Showing posts with label cat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cat. Show all posts

Thursday, April 15, 2021

If Only for Today (Deerbourne Inn) by Gabbi Grey

 





He came looking for solitude. He might leave after finding love.



Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he's missing someone special in his life.

Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He's photographed every major conflict in the world for the last ten years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he's been living.

Something in Xander's gruff demeanor calls to Jared's caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared's kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?




My Rating - 4.5 Stars!


If Only for Today is a heartwrenching romance by Gabby Grey. Part of the Deerbourne Inn series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

This one has all the feels. If you aren't in the mood for a tear-jerker, stay away!

Jared and Xander's romance is far from ordinary. They meet when Xander comes to spend a month at the Inn where Jared works. 

Xander's job is a big part of his past. He's a famous, award winning photo journalist who works in dangerous situations. His stay starts off with a little suspense as to what he's dealing with. 

The men are complete opposites, yet also share some of the same fundamental problems. Both are running from something. 

Their story includes an adorable dog and cat, with a bond so beautifully strong. I can't help but to fall in love with Marshmallow and Lady, enjoying every moment of them. 

The overriding theme throughout is that "Circumstances can always change..." And damn, isn't that the truth? I love how the author handles this, taking both the characters and the reader through some twists and turns, and ending with a fantastic ending for these two.

The small town setting is wonderfully established and felt throughout. Xander's attitude about the town is a perfect way to explore the feelings and charms of small town living.

If Only for Today is a great read by Gabbi Grey. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It's heartbreaking, it's depressing, it's funny, and it's sweet. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what Gabbi writes next. 






Xander reached for Jared’s hand resting on the table, only pulling back at the last moment. “You’re very expressive, as I’m sure you know. You hide nothing. I like that. I’m tired of artifice and people hiding their genuine feelings. My best work is when people are at their most vulnerable. When they’re raw.”

Now Jared cocked his head. “Isn’t that taking advantage?”

The other man glanced out the window.

The sun had lowered to below the trees, but the light still shimmered. It illuminated Xander’s face but also hid part of his profile in shadow. When he turned back, the expression was nothing short of haunted.

“I suppose you could say that, if you were so inclined.”

Before Jared could respond, he continued.

“There are two kinds of photographs I take. The first are the spontaneous heat-of-the-moment shots. In the midst of a battle or the immediate aftermath. The photos capturing the urgency and danger of the moment.

“Then there are the more intimate shots. Showing the toll human suffering takes. Laying bare people’s souls. Sometimes I have permission, and sometimes obtaining it is impossible. Many of those people want their pictures taken because they want the world to see their plight. To see the suffering wrought by conflict. To see the injustice and the depravity. Man’s inhumanity to man, if you want.”

Talk about raw. “Your work is amazing.” No point in hiding his awe.

“My work is necessary.”

Jared hesitated before nodding. “Doesn’t say much for the state of the world, does it?”

Xander swiped his hand as if swatting a fly. As if trying to push a memory away. “I’m a downer tonight. Sorry about that. You didn’t ask me here to opine about the state of geopolitics.”



Gabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances…and while she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love.  She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.


Links:

Amazon US:  https://amzn.to/3fOsviy

Amazon CA:  https://amzn.to/31LG1LP

KOBO:  https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/if-only-for-today

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-only-for-today-gabbi-grey/1138919955

iBooks:  https://books.apple.com/us/book/if-only-for-today/id1556170342

Publisher:  https://www.thewildrosepress.com/book-post/if-only-for-today



Personal links:

Website: https://gabbigrey.com/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/

Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey




Thursday, November 19, 2020

RELEASE BLITZ , EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Love Directions (Good Bad Idea #5) by A.F. Zoelle


Banner

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle

Love Directions 1800x2700


A Good Bad Idea Story, Book 5



Elias Forthwright

Can a chance meeting lead to true love? I sure hope so, because I’m falling hard and fast for North. I’m normally too shy to be attracted to a playful flirt like him, but he’s full of surprises that bring out the best in me. Even though we’re nothing alike, he’s everything I never knew I needed.

