RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Benny from the Block by K.C. Kassidy

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Benny From The Block
By K.C. Kassidy

Blockers, Book Two

When high school principal, William Garrison, steps in to help a bullied freshman boy, he is surprised to learn that fifteen-year-old Ben is the son of his former high school nemesis, Benito “Benny” Vega.

William has mixed feelings about seeing Benny again, considering Benny was the one who used to torment and pick on William for being different. But Benny is a changed man, in more ways than one, and he wants the chance to prove to both his son and William that he’s not the same guy he once was.

Can William be the bigger man and let go of his unresolved feelings toward Benny or will their shared personal history get in the way of helping Ben?

​​​​​​​After all, they do say love always wins, right?

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Benny From the is a wonderful story of redemption, as William falls for his former bully, Benny. 

I am delighted with the way Benny is redeemed to William, as well as the reader. 

Benny is the classic example of someone who struggled with repressed homophobia. I appreciate that he had more problems in his past that formed his personality and led to his behavior. Now he has to deal with the fact that his son is struggling with being bullied. His son Ben is everything he didn't want for his son and brings him around to facing his own treatment of  William. 

William, as a principle, is fabulous. It's not an easy job, but he excels in caring about his students and trying to help them. 

I enjoy all of this story. The redemption. The romance. The Ben issues. All of it is written with heart and care, making for a multi-layered, and ultimately sweet story. 

This is a story with bullying, expectations, homophobia, parenting issues, school issues, and heritage issues. Benny's family has a history and expectations that come with their upbringing. To go off course isn't an easy step. 

Written with some glimpses into the past, the author allows the author an understanding of Benny and why he is the way he is. I am thrilled to have understood Benny early on and to be able to sympathize with him throughout. 

This is the story of Benny and his progression, as he deals with accepting himself and learning to grab on to love.

Benny From the Block is a fabulous story. KC Cassidy packs a lot of layers and emotions into this former bully romance. And I love every minute of it! 

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I watch as Ben towels off his dark shaggy hair, and I can’t tell if he’s letting it grow long on purpose or if he hasn’t been able to get a haircut.

“Ben, I’m just going to be blunt and bring up the obvious. I don’t think you did this to yourself in the boys’ bathroom this morning.” I swirl my finger around in the air toward his damp hair. “My guess is someone, maybe more than one, held your head down either in the toilet or the sink.”

Ben’s hands stall mid-air, the edge of the towel drooping over his head. His eyes pop wide in fear as they peer at me from under the cover. “How…I mean, why would you think that?”

Leaning across my desk, I give him an empathetic smile. I prop my chin in my hands, elbows on the desk, and look him straight in the eyes.

“When I was your age, I got bullied a lot, too. It got to the point in my sophomore year that I would avoid going to the bathroom at all during the day. Sometimes I barely made it home before I peed my pants.”

My smile is warm and self-deprecating and his lips twitch, a thin acknowledgment of the humor in my sad tale and perhaps some camaraderie.

“Ben, I know exactly what you’re going through because I’ve been there myself. I also know that it serves neither of us any good if I ask you who’s bullying you because you probably won’t tell me. You think that, by not snitching, you’re protecting yourself from retaliation. But I promise you, it won’t stop them. They’ll keep coming at you until you stand up to it safely.”

His bottom lip trembles slightly and my heart breaks for his needless suffering.

“I want to help you, Ben. You don’t deserve this. No one deserves to be beaten down and picked on by ignorant jerks. So, what do you say? Will you let me help you?”

The kid seems to think this over, glancing everywhere but at me, and then finally gives me a shrug of agreement.

It’s a start and I can work with it.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the exciting release of Benny From The Block, we are giving 3 lucky winners the chance to win an e-copy of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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K.C. Kassidy is the gay romance pen name for Sierra Hill, new adult author of over 35+ awarding winning novels.
Her debut novel, C*ck Blocked, is the first book in the standalone Blockers Series.

Connect with K.C.:

Website: http://authorkckassidy.com/
Email subscriber link: https://www.subscribepage.com/authorkckassidy
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sKQVxb
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FB page: https://www.facebook.com/k.c.kassidyauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.c.kassidyauthor
FB reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kckassidyskaleidoscopereaders

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Faraway (Escape #3) by Casey Cox

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU 

Goodreads Link

Ever woken up after you’ve been struck by lightning only to discover you’ve got the skills to be a world-class pianist? *crickets* So ... just me then?

