Bar None (Hoppy Hare #1) by Tia Fielding

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

What would you do if you’d been in love with your straight best friend for fifteen years, and his third marriage just fell apart? When is the pain of unrequited love too much to bear?

Josiah owns Hoppy Hare, a bar where he worked when he first met his two best friends, Denny and Sammie. Now, Denny owns a record label and Sammie tours the world with her band. Josiah is content with running the Hare and the staff who have become family.

A lot of things have changed over the years, but they’ve gotten over each hurdle. Life is good, if you don’t count the constant, searing pain of unrequited love Josiah has pushed aside for so long. But then Denny’s third marriage falls apart, and Josiah can’t take it anymore.

Confused about what’s going on, Denny gets the professional help he so sorely needs, and finds out more about himself in the process.

Life isn’t done with those curveballs though. How can they stick together during troubling times and everything between Denny and Josiah is up in the air like never before?

Bar None (Hoppy Hare #1) is a low-angst, warm fuzzies kind of story about found family formed by people who are very different from one another, yet who fit together like pieces of a lovely rainbow-colored puzzle, and who realize that love in all its forms is what matters the most, everything else is just the garnish on top of the cocktail of life.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Bar None is a fabulous friends to lovers romance. The first book in Tia Fielding's Hoppy Hare series, I am in love. 

Denny and Josiah are best friends. Josiah's long been in love with his best friend but Denny is straight. When Denny's latest marriage ends, he's suddenly looking at his best friend in a sexual way. I love sexual awakening romances! 

First of all, I adore Denny's cluelessness. Without some outside help, he'd probably never discover that his friend loves him and that he's actually attracted to his friend also. Seriously, he just doesn't have a clue.

The author slowly moves things forward for these two. It is slow burn for sure. Somewhat too much of a slow burn. But, it's all well developed. And it's fabulous. 

Their story includes family issues and therapy. There's sexual awakening, doubts, and insecurities. It's first kisses and first dates. But most of all, it's two best friends who will do anything for one another. 

A wonderful aspect of this story is the addition of all the secondary characters. There are many and I'm in love with them. I definitely want to learn more about these people. They are all family at the Bar and it's beautiful. 

Overall, I love Bar None. Every moment of this Tia Fielding tale had me mesmerized. It's sweet and feel good, with all the signs of a wonderful series in the making. 

Setting a New Course (Navigation Quartet #2) by Chris Cheek

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link 

“David was contemplating the wreck of his home life and his career. He realised with sickening clarity exactly how much this meant. He was going to lose everything he had taken for granted for the last few years – friends and acquaintances, his parents and siblings, the routine of life at the depot, the house he and Mona had shared for the last five years, his marriage and his kids.”

After being best friends from the age of nine, David and Alan had not seen each other for six years after Alan had left their home town in Yorkshire for a life in London. Then, one February day, they met up by accident when Alan got on the bus that David was driving. Having reconnected immediately, the true depth of their feelings became clear despite the fact that David was now married with two kids. After David started a new job driving an express service to London, the two twenty-five year olds began an affair – the course of which was the subject of the first book in this series, Veering off Course.

Setting a New Course opens with the aftermath of David facing a major crisis on one cataclysmic August night. It’s a difficult time as he tries to come to terms with a new life in London with Alan, his feelings of guilt about his marriage and his fears for the future of his two sons, whom he misses terribly.

David is brought almost to his knees when the problems he is facing are compounded by the actions of a vengeful wife. Is his relationship with Alan strong enough to withstand the strain Of these events? Can he reach an agreement with his wife about the future of the kids? And is his father willing to heal the breach that has developed between them?

At a moment of crisis, intervention from an unexpected source helps to reduce the emotional temperature. Can calm reflection lead to a new course being set for Alan and David?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Wow! Setting a New Course is a riveting romance by Chris Cheek. The second book in the Navigation Quartet by Chris Cheek, it's picks up where  Veering off Course leaves off. That said, it's actually easily read as a standalone, as the past events are summed up well. 

