Shadow's Light (Maiden Voyage #4) by T.L. Travis

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

You never know what hides behind sad eyes.

For Javier Jimenez, aka Shadow, drummer for the award-winning metal band, Maiden Voyage, life off stage isn’t all glitters and rainbows. He plays the part of the Devil May Care drummer when he’s in the spotlight, but outside of it, the only person who knows the real Javier besides his family is his bodyguard, Tony.

Lucas Shane never expected to run into his ex, Joey Hayes, lead singer for Social Sinners. In fact, he did his best to ensure their paths never crossed yet here he stood, face to face with Joey and his husband, Stoli. Yes, Lucas made a huge mistake when it came to Joey, a regret he must live with. But no one really knew how or why it happened.

Shadow doesn’t question love, as he loves so few, but he does question loyalty. The two should go hand in hand but he learned the hard way early in life that they don’t always align. Finding out that those two key elements Lucas had failed at led him to walk away, though his heart felt otherwise.

Maiden Voyage series must be read in order as each book starts where the last one ended but from another band members point of view.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Shadow's Light is the fourth book in the Maiden Voyage series. This TL Travis read is definitely best read in order, but could be read as a standalone.

This story starts with Shadow bringing Lucas to a band wedding, only to discover that Lucas is someone he shouldn't be involved with. Lucas' past is ugly and he has many regrets. 

Overall, Shadow and Lucas are two "bruised souls in need of healing." And together, they just might be able to find the healing they each need. 

The heart of this story revolves around Lucas's horrific past. His father controlled his life, making it a living hell. He's made a bad reputation for himself as a result, which will leave your heart damn near breaking for him. 

This is the ultimate illustration that things are not always as they seem.

Seriously, Shadow steps up and shows a side to him that will leave you loving this rocker. He's supportive, caring, and loving. He's protective, strong, and just what Lucas needs. 

Their story is an emotional rollercoaster that's full of pain, pain and more pain. It's a story that left me gutted, yet ultimately left me happy with the ultimate tale of survival and healing. 

Written in alternating pov, I easily feel into this story, the complex characters, and the compelling storyline. Once again, the author manages to impress with broken men who fight the light with the help of one another. 

Be sure to check out the trigger warnings if that is a concern for you. 

Shadow's Light is a great addition to this world of rock stars. TL Travis brings a slew of emotions to this amazing story. Be prepared to fall in love with these men while shedding some tears along the way. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Beautiful Mistakes (Second Chances #3) by Felice Stevens

 

Title: Beautiful Mistakes

Series: Second Chances #3

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: August 25, 2021

Goodreads

Amazon

Wolf

Desire: What Wolf struggles with from the moment he sees Spencer Hawkins the first day of college.

Fear: Not a word in Wolf’s vocabulary except when it comes to facing his feelings for Spencer.

Lust: What he gives in to that changes everything between them. And his life forever.

Denial: Something Wolf is all too familiar with—denying who he is and who he wants. It’s better this way, even if it’s tearing him and his friendship with Spencer apart.

Spencer

Hide: What Spencer does best. He hides from everyone, especially himself and the crazy attraction to Wolf he can’t shake.

Walls: Spencer throws them up to protect himself from all the hurts life heaps on him—his mother’s death, his father’s indifference, and the men who share his bed and walk away.

Betrayal: Not by just anyone. By Wolf. The one man he can’t forget. Or forgive.

Want: Spencer wants to live in the moment, but he can’t stop thinking about that night. And it doesn’t help that he and Wolf keep knocking heads…and locking lips.

Love: What these two idiots need to realize is happening between them. What started out as their ugliest regret could end up being the most beautiful mistake they ever made.

_____________________________________________________________

Lelyana’s Reviews - “Beautiful Mistakes has easily become my favorite of this series.

Cannot wait for another surprise from Felice!

Highly recommended :)”

Goodreads Review - “This was a brilliant second chance, friends (frenemies, at times!) to lovers story beautifully told as usual by Felice and it made my heart very happy.”

Goodreads Review - “Amazing and beautiful love story with some angst… I cried, smiled and had all the feels.”

________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Beautiful Mistakes is a fabulous romance by Felice Stevens. The third book in the Second Chances series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I was quickly drawn into this heart warming tale and couldn't put it down. The characters are complex and their storyline is multi-layered. Basically, it's everything I've come to expect from this author. 

