing style is fantastic, with two well developed characters who are both lovable. The feelings are laid out for the reader to easily feel all the ups and downs, all the want and need, all the pain and regret. The flow is great, the storyline is compelling. There's nothing I would change. 

All the Way Out is a wonderful coming of age romance. I adore every single moment of this Ingrid Sterling read and I can't wait to see what Ingrid writes next. 

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“What are you doing in my upper level classics seminar?” Liam snapped.

 "Um, I’m fulfilling my degree requirements,” Zach snapped back. “What are you doing in my upper level classics seminar? You live in Rome.”

 “No, I was regrouping in Rome. I’d been going to school in Paris before that but—Wait, degree requirements? You’re a Classics major? Mr. Hotshot-starting-quarterback is a Classics major?” Liam’s voice came out shriller than he would have liked.

 Zach set his hips back against the table, crossing his arms with a sudden smugness. “A Classics major focusing in Pax Romana philosophers with a 3.7 GPA, you mean? Yeah. I am. How do you think I recognized that ridiculous Metamorphoses quote on your Grindr profile?”

 “I figured you Googled it like everyone else usually did.”

 Zach’s face softened at Liam’s unintentional reveal. “Why didn’t you say anything about coming to school in the States that night?” Zach asked.

 Liam leveled him with a look. “I don’t remember us doing an awful lot of talking.”

 “We talked enough. You could have mentioned it.”

 “I’d only decided to come here a week or so before we met,” Liam explained. “I barely knew anything about Northwestern aside from the fact that it has a pretty well-respected music program. Certainly not enough to know it has some big deal football team. And besides, what were the chances?”

 “I’m not a betting man, but I definitely wouldn’t have taken these odds.” Doe-eyed panic lingered on Zach’s face even as he shifted to a more conversational tone. “So, the music school, huh? That’s cool. I remember you had music on your desk. What do you play?”

 “Piano mostly, but I’m a composition major. I added a Classics minor ‘cause I can, here. My other school didn’t offer liberal arts courses.” Zach nodded, and Liam realized it was probably his turn to attempt conversation. “A jock with a brain, then. Color me impressed.”

 Zach gave a bored lift of his shoulder. “It makes for a great human-interest story. I think every bad pun about Greek gods or Roman gladiators has been made about me at least once. The ESPN announcers think they are so fucking clever.”

 Liam stared at him. “You keep saying these things thinking I know what they mean.”

 “ESPN.” Zach gave him a patient grin. “It’s a cable sports network that shows games. You know, on the TV.”

 “Yeah, alright.” Liam’s pursed lips morphed into an unbidden smile.

 It was impossible not to note how the tension in the room had slipped away. The looks that passed between them carried a certain playfulness once they were forced to accept the inconceivable fact that they were both here in the same city, at the same school, and even in the same class. And into that ease slipped the feelings of attraction and memories of the intimacy they’d found on Liam’s mattress by the end of their night together. Liam had sought hidden parts of Zach’s body with his fingers. That small, insinuating touch, burned into his memory, had ignited such terrified want in Zach’s bright blue eyes that Liam had known that he would have been allowed to feel Zach from the inside if only they’d had more time. One more night. One more hour, even. And now here Zach was, standing before him. It was as baffling as it was thrilling. Liam certainly wouldn’t mind if they wound up hooking up again.

 “Look,” Zach started, “This is crazy that you’re here, and I hope you love your time at Northwestern as much as I have, but it’s probably for the best if we don’t interact.”

 Liam was rendered mute.

 “I mean, I know we’re in class together,” Zach continued. “We’ll have to interact, discussion grades and everything, but what I mean is, we shouldn’t be friendly.”

 “Why not?” Liam asked after another stunned beat.

 “It’s nothing personal. In fact, I think you’re—” Zach stopped. He pressed his eyes closed and shook his head sadly. He took another steadying breath before speaking again. “It would make things really difficult for me. Like I told you in Rome, no one knows about me. About me and…” He spoke the next word at a careful volume. “Men. In fact, you’re the only person on this entire campus who does.”

 Zach’s sexuality was a secret that should have bound them. But instead, Zach was using it to put a wedge between them, between even the possibility of them. Liam didn’t think the conversation could get any more ridiculous.

