REVIEW TOUR - Love is a Walk in the Park by VL Locey & Stephanie Locey

Pre-Order Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Length: 50,000 words approx.

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Blurb

Sullivan Haines knows exactly what he wants out of life. Fame as a Broadway dancer and to find the man of his dreams. Sadly, his love life is a dismal mess, his roommate is PMS personified, and working at a dingy dance studio teaching old people how to tango and foxtrot is not exactly the bright lights. Actually, life in the Big Apple is pretty rotten, until he and his dog run into tall, dark, and oh-so-handsome Duane Hart in the park. Their pooches hit it right off, but can the two men find romance along the park’s winding paths?


Duane Hart hasn’t had a lot go right in his life. His girlfriend recently broke up with him, taking everything that wasn’t nailed down or in his roommate’s name. Well, everything except the Yorkshire terrier that he didn’t want to get in the first place, and that she now refuses to take back. However, when he meets a handsome stranger and his pit bull in the dog park, will the blooming heat in his chest be able to convince him to start dating again? Or will fate prove love isn’t a walk in the park, after all?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Love is a Walk in the Park is a sweet romance by VL Locey and Stephanie Locey. 

Duane and Sullivan are just adorable together. They meet at a dog park and a sweet romance slowly evolves. The dogs are wonderful, of course, and just make me happy sigh.

Their story consists of coming out, sexual assault, and the struggle of trying to be a dancer on Broadway. It consists of facing one's fears, standing up for oneself, and overcoming a crappy breakup. 

I love Sullivan. He's sassy and a whole lot of fun. I want a Sully in my life!

The sexual assault, and it's aftermath, are written in a fantastic manner, full of all the emotions. It's a tough read, so beware if sexual assault is a trigger for you.

Told in first person dual pov, I was delighted, as this is my favorite writing style. The readers are able to get into the mind of both main characters, seeing things from both pov as they develop. Love it! And even better yet are the many moments of humor.

Love is a Walk in the Park is an enchanting, adorable romance by VL Locey and Stephanie Locey. I enjoy the atmospheric insights into NYC, especially the subway, which is spot on accurate. Overall, it's a sweet and tender romance.

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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Stephanie Locey loves video games, bad jokes, and kind people. She works full-time at a low-paying job and strives to not do that anymore. When not writing or working, she can be found playing fantasy RPGs, petting cats, and planning for adventures.

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See the Light by Kate McMurray

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Blurb

Kate McMurray brings friends-to-lovers to the Great White Way

Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.

Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.

Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.

When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.

But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.

This book is approximately 72,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I really enjoyed Kate McMurray's See The Light. This friends to lovers romance is riveting and compelling from the start.

I immediately feel for Max and Jeremy, with my heart hurting for Max, as he's secretly in love with his best friend. As their romance evolves, this tale wonderfully navigates the struggles involved with such a change in a relationship. We get to read about the fears, confusion, and doubts. I appreciate the way the transition isn't seamless for them. It definitely gives their story an authentic feel. 

It takes place in NYC, in the world of Broadway theater. The Broadway aspect is entertaining, from both the actor side, as well as the makeup artist side.

See The Light ultimately involves a whole lot of risk and trust. I love the title and it's significance. Kate McMurray excels in this emotional journey. 

Broadway Babe by J.C. Long

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Tate O’Connor has worked hard to realize his dream of dancing on Broadway, and it’s about to pay off with a premier in his first show. He doesn’t expect the distraction of sharing the stage with his celebrity crush: Broadway superstar Mike Chang. Drama ensues both onstage and off as Tate and Mike work closely and realize there could be something between them. However, there are those who don’t think an up-and-coming dancer is good enough for someone with Mike’s talent and fame, and rumors and misunderstandings might lead to broken hearts if Tate and Mike can’t work through their confusion and insecurity.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Broadway Babe is a short and light hearted romance by JC Long.

When Tate suddenly finds himself working with his Broadway crush Mike, he doesn't know how to deal with it. Mike has long been a fantasy for him. 

These two sweet men are enjoyable as can be, as they quickly click with each other, and their feelings develop naturally. It's tough to take chances as is it, but their relationship gets off to a rocky start as they have to deal with meddling and rumors. They have to face their doubts and fears, but in the end Tate and Mike are perfect for each other. 

The Broadway play makes for a fun setting. We are fully immersed in the theater antics, the development of a play, and all the surrounding politics. I enjoyed this a lot.