Wolf and Spencer's story is amazing. They knew each other way back when as roommates in college, when the group of best friends/roommates totaled four. For these two though, there was always a little bit of animosity that caused a lot of banter and fights.

Their connection is strong, as happens with someone you have so many years of being friends with. But they each have a lot of baggage that creates a messy relationship between them. 

And damn, I love these two together. Their connection and chemistry is fantastic. 

Their story includes secrets and past hurts. But it's when they start to let one another truly in that everything gets great. It's wonderful when they let down their guard and start to understand one another better. 

God, I love that these two have so much keeping them apart, and keeping them at odds. It made things extra special when they finally open up and give into their feelings. 

This is a story full of bullying and abuse. These men know pain, hurt, and betrayal first hand. It's tough to read at times for sure. 

The writing is great, and the characters are extra special. The author excels in creating these two and the backgrounds that made them the way they are.

Beautiful Mistakes is a deep and emotional friends to lovers story. This Felice Stevens read is truly an impressive story. I can't recommend it enough. Definitely check it out the next time you're in the mood for some serious characters.

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy, and that includes love.

She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe yet can't stop buying "just one more pair" of black pants. Felice is a happily addicted Bravo and Say Yes to the Dress addict and proud of it. And let's not get started on House Hunters. Her dream day starts out with iced coffee and ends with Prosecco, because...why shouldn't it? You can find her procrastinating on FB in her reader group, Felice's Breakfast Club.

You can find all my books, grouped by series in proper reading order on my website located here: Website

Follow me on social media to keep up with all my news of releases, sales and exclusive content!

Newsletter

Tik Tok

Bookbub

Instagram

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Goodreads

Discover my character inspirations for all my books on my Pinterest Boards here:

Pinterest

____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

HOSTED BY:

Beauty and the Bro (Playing it Straight #1) by Norah Belle

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

Ghosted by his long-term girlfriend, Dylan needs a roommate, and this Riley chick seems like the perfect candidate. If only Riley hadn’t turned out to be a guy. A guy who is so obviously gay.

Done with his ex-boyfriend’s jealousy, Riley is looking for a fresh start. But when his new roommate proves to be less tolerant than Riley had hoped, he finds himself slipping into old patterns. It doesn’t help that the guy is a bit of a man-child either.

Neither is the obvious choice for the other, yet somewhere along the line of navigating their toxic exes, movie nights, and reviving Riley’s old dream of running a makeup channel, sparks begin to fly.

But can this thing they have exist beyond the four walls of Dylan’s condo?

Beauty and the Bro is book one in the Playing It Straight series. Each book follows a couple on their journey to their happily ever after.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Beauty and the Bro is a fabulously sweet sexual awakening romance. The first book in the Playing it Straight series, this is an impressive debut from Norah Belle. 

Every single thing about this romance works for me. I love the characters. I love their story. And I love all the emotions. 

This is a roommates to lovers tale that has all the sweetness one could ask for. It's wonderful the way they slowly develop into more than friends. Everything happens naturally and in a realistic manner. 

I easily felt the connection between the men and love the way things evolve for them. 

This is a bisexual awakening journey that is fabulously done. The two get off to a funny start, and everything that follows has Dylan reevaluating his sexuality. 

And oh how I love Riley. He's a makeup wearing, unapologetically femme man. He's a breathe of fresh air for sure. Adding to his layers though is the abusive relationship he just escaped. I am mesmerized by the way Dylan helps him heal and feel loved. 

Beauty and the Bro is a stellar debut by Norah Belle. I am thrilled with this sweet tale and can't wait to see what comes next in this series. 

Leo (Bar 28 #3) by J.J. Harper

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Two men, one night, and the chance of a lifetime.

After a destructive relationship ended five years ago, Leo Ritchie hasn’t trusted himself or anyone else enough to try again. He has great friends and loves his job at BAR 28, and for now, it’s enough. That and the late-night online chats with @Brunobear.

Bruno Alderton, one of the most successful male models in the world, has had enough of the constant travelling, jet lag, long hours, and no one to come home to. He spends the lonely hours talking and swapping trivia with his online friend, @Leolion.

Being summoned home to attend his sister’s twenty-first birthday party may not as bad as he thought. Bruno finds the most gorgeous man he’d ever seen. The man he wants to have in his bed every night.

Leo knows he’ll only cause the beautiful man heartache. But the temptation for one night is too strong to resist.

What happens when they both realise they can have what they want with this stranger? Who will be the one to fight for them, and who will want to run away?


