The Real Baxter (The Baxter Chronicles #1) by Lane Hayes

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

The silver-fox and the faux bodyguard…

Sebastian

Who’s the true hero behind the Hollywood heartthrob, crime-fighting, adventure-seeking international man of mystery? Me. I’m the real Baxter.

Well, I wear the suit and let the action play out onscreen. You want to know the secret of my success? Sell the story you want to tell. Even if you have to bend the truth a little.

Okay…a lot.

Trust me, no one will notice. Except Trent, who seems to notice everything. And for some reason, I like that. I like him. I’m just not sure what to do about it.

Trent

Look, I’m not exactly killing it. I’m a typical struggling actor-slash-waiter, hoping for a break. And boom…in walks Sebastian Rourke. He’s a cutthroat, wickedly charming silver fox, a Hollywood legend in the making. No joke. You’ve got to sell a piece of your soul to get in this man’s orbit. Or fake a British accent, then take a job playing bodyguard to fool the press. As one does.

I know I should take advantage of the very strange situation I find myself in, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for it. However, I’m willing to take a chance, ’cause I want the real Seb.

Even though it might cost me everything.

The Real Baxter is a MM age-gap, bisexual romance featuring the man who has everything and the actor who’s willing to show him what’s real.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Real Baxter is a great start to The Baxter Chronicles series by Lane Hayes. 

Seb, who we met in the Starting From series, is a famous and wealthy Hollywood man. From the start, his relationship with Trent is everything I never saw coming. 

Trent definitely brings out a different side to Seb. And I love it. Seb isn't a bad guy, but love isn't on his mind when he meets the inexperienced actor. He just has a lot going on in his life and isn't looking for anything serious. 

These two are fabulous together. I enjoy the layers to their relationship, as well as the unconventionality of it. 

Their story is hot and emotional in all the best ways. I love the age gap as well as the opposites attract. And damn, these two are complete opposites in every way. 

Of course, there's a fake relationship aspect which is well executed. We all know how Hollywood is about fake relationships. 

The writing is wonderful, with a lot of heart, and a slew of secondary characters who we all have come to love. 

The Real Baxter is everything I never knew I needed. This looks to be the start of another amazing series by Lane Hayes. Be sure to check it out.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - More Than The Game by Jenni Bara

 

More Than the Game

Jenni Bara

Publication date: September 14th 2021

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

Trending on social media is her nightmare.

Beth Evans, former Olympic golden girl, known for a national scandal and daughter of a rising political star, is more than happy to stay out of the spotlight, living life as a normal single mom in a small Jersey town. The last thing Beth needs is Twitter’s favorite bad boy–Marc Demoda–walking into her life to stir things up.

Marc lives for the three b’s; baseball, bars, and ball bunnies, until the unthinkable happened. An accident destroys his shoulder and his career, leaving him desperate to get back in the game. Too bad no one hires notorious bad boys to coach. With his reputation on life support, Marc finds his saving grace might be the feisty blonde he can’t get out of his head.

When pictures of Beth and Marc’s chance encounter blow up on Twitter, they strike a deal to avoid further scandals and fix their image. But even in the harsh public spotlight, their fake relationship begins to feel real. Beth’s growing feelings for Marc have her questioning if she can permanently handle the limelight, just as Marc wonders if Beth might mean more than the game.

Goodreads / Amazon

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

More than a Game is a great fake relationship romance by Jenni Bara. I feel into this book easily and ended up being unable to put it down. 

I absolutely love Marc and Beth. Their relationship is great, and everything between them is enjoyable. 

There's a lot going on in their story. Both characters are well developed and multi-layered. 

Of course, their story also brings to light the downfalls of being in the public eye, and the harsh treatment one can face on social media. This is all to relatable and hard to read at times. 

This is a story with a wonderful group of secondary characters, who fully pull you into their orbit. If you enjoy lovable families, look no further. 

The writing is great, with plenty of heart, humor, and life brought into this story. The tweets are hysterical, the family is heart warming, and the romance is sweet. 

More than the Game is so much more than I was expecting. This Jenni Bara book is a wonderful sports romance that's compelling, charming, and riveting. Definitely check it out. 

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Jenni Bara lives in New Jersey working as a paralegal in family law, writing real-life unhappily ever-afters every day. In turn, she spends her free time with anything that keeps her laughing, including life with four kids, or five, if you count her husband. She is just starting her career as a romance author writing books with a great balance of life, love, and laughter.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Not Until Noah (Star Crossed #1) by Lisa Henry

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Carter Westlake is on the brink of being Hollywood gold. Cast as the lead in a highly-anticipated sci-fi trilogy filming in Australia, he’s primed to be the next A-list action hero: all-American, hot as hell, and straight. The problem is, Carter can only check off two of those boxes. But that’s okay—his bisexuality can remain a secret until these movies are behind him.

