A Rhythm You Feel (The Rock Gods: East Coast Label #1) by Ann Lister

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Blurb

Blade: As the lead singer of Hard Core, I’ve been taught several key life lessons. Unfortunately, I've also ignored many of them in the last twenty minutes alone, which is why I'm now being chased by a hoard of crazed fans.

But my worst misjudgment today? Going outside in public without security or a backup plan. Screaming fans come with the job and the fame is as much of a blessing as it is a curse, but I still couldn't imagine doing any other line of work.

Music owns me and I am happy to be her bitch.

Nico: I knew who he was as soon as he burst through the front door of my store and I was absolutely starstruck and speechless. Yes, me with my own hardened attitude and jaded outlook on life had lost the ability to talk in the presence of Blade.

I'm an ex-con. I paid my debt to society, and I have my own brand of scars to show from the time I spent behind bars. My life's regrets stain my soul as much as the ink of my tattoos color my skin. Solace for me came with ownership of a bookstore. It was a peaceful place to work until a certain rockstar blew in from the street like a Category 5 hurricane.

Hurricane Blade was about to make landfall and I wasn't sure I'd survive the storm.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

A Rhythm You Feel is the first book in a new series by Ann Lister, The Rock Gods: East Coast Label. And, omg, I am so freakin excited!

Immediately, this story has all that I love about Ann Lister's books. Reading one of her books is like coming home. Her rock world is fascinating, and the men loveable and charismatic. But, more than anything, it's her writing style that sucks me in every time. It's smooth, seamless, and riveting. 

Blade's the lead singer of Hard Core. In a fun meet cute, he meets Nico as he's escaping a crowd of fans by running into Nico's bookstore. 

Aww, Nico. His past is saddening, full of drugs and jail time. Meeting Blade, everything changes for the man. He meets the bands, Black Ice and Ivory Tower, which is extremely entertaining. He's in awe and fangirls as we all would. It's fun, sweet, and also sad, as he struggles with some of what he sees. 

One of my favorite parts of the behind the scenes moments are the differences between the older bands and the newer ones. The lifestyle is tamed down for the Black Ice and Ivory Tower guys, while those new to the lifestyle still like to party hard. It's an interesting aspect that the author explores well.

Damn, Blade and Nico have intense chemistry and an even better emotional connection. I love them together. Nico's transformation from a man who works too much and doesn't get much enjoyment out of life, to a man who's happy and in love, is beautiful! To say that meeting Blade was a godsend would be an understatement. Not only does Nico find love, he also finds the joy in life that he was missing. And for Blade, in Nico's he's found someone worth spending his time with, someone who likes him for him and not his fame, and someone worth loving.


Their story is one of finding someone who makes you want to be a better person. It's about trying to mesh two opposing lifestyles to be with the one you love. And it's about the ongoing struggle with addiction.

I can't recommend A Rhythm You Feel enough. I love this book. And I can't wait for more of this series. Once again, Ann Lister had me delighted with every single word. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Living On The Inside by Londra Laine

Title: Living on the Inside

Author: Londra Laine

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: About 55,000 words

Genre: Romance, Single dad, gay romance, interracial, ex-con, domestic abuse, work romance

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Synopsis

Micah Grayson lives in his baby mama’s guesthouse. It’s unconventional and awkward, but he’s happy for a chance to reconnect with his teenage son. He doesn’t have time for other distractions—no

matter how sexy, independent, and compassionate that distraction might be. Besides, he’s not good enough for more than a fling—no one would ever take him home to meet their parents.

Adrien Darling has book smarts, but no street savvy—at least that’s what his family says. And after a heart-breaking betrayal by the man meant to love and protect him, Adrien believes them. But then a gorgeous guy with a defeated look in his eyes walks into Adrien’s coffee shop and makes him want to take a chance.