Maybe it’s silly to feel like the cosmic universe conspired to bring us together, but North makes me want to believe in the impossible. After all, it would be stupid to run away from love when all signs point to him being the one, right?

North Easton

To say I’ve lived a strange life is a massive understatement. I’m used to weird things being the norm, but even I never expected to fall in love with a sweetheart the first time I meet him. Elias makes me feel all warm and gooey inside like a hot brownie. If I get lucky, maybe he’ll want a bite. And if I’m really lucky, he’ll want to come back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and forever. 

I know we just met, but is it too soon to plan for a lifetime of canoodling with Elias? Shockingly, I don’t mean that as a euphemism for once.

Love Directions is the fifth book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a shy/flirt, instalove, opposites attract romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link    *   Amazon US

Goodreads

Teaser 3



My Rating - 5 Stars!

AF Zoelle's Love Directions is a great romance. The fifth book in the Good Bad Idea series, it's a perfect addition to the fun. 

North and Elias' love story is one of insta-love, with a connection that is intense and all consuming. They are two men who weren't looking for love and really didn't want it. Until it hit them in the face. 

North is an author with a side gig, which leads to some tension. His family is the absolute best and they alone are worth the read. He has a quirky mom, a talking cat, and an
adorable family.

Elias meanwhile is scared off from relationships after his ex. I was so mad and disgusted with Elias' exes, but delighted with the way North handles him. And then there's the emotional and loving letters from Elias' mom, which will just gut you. 

Their story is one of opposites, with one being an extrovert and the other an introvert.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the author fully pulls us into the emotions and quirkiness of this story. It's full of intrigue and memorable moments, as well as families that are out of this world. Seriously, you will love every second of their family moments.  

Love Directions is sweet, sweet, sweet. AF Zoelle delights with this delightful tale of two men who are meant to be. It's tough to top this one. Just read it. 


Teaser 1

North shook my hand as he introduced himself, sending currents zinging through me as we touched. “I’m North Easton. Nice to meet you, Elias.”
That was quite an interesting name. “North Easton?”
“Yeah, and my twin is West Easton. There isn’t a joke about that we haven’t heard.” He grinned, even though he was probably sick of everyone having the same response. “If you think that’s bad, my mom has a cat called Woof. My theory is she’s overcompensating for being named Linda.”
He said it with a straight face, but I couldn’t believe him. “You’re joking, right?”
“I wish I was. When she was a kid, she had a Chihuahua named Meow.”
It was so absurd I had to laugh. “Now you’re just messing with me.”
North pulled out his phone and opened his group text with his mother and sister. He scrolled up a bit to a picture of a very regal-looking gray Siamese cat wearing a gold crown and white fur-lined purple velvet cloak. The texts under it made me snicker.

Mom: King Woof requests your presence at dinner.

West: Kings don’t make requests; they command.

Mom: Fine, he commands you to stop being a smart-ass.

North: Good luck with that. Does Lord Woofie have a specific time in mind?

The conversation was so delightfully weird. “I bet her next cat’s name is Mouse.”
“You’re probably right. That’s absolutely her sense of humor.”
I raised my drink in a toast. “Congratulations, you’re officially the most interesting person I know now.”
“I’m honored.” He clinked his glass against mine. “So, what’s this I hear about me being your stranger?”
As he drank his cocktail while watching me, I found myself tongue-tied. Thankfully, Red answered for me. “His horoscope said he would meet a stranger that would change his life today. It also suggested that he should be open to the possibility of love, hint hint. Mine said I should play Cupid, so this seems like the perfect trifecta to make magic happen.”
It was embarrassing having my horoscope habit being revealed. I hurried to justify my interest. “Horoscopes were my mom’s thing.”
North studied me, his gaze piercing through me as if he could see all my secrets somehow. I felt exposed but remained silent as I waited for him to respond. He took another sip before he shocked me. “You must be a Virgo.”
I blinked at him in disbelief. “How could you tell?”
His cryptic smile did funny things to my heart. “I’m magic.”
“If you’re so magical, what am I?” Red challenged.
“Oh, you’re definitely a Taurus. There’s no question about that.”
His accuracy was uncanny, further intriguing me. “Why do you know that?”
“I told you: I’m magic.” He stated it with so much confidence, I almost believed him. Who was this guy?