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I named myself "Ingrid" after a character in a story I started writing and will never finish.

I named myself "Sterling" after my dad's boyhood dreams.

I'm a Yankee who has lived south of the Mason Dixon for a decade and I use 'Y'all' without irony. I dance in my kitchen. I vote. I love all the cats in the world and a good IPA. I will scream over college sports.

I write about love, with love, because #loveislove. 

With two degrees in music performance, I strive to make my words sing. The rhythm and pacing of the prose are as important to me as my complicated, imperfect characters and my guaranteed happily-ever-afters.

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If We Were Us by K.L. Walther

 

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Everyone at the prestigious Bexley School believes that Sage Morgan and Charlie Carmichael are meant to be....that it’s just a matter of time until they realize that they are actually in love.

When Luke Morrissey shows up on the Bexley campus his presence immediately shakes things up. Charlie and Luke are drawn to each other the moment they meet, giving Sage the opportunity to steal away to spend time with Charlie’s twin brother, Nick.

But Charlie is afraid of what others will think if he accepts that he has much more than a friendship with Luke. And Sage fears that things with Nick are getting too serious too quickly. The duo will need to rely on each other and their lifelong friendship to figure things out with the boys they love. 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

If We Were Us is an interesting coming of age tale by KL Walther. I love the outcome, but I struggled with it along the way.

I took me a long time to get fully invested in this story. The different povs threw me off, as I didn't know why we were getting Sage's pov. But, I am glad I kept reading. 

Charlie's the big man of campus. He's dated all the girls, but no one lasts long, as they all think he and his best friend Sage love each other. I thoroughly love his story, once it really started coming alive. I just wish things were revealed sooner. Charlie is closeted, and uses his friendship with Sage to hide as a beard. Falling for his new friend Luke throws a big complication his way. 

And then there's Sage and Nick. They struggle to be together also, as they can't quite come clean to Charlie. I like them together, but I also didn't love the way their conflict was carried out. It seems that one minute there was conflict, and the next everything is resolved, without every talking about it. 

Both couples have a long journey to get to be together. For a large part of this story I just wanted to yell at everyone. But, in the end, I enjoy the authenticity of Charlie's long and rough road towards coming out. 

If We Were Us is a compelling young adult novel. The writing threw me a bit. There was a lot going on and it took a while to figure out where things were going. But it's a sweet read and I'm glad I read it. 

REVIEW - Pop Star by Eden Finley

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RELEASE BLITZ

POP STAR by Eden Finley

Release Date: April 8, 2020

Cover Design: Cate Ashwood

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Model: Jacob K.

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

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SYNOPSIS

Harley

What happens when the most successful boy band on the planet breaks up?
How about twenty thousand fans screaming my name.
But the price of fame comes with an increased risk to my safety.

I’ve been avoiding the dreaded B word for as long as I can, but after a close call with a rambunctious fan, I can’t do it anymore.

It’s time to give in.
I need to hire a full-time bodyguard.

And when he shows up, he not only screams badass, he’s another B word I try to stay away from: boyfriend material.


Brix

Protecting people is not what my company usually does, but the boss knows I need money, and the pop star is offering an insane amount to live with him and make sure no more crazy fans break into his house.
I’m doing it for the money and nothing else.

He may be the prettiest man I’ve ever seen, and I may feel sorry for the celebrity life he’s been forced into since he was a teenager, but that doesn’t mean anything.

Just because he fascinates me, that doesn’t mean I like him.

It doesn’t.

Professionalism. I’m gonna live it. Breathe it. Enforce it … Mostly.

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Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow, Eden Finley's Pop Star is a delightful bodyguard romance. After meeting Harley in Hat Trick, it's a nice surprise to get his story. That said, you do not need to have read Hat Trick to enjoy this book. 

Harley and Brix capture my attention immediately, quickly working their ways into my heart. Their story is full of humor and sweetness. A combo of rock star, a stalker, bodyguards, and love songs, it's nonstop fun. 

