Pines and Violets (Colors of Love #7) by V.L. Locey

 

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Colors of Love Series

Lost In Indigo - All Buy Links

Touch Of A Yellow Sun - All Buy Links

The Good Green Earth - All Buy Links

Slow Dances Under An Orange Moon - All Buy Links

A Brush Of Blue - All Buy Links

Songs of a Red Currant Wine - All Buy Links

Amazon Link    

Goodreads Link

He never thought he’d find love again, but one summer changes his entire life.

Greg Mattar always had a clear path in life. The son of wealthy professionals, he and his sister wanted for nothing growing up in Montreal. His skills playing hockey led him to be picked first in the draft and a successful career as one of the premier defensemen in the league. He married his college sweetheart and within a year, they’d been blessed with twin girls. Then the unthinkable happened, and Greg’s life was turned inside out.

After losing his wife to cancer, he’s left alone to raise his daughters and at the same time balance his career. After a rough two years of mourning coupled with a dismal season, Greg and his girls travel to a small vacation community deep in the Catskills. There he meets Aiden Burke, a local artisan with a past who enchants not only Greg’s daughters but Greg as well. During a vacation filled with laughter, acceptance, and morning goose parades, the two men fall for each other, which begins a journey down a winding road of revelations and romance. 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pines and Violets is the seventh book in VL Locey's Colors of Love series. Each book is easily read as a standalone. 

Greg's a black hockey player who's spending some time in the woods with his daughters. Still grieving the loss of his wife, he's surprised to find himself attracted to the strange guy with the goats. 

Their story is cute and sweet, with everything evolving naturally between the men. And I adore the kids and their contribution to the story. They are cute and funny, and totally loveable. 

I appreciate that Greg never struggles with his sexuality. Instead, this is the story of him falling in love, coming out, and dealing with some obstacles that are in his way. 

Their story is full of first times and sexual experimentation. It's a story with racism and homophobia, both of which had my heart hurting for Greg. 

Theirs is a story of redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness. It's a story of finding one's place in the world again. And I love it all!

Pines and Violets is the perfect feel-good escape. This VL Locey is nice and low-angst, with plenty to keep you charmed throughout. 

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USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - MF - Studfinder (Busy Bean #5) by L.B. Dunbar

 

STUDFINDER BY L.B. DUNBAR

Release Date: August 2, 2021

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/StudfinderAmazon

Apple: https://geni.us/StudfinderApple

Nook: https://geni.us/StudfinderNook

Kobo: https://geni.us/StudfinderKobo

Google: https://geni.us/StudfinderGoogle

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

Add to Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/3cspRh3

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

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Who does that sexy silver fox think he is, sitting in her spot in the Busy Bean Cafe?

Over forty, with zero filter, Rita Kaplan loves her coffee, her hiking boots, and her law practice. Life hasn’t always been carefree, though, and Rita’s past holds the scars of poor decisions after deep loss. She survived, though, and no smirky silver fox is going to get in the way of her happiness. Even if he knows how to use his drill, screwdriver, and every other tool in his box to tempt her . . .

Former arson investigator Jake Drummond could add ex-con to his resume if he had one. Instead, he’s serving the final year of his sentence on probation. This involves mandatory AA meetings, hosted by a feisty local attorney, and working on a renovation project, supervised by the same annoyingly attractive whirlwind, who also believes she owns the exclusive rights to a comfy couch in his new favorite coffee shop. Soon she’s everywhere, including the few places she shouldn’t be--like in his bed and in his heart. 

Can opposites lower their walls and construct something everlasting . . . or will their connected past lead to demolition for two hearts in need of a rebuild?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Studfinder is the fifth book in the Busy Bean series. This is LB Dunbar's contribution to this multi author series. 

In this book we finally get to watch Rita, the small town lawyer, find love. I've been wondering about her for a while now. So yay!