Teaser 5


Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the exciting release of Love Directions, we are giving away 2 e-sets of the A Good Bad Idea Series so far (5 books)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57101/?


Check out the rest of the
A Good Bad Idea Stories

Series Image

Book 1: Bet On Love

Zoelle, AF - Bet on Love Cover



Rhys Huntington

After my bachelor party, I expected to wake up with a hangover. I never imagined I’d wake up in bed with a husband two days before my actual wedding. Realizing I’m straight and married to my best man sobers me up real fast. But nothing could have prepared me for discovering I desperately want to consummate my marriage with my best friend and spend the rest of my life with him.

What are the odds that my bad idea ends up being the best thing to ever happen to us?

Lucien “Luci" St. Amour

Rhys may legally be my husband now, but that doesn’t mean he’s mine to love and cherish for the rest of our lives. We’ll get an annulment, then go back to being just best friends. But all those feelings I’ve suppressed since we shared our first kiss as teenagers have been stirred up, forcing me to confront the fact that I wish our marriage was more than a mistake.

How do I tell my best friend I want a second chance to be his husband for real?

Bet on Love is the first book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novella features a friends to lovers, second chance, bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub


Book 2: Love Means More

Love Means More Large Logo



Ambrose O’Rourke

I’ve dropped at least 1,846,957 hints that I want to be more than Augie’s best friend. Despite my best efforts, my reputation as a straight playboy means he’s not picking up what I’m putting down. If I’m going to win his heart, I’ve got to get creative.

Maybe if I show him what an awesome fake boyfriend I am, he’ll want me to be his real one?

August “Augie" Murphy

Secretly being in love with your straight friend sucks. Secretly being in love with your straight friend who won’t quit flirting with you really sucks. When Ambrose suggests we go on a fake double date as boyfriends, the temptation is too much to resist. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.

Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?

Love Means More is the second book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a friends to lovers, fake boyfriends, bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub


Book 3: Fancy Love


Callum O’Rourke

A twenty-year-old like me doesn’t stand a chance with an older playboy like Rune. Yet despite being total opposites, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend. Anything more than that would be greedy, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would teach me how to satisfy the passionate desire I feel for him. All of my fantasies are about experiencing my first time with him.

Could I be lucky enough that it happens for real?

Rune Tourneau

The only relationships I used to be interested in were meaningless hookups with no strings attached. But Callum’s kindness touched a part of my heart I didn't know existed, changing me forever. I desperately want him, but he deserves to be cherished by someone who thinks true love is real and isn’t a jaded thirty-year-old like me.

Can he really turn a sceptic like me into someone who believes we could have a romantic happy ever after together?

Fancy Love is the third book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, first time, opposites attract romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub


Book 4: Love Fool

Love Fool 1800x2700



Xander Dandridge

Everybody thinks my best friend is in love with me, including my cheating ex-boyfriend. When I have to see that jerk at my boss’s wedding, bringing Jules as my fake date is the perfect revenge. But why stop there? After all, if everyone is going to accuse Jules and I of being together, why shouldn’t we enjoy ourselves as friends-with-benefits?

Ohhhh, it’s because our arrangement makes me fall in love with him for real. Oops?

Jules Tourneau

I’ve ignored my feelings for Xander so many years that I’m convinced I only love him as a friend. It’s totally a coincidence that thinking of him with his awful ex-boyfriend makes me burn with raging hellfire, right? When we’re fake dating, I’m obviously going to have fun teasing him with obnoxiously cutesy nicknames, like calling him my pookie—crap, I’m actually in love with Xander, aren’t I?