Childhood educator Noah Jones has a plan. Work as a nanny for six months, make some extra cash, and move to the UK to teach. He doesn’t expect his new boss to be a Hollywood star. And he certainly isn’t prepared to fall for the guy.

One kiss sends them tumbling into a secret relationship, even though they both agree it can be nothing more than a fling. Carter needs to stay in the closet for the sake of his career, and Noah’s leaving. But when their feelings continue to grow into something deeper, Carter has a decision to make. Knowing that exposing his sexuality could cost him his career, would he rather carry on living a lie, or risk it all to stand tall in his truth?

Not Until Noah is the first book in the Star Crossed series, where regular guys meet famous ones, and sparks fly.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Not Until Noah is a wonderfully sweet romance. I love this book. Everything about it had me swooning and charmed throughout. 

Emerson is an adorable child who adds plenty of delightful moments to the story. And, omg, I'm so upset by the way the press forces themselves until the children of public figures. As a fan, I am fully guilty of wanting to see famous people with their children. But the author fully reminded me why this is so horrible. Not only are the famous people affected, but their poor, innocent children aren't allowed any privacy. 

This is a story of Carter, an actor who's firmly in the closet. As he falls for the manny, Noah, he can't help but to deal with the demands of his profession. 

Ugh. This book made me so mad about the demands on people to stay closeted. We all know why the industry wants actors to stay closeted, but it's maddening. There's so many forced dates, situations, photo ops. And all the while, Carter is saddened and frustrated by not being able to be open with Noah. 

Now, as for Carter and Noah, swoon, just Swoon! I love every moment of them together. The attraction is there from the start. And the way everything develops between them had me swooning throughout. 

Not Until Noah is one of those easy to fall in love with stories. This Lisa Henry book is wonderfully addictive, keeping me up late into the night. I love it all!

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Not Until Noah (Star Crossed #1) by Lisa Henry

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Not Until Noah
By Lisa Henry

Star Crossed, Book 1

Carter Westlake is on the brink of being Hollywood gold. Cast as the lead in a highly-anticipated sci-fi trilogy filming in Australia, he’s primed to be the next A-list action hero: all-American, hot as hell, and straight. The problem is, Carter can only check off two of those boxes. But that’s okay—his bisexuality can remain a secret until these movies are behind him.

Childhood educator Noah Jones has a plan. Work as a nanny for six months, make some extra cash, and move to the UK to teach. He doesn’t expect his new boss to be a Hollywood star. And he certainly isn’t prepared to fall for the guy.

One kiss sends them tumbling into a secret relationship, even though they both agree it can be nothing more than a fling. Carter needs to stay in the closet for the sake of his career, and Noah’s leaving. But when their feelings continue to grow into something deeper, Carter has a decision to make. Knowing that exposing his sexuality could cost him his career, would he rather carry on living a lie, or risk it all to stand tall in his truth?

Not Until Noah is the first book in the Star Crossed series, where regular guys meet famous ones, and sparks fly.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Not Until Noah is a wonderfully sweet romance. I love this book. Everything about it had me swooning and charmed throughout. 

Emerson is an adorable child who adds plenty of delightful moments to the story. And, omg, I'm so upset by the way the press forces themselves until the children of public figures. As a fan, I am fully guilty of wanting to see famous people with their children. But the author fully reminded me why this is so horrible. Not only are the famous people affected, but their poor, innocent children aren't allowed any privacy. 

This is a story of Carter, an actor who's firmly in the closet. As he falls for the manny, Noah, he can't help but to deal with the demands of his profession. 

Ugh. This book made me so mad about the demands on people to stay closeted. We all know why the industry wants actors to stay closeted, but it's maddening. There's so many forced dates, situations, photo ops. And all the while, Carter is saddened and frustrated by not being able to be open with Noah. 

Now, as for Carter and Noah, swoon, just Swoon! I love every moment of them together. The attraction is there from the start. And the way everything develops between them had me swooning throughout. 

Not Until Noah is one of those easy to fall in love with stories. This Lisa Henry book is wonderfully addictive, keeping me up late into the night. I love it all!

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A flash of movement caught his attention, and he looked up to discover a small face peering at him from behind the archway separating the living room from the dining room. It was a little girl with dark hair. She was watching him warily, so Noah flashed her a smile. She wrinkled her nose and smiled back nervously, and he felt a little more at ease at once. Maybe not an entitled little brat then.