Rita and Jake are both middle age which is always a rare treat in a romance. I enjoy the way they meet over working for a non-profit, which adds a tremendous amount of heart to the tale. 

Both have suffered in their lives. Rita's ex died a few years ago, and Jake was found guilty for a crime he didn't commit. Let's just say this makes for some major complications for the two. 

They obviously don't mesh at first. After all, any lawyer would tend to steer clear of an ex con. But the two end up connecting well, and slowly letting one another into their hearts. Until some major obstacles come between them. 

Alcoholism and AA are both well represented, as both characters have had addiction problems. I like how this brought the two together and helped them relate. It's also interesting the way they each had demons in their lives. 

There's a lot going on throughout this story. The characters have pasts that are multilayered, and definitely more than they would appear to be. I really enjoy the twists and turns. 

Overall, Studfinder is a nice addition to the Busy Bean world. LB Dunbar had me reading as fast as I could at some points. 

“You,” I hiss, glaring at the most annoying man I’ve ever met, and I’ve met plenty of annoying men. Of course, not all of them were hunky, smirky, sexy silver foxes, but that was neither here nor there. I am standing here, and he is sitting there. “You are in my spot.”

This is the third time this week he’s encroached on my couch in the Busy Bean Café, and three strikes mean you’re out, handsome.

Taking a moment, the offender blinks before narrowing his bluest-of-blue-eyes and glares back at me. For a second, I wonder if I have something on my face. Maybe chocolate in the corner crease of my lips or lettuce in my teeth from lunch.

What the frick is he staring at?

Then he blinks again and slowly leans forward. His arm-porn-worthy forearms rest on his wide-spread thighs as he glances up at me. Since I think he’s about to stand from the place where he’s perched, I speak.

“Thank you.” My mother taught me manners, even if I sometimes lack the use of them. Especially on this occasion, where a hunky, smirky, sexy silver fox who is the most annoying man I’ve ever met is sitting in my spot on the plush peach couch in my favorite coffee shop.

He stops moving at my gratitude and turns his head slowly left to right. Then he swivels at the waist right to left, exaggerating his motions as if he’s searching for something over his shoulders. Did he forget something? Did he drop his phone? His hand moves to his side and smooths over the velvety cushion, stroking it like the soft texture is a pleasure fabric or a preferred pet. My mouth waters for some reason because his movements might match that of him caressing a woman, taking his time to sculpt along her thighs. Maybe glide over her backside. Stroke the inside of her legs and . . .

“Just what are you doing?” He’s taking too long to move it.

“I’m looking for a sign that says this seat is taken.” Turning that edgy face upward, beaming those blue headlights at me, he crooks the corner of his mouth in the smirkiest of smirks. “But as I don’t see one, nor do I see your name on this couch, I think I’ll stay.”

He falls back against the couch as if he’s dropping onto a mattress, tossing himself down into the fluffiest of pillows to catch his hard body in a cushion of heaven. His arms stretch wide to encompass the length of the couch back. He even sighs. A long, lush, deep groan of pleasure emits from him while his eyes close for a second. Then he inhales. When his lids flip open, he spears me in place. That does not stop my mouth.

“Look, handsome, this is my spot. Everyone knows it’s my spot. Think Norm in Cheers, where everybody knows his name. This is where I sit.” I shouldn’t have called him handsome. He probably already knows he is. In fact, I’m certain he knows he’s good-looking. I don’t know how he even faces himself in the mirror every morning. He’s that good-looking.

“I’m curious if everyone is always glad you came . . .” His eyes narrow at me, and I ignore the emphasis he’s put on a certain term. I will not fall for these kinds of wordplay games, nor will I falter under the curl of his sassy mouth. Even the crinkle of his nose as he annunciated that word was hot.