How do you tell your best friend, “Surprise! I just figured out I’ve been stupid in love with you forever,” without sounding like the world’s biggest idiot?

Love Fool is the fourth book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a friends to lovers, fake boyfriends, banter-filled romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub

Promo 2





Under constant siege from persistent plot bunnies, A.F. Zoelle enjoys humoring them by writing about gorgeous men being in love. Her contemporary romances are full of witty banter, sexy fun, and lovable smart-asses. She’s left academia behind for a new adventure, which will hopefully include adopting Ragdoll cats of her own someday soon.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to extra epilogues, previews of upcoming books, and more.

Connect with A.F.:
Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram
Website
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub



grr-tours-promo


Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Sea Kissed by Spencer Spears

 



Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link





The last thing I expected to get for Christmas was kidnapped…

Ari: I also didn’t expect to escape, get amnesia, and wash up on a reclusive millionaire’s private beach.

I didn’t expect that millionaire to turn out to be insanely-hot, ex-actor Holden Amundsen, who fled Hollywood years ago after a scandal.

And I definitely didn’t expect famously straight Holden Amundsen to not be quite so straight after all—at least not when he’s in bed with me.

Talk about holy nights...

But when pictures of us kissing end up online, more than Holden’s reputation is at stake. Holden promises he’ll protect me when my kidnappers come calling, but I’m more worried about my heart.

Holden says what we have can’t last, but I know love when I feel it. So how do I convince him that finding each other is a Christmas miracle worth fighting for?

Sea Kissed is part of the MM Fairy Tale Romance series. All books are completely standalone and are modern retellings of classic fairy tales with a gay romance twist.
 





My Rating - 5 Stars!

Spencer Spears Sea Kissed is a delightful modern day fairy tale. It's fabulous and is definitely worth a read!

Ari is on the run, but when he's washed up on a beach, he has amnesia. Luckily for him, Holden is there to both save 
him and care for him.

It's a great story, as both men have complicated backstories, and both are hiding. I appreciate the way both men have some mental damage and the way they work through it. With some forced proximity, the two get to know one another, and eventually care for each other. In the end, both are trying to save and protect the other. 

The opposites attract aspect is wonderfully explored. There's an age gap, and some major personality differences. I always love a good quiet and withdrawn man meeting a talkative and outgoing one. 

Best of all though is a cat named Frog, who will have you laughing out loud. 

Their story is certainly sweet, with plenty of humor, as well as some major dirty mind moments. So much fun. There are some wonderful secondary characters who you'll fall for, as well as some twists and turns to keep you on the edge at times. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, we get to know both characters well. Both are complex men, with well developed backgrounds. The light action and danger add a good element to the story. And there's definitely some heat involved, with a little bit of a daddy kink. 

Sea Kissed is a fantastic modern day retelling of The Little Mermaid. Spencer Spears does a great job switching things up for a unique take on the classic fairytale. I love it all!


Friday, November 13, 2020

Hair and Heart by Rhys Everly

 


Amazon Link - Available in KU





My life is like a prison.

I may be one of the world’s biggest popstars, but I live no fairy tale. 

Everything I do is controlled by my manager. It’s the only way I don’t hurt anyone again.
The only way to be free.

Until I meet him. 
Sandy Thorne. 
He comes into my life full of color, passion and snark, and despite irritating me to no end, he makes me believe in happy ever afters.

But can I trust myself? Can I trust that I won’t hurt him?

And what does it really mean to be free and happy?

Caution: Contains an oppressed popstar, a sassy color-blind stylist, a Christmas concert ball, and the color pink. So much pink!

Hair & Heart is part of the MM Fairy Tale Romance series. All books are completely standalone and are modern retellings of classic fairy tales with a gay romance twist.





My Rating - 4.5 Stars!


Hair and Heart is a modern retelling of Rapunzel. This Rhys Everly book captured my attention immediately with a rock star with a tough past. 

