Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts

Thursday, October 28, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Twice In a Lifetime (Sheltered Connections #1) by R.M. Neill

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Twice In A Lifetime
By R.M Neill

Twice in a Lifetime Ebook

Sheltered Connections, Book 1

One is suffering through a fog of grief. The other crushing feelings of inadequacy. Fate knew they needed each other.

Dominic
For the longest time, I believed we get one shot at true love. A single person that sets our soul on fire. I had that with my wife until she died, then I was lost in a dark sea of grief. In need of companionship, I decided to adopt a dog.

What I found at the shelter was so much more. Micha, the volunteer, is insanely cute and ridiculously funny. He awakens feelings within me I never knew existed. Is it possible I may get a second chance at real love?

Micha
Love just isn’t in the cards for some people. And I’m among those unfortunate few destined to be alone. I trusted the wrong man with my heart once and had it shattered into a million pieces. I won’t make that mistake twice.

Instead, I pour every ounce of my energy into building my business and trying to convince myself I’m not lonely. But Dominic could be the one to tear down the walls I hide behind. He’s the most handsome man I ever met and unbelievably kind. I know he experienced a horrible loss. Is that what’s behind his attraction to me? Or has the connection between us led to his bisexual awakening?

Twice in a Lifetime is the first book in the Sheltered Connections Series. This book involves themes of hurt/comfort, bisexual awakening, and an age gap. Swoon-worthy moments, laugh-out-loud humor, and scorching chemistry make up this 70k word story. Oh, and don’t forget the cherry flavored icing.

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Twice in a Lifetime is a beautiful romance by RM Neill. It's the first book in the Sheltered Connections series.

Dominic and Micha are two men with a lot of pain in their lives. They're both well developed and wonderfully complex.

I love this story and all the emotions involved. Dom's drowning in his grief when he meets Micha. And damn, he can't help but to be attracted to the man. But he struggles with being faithful to his dead wife.

This is a story with an age gap, hurt/comfort, and lots of adorable pets. It has a sexual awakening, a bisexual man, and plenty of heat. It also has some friends who think they know best and some bad outside obstacles.

Twice in a Lifetime is a sweet story of grabbing a second chance at love. This RM Neill book had me feeling all the feels and kept me charmed throughout. I enjoyed it all.

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"Listen to me Micha. Really fucking listen, because I'm getting tired of you thinking you aren't good enough for someone. You. Are. Amazing. People love you. There's nothing about you that people don't like. Dominic is no exception. Stop fucking hiding. Take this and run with it. Have fun with someone. If it still ends after you tried, I'll eat a pint of ice cream with you while we watch The Fox and the Hound for the zillionth time and I'll cry with you." He sucks in a breath. "But I can't stand here any longer and try to support you if you can't even see how wonderful you are."

"Wow, uh okay. I'm not really sure how to take that last part. Are you still my friend?"

Travis barrels into me, his giant hug squishing the air out of my lungs with an oomph. "Of course I'm still your friend you nincompoop. But I'm not listening to you talk bad about your self any more." He eases his grip. "Just follow your heart, Mic. He's a good one." He stabs me in the chest with his finger. "Let the hope win, just for once, okay?"

"That's the problem Trav. I don't trust my heart. It never steers me right."

He sighs, slumping his shoulders in defeat. "It's going to get it right some day. Either way, I'll be here. No matter what I say." He picks up the spilled pens. "You deserve it just as much as anyone else Micah. Love yourself like everyone else loves you."

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Twice In A Lifetime, R.M. is giving away a signed paperback copy (US Winner) and a $10 Amazon Voucher (International Winner)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57333/?

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I'm a wife, mom, animal lover and a hopeless romantic.

I want my stories to make you smile, swoon and snort laugh, but not necessarily in that order.

I hope I can be the author you turn to when you need a story to make you laugh, or add light to an otherwise dark day.

Coffee always wins, you can't change my mind.