“Of course, they’re always glad I’m here, occupying my spot.” My voice hardens as my fists clench at my sides. I’ve had a day, and I just want to sit in my happy place and sip some coffee. Is the Busy Bean the most convenient spot for me to haunt? No, it is not, but I’ve been to worse places—been there, done that—and I will not be going back. I live halfway between Colebury and Montpelier, where my law office is located, and coming here is out of my way most days. But today is one of those days when I need my spot and a good cup of dark roast, and I do not need this hunky, smirky, sexy silver fox glaring back at me or his fine backside taking up residency on my couch.

Get a grip, Rita.

Technically, I don’t own the couch or the right to claim this space as mine. The Busy Bean Café is owned and operated by Audrey Shipley and Zara Rossi, both excellent businesswomen. They’ve taken this quaint location on the old gin mill property and made it into something special. With brick-red walls and chalkboard painted beams overhead, the creaking wooden floors and eclectic mixture of furniture begs a person to come in and linger, which is what I do—often. Not to mention, the coffee is divine. The dark roast is a special blend introduced to the place a while back and the addition of delicious cupcakes on the menu from Oh, For Heaven’s Cakes makes this place more than just a coffeehouse. It’s heaven in Vermont.

It’s my heaven, and the devil himself is sitting here.

Jake Drummond is his name, actually, but that’s semantics to me. He’s quickly becoming a huge thorn in my side.

Absolution by E.M. Lindsey

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

"I’m madly, irrevocably in love with a man I met on the streets one night, and if I get a second chance, I plan to make sure I spend every day reminding him just how absolutely loved and cherished he is.”

By the time he turned twenty-nine, Alexei Gurgov has managed to put his dark past behind him. Running a bookshop and living a quiet life in London, he has very few expectations. He may be lonely, but alone means nothing can hurt him. Alone means there's no one in his life to abandon him.

Then one night, he's mugged in an alley, and his life is irrevocably changed.

Instead of going to the police, Alexei tracks down the mugger and learns he’s merely a starving man trying to get by. Offering him a job and a place to stay, Alexei is determined to help make it right. After all, he knows better than anyone what it's like to struggle.

The one thing he doesn’t expect, however, is to fall for his sudden flatmate, even if it seems like August his hiding something from his past.

When all the chips fall, will this be his own version of a storybook romance, or are they star-crossed lovers, determined to burn bright and fall apart?

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Absolution is an emotional hurt/comfort romance by EM Lindsey. 

I have mixed feelings about this one. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the story and the characters. But something left me a little disconnected and I'm not sure what it is.

August and Alexei are two men who both know bad circumstances, pain, and suffering. When they meet, Alexei offers to help August. 

Upon living together, the two quickly give into their sexual attraction, and start a relationship. I think the quick nature of them falling into a relationship threw me off. Something about it just didn't work for me. 

But later...

The men have secrets and obstacles that come to cause problems. I enjoy this part, but it's a lack of communication that will through off some readers. That's not an issue for me though, so I just fell into the emotional rollercoaster of the second half of the book completely. 

The writing kept me from rating this higher as I didn't connect fully with it from the start. If it had more depth at parts, this would easily be a five star read. As is, it's a nice story, with two men who you want to smack around and shake the stupidity out of them. 

Absolution is a story with a phenomenal basis of a story idea. EM Lindsey had me entertained with these men and their tragic backgrounds. It's a nice story and the ending left me pleased. It's well worth a read if you enjoy seeing characters find a second chance at life, as well as love. 

Redemption (Darkest Skies #1) by Garrett Leigh

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  ??

Goodreads Link

Reformed gangster Luis falls hard for his boss. When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.

Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.

Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.

And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.

Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Garrett Leigh's Redemption is a beautiful hurt/comfort romance. The first book in the Darkest Skies series, it's a fantastic start to what looks to be another amazing series by Garrett. 

Everything about this story works for me. The flawed characters are complex and lovable. The development of the relationship between Luis and Paolo is flawless. And the bond between the men is spectacular. 