Ohhh...I just love this story. Making the trapped character a famous rock star works for me on multiple levels. It's great because it's unfortunately all too realistic to have a controlling manager. As well, it's over the top fun the way Val is controlled. It's seriously crazy, yet perfectly fitting of the Rapunzel theme. 

Val is perfectly lovable, though he's certainly misunderstood at the beginning. I love the way Sandy enters his life and helps save him. Everything about Sandy is wonderful!

And, omg, the pink hair and the song. I couldn't have loved this more. 

Their story includes a crazy ass cat who adds immensely to the story. There's also some strong secondary characters who are great and help out when necessary. 

The writing is fabulous, as it's sharp, witty, and humorous. The author excels in combining the fun with the serious. It's truly impressive. 

Hair and Heart is a fun new take on a classic fairytale. Rhys Everly provides a perfect escape with this one. Just read it and enjoy!



Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Lord of a Thousand Steps (Love in Laguna #4) by Tara Lain

 


Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link



“I’m going to remind you what it’s like to be twenty-one.”

When Ian Carney’s perfect boyfriend turns out to be a rat, and his internship in architecture morphs into an emergency round of babysitting for his gorgeous boss Braden Lord’s kids, Ian gets a dose of real-life real fast.

Braden’s two kids idolize Ian and his cat, and they’re pretty disappointed to find him in their dad’s bed.
But Braden’s ex-wife is delighted to have grounds for sole custody.
Just how much reality can a twenty-one-year old handle?

Still, he might be young, but Ian’s the one with all the experience – in bed and in life. He’s just got to prove he’s serious about wanting an “old guy” with a mountain of baggage -- and he’s willing to take the thousand steps to get him.

LORD OF A THOUSAND STEPS is a MM, age-gap, boss/employee, sexy babysitter, single-dad, late-coming-out, custody battle romance – with the world’s most fabulous cat.



My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Lord of a Thousand Steps is another wonderful read by Tara Lain. The fourth book in the Love in Laguna series, it's definitely best enjoyed if you read the books in order. 

The differences between Braden and Ian are ever present, starting with the fact that they're in different parts of their lives. Braden's in the middle of a divorce, fighting for custody of his kids. He's a successful businessman who's spent his life in the closet, until now. On the other hand, Ian's a poor, young college student who's trying to get some work experience via his internship. After having just found his brother in an earlier book, his dream is to have a real family but his boyfriend is toying with him. 

The boss/employee aspect is intriguing, but I enjoy that it isn't the overriding angst-causing factor that it often is in romances. Instead, the angst primarily revolves around Braden's custody battle. 

I love and adore Braden's kids and the way Ian gets along with them. They're great kids; cute, realistic, and never bratty or over the top. Their presence just adds to the fun. My favorite part has to be the way the daughter falls for Anderson. From the start, this part is just precious. 

As for the exes, they're infuriating. I can't stand Braden's ex, and Ian's boyfriend can rot in hell. Poor Ian is blindsided in a heartbreaking way. It's annoying that Ian's so naive, but of course his desperate desire for a family makes it understandable. 

Personally, I like the way Braden's coming out is handled. He's older and just now realizing his regrets and guilt about having been closeted. He definitely regrets having used his wife and letting her live in an unfulfilled marriage. But he's also eternally grateful for the fact that his marriage gave him his children. He loves them immensely and will do anything to be able to have custody of them. 

As for the work the men do, I love the way Ian's architecture ideas come to life and are easy to picture in one's mind. I like his creativity and the way he impresses everyone.

Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the author gives both men a voice;  easily bringing both to life. The addition of previous characters greatly adds to the charm, as everyone continues to be interwoven. And damn, I really enjoy the previous men!

Lord of a Thousand Steps is a fantastic read. Tara Lain entertains with a great mix of fluff and emotion in this out for you romance. The found family theme is heavy with this one and will warm your heart, especially Anderson!!



Season's Change (Trade Season #1) by Cait Nary

  Amazon Link    Goodreads Link A veteran hockey player and a rookie can't get away from each other—or their own desires—in this sexy, h...