Connect with R.M.:
Website: https://www.rmneillauthor.com/
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/RMNeillauthor
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/466017144750570
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.m.neill_author/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-m-neill
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21347944.R_M_Neill
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B091BGY8LS

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Monday, May 10, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Daybreak (Vino & Veritas #12) by Kate Hawthorne

DAYBREAK BY KATE HAWTHORNE

Purchase here→ https://geni.us/AmazonDaybreak

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/38YImHR

Series Page → https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/

All the links in one spot → https://shor.by/vino-and-veritas

When a sunny young musician gets stranded with a grumpy mechanic during a snowstorm, a lack of heat is the least of their problems…

Liam Luckett is on an adventure. He's dropped out of his Master's program without telling his overbearing parents and set off on a road trip across the country. Armed with little more than his guitar, he’s looking for his best life. He never expected his car to break down in the middle of nowhere Vermont with a huge storm pending, leaving him stranded and at the mercy of a hunky local mechanic.

Jasper Cunningham is in a holding pattern. Three years after the death of his husband, he still hasn’t moved on. A hot, younger, stranded tourist is exactly the sort of complication this mechanic has been avoiding. But he also can’t leave him in the snow. He brings Liam home and lets him sleep on the couch. The air is heavy with more than snow, and when the power goes out, the two men become closer than either of them expects.

Every silken note Liam sings on that guitar thaws Jasper’s heart a little. Suddenly, Liam’s itchy feet aren’t so eager to move on. When their feelings get too big to ignore, the bond they’ve formed is tested. Will daybreak leave them going their separate ways?

This opposites-attract, hurt/comfort romance features a grumpy widower who is only soft for one specific blue-eyed musician, a remote farmhouse, a friendly dog, and enough snow to knock the power out until love catches fire.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Daybreak is the twelfth book in the Vino & Veritas series. This is Kate Hawthorne's contribution to this multi author series.

Liam and Jasper are just wonderful together. They meet during a snowstorm and get to know each other with some forced proximity. Yeah!

Both men are intriguing and well developed. Jasper is torn between his attraction to Liam, and his feelings for his deceased husband. Everything about his connection with Liam is fabulously done, as he has to decide between giving into a chance to love again or not.

As for Liam, I enjoy his journey. He's desperately torn between grabbing onto is own passions, or traveling the life his father expects of him. It's interesting and easy to believe.

They are totally wonderful together and I enjoy seeing the progress both make in their lives. And damn, I love that they bring completely opposite life experiences to their relationship.

Daybreak is a sweet and tender second chance at romance. Kate Hawthorne had me riveted throughout this romance. I highly recommend it.

I reached up and wiped my face, and Liam laughed, standing up and

coming around the table. He batted my hands away and notched himself

between my spread thighs. He reached up and swiped his fingers over

my cheeks, looking down at me with eyes that looked a little scared and

a little sad.

“That’ll do,” he said, threading his fingers through my hair.

A rumbling groan fell from my mouth and I leaned into the touch. He kept

touching me, working his fingers from my hairline to the back of my head

over and over until I felt heavy and hazy with sleep.

“You were out there awhile,” he murmured, “considering you only crossed

one thing off your list.”

I sighed and rolled my neck, pressing my forehead against his stomach

and bracketing my hands around his slender hips.

“I finished your car,” I told him.

“So…” His voice was barely louder than a whisper. “So, it’s all fixed, then?”

“Fixed.”

The confirmation had my chest tightening, my organs suddenly too big for

my ribs, the curved bones constricting around my lungs, my heart.

“You gonna take off?” I asked, even though the words sliced my tongue

as I forced them out.

“Uhm…” Liam joined his fingers together at the back of my head, tight

enough that I couldn’t not be aware of the pressure he used to hold our

bodies together. “Not quite yet, if that’s okay with you.”

“Yeah.” I breathed in the smell of my soap on his skin. “That’s okay

with me.”