Olivia turned and saw the girl. “Emerson, come and meet Noah.”

The little girl darted forward and sat next to him on the couch. “Hello. I’m Emerson.”

Her accent was American, like Olivia’s.

“Hi,” he said. “I’m Noah. It’s very nice to meet you, Emerson.”

She took his extended hand and shook it firmly. “Are you going to be my nanny?”

“That depends,” he said. “Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?”

Emerson’s eyes widened. “Um, yes?”

“That’s the right answer,” he said. “High five.”

Emerson laughed and slapped his palm.

He glanced at Olivia and saw that she was smiling as well.

“Do you like other pizzas too?” Emerson asked him earnestly.

“Yeah, I like all sorts of pizzas,” he said. “What’s your favorite food?”

“Ice cream.”

“That’s another great answer. We already have so much in common!”

Emerson’s smile lit up her whole face. She leaned closer to Noah and lowered her voice as though she was imparting a huge secret. “Those are sometimes foods, though.”

“They are,” Noah agreed. “What’s your favorite vegetable?”

“I like carrots.”

“Me too!”

Emerson beamed at him.

“Noah,” Olivia said, catching his attention again. “This is Emerson’s father, Carter.”

Holy shit.

The guy sitting down beside Olivia was Carter Westlake. Carter fucking Westlake! Carter Westlake the fucking movie star! Noah’s brain shorted out as it struggled to reconcile the fact that a man he’d last paid fifteen dollars—plus more for a popcorn and a Coke—to go and see on a massive screen was an actual human being who was currently sitting right in front of him. Sitting there like a real person, and not just someone who existed in movies, or on the front covers of magazine at the supermarket checkout.

The NDA suddenly made a lot of sense.

And Jesus, but Carter Westlake was just as incredibly gorgeous in real life as he was on screen or smiling for the cameras on some red carpet. His dark hair was tousled, and the dark stubble on his jaw just highlighted the perfect angles of his face. He had hazel eyes framed by dark lashes, a straight nose, and a sharp jawline that Noah wanted to cut his tongue on. He was hot. Stupidly hot. Like Noah had always assumed that celebrities were airbrushed for public consumption, but no, apparently some people were just that attractive. Carter Westlake had won the genetic lottery, no question.

And by the time all of those thoughts had filtered through his brain at the speed of molasses, gumming up the works, he realized he’d been staring for way too long.

“God, sorry,” he said and stuck his hand out. “I’m Noah. Noah Jones. Nice to meet you, Mr. Westlake.”

“Carter,” Carter said with a nod and shook his hand.

He was touching a movie star. This was amazing! Dylan was going to lose his shit! Wait. He’d just agreed to sign a piece of paper saying he couldn’t tell Dyl. Also, had he been shaking Carter’s hand for too long now? He pulled back quickly and then stared down at the NDA just for something else to look at. Something that wasn’t Carter Westlake.

A fucking Hollywood movie star.

Olivia slid a pen across the coffee table, eyebrows raised.

“Right,” he said, his voice cracking.

He picked up the pen and signed.

 

 

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Not Until Noah, Lisa is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57342/?

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About Lisa:

Lisa likes to tell stories, mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters.

Lisa lives in tropical North Queensland, Australia. She doesn't know why, because she hates the heat, but she suspects she's too lazy to move. She spends half her time slaving away as a government minion, and the other half plotting her escape.

She attended university at sixteen, not because she was a child prodigy or anything, but because of a mix-up between international school systems early in life. She studied History and English, neither of them very thoroughly.

She shares her house with too many cats, a dog, a green tree frog that swims in the toilet, and as many possums as can break in every night. This is not how she imagined life as a grown-up.

Lisa has been published since 2012, and was a LAMBDA finalist for her quirky, awkward coming-of-age romance Adulting 101, and a Rainbow Awards finalist for 2019’s Anhaga.

To connect with Lisa on social media, you can find her here:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Bookbub
Twitter

She also has a Facebook group where you’ll be kept in the loop with updates on releases, have a chance to win prizes, and probably see lots of lots of pictures of her dog and cats. You can find it here: Lisa Henry’s Hangout.

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Two-Man Team (Stick Side #5) by Amy Aislin

 

Amazon Link
Goodreads Link

One wrongful arrest ruined Kris Xappa’s image—and made his NHL team look bad. Now, with orders to keep his head down, the last thing he needs is to develop feelings for his younger teammate—and best friend’s brother. The fact that he can’t stop thinking about their one illicit kiss doesn’t mean anything.

