BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing at Home (Sporting Secrets #2) by Jax Calder

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing at Home
By Jax Calder

Sporting Secrets, Book 2

Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but he’s never come close to being the heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field as well with the breakdown of his marriage. When his ex-wife hires a manny, it feels like the ultimate kick in the guts that another guy gets to spend more time with his kids than he does.

But when he actually meets Austin, the connection that grows between them upends everything Jacob thought he knew about himself and forces him to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing at Home is a great sports romance by Jax Calder. The second book in the Sporting Secrets series, it's easily read as a standalone.

Jacob and Austin's story is a boss/employee story, as Jacob hires Austin as his nanny. I love the way everything develops between them, as they go from strangers to friends to lovers. The attraction between them is instant, and the chemistry is sizzling.

Both characters are wonderfully developed, with their pasts adding greatly to their depth. I love the differences between them, as well as all the doubts and insecurities.

Their journey is a slow burn one, with low angst. They certainly have some obstacles to overcome, all of which are realistic and natural.

The writing is great, with a nice storyline and plenty of banter and charm.

Playing at Home is a sweet, quick read. This is another delightful read by Jax Calder. I highly recommend this to any sports romance fans.

“Are you okay if I ask Jen to babysit next Saturday night?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why, where’s Austin going to be?”

“Austin and I are going out together.”

My breath left me. It felt as if I’d been kicked in the guts. This is what I’d worried about right from the start. Matilda starting something with our ridiculously good-looking manny.

But now my guts were clenching not just because of my concern about the instability for the girls if Matilda started something with Austin. This was a whole other level of distress.

Hell. I scraped my hands through my hair.

Could I really blame Matilda for being attracted to Austin? No. Not when I suffered from the same affliction.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” The words came out half strangulated.

Her forehead rumpled. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”

“I mean…I just don’t think it would be good for the girls…if you and Austin…”

Matilda’s frown morphed into a smirk. “Are you worried about me and Austin? Seriously?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved with our manny, that’s all.”

Matilda’s smirk remained. “I think you’ll find I’m lacking one major thing that Austin looks for in a partner.”

“What’s that?”

“A dick.”

My eyebrows flew up, and Matilda giggled.

“Oh my God, you should see the look on your face right now.”

I tried to keep my breathing even. “Austin’s gay?”

“Well done, I’m glad you managed to put those clues together.”

Fuck. My stomach was auditioning to be a somersault performer right now. At the same time, my heart raced harder than if I’d just played a full eighty minutes of a hard game.

Matilda’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re not homophobic, are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be. You’re fine with Beth and Charlotte.” She named her cousin and her cousin’s partner.

No, my physical reaction had nothing to do with the fact Austin was attracted to members of the same sex as him.

It was because the fact that I found him so attractive wasn’t quite as innocent anymore.

Yeah, I wasn’t exactly about to tell my soon-to-be ex-wife that.

“I’m not homophobic. What Austin does in his private life is his own business.”

“I totally agree. And that’s why I’m going to help him find someone,” she said. “I’m going to take him to the gay-friendly nightclubs and be his wingman. He deserves to have some fun. Hopefully he’ll manage to pull someone.”

My stomach twisted as I considered that possibility.

Of course he’d pull someone. Austin was gorgeous and charming and funny and sweet…yeah, that feeling inside me, the one that made me clench my teeth, it felt like…jealousy. And more than just mild jealousy. This was a fiery burn in my gut as I imagined Austin smiling at another guy.

Which I was fairly sure wasn’t what I was supposed to be feeling right now.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing At Home, Jax is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-set of the Sporting Secrets Series so far (2 ebooks)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57367/?

---

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Connect with Jax:

www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/JaxCalderAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B099JFZYC7

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing at Home (Sporting Secrets #2) by Jax Calder

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing at Home
By Jax Calder

Sporting Secrets, Book 2

Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but he’s never come close to being the heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field as well with the breakdown of his marriage. When his ex-wife hires a manny, it feels like the ultimate kick in the guts that another guy gets to spend more time with his kids than he does.