Saturday, May 8, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Unguarded (Vino & Veritas #10) by Jay Hogan

UNGUARDED BY JAY HOGAN

Release Date: May 6, 2021

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Series Page

All the link in one spot

I fled Boston and my cheating jerk of an ex with three hundred dollars and a lip gloss in my pocket. Waking up the next day in Burlington, Vermont, with a crick in my back and a frozen ass wasn’t exactly in the plan. If there was one. Which there wasn’t. Story of my life.

Three hours later and I’ve been hired as temporary help in the local veterinary and grooming clinic, which is kind of impressive since I know zip about animals and even less about grooming. But one thing I do know—I’m crushing hard on the sexy, absent-minded vet I work for.

My life is a hot mess. The last thing I need is another relationship. Emmett pushes all my buttons, but he isn’t out. He's overwhelmed with a business to run and a son to look after and the kind of domestic life I never thought I wanted.

I should walk away.

But Emmett believes in me, and I might just be starting to believe in myself. As different as we are, is it possible we're exactly what the other needs?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Unguarded is Jay Hogan's contribution to the multi-author Vino & Veritas series. It's a wonderful addition to this small town world.

Tai and Emmett make a for a great couple, and I enjoy the way everything unfolds for these two. They're both a little bit broken and in need of healing. Their backgrounds are well developed, helping to fully establish this.

Their story is one with an instant attraction, intense feelings, and a lot of personal conflict. Everything happens over a short time period, but is still relatively slow in the development. They are simply amazing together and I enjoy every moment of their journey towards love, acceptance, and healing.

Emmett's raising his son solo since his wife passed away. He's a closeted bisexual man who's struggles with coming out are a leading factor in his journey.

Tai, Oh sweet Tai. Still reeling from his abusive ex, he's struggling to be independent and not fall into a dependent relationship again. He's an intriguing character who shines despite all he's gone through.

Their story includes plenty of doubts and fears, as well as sass and banter. The slow burn build up is fabulous, with plenty of built up sexual tension.

Their story also includes some heartwarming animal scenes, as Emmett is a vet. I adore the way his patients are included in this tale.

Unguarded is a wonderful story. This Jay Hogan romance had me turning the pages quickly, as I enjoy every moment with these men. It's a great mix of light hearted fun and just the right amount of light angst.

The final client of the morning was a grumbling, overweight Pekingese cross named Charles, with an attitude to rival Genghis Khan and an owner who refused to come in with her dog because she didn’t want the nippy little demon to associate her with any discomfort.

Under instruction from Ivy, Tai had the growling, muzzled dog wrapped in a towel and pinioned against his stomach, his expression caught somewhere between are-you-fucking-kidding-me and abject terror.

I told him what we were about to do and he stared at me in wide-eyed disbelief. “You did not just say you were going to milk this little guy’s anal glands?”

I swallowed a laugh. “I believe those were my exact words.”

His gaze flicked down to the squirming dog, then back up. “Do I even want to ask why?”

I shrugged and pulled on some gloves. “The anal glands are two little sacs on either side of the rectum. Normally they get expressed every time the dog poops. Helps mark his territory.”

“Oh. My. God.” Tai rolled his eyes dramatically. “I think I dated a guy like that once.”

Ivy snorted while I grappled with an influx of images involving Tai with another guy and that whole territorial marking thing. I snapped the second glove on my wrist like an elastic band, hoping the pain might shock some sense into me.

It didn’t.

Tai got his freak under control and tucked Charles firmly back against his stomach. It was the first time I’d ever been jealous of the mutt.

“I know I’m going to regret asking this,” he said, wrinkling his nose. “But what happens when things don’t get expressed, on the whole anal-gland front? And I can’t believe I just said that.”

“Welcome to my world.” Ivy appeared from the supply room.

I caught Tai’s eye and waggled my eyebrows. He was hella fun to tease. “I’m so glad you asked that question. If they don’t get expressed naturally, not helped by poor diet and excess weight, then the glands can block and get smelly and painful. They can even form an abscess that can burst onto the skin.”

Tai’s mouth dropped open in horror. “Holy crap. And also—another date of mine.”

I gave a strangled laugh and realized I hadn’t had so much fun at work since . . . well yeah, it had been a while.