Rory Stanton is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and doesn’t need his brother’s best friend keeping an eye on him. Sure, he likes having Kris’s attention, but he’d rather have it for entirely different reasons. Too bad that one kiss they shared wasn’t enough to convince Kris to take a chance on him.

When an injury lands Rory in Kris’s care, will these teammates be able to see past the obstacles to become a two-man team?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Two Man Team is the fifth book in the Stick Side series. This Amy Aislin book is easily read as a standalone. 

There's a lot going on in this romance. It's a sports romance featuring two hockey players with a teammates and best friend's brother element. 

I adore the relationship between the two. They've known each other growing up, but the age gap was large enough to keep them from hanging out or fully knowing one another. I am an avid fan of this type of story, and this one was as enjoyable as I was hoping.

Rory and Kris are wonderful together. I adore every moment of their story. It's cute, sweet, and emotional. They are a lovable couple for sure, with awesome dynamics between them.

I love that one of the men is pansexual, and the way he talks about it. Love it!

There are some serious elements explored throughout, including the problems of being in the spotlight. The author excels in illustrating the way rumors and stories spread quickly. I appreciate the way she accurately nails that news stories aren't always true, and that public opinion can be based on inaccurate rumors. And, damn it, I love the way the children understand reality better than the adults. 

Two Man Team is a fabulous addition to this series. I am a sports romance junkie and absolutely love these Amy Aislin books. 

MF - Two Different Sides (Consistently Inconsistent #2) by L.A. Tavares

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

All bets are off.

Blake Mathews is out of luck.

The music, the fame, the love of his life… They’re not enough for him. His tendency to make large bets at expensive tables could cost him everything—the band, the money and the girl.

Blake thought things couldn’t get any worse, but he lost that bet too. Someone from his past shows up after a decade of silence with new information about who Blake is, where he came from and the fact that he has family who is closer than he thinks.

Told on two different timelines—now and then—the story recounts the upbringing of the bass guitarist and his friend, lead singer Xander Varro, dating back to the two meeting, starting the band and the trouble and triumphs that unfold as the two grow to the present-day versions of themselves.

For Blake, history tends to repeat itself, but with the help of his band, the girl he’s been chasing since his teen years and the family he didn’t know he had, the chance to break the dark cycles is in the cards for him, if he chooses to play the game.

Reader advisory: This book deals with a gambling addiction and parental abandonment. This book is best read in order as part of the Consistenty Inconsistent series.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Two Different Sides is a great addition to the Consistently Inconsistent series. I love One More Motion, the first book in this LA Tavares series, so I was excited to read this. 

This is definitely more of a novel that follows Blake and his journey that happens to include a romance. Yes, the story revolves around his relationship with the girl he loves, but the emotions for the romance aren't felt much. Rather, Blake's emotional state in general is the overriding tone throughout. I was always more worried about him in general than I was about his romance. 

I definitely love the connection between the band members. That is the real connection felt throughout. The reader is easily rooting for Blake to find his way in the world again, and for his friendships to stay intact.

This is a story of addiction. It that's a trigger for you, avoid this one. For Blake, his addiction is gambling. And his journey is maddening and so frustrating. 

In the end, the storyline comes full circle in ways I never expected, with some nice twists and turns. 
And by the end, everything is heart warming. 

I was extremely impressed with the author's way of bringing everything to a happy ending. These peopl seemed destined for a life of pain, but the author easily brings them to a happy ending in a believable way. 

Two Different Sides ends up being a deep read. I enjoyed all of this LA Tavares book and highly recommend it when you're in the mood for a serious tale. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Limelight (Vino & Veritas #15) by E. Davies

 

LIMELIGHT BY E. DAVIES

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

Add to Goodreads → https://bit.ly/3o1fxOW

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

Save the bees, ride a rock star. 

Formerly famous . . . and planning to keep it that way.

After my band kicked me out, I ran away to Vermont, changed my name, and kept my head down. So far, it’s working and nobody knows who I am. Or who I was. Until I see geeky poet Caleb stumbling through his first open mic night and I can’t help rescuing him. He’s as sweet as the honey my bees make and sexy enough to make me rethink so many things. But I can’t tell him my secret, or I’ll lose the anonymous life I worked so hard to build. 

Everyone warns me he’s too good to be true. 

I can’t believe a gorgeous, successful winemaker like Tag is into shy, geeky little accountant me. But he helps me blossom and believe in my talent, and works his way into my heart and my bed… not necessarily in that order. I’m falling for a man for the first time, and now I know what the missing number in my equation has always been. 

When lies are revealed, though, someone’s going to get stung . . .

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Limelight is E Davies' contribution to the multi author Vino & Veritas series. This is easily read as a standalone. 