David and Alan's relationship began when they were kids. They were best friends. Until life took them down different paths. 

Now they are together, as boyfriends. Unfortunately, David's wife wasn't so happy about this. 

Their story is one of two different lives lived. The one David picked. And the one he is now choosing. 

I have a lot to say about this book. First of all, don't get caught up on the cheating. Yes, there is cheating, as David was cheating on his wife. But, it's the age old tale of being closeted and choosing the easier route in life. He thought he loved his wife, and it wasn't until seeing Alan again, that he knew he wasn't happy. 

Second, I have to address the author's writing style. I originally didn't read Veering off Course because of the unique style. I plan to change that though, as I need to know how things went down when they met up again. But, seriously, the writing style is not my typical taste. Everything is written in a more posh and proper manner; both the style and the language used. You could easily change a few things up and have it be a historical romance. 

But, on the first page, David's plight caught my attention. I am thrilled to have read this book. His journey is nothing unique and my heart hurts for him throughout.

There's plenty of pain throughout David's journey. He has to deal with his angry soon to be ex wife and the fight to see his children. There's plenty of homophobia surrounding him, most of it caused by his wife and mother in law. 

The men have their share of problems as a couple too. Both external and internal. There's no doubt they're in love. These men are damaged and luckily they make one another better. They fight through their fears and frustrations, mistakes and miscommunications. They will have a happy ending, so fear not. 

One of the most beautiful themes of this tale is that of friendship. The author wonderfully explores the importance of being in a gay community and the automatic understanding that comes within the community. I love this. 

As well, the author takes us on David's journey of feeling inferior to his London crowd. David is "just" a bus driver and feels he doesn't fit in with the arts crowd or the businessman crowd. The sad part is that David loves being a bus driver. It's heartbreaking to see the automatic stigma he feels from it when in a more sophisticated crowd. I wanted to cry for him. But, in the end, the author takes him on a beautiful journey towards self worth. 

Overall, Setting a New Course is well worth a read. I love every second of this Chris Cheek storyline. These men and their journey had me captivated throughout.

MF - Cowboy (Busy Bean #2) by L.B. Dunbar

 

COWBOY BY L.B. DUNBAR

Release Date: March 1, 2021

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Series page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/busy-bean/

Goodreads

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Purchase here:

Amazon * Apple

Kobo * Nook

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Pregnant at forty-two? Back the cow up...

Harland Bull Eaton has lost many things—his first wife, his beloved mother, those three women he proposed to . . . Oh, and there was that time he almost lost the family dairy farm due to a scandal. He’s losing faith in just about everything, especially love. 

But one night, his friends give him a dare. No commitments. No heartbreak. Just buy that gorgeous redhead a drink. The big-city bombshell he’s set his eyes on swirls him into a tailspin that lands them in bed for a one-night stand he’s pretty sure he’ll never forget. But this time, he swears, he won’t let his heart ride herd on his common sense. 

Recently separated and newly unemployed, Scarlett Russell is at a crossroads. With no other plan than visiting a friend in Vermont, the last thing she expects is a hunky, silver fox offering to buy her a drink. Even less expected is when she raises that offer to “take me to bed, cowboy.” She just wants one night to forget everything gone wrong.

Turns out once won’t be nearly enough. Won’t ever be enough, feeling the way she does. But secrets and an unexpected surprise are a lot to handle . . . unless these two can break a trail to an unexpected happily ever after.

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Cowboy is LB Dunbar's contribution to the multi-author Busy Bean series. So far, it's a wonderful, heartfelt series. 

This one starts off with a one night stand between Bull and Scarlett. Bull never expects to see her again, but by the time he does, she's working at the Busy Bean and is pregnant. 

But is he the daddy? No one knows, as she slept with her husband the week before sleeping with Bull? She slept with her husband the day before finding out he was leaving her for his pregnant girlfriend. Ouch!

Scarlett's age is a big factor in their story, as she's 42 and never expected to be pregnant at this age. 

