RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - MF - Afterglow (Busy Bean #10) by Aria Wyatt

 

AFTERGLOW BY ARIA WYATT

Release Date: September 13, 2021

Amazon: https://geni.us/AfterglowAmazon

Apple: https://geni.us/AfterglowApple

Kobo: https://geni.us/AfterglowKobo

Nook: https://geni.us/AfterglowNook

Google: https://geni.us/AfterglowGoogle

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

Add to Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/3p6Z8cA

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

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

I’m a numbers girl.

Or at least I thought I was, until my formula fell apart. Back home in Vermont, with my dream on hiatus, I’m working at the Busy Bean and taking online classes. As long as I keep my focus, I’ll be back in New York City next semester. Hopefully.

When Declan O’Shaughnessy storms into the café, all muscles and tattoos, wielding his sexy Irish brogue like a weapon, the only equation I can solve is one that lands me in his bed. Even more dangerous is my growing affection for his cherub-faced little boy.

But Declan has complications of his own. He’s cagey, but I’ll win him over.

Yeah, about that focus… mine is all on him. Can we have a harmless fling without getting hurt?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Afterglow is Aria Wyatt's contribution to the multi-author Busy Bean series. Each book in this small town series is read as a standalone. 

There's a lot going on in this book. There's alcoholism, mistakes, regrets, a custody battle, jealousy, death of parents, and grief. 

Declan and Solana are amazing together. And holy dirty talk and chemistry. These two burn up the sheets together. 

And, oh, how he handles Solana in the bedroom. Finding out she's a virgin might scare him off, but damn, he recovers. He's dominant and powerful and knows what he wants. 

And of course I adore Solana. She's definitely a little confused about her life and future, but she's the perfect person to balance Declan. Her past is horrible and I am in awe of the way she's survived it all. 

The heart of this story however lays in the hands of Declan's son. What a total charmer he is. There's plenty of custody issues, and the boy hears way too much for a kid his age. But, this presence is what makes this tale. 

I love Declan as a father. Love him. And my heart hurts for him. I appreciate the way Solana is able to help him, and I love the way everything wraps up. 

And of course, Solana's brother is around. And oh god, this part of the story is maddening yet so well done. He's caused her years of pain, so it's nice seeing them talk finally.

Declan and Solana's journey isn't easy. There's plenty of pain along the way. But it's well worth it for them in the end. 

The writing is great, and the storyline nice and developed. I just don't love reading an accent in my books, as reading the Irish brogue starts to get on my nerves after a while. 

Afterglow is a great addition to this small town world. And I absolutely love the ending that Aria Wyatt gave this sweet couple. 

The Busy Bean reminds me of my father’s pub in Galway, where I had my first drink and started my love affair with Irish whiskey. I’ve traded booze for hot cider, but I crave the inviting pub vibe of this bakery. There are plenty of bars in town—like the place right across the car park—but I don’t dare set foot in one. This is the closest I’ll allow myself.

“Hi, what can I get started for you?”

I spin toward the lilting female voice and frown. I come here just about every day and I’ve never seen this woman. She’s a pretty little thing who barely comes up to my shoulder. A black T-shirt peeks from beneath the bright yellow apron that covers her breasts. She’s cinched the tie around her waist, showcasing her hourglass figure.

“Hello?” She props both hands on her hips. “Would you like to order something?”

My gaze snaps to her face and locks on to a set of eyes the exact shade of golden amber as whiskey. With her tanned skin, and thick, honey-blonde hair, I’d swear I walked into a distillery. My throat tightens, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as I try to find the words to answer.

Her mouth starts to move again, drawing my focus to her lips. Full and pink, like a wild Irish rose. “I brewed a fresh pot of coffee and the drink of the day is a dirty apple chai.” She licks those plush lips and adds, “With apples from the Shipley orchards, of course.”

My stomach twists into a knot as I glance at the section of countertop that looks like a bar. I’d give my left arm for a pint of Guinness. And I’d give both arms for some whiskey. Desperate to derail that train of thought, I force my gaze to the display of artisanal honey from some of the local apiaries. Funny how the warm amber color also reminds me of whiskey, making my mouth water.