This is a charming small town story. I adore Caleb and Tag. The way they slowly develop into a relationship is wonderful. And in the end, everything about these two works. They're simply perfect together. 

Tag's secret looms overhead throughout. You know that he will have to make a confession and explain his past to Caleb. As well, the reader is left waiting for some of the details. All we know is that he's a former rock star who's happy that Caleb didn't recognize him. 

I always enjoy when a famous person can connect with someone on a natural level, without the fame ever being of interest to the other person. This is exactly what this story is. And I love it. 

The writing is wonderful, as I've come to expect from this author. The characters are well developed and the storyline is intriguing and sweet. Luckily, it's not a horrifically angsty read, so dive in and enjoy. 

I have to admit I learned a lot about bees and wine as well. And there's one amazing parallel made at the end between the bees and Tag's life. I love that part!

Limelight is a great contribution to this small town series. E Davies' tale is full of emotion, heart, and plenty of small town charm. 

Tag knows how to tease a guy.

He texted on my lunch break to tell me that he’s got a surprise, but he won’t show me until I’m home from work. Part of me thinks it’s an excuse to get on the phone with me, but I’m totally willing to play along.

I thought a day apart from Tag would feel a year long, but daydreams keep me captivated and the time flies by in a haze of reports.

I can’t stop wondering what kind of surprise he means. The sexy kind? I really hope it’s the sexy kind. Like candy underwear, or a well-composed dick pic to save in my Hidden photo album.

I’ve got a one-track mind today.

I’m glad for the desk and my tightest underwear hiding the shape of my thoughts. It’s technically ten minutes to quitting time. Gary doesn’t seem to mind that everyone else plays fast and loose with our working hours, so my coworkers just left.

I just have one more sheet of numbers to transcribe, which should take up the next ten minutes. And then I’ll be free, too.

But ten minutes feels like a lifetime. Every time I glance at the clock, the minute hand hasn’t moved. And when I double-check my spreadsheet, I spot a few sloppy mistakes.

For once, my brain has checked out early. It’s too fixated on the memory of last night.

I can’t shake the visual, clear as day: Tag kneeling over me, one his strong hand curled around his cock as he grips my curls in his other fist. Okay, maybe I’m embellishing the memory, but I love him playing with my hair.

My fingers tap on my numberpad automatically as I glance around casually, like anyone’s here to see. I slide the other hand onto my lap, my palm resting on the bulge of my shaft. 

My cock jumps under the touch, and little sparks shoot straight to my toes. I press harder, dragging the heel of my hand slowly over my erection. 

Jesus, I’m so hard it hurts. So close to the edge already. It wouldn’t take long…

I sprawl a little bit in the chair so it looks casual, my gaze flickering to the window.

Someone would have to look inside at just the right angle to realize. Even then, they wouldn’t see anything…

No, my common sense kicks in at last, and I bite back a whimper as I look at that page. But there’s no way in hell I can do this while I’m so distracted.

You know what? Fuck it. It’s time to let myself play by other people’s rules. I’m always here ten minutes early. I’ll just do this in the morning.

“Caleb?”

I gasp and throw my hands in the air like I’ve been caught stealing. Not that I’ve ever tried, of course. Too much of a goody two-shoes.

Oh my God, I’m a nerd. I hastily run my hands through my hair and try to breathe. “Yeah?” I lean around the edge of the cubicle, ready to roll toward my desk again in a hurry.

Gary stops on the other side of the office, car keys in hand. “Everyone else is gone. You nearly finished?” he calls out.

“Yeah. I’ll lock up in a minute,” I promise automatically. 

He smiles and gives me a thumbs-up. “Don’t stay too long.” Gary’s the good kind of boss who doesn’t let us do unpaid overtime.

“I’m going right now.” As soon as I can walk home without poking an eye out. Maybe I should have said “coming in a minute.”

“Right on. Catch you tomorrow.”

I hold my breath, waiting for the office door to rattle, swing closed, and rattle again with the sound of Gary locking it.

Then I reach out for the blinds, twisting them closed. My heart thuds in my ribcage.

Heat pulsates through my cock as I roll back toward my desk again. I can barely breathe as I shut down my computer.

As the screen goes black, I draw a breath. 

Just do it.

Before I can second-guess myself, I plunge my hand into my pants and underwear, cupping my aching cock. Pleasure washes through me, the oversensitive nerve endings finally satisfied—but not for long. 

“Fuck,” I hiss, every sense on high alert. I know for a fact there’s nobody left here, but still…

This is beyond daring for me. This is the boldest thing I’ve done in my entire life, and there’s no stopping it now.