This is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and emotions that will make your heart happy. Leo is the third book in the BAR 28 series and can be read as a standalone. This book is based in the UK and is written in British English. Please look inside the book for TW. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Leo is the third book in the Bar 28 series by JJ Harper. And damn, this ended up being so much deeper than I was expecting. 

There are some serious issues addressed, making for an emotional read. I'm highly impressed with the author's ability to balance the serious with the light-hearted. There are plenty of sweet and sexy moments to keep everything balanced. 

Before they ever met in person, Bruno and Leo start an online friendship, which involves some wonderful interactions. 

Later, when they end up meeting in real life, they don't know they already know one another. It's cute seeing them deal with their suspicions and trying to navigate a few obstacles. 

Bruno's a model whose dealing with some career decisions and a pushy agent. Leo's a bartender who immediately hits it off with the handsome model. 

I love the men together. Obviously they are meant to be together. They mesh well and certainly are head over heels for each other. Their story isn't all easy, but I love seeing them end up together. 

Their story includes a slew of interesting facts, which is adorable and entertaining.

Both characters are multi-layered and have a difficult past, making both sympathetic characters. The author illustrates some of the modeling industry's problems, as well as exploring the effects of being in an abusive relationship. Add in some other issues, and damn, you just want to save both these men from their pasts. I am still in awe of Leo and all he's survived. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the characters are wonderfully developed and the storyline is great.

Leo is definitely a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a hurt/comfort read. This JJ Harper will definitely leave you impressed.

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - MF - Cakewalk (Busy Bean #3) by Claire Hastings

 

CAKEWALK BY CLAIRE HASTINGS

Release Date: May 24, 2021

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/CakewalkAmazon

Apple: https://geni.us/CakewalkApple

Kobo: https://geni.us/CakewalkKobo

Nook: https://geni.us/CakewalkNook

Google: https://geni.us/CakewalkGoogle

All the links in one spot: https://shor.by/busy-bean

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/3mPaQqR

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

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Love isn’t always a cakewalk ...

Gigi Hawthorne is starting from scratch. She just didn’t realize until her crappy car broke down that she was going to be doing it in a small town in Vermont. With an eye for design and some serious decorating skills, she’s managed to land a job making delectable treats for the patrons of the Busy Bean. Now she’s up to her elbows in sugar and flour, but her thoughts are never far from her gorgeous, brooding landlord.

Holden St. James swears he isn’t a recluse. He goes to the local coffee shop three times a week, doesn’t he? Yeah, maybe he never actually talks to anyone, but with a backstory of loss, pain, and regret like his, he’s pretty sure he wouldn’t be very good company anyway. Yet something about his new tenant makes him wonder if maybe it’s time to let someone open the oven door and release a little heat into his closed-off world. 

But both are hiding secrets as dark as an espresso mocha cupcake and they’re not sure if they can trust each other. Will the truth break their delicate relationship into sad, sweet crumbs--or will it turn out to be the key ingredient in the recipe for a new life? 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Cakewalk is Claire Hasting's contribution to the multi-author Bean Busy series. The third book, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I love this one from the start. 

Gigi and Holden have a strong attraction when they meet. But both are struggling in their lives and aren't ready for a new relationship. 

Both have intriguing backgrounds. Holden's a former pro athlete who's still grieving his wife and child. Gigi meanwhile is on the run from her husband. 

Holden's a former soccer/football player, who's experiences with losing his family, is heartbreaking. Any reader would be hard-pressed to not fall for Holden. As for Gigi, the abuse she suffered is horrible, but one has to admire her ability to run.

Of course, there's Gigi's secret and potential danger looming overhead throughout. As for the way things resolve, well, I certainly didn't see that coming. Kudos for the twists and turns. 

The writing is great. The atmosphere and characters are all well developed. And I can't help but to continue to love the slew of small town characters. Audrey and Zara, owners of the Busy Bean, are simply fabulous. 

Cakewalk is a great addition to this small town series. Claire Hastings does a wonderful job of revisiting the Busy Bean and bringing some new characters to life. 

Sneaking another glance at him, she smiled to herself noticing a scone on his plate. He hadn’t taken a bite yet, and her chest filled with nerves as she thought about him trying it for the first time. She wanted everyone to like the goodies she was making for the café, but she really, really wanted Holden to like them. Maybe even like them so much that he’d ask her to make some just for him, at home. An image of the two of them in the kitchen together, covered in ingredients as he pressed her up against the blue cabinets, flitted across her mind, making the nerves in her chest morph into something else entirely. Was that…lust? 