It might have been the most terrifying ordeal of my life, but at least it got me the heck outta Blessing, Texas, out of the clutches of my homophobic family, and away from a pack of high school bullies that tried to make every day a living nightmare.

Keyword: tried.

Even as a kid, I never let anyone succeed in beating me down. I knew that as soon as I could, I’d be outta that small town and leaving the crappy start I’d had in life behind forever… Or so I thought. Until I came face to face with one of my former bullies at the last place I ever expected to run into him—on vacation at a luxury, all-male resort.

The thing is my life’s going great. I am who I am: free, fierce, and fabulous. I’m an accomplished pianist and truly loving the person I am today. Him? That’s a whole other story. And one that, despite my better judgment, sucks me in. It’s a weird feeling, seeing a former tormenter failing at life. It’s even stranger to start developing feelings for him.

But after all these years of getting as far away from my former life as possible, what are the chances I fall for the one guy who takes me back to it all?

FARAWAY is a zero angst, high school enemies-to-lovers rom-com style MM romance. It features a flamboyant guy living his best life who reunites with a reformed bully trapped by his past.

You can expect plenty of gasps, giggles, and OMG moments including killer kaftans, a comedy act so bad it’s just...bad, rainy rooftop sex, self-forgiveness, and a happily ever after that will make you feel like you’ve just returned from the best vacation ever.
(Please consult with your medical professional before undertaking any travel.)

FARAWAY is part of the super sweet, light and fluffy ESCAPE series. There are no cliffhangers (ew) and no cheating, either (double ew).

You can read the books in whatever order your heart desires!

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Faraway is the third book in the Escape series by Casey Cox. 

From the start, I enjoyed this book a lot. It's a bully turned lover romance that had me fully intrigued. 

The author excels in illustrating that one can change their past. One can overcome their mistakes. One can turn their life around. 

These two are sweet together, as well as extremely connected during sex. 

Two things are definitely interesting in this one. Not only is it intriguing to see a bully regret his choices and try to spend his life making amends. But, this story follows Emry's life changes after getting struck by lightening. It's an interesting and life changing event for sure. 

I definitely enjoyed this story, although it left my mind drifting a couple of times. But, overall, it's a nice story of healing and second chances. 

Faraway is a perfect example that one can change their life around. This Casey Cox tale is definitely a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a bully to lover romance. 

Ben's Boss (Maine Men #2) by K.C. Wells

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

“Pearson’s a common name.”

“It can’t be him.”

“God wouldn’t be that cruel.”

A painful history

Walking into the job interview confirms Ben White’s worst fears. It’s been eight years since high school, yet he can still recall Wade Pearson’s taunts.

There’s always a chance Wade isn’t the same homophobic asshole Ben knew. Yeah right.

Except the boy Ben remembers has grown into one seriously hot, brooding man. In another life, Ben would have climbed him like a tree. Wade’s gaze still makes Ben shiver – although now for entirely different reasons.

A secret longing

As soon as Wade read Ben’s application, he knew he had to see him. Ben’s still as gorgeous as Wade remembers. It’s obvious he doesn’t expect to get the job, given their history.

But Wade has an agenda. He has to make it up to Ben for treating him so badly – not that Ben will ever know why he acted like he did. Seeing him every day only heightens Wade’s regret. If he’d had more courage back then, maybe he and Ben could have been something.

The least he can do is show Ben he’s changed.

There’s no way Wade can get what he really wants – Ben’s heart.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Ben's Boss is a wonderful romance by KC Wells. The second book in the Maine Men series, it has all the charm and heart of the first book, Finn's Fantasy.

I love everything about this book and series so far. 

Ben meets up with his former bully, Wade, when he applies for a job in Wade's company. 

It's a fantastic story of forgiveness and redemption. A wonderful tale of second chances and the fact that people change. 

This is a beautiful tale of friendship and love. And in a wonderful twist, it's Wade that needs Ben's love to help him heal. 

If you love men who can forgive their former bully, look no further. I'll admit that as a reader, it isn't always easy to believe this can happen. This book does a damn good job making the reader believe in this couple. 

The writing is great, with small town charm and plenty of delightful secondary characters. The men are complex and their storyline is intriguing. There's plenty of humor and one liners to keep one laughing as well. 

Ben's Boss is a heart warming romance. This KC Wells book is a great combo of sweetness, heart, humor, and heat. 