Overall, Broadway Babe is a fun read. At just 76 pages, check this one out when you're looking for a quick, delightful book. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - His Two Leading Men by Aidan Wayne

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Book Title: His Two Leading Men

Author: Aidan Wayne

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Aidan Wayne

Genre/s: Contemporary sweet gay romance, menage

Heat Rating: 2 flames

Length: 57,000words/ 205 pages (309 in kindle format, 296 in PDF)

It is a standalone story.

Release Date: November 9, 2018

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 Available on Kindle Unlimited

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Blurb

Broadway star Skye’s whole life is an act.

On the surface, he’s living the New York Dream - acclaimed by critics for his stunning debut, playing to packed audiences every night.

They don’t know the truth.

Battling crippling anxiety, every show is a struggle for Skye. Only one thing gives him the courage to step into the spotlight every performance - the steady, calming support of costumer Russell. But Skye can’t burden Russell with all his demons…

When wealthy patron Brent takes an interest in Skye, everything the actor knows is turned upside down. Charismatic and confident, Brent is everything Skye isn’t... and just what he needs. But how can he choose between gentle Russell and magnetic Brent? Russell means so much to him, but the chemistry between Skye and Brent is undeniable.

Or does he have to choose at all…?

Review

My Rating - 4 Stars!

His Two Leading Men is a fabulous, unique book by Aidan Wayne. It's definitely an original twist on polyamory.

When Skye gets his first leading role on Broadway, he's excited but nervous. Soon he's caught the eye of two men. Brent, an audience member who continually pursues him, and Russell, who works with him at the theater.

What follows is a fantastic and romantic tale of Skye trying to figure out how to navigate the feelings he has for these two suitors.

I love this story. I love the characters. And I love the way the men are with Skye. It is touching the way that Russell is always there for Skye, just soothing him with his gentle presence. Russell is truly a breathe of fresh air to the anxiety ridden Skye. And Brent, well, at first I was a little weary of him, but soon I realized how fantastic he is for Skye.

The relationships that develop are definitely unconventional, yet tender and inspiring. It is astonishing the way the communication is so open and honest between the men.

I definitely appreciate His Leading Men and the way that Aidan Wayne created this spectacular romance.

Excerpt

Quick changes, Skye decided as he scrambled offstage yet again, were the worst part of any show. It was the start of full-dress rehearsal week for the Broadway debut show Child’s Play, so he was figuring out how to get into and out of his costumes–and in time to scale the ladder to the height of center stage so he could descend from the ceiling. He’d botched it twice already, not making it in time for his cue, and he was a mess of nerves trying to get decked out in his light-up tuxedo while he paid attention to the music.

“Hey,” his quick-changer murmured as he affixed Skye’s mask. “You’ve got this.”

Right. Skye nodded and hurried over to the ladder.

After rehearsal was over and the cast was undressing and taking off makeup, Skye decided to track down the quick-changer. His calm amidst the storm had really helped, and Skye wanted to say thanks.

It had been chaotic and dark, but Skye didn't have a problem remembering what he looked like. Taller than Skye, with dark brown skin and kind eyes.

He found him fixing costume pieces on their hangers, and seeing him in full light–he looked more like someone who should be modeling clothes, over making them. “Hi," Skye said, trying to sound more confident and less shy. "Uh, I’m Skye. I don’t think we’ve been introduced?”

The quick-changer chuckled, a low, throaty sound, and held out a hand. “Russell,” he said. “And I know who you are. Hard to miss the Power Prince.”

Right. Skye was still in full makeup. He, at least, was easy to recognize. He ruefully rubbed the back of his neck. Skye tried his best to get to know the stage crew, but between them and the cast there were a lot of people to keep track of. Once the show was up and running for a few weeks he’d definitely be better at it, but people sort of stayed in their little boxes during rehearsals. They didn’t meld properly into one complete unit the show actually started. But Russell he wasn’t going to forget. “I just wanted to say thanks.”

“What for?”

“For, you know, encouraging me back there. I really needed it. And it helped a lot.”

Russell smiled at him. “Happy to help.”

“Yeah, uh–” It didn’t feel like enough, just saying thanks. And he didn’t know the guy yet–but it’d be a good idea to get to know him. Especially considering he’d be the one helping Skye strip down and then dress back up twice a show. “Are you busy, now that rehearsal is done for the day?”

Russell shook his head. “Just need to finish prepping this all for tomorrow. Shouldn’t take me long. Why?”

“You want to grab a bite to eat together?”

“Sure.”

“Want to meet by the back door when you’re ready? I have to take all this off anyway.”

Russell chuckled again. “I might be done before you are, but sure, yeah. Meet you then.”

Skye grinned. “Great.”