“Damn, that’s disgusting. The poor thing.” Tai lifted Charles to smooch him safely around the back of his ears. “We need to talk about your diet young man,” he cooed to the dog who, miracle of miracles, appeared to calm. “Fiber is the key, plus plenty of water and attention to timing. Clean, screened, and fit for a queen.” He glanced up with a wicked grin. “Right, Mr. Vet?”

Ivy coughed loudly, while every semi-functioning neuron in my body focused on only one thing that shall not be mentioned.

“I, yeah . . . I guess,” I managed to croak. “Although maybe not the screening thing, not for dogs.”

Tai lifted Charles to eyeball him. “Safety first.”

Ivy joined us at the table. “Okay, you two. Let’s get this done so I can spritz the room. Keep a firm grip,” she told Tai.

His eyes widened. “This is going to smell worse than I thought, isn’t it?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Think fishy.”

Tai got a tight hold on the wriggling dog. “Huh? Not my first guess. Okay, I’m ready. I have to say, it feels a little like an initiation.”

I flashed him an encouraging smile. “You’ll be fine. Now hold that tail up.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew, and sure enough—

He snorted. “Not the first time I’ve been told that.”

I shook my head, gently squeezed, and . . .

“Whoa.” He gave a long blink and jerked his head around and out of the way. “Ewww, Charles. That’s some nasty shit right there.”

I grinned from ear to ear, pretty much as I had from the minute Tai had walked into my clinic. I was so fucked.

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Hennessey's Handler (Protect and Serve #4) by Pandora Pine

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Bar owner Hennessey McCoy finally has his life on track after being discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard under mysterious circumstances. He’s rebuilt his life piece by piece and Hennessey is the right place to open his heart to the right man. When his three-year-old niece goes missing at a party, Hennessey is paired with an annoyingly handsome search and rescue dog handler to help find the child.

Morrison Rowe, with the help of his search and rescue K9, Ahab, saves the day and finds the missing child, no thanks to Hennessey’s gruff and sarcastic manner. He can’t help thinking there’s more to Hennessey than sarcastic quips and a razor-sharp wit. Morrison sees a different, gentler side of the grumpy bar owner when he’s reunited with his niece.

As a way to say thank you, Hennessey invites Morrison to his bar, Bait for a free lunch. Never dreaming Morrison would take him up on the offer, Hennessey finds himself undeniably attracted to the dog handler. The pair begin spending time together, both encouraging the spark between them to grow into something more.

Things are heating up between Hennessey and Morrison when a man from Hennessey’s past comes to town, threatening to destroy everything he’s built from the ground up. Can Hennessey overcome the mistakes of his past or will this man steal his future as well?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Hennessey's Handler is a great read by Pandora Pine. The fourth book in the Protect and Serve series, it's a wonderful addition to this family series.

As always, the author combines a fast paced story with plenty of heart and humor. I love how Pandora writes children, with little Lola capturing my heart immediately. She's wonderfully precocious, innocent, and a total spitfire. She alone makes this worth the read. I adore her and her energy. Every single moment with her is truly wonderful.

And then there's the dog. Omg. The dog. Tears! So many tears!

As for the romance, this is the tale of Hennessey and Morrison. I enjoy the way everything develops for these two. And I love the strength of their connection.

This is a beautiful tale of found family, and the healing power of having a friend. It includes a stalker, which adds in some riveting suspense.

Written in alternating first person pov, the author once again draws us fully into this tale. The men fully come alive and entertain us throughout this fast paced story.

No one writes a group of friends and family any better than Pandora. Every one of her series charms me throughout with the amount of banter, humor, and love between all involved. With this series, Hennessey's family is explored throughout and one can't help but to wish they were part of this amazing family.

Hennessey's Handler is a fantastic addition to the Protect and Serve series. This romance is sweet, tender, and full of heart. It's another perfect example of why every Pandora Pine book is a must read for me.

Thursday, April 15, 2021

If Only for Today (Deerbourne Inn) by Gabbi Grey

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

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.