Consuming Redemption: Love in the North by J.S. Grey

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Tyler:

Apparently time heals all wounds. Whoever came up with that saying obviously didn't go to school with Lukas Ford. After i made a stupid schoolboy error, Lukas Ford made it his mission to make me wish that i was never born. How can the one person who makes my life a daily living hell be the same person i can't stop wanting. I want to regret the day i first laid eyes on Lukas. I just need to bide my time and get the hell out of this high school.

Lukas:

After a life changing tragedy irrecoverably altered the lives of me and my family, I was left with no other decision to hide who I am to protect those i loved from coming to harm again. High school, is over, yet here i am years later haunted by the man whose face haunts my dreams. I messed up big time in high school, not this time though. One way or another, I am going to make Tyler Dane mine.

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

Consuming Redemption: Love in the North  is an all-consuming, gut wrenching love story by JS Grey.

From Lucas' first day at school, Tyler gets off on the wrong foot with him. Now, fours years later, he's still bullied and hated, while Lucas is the popular guy. 

Oh Tyler. He's someone I want to hug and protect from the start. The only gay guy in school, he stands no chance against Lucas and his friends. It's awful to see what he has to endure each day. 

But then there's Lucas, who's living a lie, as the closeted jock. He secretly enjoys his interactions with Tyler, but can't let his defenses down. 

What a tough read. Fast forward and the two men meet again. Damn, these two ooze chemistry. They are seriously amazing together. Even once they're together, things aren't easy. I cried. I bawled. But damn I love these men and know they aren't perfect. But, omg. The ups and downs killed me.

It's not always easy to redeem a former bully, but the author does just that. And does it well. Learning about Lucas's past had be bawling for the man. Good god, I wasn't ready for that. 

Some people are publicly bullied while others are bullied in private. Both kinds of bullying leave a person forever changed. And damn, the author powerfully illustrates this.

Good god, the only consolation I have is that people's experiences make them who they are. Had these two not suffered so much, they might have never gotten to a place of loving each other. Yes, I know, they aren't real people. But don't yell at me. Blame the author for creating such lovable and realistic characters. And, yes, that is one of the greatest compliments one can give to an author. Let alone a new author.

Written in present tense, it isn't my preferred writing style. But other than the tense, I enjoy the rest of the writing. It's written in alternating povs, bringing both men fully alive. It's amazing. Absolutely amazing. 

Consuming Redemption is one hell of a love story. I can't recommend this JS Grey book enough. Be sure to put some time aside for this one, because you won't want to put it down. 

Topping the Jock (A Blue Harbor Romance Book 1) by Jaclyn Osborn

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

For years, he’s been on top. Now, it’s my turn.

Here’s the thing.
I’ve hated Montgomery Adams since freshmen year of high school when he stole my clothes from my gym locker, leaving me in nothing but a towel. Oh, and it didn’t stop there. He teased me, threw wads of paper at my head, and booed me when I raised my hand to answer questions in class.

I thought I finally escaped him after graduation. He went off to play college ball, and I became a teacher. But ten years later, Monty comes back to town. Even worse? He’s the new football coach at the same school as me.

He’s just as irritating as I remember, an annoying meathead jock with too much muscle and a smirk I want to smack off his too-perfect face. I don’t care that he’s hotter than ever or that he says he’s changed. I’m not falling for it.

If he thinks he can waltz in and take over the school like he did when we were teenagers, he has another thing coming.


Warning: this book is nothing but fluff, steam, banter, and features two men who pretend to be enemies yet sneak kisses whenever possible. Don’t read if you hate lighthearted romance and nerd/jock tropes. No angst. Just two adorable dorks falling in love.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Topping the Jock is a delicious enemies to lovers romance by Jaclyn Osborn. I seriously adore this book. Everything about it is downright fun and had me consumed throughout.

Monty's a former jock who bullied Quinn back in high school. And when I say bully, I mean the type of bullying that made his life miserable. Sometimes it hard to bring enemies around to lovers in a realistic manner, but the author does just this. 

The two men are now both teachers at their former school, slowly forming a truce, understanding and friendship. The attraction and sexual relationship develop naturally, as the walls slowly come down. 

I love the way everything develops for these men. They make for a great couple and their storyline is full of regrets, character growth, and forgiveness. And damn, they are hot together, including a sizzling fleshjack scene.