A closeted rocker who's controlled by his record label, Harley's been forced to have a beard, Evah. Their relationship though is wonderful, as they are great friends who love each other. They just don't have any romantic feelings for one another. I can't get enough of their friendship, as it's as strong as it is precious.

And then there's Brix, the ex military man turned bodyguard. He doesn't want this assignment but can't resist the payout involved. What follows are non stop thrills as the reader is treated to Brix becoming a live-in bodyguard who has a secret. 

Together, they make an interesting and strong couple; full of banter, quick wit, and a tension filled attraction. Their story is one of passion and intrigue. And damn, I love that Brix isn't the stereotypical "take charge" man in the bedroom. This is always a fun surprise, and the author executes it perfectly.

The banter between the two men is a riot. My favorite part has to be the rules Harley establishes for Brix, which left me snickering throughout. I could picture the antics as if I was there, and couldn't stop laughing.

Written in first person pov, the writing style and character depth are both stupendous. The author excels in differentiating between Harley's pop star persona and the man behind the facade. His sweet and insecure sides are well written, as he develops into a fabulous multi-layered character. As well, she impresses with the way she gets into the characters heads, giving the reader the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the men are thinking. 

The author does an excellent job delving into some serious topics, including the downsides of fame, the ugly sides of military life, and the unfairness of the American health care system. It's all well done, handled with care and understanding. 

There are a fair share of scary moments and creepy feels, but most of the story is sugary sweet, helping to keep the eeriness and angst factor in check. 

Overall, Pop Star is an intoxicating read. This Eden Finley book satisfies with a great mix of suspense and romance. This is definitely a swoon worthy read. Best of all, there are plenty of new characters introduced that I am hoping to see get their own stories. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn't take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

With a short attention span that rivals her son's, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.

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Dance With Destiny by Quinn Ward

Amazon Link - Available in KU

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Blurb

When flights are grounded because of a storm, strangers work together to make the final leg of their trip.

Dominic rented the last car available when all flights were canceled.

Tony's family will never forgive him if he misses his sister's wedding.

What's the worst that could happen if Dom offers him a ride?

Tony could see him again, dressed up in a tux.

If the family only knew what he'd done with the best man...

Whatever happens, this is sure to be a trip they'll never forget.

Dance With Destiny was previously released under the pen name Sloan Johnson. It has been lightly revised, but still contains the same instant attraction, awkward reunion in a cathedral, sassy best friends, and stolen moments with or without total privacy.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Quinn Ward's Dance With Destiny is an impressive romance. Starting off with a snow storm, a car trip, and a sexy adventure, there isn't a lot of character development at the beginning. But when the road trip ends, things get good, with emotions becoming involved, and awkward moments being had. 

It's a deep tale of healing, recovery, and coming out. A story of gathering the strength to be who you want to be, instead of who you've been forced to be. It's a story with controlling parents, a long time beard, and a painful past to deal with. 

But, ultimately, it's a story of chosen family and the strength such a supportive family can provide. I think everyone would love to be a part of the Rossi family; I know I would! Seriously, I love them and could read about them over and over again. 

The writing is seamless, the characters complex, and the storyline full of depth. The reader is treated to some fantastic character growth in these wonderful men.

In the end, Dance With Destiny is a stellar read, full of heart and emotion. This Quinn Ward book is absolutely riveting. I'm definitely adding it to my list of favorite hurt/comfort reads. It's stunning in it's beauty.

The Secrets We Keep by Mia Monroe

Amazon Link

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Blurb

Only a jerk would steal his sister’s man.

I told myself it was a harmless crush on my very straight, future brother-in-law, until one night we crossed a line.

Everything shifted as forbidden passion simmered between us, but we vowed to keep it buried and our family intact. I saw the cracks between them, but for some reason, breaking up wasn’t an option. I didn’t know then how many things we all hid.

When it all collided, the decision we made changed everything.

And if the truth comes out, the secrets we keep could destroy our lives.

Only a jerk would steal his sister’s man.

I told myself it was a harmless crush on my very straight, future brother-in-law, until one night we crossed a line.

Everything shifted as forbidden passion simmered between us, but we vowed to keep it buried and our family intact. I saw the cracks between them, but for some reason, breaking up wasn’t an option. I didn’t know then how many things we all hid.