Stop it, Gigi…just because the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach doesn’t mean you need to make an attempt. Especially with that man. 

The sound of coughing pulled her attention back to the counter, where Officer Nelligan was still standing. When he finally swallowed, he took a long swig of his coffee, blinking harshly, like he was trying to forget a taste.  

“Miss Gigi, may I ask what you put in these?” 

“Ummmm, usual scone ingredients?” she floundered. “Flour, salt, cream, baking powder, orange zest, cranberries…” 

“I’m not much of a baker, but I think you might have mixed up your baking powder and your baking soda. A girl did that in my junior high home ec class, and it tasted much like this—kinda metallic,” Officer Nelligan said. 

“What?” Gigi said. All feelings of butterflies and lust were long gone now, replaced by sheer panic. She looked at Officer Nelligan in horror, taking in the scone he’d just bitten into. The apologetic look in his eye told her everything she needed to know—she'd screwed up. Big time. 

“Georgia. I don’t know what possesses you to even try these things. It’s a well-established fact that you just are not capable of cooking. Please stop trying—you’re just making yourself look ridiculous,” Bradley’s voice said. She shook her head, trying to clear his words from her mind, as she turned and ran into the kitchen.  

Sure enough, the canisters labeled “baking powder” and “baking soda” were right next to each other. However, it was the baking soda whose lid was off and sitting in front of it. That was the one she’d used when measuring out her ingredients.  

“Sugar Honey Iced Tea!” she exclaimed, stomping her foot in frustration. She could feel Roderick looking at her, but she didn’t have the heart to turn around and see the expression on his face. 

“Uh oh,” she heard Roderick’s voice say over her shoulder. “That’s a bad day.” 

 Was she ever not going to screw this up? When would she learn that she couldn't do this? No, what she couldn’t do was let Bradley’s words get to her.  

At least it was just Officer Nelligan. He was used to seeing her at her worst at this point. He and Holden.  

Holden. 

Holden had also ordered a scone. But he hadn’t eaten it yet. Right?  

Racing back up front, she skidded to a stop in front of his table to find him mid-bite into the inedible treat.  

“Nooo!” she cried. “Don’t eat that—it’s…” 

“A bit salty…” he responded, choking it down. 

Gigi could feel the tears starting to prick at her eyes, but she wasn’t going to let anyone here see her cry. It was no big deal. So she got the canisters mixed up. Happens to everyone at some point, right? 

“I’ll get you a muffin,” she told him, turning back to the counter. Looking between Holden and Officer Nelligan, she sighed. “At least it was just you two, right?” 

“And Mr. Hughes,” Kirk said, not looking up from the espresso machine. 

“Who?” 

“That older guy who bought six. Owns Hughes Hardware store up the street.” 

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” she exclaimed before turning and running out the front door. She had to get to him before he let his employees have any of them. 

Deserting the café like this was probably not her best move, but she figured after this disaster, she was going to be lucky to even have a job. 

RELEASE TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Looking Past (Unconditional Series # 3) by Michael Bailey

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Looking Past
By Michael Bailey

Unconditional Series, Book 3

Ten years ago, Ben Worthington ran away from home after a violent confrontation with his father. He’s lived with the anger and resentment that confrontation caused ever since.

To the outside world, Dylan Barrows has it all together. But he struggles with the guilt from his inability to protect his older brother from his abuser.

Tragedy brings them together, and an unknown shared history threatens to tear them apart before they can begin looking past their issues...and finally find love.

Universal Link

Add on Goodreads

_________________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Michael Bailey's Looking Past is an extraordinary hurt/comfort romance. The third book in the Unconditional Series, it's easier to read in order, and it's a wonderful addition to this world.

Ben and Dylan meet through ugly and complicated  circumstances, but it isn't long before they start to connect. What follows is an amazingly poignant story. 

It's a story of pain, hurt, guilt, and loss. Every bit of this story is based upon serious circumstances. Both men are broken in their own way and have a long road to recovery. 

Theirs is a story of learning to move on from their pasts. A story of not letting the past define you, or shackle you. The author excels in bringing all the emotions out and illustrating the importance of letting go. 

Their tale is all about family issues. Both men suffered a lot in their childhoods, with that shaping who they are now. Both men are survivors of being separated from their families. And both men still have a lot of family issues to deal with. 

This is a long story, so be prepared to spend a while getting to know these men and their journeys. The writing style is impressive, with a great balance of dealing with past events and moving forward. 