There's plenty of emotional moments, as well as some family issues. I appreciate the theme that people change and forgiving one for their former behavior is okay. Basically, Monty knows he was ass, he knows what he did to Quinn is wrong, and he needs Quinn to accept this and forgive him. For Quinn to do so doesn't make him a victim or wimp, which is wonderful. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the writing style had me hooked immediately. Add in two fantastic characters and a delightful storyline, it kept me riveted throughout. There's also some great humor to keep me smiling, especially the nut allergy jokes. "You have a nut allergy. So be careful." 

Topping the Jock is an easy, sweet, feel-good romance. I love stories like this Jaclyn Osborn gem. The first book in the A Blue Harbor Romance series, I am excited to see what happens next. But until then, this one is going on the re-read list.

RELEASE TOUR, EXCERPT & REVIEW - How to Forgive (Lovestrong #6) by Susan Hawke

Release Tour & Excerpt:
How to Forgive by Susan Hawke

 LOVESTRONG, Book 6

Take one fabulous unicorn of a person…  

Grayson Davis came back to their hometown after college to help a new generation of kids who might be reliving their own past as a bullied young teen and LGBT teens who are struggling to find their identities in small-town USA. Taking a job as a youth counselor at The Rainbow Kids Foundation is their dream come true… even if it means working for the very man who once bullied them. So what if they can’t forgive Clark Danvers for the past? They can peacefully coexist with Clark and that’s good enough for Gray. As for their personal life, well… who needs one? They have family, friends, and their crazy cat Spike. As for everything else? Well, there’s an app for that.

Add one flirty, pansexual biker who’s the opposite of an outlaw…

Canaan “Wolf” Matthews isn’t looking for love, let alone commitment. He’s busy running a club of bikers who do their part to rescue kids from bad situations, help abused spouses escape, and accompany social workers into the rough areas when it’s not a case for the cops but backup is a necessity. Meeting Gray while on his way home from a hookup—with the evidence clearly crusted on his shirt like a merit badge—isn’t quite the meet cute Wolf would’ve wanted when he found the one person who could make his little pan heart go pitter-pat. Like everything else in his life, Wolf decides to roll with it and see what happens.

To equal two people who might just be what the other needs.

Gray only wants to have fun with Wolf. No strings necessary. So why do they keep reaching out to the annoyingly cute biker when things get dicey for a teen who’s dealing with a situation that is far too relatable for Gray? Anxieties flare and forgiveness beckons as Gray starts to see their old nemesis, Clark, for the person he is today. Before Gray can plan a future, they need to make peace with their past. With Wolf’s support, can Gray finally learn how to forgive and find their way to a full and happy life?

This is the sixth book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance full of all the fun, laughter, and sweet feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.

Amazon US   *   Universal Link

Goodreads

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

How To Forgive, the sixth book in Susan Hawke's Lovestrong series, is a wonderful hurt/comfort romance. It can be read as a standalone, but it definitely means more if read as part of the series. 

The first page drew me in, with Gray immediately weaving their way into my heart. Is there a funnier meet cute that Gray and Wolf's? Probably not. 

Although a romance between Gray and Wolf, much of this story revolves around Gray's interactions with his former bully, Clark. The man still gives them panic attacks, I could feel their pain throughout. As we read about Clark in How to Heal, Clark's own horrific journey and coming to terms with his past is explored. Now we get to follow as Gray deals with Clark and the journey to forgive themselves and escape from their pain. 

Gray is gender fluid, having loved feminine clothes from an early age. Of course, this easily led to them being bullied, which has shaped them into the person they are now. Overall, there is a lot going on in this story. Grey needs to deal with their feelings about Clark, somehow trying to not have panic attacks when they see him, as well as learning to forgive him. It's a tough journey for them and I applaud the way the author handled this, with care and compassion. 

And then there's Gray's relationship with Wolf. Wolf loves Gray's sassy attitude and can't resist the younger Gray. Wolf is an absolute hoot, keeping you on your toes throughout. He is caring, supportive, and extremely funny. Wolf's a big, tough looking biker who finds the perfect person to settle him down.

I always love the author's writing style. The writing if fabulous, the characters complex and lovable, and their journey touching and heartfelt. The reader is treated to appearances of many former main characters, helping the town to exist realistically in our minds. This whole series is just fabulous. 

How to Forgive is a touching tale of accepting one's past and moving forward. Susan Hawke addresses the need to not let one's past define them and I love every minute of it. 