Then again, maybe it’s blondie who’s got me salivating. Whiskey be damned, I’d sell my soul to the Devil for a taste of her.

Forbidden Ink (Get Ink'd #6) by Ali Lyda

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I’m not a deadbeat.
I didn’t know my kid existed before Milo showed up, but now that I do, I’m determined to keep my beautiful little Sofie in my life. Even if it means I need to spend time around her irritable uncle, Milo. The man pushes all of my buttons.

He riles me up until I can’t think of anything except kissing him. Definitely not the reaction he expects. He’s not out, but I’m not the type to hide. Is there any way to make it work for our new family?

Family means everything.
Eryk’s a cocky playboy. He’s not good enough to be my niece’s father, but unfortunately, DNA says otherwise. Father or not, I’m not about to walk out of little Sofie’s life.

Which means I have to walk into Eryk’s even though I can’t stand him. So why is he so hard to resist? I decided on a closeted life a long time ago. It’s the only way to stay safe and successful. Could I bring myself to step out of the closet if it means having the true love of a family?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

 

Forbidden Ink is the sixth book in the Get Ink'd series by Ali Lyda. It perfectly continues this fantastic series, but it's easily read as a standalone. 

There's a lot going on in this enemies to lovers story.

Milo and Eryk meet in an unusual way, as Milo has to bring his niece, Sofie, to meet her father, Eryk. To say that Milo hates Eryk for his reputation is an understatement. 

The enemies to lovers element definitely drives this story, as the two have so much animosity between them. Milo's jealous that Eryk is out and proud. Milo doesn't think Eryk's fit to be a father. And more.

There's custody issues, as well as attraction issues. And I love how it all develops. I adore seeing the small ways things start to change, and the ability to put the child first. 

Milo and Eryk are an interesting couple. Milo wasn't quite father material himself, but both men learn to put the child first. The chemistry between the men is too strong to ignore, and the men are certainly hot together. 

Of course, there's the elephant in the room that some readers won't be able to ignore. Cause yes, Milo is interested in the man who fathered his sister, Maya's baby. I know a lot of people who don't like someone sleeping with their sibling's ex. But, honestly, I barely felt that issue in this book. Eryk's night with her was just that. One hookup that meant nothing to him. They were never a couple. No feelings were ever involved. 

I do struggle with Milo's sister's decision to not tell Eryk that he's a father until she's on her deathbed. That is just something that always pisses me off. But, as this story isn't really about her, I can let that go. 

There's a large issue when it comes to Milo's feelings about Eryk's sexuality. His insecurities and jealousy over Eryk living openly while Milo is closeted and hiding is felt throughout. Milo's frustration and anger are well illustrated and this is a large part of his character. I appreciate where he's coming from and ultimately love the way it's all resolved. 

Forbidden Ink is a wonderful romance. Ali Lyda puts a lot of interesting issues into this story and I love it. Hell, I love anytime an actor feels forced into being closeted. Those are stories that just seem so realistic, so I definitely love that aspect. And the rest is just gravy on top!

Setting a New Course (Navigation Quartet #2) by Chris Cheek

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link 

“David was contemplating the wreck of his home life and his career. He realised with sickening clarity exactly how much this meant. He was going to lose everything he had taken for granted for the last few years – friends and acquaintances, his parents and siblings, the routine of life at the depot, the house he and Mona had shared for the last five years, his marriage and his kids.”

After being best friends from the age of nine, David and Alan had not seen each other for six years after Alan had left their home town in Yorkshire for a life in London. Then, one February day, they met up by accident when Alan got on the bus that David was driving. Having reconnected immediately, the true depth of their feelings became clear despite the fact that David was now married with two kids. After David started a new job driving an express service to London, the two twenty-five year olds began an affair – the course of which was the subject of the first book in this series, Veering off Course.

Setting a New Course opens with the aftermath of David facing a major crisis on one cataclysmic August night. It’s a difficult time as he tries to come to terms with a new life in London with Alan, his feelings of guilt about his marriage and his fears for the future of his two sons, whom he misses terribly.