There are endless layers to this storyline, as well as to the characters. The hearing issue is a brilliant addition to both Luis' character, as well as the storyline. I appreciate that one of the men is pansexual. And the theme of family is well explored.  

The danger and action is all thrilling, leaving me turning the pages as fast as possible. Luis' situation is heartbreaking, with the reader able to feel every emotion of hope, love, and hopelessness along with him. It's definitely a tough read at times. 

This is a wonderful romance full of tension and lots of heat. It's truly heartwarming, heart stopping, and heat inducing.  

The settings are so damn well explored, with the reader fully feeling they are there with the men. Hell, even when Luis is just walking down the street, I felt like I was the one walking. I felt all the fear and tension down to my bones. 

Redemption is a must read the next time you are in the mood for someone finding love while turning their life around. Garrett Leigh once again crafts a riveting story of getting a second chance at life. The title says it all, as Luis searches for his own redemption. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Wood (A True Lover's Story #2) by A.E. Via

Wood: A True Lover's Story

AE Via

M/M Romance

Release Date: 08.08.20

Goodreads Link

 

It’s been a long seventeen years but Herschel Wood Jr. is finally a free man and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his old cellmate, Bishop Stockley, who promised him a place to stay and some help getting back on his feet. Wood had a good life once upon time when he’d owned one of the most successful tattoo shops on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – until a fatal accident that was his fault cost him everything.

Now at forty-six years old, all Wood wants is to work in another shop on the beach and find a mature, easygoing man to settle down with. But when he gets to his new place and finds he has to share the small trailer with Bishop’s childhood friend, he wasn’t expecting a sexy, smart-mouthed brat that enjoys pushing a man to his limits.

Wood pressed in tight until there was only misunderstanding between them, his mouth mere inches from Trent’s parted lips. “You wanted to get a reaction out of me you annoying, immature little shit… now you’ve got one.”

Trent Armstrong has never been considered a catch. He’s a twenty-nine year old laborer, an ex-con, and not the easiest person to get along with. He’s used to being the one people cast to the side when they're done with him. Everyone he’s ever cared about has walked out of his life without a backward glance, so he’s used to the loneliness. His foul mouth and quick temper are a great defense mechanism and an easy way to hide his hurt.

From the moment the tattooed, silver-haired man walked into the house there had been nothing but tension, side-eyeing, and sparks between them. Trent has always held back a side of himself that he’s terrified to explore, and without warning Wood’s voice, his maturity, that maddening scent, and even his damaged past all trigger feelings that Trent thought he’d buried deep long ago.

Trent went completely still when Wood dragged his nose over his forehead and down the side of his face. His voice was shaky, and his breaths were hot and swift along Wood’s throat. “What the hell are you doing?”

“I’m doing what you want me to do.” Wood whispered. “I’m playing your bullshit game, Trent.”

The True Lover's Stories are connected standalones. Each title features a different couple but will contain previously mentioned characters.

No multiple pairings. No cliffhanger. Ends with a HEA.

Note: This is a steaming agnsty, age gap, new-to-love romance.

Amazon US   *    Universal Link

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wood, the second book in the A True Lover's Story series, is another fabulously gripping read. AE Via captured my heart with this tender tale of two flawed men falling in love. 

Although this story could probably be read as a standalone, if you haven't yet read book one, Bishop, stop and do so now. That book is magnificent and will help set up this story. 

Wood, fresh out of prison after 17 years behind bars, seeks out his friend Bishop for help. His story thoroughly explores the struggles to re-enter society with the stigmas of being an ex-con attached to one's name. The author excels in exploring these issues, including making amends to those hurt, along with guilt, grief, regret, and remorse. It's a heavy story that definitely requires the reader to be in the right mindset before reading it, so be warned. 

Both men have a complicated past, with plenty of inner struggles. They are well developed, with realistic issues and personalities that fully come to life. I already fell for Wood, as his story is just tragic, but Trent's background is also something that explains his prickly actions and makes me want to hug him. 