I love the men together. They are seriously fantastic. But more than anything, it's the way they ultimately help each other to heal that's the main draw here. With the addition of some twists and turns, some extra conflict is added, helping to ultimately cement the strength of their love. 

I wish I could add a quote or two, but I will pass, since there are way too many that I love. The author adds so much wisdom into this story and I enjoy it all. 

Looking Past is just that; a tale of looking beyond past events, of looking towards a future. Michael Bailey had me mesmerized with this heartfelt journey and I highly recommend it.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Gingerly, I raised my hand, softly knocking on Ben’s door. It opened, revealing a smiling Ben. “I was wondering how long you were going to stand there.”

“You knew I was here?”

He nodded toward the window. “Saw your car pull in a couple of minutes ago. Thought you might need a little bit of time.”

I’m not sure why, but he always seemed to surprise me. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little nervous. It’s been…well, a long time since I’ve been in a situation like this.”

“I am too,” Ben admitted. “But it’s a good kind of nervous.”

“There’s such a thing?”

Ben chuckled before saying, “Wanna come in? Or are you staying in the hallway all weekend?”

I glanced down at the thinly carpeted floor of the hall. “Well, the hall does look comfy.”

This time, he laughed. Grabbing my shoulder, he pulled, saying, “Get in here.”

I went willingly. He stepped to the side as I walked in. He turned to me the moment the door was closed and smiled. That smile alone was enough to begin to calm my nerves. But then, he stepped into my space, gently placing a hand on either side of my face, and leaned in. “You have nothing to be nervous about,” he whispered. “We go at your pace.”

Relief washed through me. Normally, I was the one who would act first and ask questions later. In this situation, though, I wanted to be sure we did everything the right way. Not jump into things. I certainly didn’t want a repeat of my last failed relationship. Ben seemed to sense that, and I was grateful for it.

I leaned forward, kissing him softly on the lips. I felt him smile against me, alleviating any further hesitation I may have had. I leaned in further, pressing my body against his, and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming,” he answered, kissing me on the forehead.

I leaned my head against his chest, allowing the warmth of his body to envelope me. His arms tightened around me, gently holding me in place. The beat of his heart was a steady thrum in my ear, washing away any further anxiety I might have had. Everything about this felt right somehow.

_________________________________________________________________________ 

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Michael's new release, we are giving away 3 e-copies of Looking Past!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57200/?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

So, I tried to get away with a simple, "Hi, I'm Michael."  But, nnnnoooo, that wasn't an option.  So here we go.

Before getting into M/M romance, I was a total nerd.  Sci-Fi, fantasy (not THAT.  Sword, sorcery, that kind of thing), comics, toys.  You name it, if it screamed dork, I probably did it.  I was a homodork, and proud.

In addition to that, I've dreamed of writing since I was eleven years old when I wrote a truly awful Choose-Your-Own-Adventure.  It sold exactly zero copies.  My mother may have a copy lying around somewhere.  Mothers keep that kind of thing.  I also wrote fantasy (Yes, THAT kind:  guy meets guy, they fall in love, have the white picket fence and live happily-ever-after)

I would walk into a book store and peruse all two shelves of their gay selection, and would always come away disappointed.  The books were depressing, nothing spoke to me about love and happiness.

Then I read one book.   I won't tell you what book, but it had two handsome men and a dog on the cover.   I read it in one sitting, and was hooked.  I fell in love with the M/M genre to moment I read that first sentence, and I have been in love with it since.

I am astounded at the limitless story potential within one genre.  You can literally do anything within the genre, from comedy to paranormal, mystery to sci-fi, fantasy to straight out romance, and everything in between.

Life took control, as it often does, and the dream of writing was put on hold.  Then, in November of 2016, I took a leap of faith, and began writing my first novel as part of the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) competition.  The goal of the competition is to write a 50,000-word novel in a thirty-day period.

I failed.

However, on the advice of a friend, he “pushed through”. And so, in September of 2017, my first novel was be published.

I have always believed in the power of the written word, and the ability for one story to touch the reader in such a way that it can literally change the course of their life.  This one book opened up a world of possibilities for a middle-aged guy from Toledo, Ohio, and is what ultimately led me here.  And, I am happy to say, I never looked back.

Connect with Michael:

Newsletter

Reader Group – Coffee with Bailey(s) 

Goodreads 

Instagram

Amazon 

Facebook

Twitter

---