David is brought almost to his knees when the problems he is facing are compounded by the actions of a vengeful wife. Is his relationship with Alan strong enough to withstand the strain Of these events? Can he reach an agreement with his wife about the future of the kids? And is his father willing to heal the breach that has developed between them?

At a moment of crisis, intervention from an unexpected source helps to reduce the emotional temperature. Can calm reflection lead to a new course being set for Alan and David?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Wow! Setting a New Course is a riveting romance by Chris Cheek. The second book in the Navigation Quartet by Chris Cheek, it's picks up where  Veering off Course leaves off. That said, it's actually easily read as a standalone, as the past events are summed up well. 

David and Alan's relationship began when they were kids. They were best friends. Until life took them down different paths. 

Now they are together, as boyfriends. Unfortunately, David's wife wasn't so happy about this. 

Their story is one of two different lives lived. The one David picked. And the one he is now choosing. 

I have a lot to say about this book. First of all, don't get caught up on the cheating. Yes, there is cheating, as David was cheating on his wife. But, it's the age old tale of being closeted and choosing the easier route in life. He thought he loved his wife, and it wasn't until seeing Alan again, that he knew he wasn't happy. 

Second, I have to address the author's writing style. I originally didn't read Veering off Course because of the unique style. I plan to change that though, as I need to know how things went down when they met up again. But, seriously, the writing style is not my typical taste. Everything is written in a more posh and proper manner; both the style and the language used. You could easily change a few things up and have it be a historical romance. 

But, on the first page, David's plight caught my attention. I am thrilled to have read this book. His journey is nothing unique and my heart hurts for him throughout.

There's plenty of pain throughout David's journey. He has to deal with his angry soon to be ex wife and the fight to see his children. There's plenty of homophobia surrounding him, most of it caused by his wife and mother in law. 

The men have their share of problems as a couple too. Both external and internal. There's no doubt they're in love. These men are damaged and luckily they make one another better. They fight through their fears and frustrations, mistakes and miscommunications. They will have a happy ending, so fear not. 

One of the most beautiful themes of this tale is that of friendship. The author wonderfully explores the importance of being in a gay community and the automatic understanding that comes within the community. I love this. 

As well, the author takes us on David's journey of feeling inferior to his London crowd. David is "just" a bus driver and feels he doesn't fit in with the arts crowd or the businessman crowd. The sad part is that David loves being a bus driver. It's heartbreaking to see the automatic stigma he feels from it when in a more sophisticated crowd. I wanted to cry for him. But, in the end, the author takes him on a beautiful journey towards self worth. 

Overall, Setting a New Course is well worth a read. I love every second of this Chris Cheek storyline. These men and their journey had me captivated throughout.

Lord of a Thousand Steps (Love in Laguna #4) by Tara Lain

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

“I’m going to remind you what it’s like to be twenty-one.”

When Ian Carney’s perfect boyfriend turns out to be a rat, and his internship in architecture morphs into an emergency round of babysitting for his gorgeous boss Braden Lord’s kids, Ian gets a dose of real-life real fast.

Braden’s two kids idolize Ian and his cat, and they’re pretty disappointed to find him in their dad’s bed.
But Braden’s ex-wife is delighted to have grounds for sole custody.
Just how much reality can a twenty-one-year old handle?

Still, he might be young, but Ian’s the one with all the experience – in bed and in life. He’s just got to prove he’s serious about wanting an “old guy” with a mountain of baggage -- and he’s willing to take the thousand steps to get him.

LORD OF A THOUSAND STEPS is a MM, age-gap, boss/employee, sexy babysitter, single-dad, late-coming-out, custody battle romance – with the world’s most fabulous cat.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Lord of a Thousand Steps is another wonderful read by Tara Lain. The fourth book in the Love in Laguna series, it's definitely best enjoyed if you read the books in order. 