When it all collided, the decision we made changed everything.

And if the truth comes out, the secrets we keep could destroy our lives.

Only a jerk would steal his sister’s man.

I told myself it was a harmless crush on my very straight, future brother-in-law, until one night we crossed a line.

Everything shifted as forbidden passion simmered between us, but we vowed to keep it buried and our family intact. I saw the cracks between them, but for some reason, breaking up wasn’t an option. I didn’t know then how many things we all hid.

When it all collided, the decision we made changed everything.

And if the truth comes out, the secrets we keep could destroy our lives.
Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow, Mia Monroe's The Secrets We Keep is a riveting romance. Seriously, I could not put it down. 

When we meet Cruz, he's fighting with his spoiled girlfriend Katy. She's beautiful but bitchy, but he's trapped by the fact that he works for her father. Omg, I hate her immediately.

When Katy's brother Leo shows up, Cruz is knocked on his ass. And I love it! The emotions are intense, and the storyline is riveting. The men have tough decisions to make, and they do lots of sexual exploring. 


Omg, I love this story that is essentially one seriously messed up situation. It's full of fear, cowardice, and sacrifice. There's intense hatred, intense connection, and intense chemistry throughout this a multi-layered plot. 

There are certainly moments that seems over the top, but I didn't care. I was fully invested, not able to read it fast enough.

Beware of the cheating though and skip this one if that's a trigger for you.

The Secrets We Keep is one of those special books that I knew would be a 5 Star read from page one. And it was. This Mia Monroe book held up to all my expectations. I love it all.

Cranberry Boys (Watermarsh Tales #1) by Scudder James Jr.

Dreamspinner Press Link

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Blurb

Watermarsh Tales: Book One Is it possible to have it all—even for a boy from a dying town of old cranberry bogs? Even for the son of religious zealots who will never accept his being gay? Even if his closeted boyfriend will never acknowledge their relationship and dates girls to distract people?

Sixteen-year-old cross-country runner Zeph hopes so, because he isn’t giving up on his happily ever after. He has big plans for life after high school and for his relationship with Connor… even if Connor insists they keep it secret. 

Then Bronson, an old friend of Zeph’s, returns to Watermarsh after being kicked out of boarding school with secrets of his own in tow. But they keep their eyes on the prize and start a blog to impress colleges who often dismiss small-town students like them. 

But not even Zeph can run from everything as his home life implodes and the love triangle he’s stuck in with Bronson and Connor begins to crumble. He’ll do whatever it takes to hold on to hope—even if it means a covert trip to Bronson’s old prep school.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Scudder James Jr's Cranberry Boys is a riveting young adult romance. 

Zeph is struggling with his life, as he's closeted and dating a closeted teammate. His parents are classic religious homophobes, who can't "allow" their son to be gay. The religious beliefs are plenty, the hatred is loud and clear, and the hurt to their son life changing. The religious parts, with a lot of bible quotes brought out so many emotions. I was sad, I was pissed, and I wanted to scream. The homophobia and the fear are all consuming, making me furious.

And then there's the closeted aspect. My heart hurt for Zeph. Caught in a life of lies and secrets, rejection and always being in second place, the struggle is real. Soon he's in a love triangle as he tries to figure out his life. 

With Connor, Zeph is secretly dating the classic jock who needs to be seen with girls to keep his cover alive. The damage he does meanwhile is overwhelming. And then there's Branson, who leaves Zeph more confused than ever.

Their story includes cheating, bullying, and more. Please note the cheating and skip if that's a hard limit for you. This story is heavy on the secrets, hiding, lies, and denial. The 1st person pov is perfect, allowing us to fully understand Zeph's feelings.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the coach's alternative to swear words. It is a hoot.

I love the writing. The author developed a good, smooth story, with some great angles. Part of me loved it, part of me was left wanting more. Overall, I loved it and it's message. I just wanted some parts to be more developed.

Cranberry Boys is a compelling tale of choosing the life you have or the life you want. It's a great story of finding someone who wakes you up and helps you figure out your truth. I definitely recommend this Scudder James Jr book to anyone who like YA, especially any confused teens.