I enjoy everything about the relationship that develops between the two. Bull is just wonderful. Absolutely lovable. He's caring, protecting, and will do anything for her. And damn, he's hot for her!

But their tale is full of their own doubts and insecurities, the fact that Scarlett's future is up in the air, and some outside interference.

I continue to love the small town and the coffee shop. Everything about this Sarina Bowen created world is just perfect. 

Cowboy is a great accidental pregnancy romance. Don't miss this LB Dunbar book the next time you're in the mood for famers, small town love, or two people falling in love when they weren't trying to. 

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Cowboy by L.B. Dunbar - Excerpt for Bloggers

“A coffee, black, no sugar, no cream, and a caramel macchiato with exactly five drizzles

of caramel, fifteen pumps of vanilla syrup, whipped cream, and an extra shot.”

What the . . .

Thank God, I did not take that order. I don’t even know what that is. There’s a pause

and I’m wondering what’s happening when Bull says, “You have a little something . . .”

I just want to die a slow death as I imagine him swiping at the corner of her lip or wiping

off her nose and that sweet, tender touch will be all the spark she needs to want to

pounce on this man behind me. Bull has these deep blue eyes and that silver speckled

scruff, plus his hair that looks artfully streaked with gray. He’s just all around sexy and

he doesn’t even know it about himself. Then, his touch. The soft strokes down my

body and the delicate dips of his fingers, I just can’t—

“Have either of you seen Scarlett?” Audrey asks.

Frick.

“Scarlett?” Bull chokes behind me.

“Yeah, Scarlett. She’s our newest barista and I swear she was out here.”

“I didn’t see anyone,” Vermont Barbie states. “But then again, I’ve only been looking

at Bull.”

Okay, that’s enough.

“Found it,” I say, popping up from behind the couch and holding my fingers pinched

together like I’ve just found gold in them there wood floorboards.

“Scarlett?” Audrey blinks at me with those expressive eyes of hers . She’s a petite

blond with a lot of power behind her personality. I slowly stand but find myself dizzy as

I do and grip the back of the couch for support.

“Whoa.” I blurt, unable to stop myself as the room spins and my legs tremble. My skin

runs cold, but I break out in a full body sweat.

“Scarlett, are you okay?” Audrey asks, rushing to the edge of the couch while Bull

quickly stands to face me.

“I . . . yeah, I just think I stood up too fast.” However, that isn’t the full explanation

because that rush to my head has now settled back down to my belly.

“You sure you’re okay? You look a little gray,” Audrey asks.

“I . . . excuse me.” Rushing around the couch, I fight the pull to look at Bull, as I

disappear behind the counter, bypassing our waiting customers with one finger in the

air, and then press out the door to the grassy area behind the building for some

much needed fresh air. Once outside, I promptly bend forward and heave.

“Oh my God, are you okay?” Audrey says behind me and I close my eyes, embarrassed

by my position in front of my boss. Audrey’s younger than me, but a good, business

woman and kind-hearted. She took me on without any prior experience in the coffee

industry.

“Yeah. Just something I ate, I think.” I honestly don’t know. It’s been a few weeks like

this, nausea, fatigue, and then if I do get sick, which doesn’t always happen, I feel a

million times better once I vomit. “I just have a little stomach bug, but I don’t have a

fever. I’m so sorry about this.” I point to the grass which holds no evidence of how my

stomach felt. “And that.” I nod toward the café.

Audrey’s brows crease as she examines my face. “What else is wrong? As far as how

you are feeling?”

I consider it a second and then answer. “My boobs hurt. My back kills. And I had a tuna

fish sandwich for breakfast the other day. I think there was something wrong with the

mayonnaise.” Then I reconsider what I’ve said. That sandwich the other morning had

been the best damn tuna fish in the world and the last thing I’d ever eat when it comes

to a breakfast item.

Audrey’s lips slowly curl and her eyes spark like she knows something. “Scarlett,

could you be pregnant?”