But when he actually meets Austin, the connection that grows between them upends everything Jacob thought he knew about himself and forces him to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing at Home is a great sports romance by Jax Calder. The second book in the Sporting Secrets series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Jacob and Austin's story is a boss/employee story, as Jacob hires Austin as his nanny. I love the way everything develops between them, as they go from strangers to friends to lovers. The attraction between them is instant, and the chemistry is sizzling.

Both characters are wonderfully developed, with their pasts adding greatly to their depth. I love the differences between them, as well as all the doubts and insecurities. 

Their journey is a slow burn one, with low angst. They certainly have some obstacles to overcome, all of which are realistic and natural.

The writing is great, with a nice storyline and plenty of banter and charm. 

Playing at Home is a sweet, quick read. This is another delightful read by Jax Calder. I highly recommend this to any sports romance fans.  

 

New Release Excerpt:

“Are you okay if I ask Jen to babysit next Saturday night?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why, where’s Austin going to be?”

“Austin and I are going out together.”

My breath left me. It felt as if I’d been kicked in the guts. This is what I’d worried about right from the start. Matilda starting something with our ridiculously good-looking manny.

But now my guts were clenching not just because of my concern about the instability for the girls if Matilda started something with Austin. This was a whole other level of distress.

Hell. I scraped my hands through my hair.

Could I really blame Matilda for being attracted to Austin? No. Not when I suffered from the same affliction.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” The words came out half strangulated.

Her forehead rumpled. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”

“I mean…I just don’t think it would be good for the girls…if you and Austin…”

Matilda’s frown morphed into a smirk. “Are you worried about me and Austin? Seriously?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved with our manny, that’s all.”

Matilda’s smirk remained. “I think you’ll find I’m lacking one major thing that Austin looks for in a partner.”

“What’s that?”

“A dick.”

My eyebrows flew up, and Matilda giggled.

“Oh my God, you should see the look on your face right now.”

I tried to keep my breathing even. “Austin’s gay?”

“Well done, I’m glad you managed to put those clues together.”

Fuck. My stomach was auditioning to be a somersault performer right now. At the same time, my heart raced harder than if I’d just played a full eighty minutes of a hard game.

Matilda’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re not homophobic, are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be. You’re fine with Beth and Charlotte.” She named her cousin and her cousin’s partner.

No, my physical reaction had nothing to do with the fact Austin was attracted to members of the same sex as him.

It was because the fact that I found him so attractive wasn’t quite as innocent anymore.

Yeah, I wasn’t exactly about to tell my soon-to-be ex-wife that.

“I’m not homophobic. What Austin does in his private life is his own business.”

“I totally agree. And that’s why I’m going to help him find someone,” she said. “I’m going to take him to the gay-friendly nightclubs and be his wingman. He deserves to have some fun. Hopefully he’ll manage to pull someone.”

My stomach twisted as I considered that possibility.

Of course he’d pull someone. Austin was gorgeous and charming and funny and sweet…yeah, that feeling inside me, the one that made me clench my teeth, it felt like…jealousy. And more than just mild jealousy. This was a fiery burn in my gut as I imagined Austin smiling at another guy.

Which I was fairly sure wasn’t what I was supposed to be feeling right now.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing At Home, Jax is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-set of the Sporting Secrets Series so far (2 ebooks)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57367/?

---

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Connect with Jax:

https://www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder
https://www.facebook.com/JaxCalderAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B099JFZYC7

---

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom #9) by Stephanie Rose

  

SAFEGUARD BY STEPHANIE ROSE

Release Date: September 2, 2021

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonSafeguard

Audio → https://geni.us/AudibleSafeguard

Add to Goodreads → http://bit.ly/3oEp7rw

Series Page → https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/speakeasy-taproom/

The worst kind of heartache is the kind you can’t walk away from.

Jilted. Living in a glorified closet. The world’s worst bar waitress. I just need to keep a roof over my head and make tuition payments until I can finish graduate school. Then my real life will start. But right now, long nights at the Speakeasy have me burning the candle at both ends and the wax melting all over my fingers.

When a bar manager offers me a job taking care of his adorable five-year-old daughter, it seems like the perfect solution. I get a quiet place to study. Matteo gets a reliable sitter. 