After years of living on the outside as two misfits looking in, both men are afraid to reach for more. But in each other’s arms, Micah and Adrien find out what it’s like to live on the inside. As their tender bond grows and blossoms, old insecurities bubble to the surface. Will their commitment crumble under the pressure? Or will the two find the strength to fight for each other.

***Please be aware that this book contains a flashback of and several references to domestic abuse that may be triggering to some readers.***

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Living On The Inside, by Londra Laine, is a tender tale of learning to love, and live again. 

Mitch and Adrien are two wounded souls who are able to find strength and love in one another. With Adrien, Mitch finds himself feeling again, instead of being numb to the world. 

Both men have complications and baggage. Adrien has been living with the ghost of ex fiancée, who abused him and ruined his spirit. Mitch is living with his ex wife and their child in hopes of getting to know their son. If that wasn't enough, Adrien is Mitch's boss.

I love that Adrien gives Mitch a chance despite his stint in prison. Adrien is supportive and super compassionate. Meanwhile, Adrien's family is nothing but hypocritical. They are downright awful and I found myself wanting to smack some sense into them.

Mitch's relationship with his son is a huge part of this tale. Their relationship is heartbreaking at many times. It's a wonderful evolution and is expertly handled.

The author does an amazing job of demonstrating how tough it can be to overcome one's failures. In addition, she expertly captures the struggle of how to fight for someone when you finally find that special person. 

I love every single second of Living On The Inside. It's a tender story of how easy it is to fall victim to your fears, guilt and insecurities. And it splendidly shows the power love has in the abilities to overcome these feelings. I'm definitely adding it to my re-read list.

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Excerpt

“Is that what we are?” Micah asked quietly. “Friends?”

“Yeah,” Adrien answered. “I hope so.”  

Then he was surrounded by Micah’s body. Adrien hesitated for a moment before returning the other man’s embrace, locking his arms around Micah’s torso. A few seconds into the hug all the reasons why he needed to pull away from Micah—now—raced through his mind. But he couldn’t make himself do it.

Adrien had been fighting his attraction, but the man had slipped past Adrien’s defenses. Micah’s earnest joy at making progress with his son. His trust in Adrien as he shared his insecurities. His nonjudgmental attitude. Their growing friendship. All those things made him feel strong and needed. Adrien wanted more of that feeling. He leaned into Micah.

Micah sighed as he squeezed Adrien tighter, and Adrien’s body sagged against him, the fight against his attraction to Micah leaving his body. He tucked his head into the crook of Micah’s shoulder, and gave in to defeat, breathing in the salty sweet scent of Micah’s skin, running his palms up the man’s back.

The scent and feel of Micah was heady, and Adrien’s head swam as he let his eyelids flutter shut, let his lips graze the exposed skin between Micah’s neck and shoulder. Micah tensed against him and his breath hitched, making Adrien wonder if he’d gone too far. But then Micah’s palm slid up Adrien’s neck, cupping his nape, grazing a thumb along his hairline.

Micah moved his other hand lower, resting it right above Adrien’s ass, his fingers lightly grazing the swell below Adrien’s hips.

“Adrien,” Micah grated out. Adrien pulled back, slowly opening his eyes. Micah licked his lips, his eyes skimming Adrien’s mouth, and then he leaned forward.

Adrien met him halfway, their lips connecting in a kiss. The light brush became a firm press then flared, hot and wet, as Adrien ran the tip of his tongue against the seam of Micah’s lips. Micah submitted to Adrien’s silent request, parting his lips to give Adrien access to his tongue and mouth.

Then a loud honk made them jerk apart as a car sped past them, headlights bright and blinding. Their chests heaved, and Adrien took in Micah’s disheveled hair and damp lips and wondered if he looked nearly as enticing to Micah.

Adrien’s gaze skittered away, and he grimaced, embarrassment replacing the intense need he’d felt moments ago. What was he doing? He knew better than this. He’d been down this road before. He couldn’t get involved with an employee again.