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After the laughter died down, Dana pulled a paper out of her apron pocket and passed it my way. "Wolf, this is for you. A cute little twink was desperately trying to get your attention. Poor thing was downright dejected. After I found out what was wrong, I explained that when you brothers get together it's sacred and promised to give you his number."

Nobody blinked an eye because it wasn't anything Dana hadn't done before when someone had asked about one of us. What did seem to surprise everyone was when I pushed it aside without looking at it.

Josh leaned over to put the back of his hand against my forehead, as if checking my temperature. "No, no fever. How's your appetite, Wolf? I just want to know if we should call your doctor before rushing to the emergency room."

Rolling my eyes, I flicked the paper his way. "Ever think I'm just not looking for that right now? Here, you call the guy. I'm sure he'll be just as happy."

Josh tapped his fingers against the table. "You’re scaring me, bro. If it was just this one, that would be one thing. But you've barely been watching the show, you turned that girl down who offered to buy you a drink when we got here, and I haven't seen you quietly trolling like you're planning who you're picking up when the rest of us leave. What's up with that?" Josh was on a roll now. "Wolf, tell me the truth. Are you dying? On a fourteen-day course of antibiotics? Please, tell me what I can do.”

Asher nodded solemnly. "Josh is right, Wolf. You’ve been turning down possible tricks from both genders. I'm trying to think when's the last time I saw you with someone. It's definitely been a minute. Everything okay? For real though, I'm not even playing."

Dana laughed but fortunately couldn't stay to help give me crap since she was needed at the bar. Mal watched her walk away then turned to me with a suspicious look. "I thought I was imagining things when I saw you talking to Kandi's kid at Becca's engagement party. And I could've sworn I saw you leaving together. Then I heard Becca on the phone with Gray before she left town and she was giving them hell for not saying why they'd left early or who they were with. Anything you care to share?"

My eyes bugged out of my head as I glanced at the stage where Kandi was currently performing a Britney Spears number. "Oh, hell. I was so focused on my cutie that I didn't even think about their last name. So Grayson is Kandi's kid?"

Rick looked concerned as he nodded. "Step kid, same difference. Tread carefully there. You do know they work for Clark too, right? And there's some bad history there?"

I whistled softly, ignoring the part about Clark for now. I was too blown away by the Kandi connection. "Damn. They made a joke about the Venn diagram of all the people connecting us and they weren’t wrong. Can you believe I had no idea who they were? I've probably passed them hundreds of times in town before I happened to notice them at Sally's a couple weeks ago.”

Shaking my head now, I had to laugh at my own idiocy. “I actually asked if they were new in town. God, no wonder they think I'm a schmuck. Well, that and I was obviously coming from a hookup. Turns out using your shirt in the dark to wipe cum then wearing it when you stop to grab coffee is a bad plan. Huh. So Gray is Kandi's kid. Small world."

"Like Rick said, tread carefully." Mal sat up straighter, sounding like a stern stepfather himself. Kinda cute when you considered the fact that his stepdaughter was only six years younger than him and Asher. "I'm serious, Wolf. Gray is Becca's best friend. They aren't a one and done. If you treat them like your average trick, Mama Kandi will bitchslap your ass."

Shaking my head, I held both palms up. "Calm down. I get that I have a certain reputation, but that's just it. I’m not treating them like that at all. They got under my skin and I was the one who got ghosted. They put their number in my phone, and I've tried calling and texting for the past two weeks. But they aren't answering. A few times I've seen moving dots like they were typing a text, but nothing. It's been frustrating as hell."

Asher slapped the table as he guffawed. "Holy shit, you guys. I never thought I'd see the day that Wolf was the guy who can't take a hint."

Pouting, I picked at the label on my beer for a few moments. "I really like them though. I don't know why, but there's just something special about them. And not just because they didn't fall for my usual shit. They're the perfect blend of sass and snark. And so fucking smart. I'm telling you, I can't put my finger on it but Grayson Davis is unique and I like it."

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As an avid reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I'd care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I've found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that's what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

I'm a happily married mom with one snarky teenage boy, and three grown "kids of my heart." I'm more widely known for my mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family I mentioned; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy. I look forward to sharing my stories with you, and to bringing more romance and laughter into this world that needs it so very badly.