There should be no complications. Except that I like my new boss a little too much. His gorgeous dark eyes humble me, and the long talks we share fill me up inside. I can’t possibly fall for him.

But the undeniable pull between us leads to a scorching kiss I can’t ignore or forget, and suddenly I’ve fallen for them both, father and daughter. 

And now three hearts are at stake.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Safeguard is the ninth book in the Speakeasy Taproom series. This is Stephanie Rose's contribution to this multi-author series. 

I love this book. It's a fun mix of single father, friends to lovers, and small town charm.

Matteo and Melanie make for a great couple. And I adore their story. 

Melanie is hired to help Matteo with his daughter. I love the way Melanie and Lauren bond. And of course, I enjoy the way Melanie bonds with Matteo too. 

Before all that though, Melanie's job as a waitress is just funny. I'd feel bad for her, but she's so good humored about her lack of skills. 

Of course, I also love the way Matteo is with his daughter. Her needs are front and center to him and it makes me so damn loveable. He's everything you want to find in a single dad. It doesn't hurt that Lauren is absolutely adorable too. 

If you enjoy nanny romances, you will definitely like this one. It's all good natured and somehow the two are well balanced despite the employer/employee relationship. 

Safeguard is a sweet, enjoyable read. I enjoy everything about this Stephanie Rose romance. 

Storm Bound (Cedarwood Beach #4) by Rhys Everly

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

Handsome, nerdy… oh, and he’s also my boss!

When I took the job, I had no idea I’d be working with my dream man.

He’s obsessed with my favorite TV show.
He’s kind and gentle.
And he’s also submissive.

My perfect match, in every way.

But after one too many heartbreaks, I don’t cross the line between colleague and lover.

That is until the perfect storm hits the shores of my small town.

Then, all hell breaks loose.

Is he my happily-ever-after?

Or a heartbreak in the making?

Storm Bound is the fourth book in the Cedarwood Beach small town gay romance series and is completely standalone. It contains two geeks, a D/s dynamic, a hurricane, and Greek Yaya determined to get her grandson married.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Storm Bound is the fourth book in the Cedarwood Beach series by Rhys Everly. 

This romance has a meeting that seems set in the stars. With a storm that pops up at an inconvenient time and an awkward boss/employee situation, there's plenty to enjoy about this story. 

I enjoy the way Charlie senses Adam's need to submit. I love the way he immediately steps in to help calm him. 

This tale includes a health issue that has caused a lot of insecurities over the years. I enjoy the writing style, but something about the storyline didn't have me loving this story. I was definitely distracted by some small details, and taken out of the story at times. 

Storm Bound is a good small town romance. There's lots to enjoy in this Rhys Everly read. I am glad I read it even if I didn't love it all.

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. 

BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - The Art of Living by Abrianna Denae

 

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: The Art of Living 

Author: Abrianna Denae

Cover Artist: Pretty in Ink Creations

Release Date: June 10, 2021

Genre: Contemporary gay romance

Tropes: Single dad, hurt/comfort, office romance, slow burn

Themes: Trust, meddling family

Heat Rating: 3 flames     

Length: 35 000 words/ 90 pages

It is a standalone book, though the reader may be interested in The Gift of Believing, a companion book featuring the MC’s son: mybook.to/GoB

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal pre-order link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Letting go is the hardest thing a person can do…

Robert Harper has spent the past seventeen years living for his son. He doesn’t know who he is if he’s not being a caregiver and protector all rolled into one.

Niall Ross is finally ready to make a life of his own. After years spent making sure his younger brother had everything he needed, it’s time for Niall to discover who he is.

All it takes is one glance across a crowded meeting room for the men to feel a connection, but Robert is terrified his life is too complicated for the other man. Luckily, Niall has patience in abundance. With a little help from Robert’s meddling family, the two begin a tentative relationship.

Just as they’re finding their footing, all of Robert’s worst fears come to life and he falters under the pressure. Niall takes the challenge to show Robert that he’s a safe place to lean on, but when his own life begins to unravel, he places his heart in Robert’s hands. When two independent men are forced to trust each other will the love win out, or will vulnerability and fear cause them to lose the best thing they didn't even know they had.