“What? No. Heaven’s no. Absolutely not. I . . .” I stare back at her, horrified at the

notion. I’m forty-two. I’m recently divorced. I cannot be pregnant at this stage of my life.

“No. I am definitely not pregnant.”

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!!

BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Abstract Love by Sara Dobie Bauer

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Abstract Love

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: September 4, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM romance

Trope/s: enemies-to-lovers, age gap, co-workers, office romance, 

bisexuality, businessmen, artists, bondage, comedy

Themes: sexual awakening

Possible triggers: depression, suicidal ideations, biphobia

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: 71 000 words

It is a standalone book.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

I hate Sam Shelby. So why do I want to kiss him?

Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.
Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man.
Well, shit happens.

After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.

After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.

Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact.

Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Abstract Love is a delightful enemies to lovers romance, sort of. To me, this Sara Dobie Bauer read is more of two men getting off to a bad start together and their slow progression towards love. 

When Sam and Donovan become co-workers, the sparks fly. Donovan is miserable with his life, as he's getting a divorce which has left him empty and gruff. Thus, he hates the energetic and arrogant Sam from the start. Yes, fun sparks!

Ohhhh...Sam. I love and adore the confidence Sam has. At times it's over the top, almost making me mad at him, but he has the game to back up his arrogance. His talent is well established and I love the way he discusses art.

Their story includes family issues, as Sam struggles as his long estranged father is dying. His parents are vile. And then there's Donovan's family issues, as his wife left him for his best friend. It's a tough road for both of them, but in the end, I love the way everything is resolved.

As for the relationship itself, these two men make for a great couple. They definitely have some strong chemistry and they bring out the best in one another. And oh, the opposites attract theme is strong with these two. 

The author takes these two on a long journey. Sam has never wanted an actual relationship, creating problems with Donovan, as well as with his fling Jamie. His insistence on being independent and repeatedly pushing people away is almost his undoing. I love it all. The changes in both men are extraordinary by the end.  

As for the sex, there's some sizzling sexual exploration with some great first times and plenty of emotion. If you enjoy first times, you'll love it all. 

My favorite thing though is the way Sam sees Donovan; sees the real Donovan. Sam sees past Donovan's facade and pushes him to be happy, which he's never been. I adore this aspect of the tale. I love the way Donovan comes to grips with his submissive personality, and takes charge of his life for once. 

Abstract Love is a compelling read. This Sara Dobie Bauer gem explores the importance of being happy, and going after what makes one happy. I truly enjoyed this book. It's a long, slow burn read, at almost 300 pages, but it's all fabulous. If you enjoy men who experience a large amount of character growth, don't miss this one. 

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Donovan sifted through a few hand-drawn logos on the desk and froze when he found a crudely drawn sketch of himself. Sam must have done it during a meeting at some point, capturing Donovan’s faux hawk, wide jaw, and severe expression.

Jesus, was this what other people saw when they looked at him? Did he really look so miserable?

“Make yourself at home?”

Donovan dropped the picture and stood straight at the sound of Sam’s voice.

He leaned against the doorframe, with one ankle crossed over the other.

“It’s really bullshit when people say that, you know?” Sam said. “Make yourself at home. No one actually wants their friends to take off their pants, drink all their beer, and binge The Great British Bake Off.” He paused. “What are you doing in my office?”

“I didn’t mean to snoop.”

The office door closed as he stepped inside. “Sure you did, or you wouldn’t be in here, so what’s up?”

Sam circled the desk, so Donovan circled the other way, although he noticed it was true what coworkers said: Sam did smell good—like clean laundry and cedar. “I think we started off on the wrong foot.”

Sam snort laughed and flipped through some files on his desk. “More like wrong continent, man.” When he found what he was looking for, he tapped the file’s corner against his palm. “I can handle guys like you, you know.”

Donovan shifted back on his heels. “Guys like me?”

“Hmm. Corporate assholes. All you see are dollar signs. You take no pleasure in your work. Advertising is money to you, not art, but without the artists, there wouldn’t be advertising, so…” He sucked his cheeks into his mouth, a momentary fish face.