As for the romance, Wood and Trent get off to an awkward start, as they certainly don't mesh well. Their tale is one of forced proximity that brings the men closer together. The age gap is fun and a nice addition to their relationship. And as for the chemistry between the men, well damn, it's intense and hot. They are spectacular together and will leave you happy to have spent time with them. 

And then there are the secondary characters, who add a lot to the story, as well as bantering with the men throughout. I love it all. 

Wood is a wonderful read. AE Via impresses in this story of learning from one's past and growing from it. Don't miss this one the next time you are looking for a great, serious story, with a happy ending. I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series. 

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“Are you fucking crazy?”Trent hissed through clenched teeth, but the nerve he’d had behind his earlier words were gone, now replaced with caution…and lust. 

 

“I asked you politely not to call me that. Now, I’m telling you. Don’t. Do it. My name is Herschel Wood, Jr. No middle name. You can call me Herschel, or Wood, that’s it. I would’ve told you that if you’d bothered to ask.” Wood fumed. He had his forearm across Trent’s chest, pushing his back into the closet door at the end of the dark hallway. He couldn’t believe what he was doing, but how dare Trent drive him to the edge like this? Wood pressed in so tight until there was only air and misunderstanding between them, his mouth mere inches from Trent’s parted lips. “You wanted to get a reaction out of me, you annoying, immature little shit…now you’ve got one.”

 

Trent’s eyes blazed as he tried to shove off the door, but Wood held him in check with his mass. “Fuck you.”Trent grunted, his hot gaze lasered on Wood’s lips. 

 

Wood gave him a smirk and enjoyed as Trent squirmed even more against him. “You think I don’t know the game you’re playing? Maybe no one else does—even though I taught Bishop better—but I can see right through your transparent ass, Trent. So damn clearly.”

 

Trent’s masked desires were obvious—Wood had seen it the moment he’d laid eyes on him. He knew he hadn’t been wrong. But he’d wanted to leave Trent off-limits. Bishop just wanted them to be friends, but Wood was afraid he was finally going to have to tell his buddy that it wasn’t going to happen. The four of them wouldn’t be hanging out together all the time. There was too much screwed-up shit going on with Trent, and Wood deserved some peaceful days. He didn’t have the patience to put up with crap from hesitant men anymore. He had no doubt that Trent was pushing his buttons…because he wanted Wood to push his in return. 

 

“Wood,” Trent snarled, as he clutched tightly to his shoulders with both hands. 

 

Wood’s answer was another cunning smile. Did Trent even realize that he wasn’t pushing Wood away, he was holding him close? Wood wouldn’t point that out just yet. If Trent wanted to have some fun with him, then fine. He’d entertain himself until it was time for him to leave. He should’ve known this setup was too good to be true. What Trent pulled on him was exactly the kind of typical mess Wood was used to. People judging and condemning him for no reason. 

 

Trent went completely still when Wood dragged his nose over his forehead and down the side of his face. His voice was shaky, and his breaths were hot and swift along Wood’s throat. “The fuck are you doing?”

 

“I’m doing what you want me to do.” Wood clenched his teeth. “I’m playing your bullshit game, Trent.”

 

“I’m not playing anything,”he breathed. 

 

“Oh yeah you are.” Wood released Trent suddenly, but he didn’t pull away. He leaned in until his mouth was against Trent’s ear. “But I’m about to show you I’m much better at this game than you are.” Wood slowly eased away, then cocked his head to the side, motioning to Trent’s punishing grip he still had on his shoulders. “Now let me go.”

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A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for six years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay literature for over twenty years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great, new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her.

Writing.

A.E.’s novels embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

She’s recently celebrated her 20th book anniversary, and is well-known for her hardcore, love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peek at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48195130-bishop

Author Official Website: http://authoraevia.com

A.E. Newsletter Signup: https://goo.gl/4hfuMh

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/aeviaauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAEVia

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