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Art of Living is a wonderful short romance by Abrianna Denae. I haven't yet read the prequal,  The Gift of Believing  but I definitely plan to. 

This is a boss/employee romance that is totally sweet. 

Robert's whole world revolves around caring for his ill teenage son. He doesn't date. He does most of his work from home. And he worries. A lot. 

But meeting his new boss Niall starts to change things. His new boss is understanding, supportive, and totally loving. I adore everything about these two together. 

The Art of Living is beautifully written. Even the title is perfectly fitting for this Abrianna Denae gem. This book is compelling, riveting, and all consuming. It's a short quick read that will leave you totally satisfied. 

And now off to read  The Gift of Believing  to learn more about Garrett and Presley. 

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“You really want me to date?”

Garrett nods. “I want you to live your life. I know you’re going to argue and say that you have everything you need with me, and Uncle Jared, and Sam. Maybe that’s true, but I also can’t help but feel guilty because if I wasn’t me then maybe you’d have found someone else by now.”

“Garrett, no, you know that’s not true,” I say gently. “Those other people I dated when you were younger, they didn’t last because they weren’t right for our family. If anyone can’t handle me and everything I come with, then they’re not worth my time.”

He studies me with those dark, wise eyes of his. “Does this mean you’ll give Niall a chance then? Because he’s different, I can feel it.”

Shit. I walked right into that one.

“Yeah,” I sigh. “I’d be open to trying.”

Garrett smiles and whips out his phone. I don’t bother asking who he’s texting, since the pieces are starting to slowly fall into place. I look at Presley, “They planned this, didn’t they?”

Pres smiles and nods. “Jared thought you both needed a little intervention.”

I shake my head and laugh a bit because my family is insane.

Garrett is still texting away while Presley and I clean up the kitchen. I try to tell Pres that he doesn’t need to help since he and Gare cooked, but he waves me off.

I just get the dishwasher started when my phone rings.  The display reads Niall and my mouth suddenly goes dry while my stomach begins to tie itself into knots.

Both boys stare at me as I accept the call. “Hello?”

“Hi,” pause, and then Niall laughs, “This is more awkward than I thought it’d be.”

I smile and turn away from the teenage busybodies. “I seriously doubt whatever you have to say is more awkward than the dinner I just had.”

He laughs again. “They tried to butter you up with food, huh?”

I groan. “Yes. When’d they get to you?”

“Sam talked to me this afternoon. Then they added me to a group chat a few hours ago and promptly blew up my phone with texts about twenty minutes or so ago.”

I sigh. “I’m sorry about them.”

“It’s fine,” Niall assures. “They’re just looking out for you.”

“They’re nosy and need to learn how to mind their own business.” I look over my shoulder to find Garrett and Presley sitting at the table, hanging onto my every word. Shaking my head, I stride from the room in search of some privacy.

“So if I were to ask you to dinner, you’d say no?”

“I guess you should ask and find out.”

Niall chuckles a bit. “Will you have dinner with me, Robert?”

My heart stutters in my chest and it takes a moment for me to get my mouth working. “Yes,” I finally manage to say.

“Great. Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is perfect.”

“I’ll text you the details unless someone else does it for me.”

I snort. “That’s a high possibility. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” he repeats. “Have a good night, Robert.”

“You too.”

The line goes dead and a part of me mourns the loss of his voice. Taking a steadying breath, I let the giddy feeling of a first date wash over me. I’ll never tell my family this, but I’m glad they decided to interfere with my life. I never would have had the guts to do this myself.

Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.

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Abrianna Denae is a twenty-four-year-old author living in Northern California. An English major, she has always had a passion for writing.

Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued her mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.

Caffeine is her best friend, and sleep is her worst enemy.

A lover of books that make the reader feel something, she tries to incorporate as much of her real-world views and feelings into her stories as she can.

Social Media Links

Facebook  |  Facebook Group  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

BookBub  |  Goodreads Author Page  |  Amazon Author Page  

You can also email her at authorabridenae@gmail.com

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Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

either a $20 Amazon gift card or one of two ebooks from the author's backlist.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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