Donovan wanted to tell him it wasn’t true. Donovan loved art.

He used to love art.

Sam continued, “I know I look like a six-foot-two Disney princess, but you’re not gonna rattle me.” To prove his point, Sam got right up in Donovan’s personal space until Donovan took a step back. Again, he was not used to dealing with someone his own height. “And I’m right about the Great Lakes ad campaign. If you’d pull your head out of your ass, maybe you’d notice.” He turned away abruptly.

“Sam.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” Ouch, that hurt coming out.

Sam’s rebuttal: “Prove it.”

“Excuse me?”

He rested a hand on the desk and cocked his hip out—the very picture of young attitude. “Listen to me in meetings.”

“I was listening.”

“Nope.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his unkempt, unprofessional hair. “No, you were hearing. I need you to listen. There’s a difference. And I know I’m just some fucking kid to you, but I ruled the New York City advertising scene. I know what I’m doing, Donovan, so let me do it.”

“Fine.” He’d had enough. He’d apologized, okay, so he’d done his Monica-enforced duty. He didn’t owe Sam anything else.

He didn’t run for the door, but he definitely moved with speed.

 

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Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.

 

 

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Private Facebook Group

Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | Freebies

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Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts, interviews, and reviews here

The Night (Love in O'Leary Book 5) by May Archer

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

One night in Vegas I gave him my heart… one day later, he broke it.
 
Look, I’ve never claimed to be a nice guy. I don’t do pretty words, I don’t give polite smiles, and I refuse to be sucked into the sappy bucket of sentimentality that is Christmas in small-town O’Leary. Smiling neighbors, overly decorated trees, a town parade, a Santa contest? Ho ho no. I do shifts as a firefighter, and I go home alone.

I fell into the trap once — that stupid night in Vegas — of believing there was more out there for me. I took a chance on a guy with magical green eyes and a gorgeous smile. The next day, Liam McKnight was gone. He took my heart with him… and left his wedding ring behind.

Except now my once-upon-a-time husband has reappeared with a kid in tow, and there are carols, lights, and cookies everywhere I turn. And worst of all? The spark between us burns brighter than ever, because whatever happened in Vegas definitely didn’t stay there. Liam came to town looking for an ending, but what’s building between us feels an awful lot like a beginning. Too bad it’s going to take more than a dozen interfering O’Learians to convince me to take a second chance on heartache, on love… on us.

Note: While The Night is very much Liam and Gideon's story, characters from past books do make an appearance, and you'll enjoy the book exponentially more if this isn't your first trip to O'Leary.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow, I fell hook, line, and sinker into this book. The Night, the fifth book in May Archer's Love in O'Leary series, is one of those special books that leaves a lasting impression. 

I adore these two complex characters. Liam and Gideon are two men who had a hot and heavy weekend in Las Vegas that ended up in marriage. Now, it's been five years since they've seen one another, and they have their second chance.

And I love every minute of it.

Gideon's such a curmudgeon, and I loved it. I couldn't get enough of him. His reasons for this aspect of his personality are well developed and pulled at my heartstrings. Despite the angst involved when Liam comes asking for a divorce, the story isn't nearly as heavy on the angst as it could have been. The author wonderfully included enough charm, wit, and love into the story to help tone down the angst factor.

And then there's Hazel who may just be the cutest little girl ever. The author truly created a fantastic and entertaining child. I hope we see more of Hazel in the future. 

Despite there being anger in spades, the chemistry is still strong and the attraction is still there. What follows is some great heat and passion, as they are stuck together for a short bit. 

My favorite part of this story has to be the meddling townsfolk though. They have the best of intentions and all work together in their efforts. It is spectacular and full of humor.

The Night is the perfect addition to the Love in O'Leary series. Already a fantastic series, this one may be my favorite. O'Leary, omg, I want to live in O'Leary. Everyone is hysterical yet loving. I can't get enough of them!
This is the perfect book (and series) to just curl up under a warm blanket and lose yourself for a while.