He left to go peel off his costume, unpin his wig, and take off all the stage makeup. In the end, he just wiped off as much as he could manage. He was pretty sure all Broadway actors had perpetually lined eyes at this point. Well, it wasn’t like he minded that much–it did make his eyes pop.

When he was dressed in real-people clothes again, he grabbed up his bag and left for the backstage door. A few people were still milling around, but Russell was standing a little off to one side. Not checking his phone or anything, just watching what was going on around him.

Skye went up to him. “Hey,” he said. “Thanks for waiting. Looks like you were right; you were done before I was.”

Russell blinked at him and then laughed. “So that’s what you look like when you’re out of makeup. I’ve been wondering.”

“You have?”

Russell shrugged. “I mean, I’ve seen everyone’s playbill headshots, but by the time I get to most of you, you’re all in makeup, if not costumed.”

“I thought you were one of the costumers.”

“Yeah, but that mostly means I’m sewing or repairing or washing. I just get put on the quick-changes once we get into dress shows. I’ve got fast fingers.”

Skye laughed. “Okay, good to know. And, I mean, I appreciated them. You’re going to be the one working with me?” Hopefully he didn’t sound to eager.

“Yup. For the changes on that side of the stage that need an extra pair of hands, I’m your guy.”

Skye smiled. “Nice to hear.”

“So where we headed?”

“Oh, uh,” Skye might not’ve thought that far. “What are you in the mood for?”

“You pick. You were the one who did the inviting, after all.” Russell grinned at him.

Skye tried not to panic. He wasn’t so great at choosing things. “Um.” There was that burger joint a block away that he and the others frequented a lot, that might be a good place. But maybe that was too fast-foody? There was a sushi bar pretty close by too, but Russell might not like that. Maybe–

“Actually,” Russell said after what was probably too long a pause on Skye’s part, “I could really do with a burger. That sound good to you?”

Crisis averted. Second time that day Russell had done that. “Yeah.” Skye smiled. “That sounds great.

Meet the Author 

Aidan Wayne has been publishing LGBTQ+ fiction since 2016. While they usually stick with contemporary romance (both adult and YA), some soft sci-fi/fantasy has been known to sneak in as well. They primarily write character-driven stories with happy endings, because, dammit, queer people deserve happy endings too.

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GRL 2018 SPOTLIGHT - KA Mitchell - Put A Ring On It

In my attempt to cover some of the attending authors for this year's GRL,
I am reviewing 

Put A Ring On It by KA Mitchell!

Amazon Link
Goodreads Link


Blurb

Ready or Knot: Book One

Kieran Delaney-Schwartz—adoptee, underachiever, and self-professed-slacker IT guy—lives his under-the-radar life by the motto: Don’t try, don’t fail. His adopted siblings are all overachievers thanks to his driven, liberal parents, but Kieran has elected to avoid disappointing anyone by not getting their hopes up. He’s coasting through his early twenties when he’s hit head-on by Theo. The successful decade-older Broadway producer sweeps him off his feet for a whirlwind thirteen months that are pretty sweet, until it all comes screeching to a halt on Valentine’s Day, with an unexpected proposal via an NYC Times Square flash mob.

Now everyone wants in on the wedding, except the grooms….


REVIEW
My Rating - 4 Stars!



Put A Ring On It is the first book in this super sweet series, Ready Or Knot by KA Mitchell.

Kieran and Theo, boyfriends for over a year, have been living together for a few months. Things are going great until Theo decides to propose in a very public and embarrassing manner. So what's the problem? Well, for one, Kieran is introverted and socially awkward, so this is not his ideal proposal. The other problem? Oh yeah, they've never even discussed marriage.

Put on the spot, Kiernan say yes, but his heart isn't in it. After that, things get crazy when a morning talk show airs their story and wants to pay for their wedding. The catch? It needs to take place in 2 weeks and they'll air it. In other words, exactly the opposite of what Kieran wants.

Now they are dealing with some well- meaning, but not some helpful friends and family, in addition to a producer who doesn't have their best intentions in mind.

This book is gripping, even as it has you wanting to yell at the couple to just talk to each other, honestly, and really discuss their feelings. It contains some tender and sweet moments, some fun humor, and lots of frustrating moments. As I love this type of story, this one left me charmed. 

I appreciated the vastly different personalities of the Kieran or Theo, as they are well written and it's a joy to read how they ultimately compliment each other.

If you haven't read Put A Ring On It, and the other Ready Or Not books by KA Mitchell, you are missing out. It is great, as it's written with thought and tenderness.