Connect with Susan:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/authorsusanhawke
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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-hawke
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Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/TheHawkesNest
Website: http://www.susihawke.com

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Coming Home (Rock Bay #1) by M.J. O'Shea

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Dead broke and newly homeless, Tallis Carrington is on the walk of shame to end all walks of shame. Back to Rock Bay, where he’d once ruled as high school aristocracy with his band of jocks, and tormented a freshman named James Barry. Until a scandal reduced his family's name to little better than a curse word. He needs a job, and fast, so he can put the town in his rearview mirror once again. But the people of Rock Bay haven’t forgotten him, or the kid he used to be.

The only person in town willing to overlook his less than stellar reputation is Lex, the new coffee shop owner, who seems to despise Tally based on his reputation alone. Tally is desperate, so he takes the job, not understanding Lex’s hot and cold routine until he discovers that his gorgeous boss isn’t the newcomer he thought, but the very same kid he used to torture in school. Now he’ll pull out all the stops to prove he was never really the jerk everyone thought him to be. And if he can win Lex’s heart, the rest of the town should be a piece of coffee cake.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

MJ O'Shea's Coming Home is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance - sort of. The author explores that people can change, as well as the fact that people aren't always who they appear to be.

Tally was Lex's bully back in high school. With Tally back in town now, Lex lets down his defenses and hires Tally at his coffee shop. I like the aspect that Tally doesn't know who Lex is. He remembers the boy he bullied, but he doesn't know that boy is Lex. 

Tally's background is one of covering up his feelings, as well as a whole lot of family issues. He is a man who had to hide himself from everyone. 

The heat between the men is great, but then  add in the angst, as their road isn't easy. The past comes back to interfere. It's not easy to be open with one's sexuality in a small town, especially in a small town where you once acted homophobic. 

This is a story where the past comes back to haunt Tally, and remaining closeted is the easy choice. Omg, my heart hurt during the angsty moments. 

Written in first person pov, I love the writing style. The characters are great and the storyline is riveting. The author definitely forced some angst at the end, but I didn't mind much. Yes, I wanted to yell and scream, but it was still well done. 

I enjoyed MJ O'Shea's Coming Home. With this being the first book in the Rock Bay series, I look forward to seeing what happens next in this small town.

Boyfriend With Benefits by Allison Temple

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

When Bailey’s new boss turns out to be his childhood bully, a.k.a. Jake the Jerk, it’s time to call in backup for the upcoming corporate retreat in Vegas. Too bad Bailey works too much to date. His best option is to ask his very straight roommate Gordo to play the part of temporary boyfriend, even if Gordo is better with pythons than he is with people.

Except Bailey and Gordo haven’t even checked into the hotel and Jake the Jerk is already everywhere. The pressure is on for Bailey to prove he deserves to climb the corporate ladder, but it’s hard to talk shop as Gordo goes from backup to an increasingly attractive distraction.

Bailey’s trying to keep his cool, schmooze the executives and stick to the plan, even though Gordo’s not playing by any of the rules. They’ve always been just friends, but maybe it’s time to be boyfriends…with full benefits.

Boyfriend with Benefits is a 37k contemporary MM romance novella. It features fake boyfriends who might not be so fake, a hotel room with only one bed, and a James Bond moment in a tiny blue bathing suit. HEA guaranteed. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Allison Temple's Boyfriend With Benefits is a fun fake boyfriends romance.

When Bailey has to deal with an ex bully, he has Gordo pretend to be his boyfriend. What follows are some great surprises and discoveries. 

But the beauty in this story is Bailey's sudden sexual attraction to his roommate. And best of all, "Bailey. Are you under the impression that I'm straight?"

Gordo's a unique character. I love the way the two men differ. Bailey always thinks Gordo is doing something weird, and then we learn Gordo's thoughts and wow. Every time. Gordo's just fun and truly delightful. Love it. 

This is a wonderful combination of roommates, fake boyfriend, friends to lovers, and opposites attract. Their story has some hot first time and an ex bully.  

One of the intriguing factors in this story is the size difference between the men.  Seriously, it is a huge difference. As well, the differences between their personalities is ever present. 

I love the writing style, as it's fluid with two intriguing characters and an even more intriguing storyline. The author does a wonderful job of taking these men on a fun journey to truly discover each other and their feelings for one another. 

Overall, Boyfriend with Benefits will keep you entertained throughout. This Allison Temple friends to lovers romance is fantastic. It's sweet, mostly low-angst, and will leave you satisfied in the end.