Then a terrible thought occurred to him. What if Micah felt like he had to hook up with Adrien? Had Adrien pressured him in some way? Shit. Negative thoughts tumbled through his mind, making him dizzy. He had to nip this in the bud.

“Micah, about what just happened—”

“Our kiss?” Micah moved closer to him.

Adrien’s eyes wandered, unable to meet Micah’s. “Yeah, the kiss. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to—I’m sorry.” He shook his head and Micah stopped the motion by gripping Adrien’s chin between his forefinger and thumb. He lifted Adrien’s face to his.

“I’m not sorry.” Micah’s voice was quiet in the night.   

Meet the Author

Londra has loved reading since she figured out how to do it. She writes to give her guys the happy ending she wishes everyone––no matter their race, religion, gender, or orientation––could experience in real life.

Londra makes money as a communications manager. She is a former journalist, a runner and a mezzo soprano.

In 2010, she moved from her native California to New York City where she lived in Harlem for nearly eight years. In early 2018 she relocated to Seattle with her spouse.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Queer Romance Ink

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His Dirty Secret by Adian Bates

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Blurb

ANTHONY
I never thought I was the guy who loses his head when someone tall, dark and dangerous looks my way. Who’d risk everything for a taste of something that’s never as good as it seems.
It only takes one night with my best friend’s brother to change that.
The secrecy is what drew me in, not the way my skin tingled from the moment I lay eyes on him. No, it was intrigue that led me to seek out the eldest Roscoe prince, the mysterious black sheep of the family.
Where had he been until now? Why did scandalized whispers follow him into every room? What sins in his past had even my best friend wanting nothing to do with him?
I don’t know if he’s as dangerous as everyone claims. I don’t know why I’m the only one who thinks there might be more to him than this darkness everyone else sees.
All I know is I can’t stop looking for proof I’m right…because I’m already in way too deep.

RYAN
I thought prison had prepared me for this. The stares, the cold shoulders, the contempt…but it doesn’t matter. I can’t take back what I’ve done. I’m not sure I would, even if I could.
There’s only one shining light in the darkness, a brightness I can’t look away from, no matter how many people warn me I should.
Anthony, my little brother’s best friend.
They say I’ll only hurt him too, and they’re not wrong. Yet every time he shows up at my door, I can’t help but let him in. I don’t know why he believes I’m worth it, what he sees that nobody else does. I just know that I need it.
Crave it.
Crave him.
And when a one-night stand leads to unexpected consequences, when he finally starts to listen to them and pull away…all I know is I’ll do anything to stop it.
I don’t know how he convinced me I could be the man he deserves, but he did. I can.
And I’ll do anything to prove it. This book is 55,000 words of American royalty and their dirty family secrets, mpreg and a brooding ex-con’s love child, not to mention blackmail, bar brawls and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Come for the sex and scandal, stay for the sweetness….but only if you’re over eighteen! 


REVIEW
My Rating - 5 Stars!

His Dirty Secret, by Aidan Bates is a unique twist on the best friend's brother romance.

When Ryan returns home to wish his brother Jamie a Happy Birthday, he hooks up with Jamie's friend, Anthony. As Ryan is intrigued by Anthony, he ends up changing his plans and staying in town.

Ryan, back in town after spending time in jail, trying to protect someone else, is considered the loser of the family. As Anthony starts learning about Ryan via Jamie and others, he is warned away from Ryan, being told that anything he touches ends up destroyed.  Everything Anthony hears is so contradictory from the man he spent the night with, leaving Anthony confused.

Ryan is extremely misunderstood, and has been shunned by his family. One can't help but to route for him to find joy and love, as well as prove his family wrong. Anthony may just be the one who can help him, just by showing him that someone cares about him. 

This story is a compelling story full of strong attraction, family drama, secrets, threats and some sweet romance. I was sucked in from the first page and couldn't put His Dirty Secret down.