The differences between Braden and Ian are ever present, starting with the fact that they're in different parts of their lives. Braden's in the middle of a divorce, fighting for custody of his kids. He's a successful businessman who's spent his life in the closet, until now. On the other hand, Ian's a poor, young college student who's trying to get some work experience via his internship. After having just found his brother in an earlier book, his dream is to have a real family but his boyfriend is toying with him. 

The boss/employee aspect is intriguing, but I enjoy that it isn't the overriding angst-causing factor that it often is in romances. Instead, the angst primarily revolves around Braden's custody battle. 

I love and adore Braden's kids and the way Ian gets along with them. They're great kids; cute, realistic, and never bratty or over the top. Their presence just adds to the fun. My favorite part has to be the way the daughter falls for Anderson. From the start, this part is just precious. 

As for the exes, they're infuriating. I can't stand Braden's ex, and Ian's boyfriend can rot in hell. Poor Ian is blindsided in a heartbreaking way. It's annoying that Ian's so naive, but of course his desperate desire for a family makes it understandable. 

Personally, I like the way Braden's coming out is handled. He's older and just now realizing his regrets and guilt about having been closeted. He definitely regrets having used his wife and letting her live in an unfulfilled marriage. But he's also eternally grateful for the fact that his marriage gave him his children. He loves them immensely and will do anything to be able to have custody of them. 

As for the work the men do, I love the way Ian's architecture ideas come to life and are easy to picture in one's mind. I like his creativity and the way he impresses everyone.

Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the author gives both men a voice;  easily bringing both to life. The addition of previous characters greatly adds to the charm, as everyone continues to be interwoven. And damn, I really enjoy the previous men!

Lord of a Thousand Steps is a fantastic read. Tara Lain entertains with a great mix of fluff and emotion in this out for you romance. The found family theme is heavy with this one and will warm your heart, especially Anderson!!

Summer Son by Anna Martin

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Ellis Broad never imagined he would end up a single father before he turned twenty-nine. Then again, most of his expectations for the future evaporated when his husband of three years filed for divorce, leaving Ellis as their six-month-old son Harrison's only parent. After the divorce Ellis hides, working from home on his small graphic design business so he can be a full-time dad. He succeeds until Zane Hadlin stumbles into his life.

Zane is everything Ellis desires and everything he fears at the same time. A former gang member from the wrong side of the tracks, Zane turned his life around after his older brother was killed in a shooting. Now an artist, Zane shows Ellis a path back into the world and all he's been missing out on.

The only problem is, Ellis's ex-husband hasn't quite gone for good, and his digging into Zane's past could drag up secrets no one is prepared to deal with.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Anna Martin's Summer Son is a wonderful book. I was immediately sucked into this sweet and heart-warming romance.

This is a story that includes a baby, a divorce, and a new couple. It's a story of real, everyday contentment and happiness. 

Elias loves being with Zane and looking like a typical family. And for Zane, he's able to find a man and a baby to love. 

Their story contains a custody case that sets a groundbreaking precedent. As well, Zane's background is awful, full of fear and danger.

It has nice writing, good characters, great flow and a pleasant tone. 

Summer Son is a wonderful story of getting a second chance at love. 

MF - Even Wilder by Bria Leigh

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

I didn’t fall in love, it drop kicked me in the face.

We all fall in love.
And we all go through heart break.
It’s beautiful but it always ends. That’s why I don’t want any part of it.
I close my eyes hoping it will pass. When I open them back up—I’m still lost in it.
Love is the impact after the bang.
Love is going to destroy us.

I have never fit in.
Insignificant.
Quiet.
Alone. That’s me, Violet.

Wilder Elordi’s has always been a wreck.
Neglected.
Abused.
Broken.

He’s protected me since first grade. We aren’t just friends we are in love with each other.
But moving away for college changes everything.
Our love for each other is more than we know what to do with. It’s explosive and can’t be contained. I close my eyes hoping it will pass. When I open them back up—I’m still lost in it.
Love is an explosion you can't contain.
Love is the impact after the bang.
Love is going to destroy us.

I have never fit in.
Insignificant.
Quiet.
Alone. That’s me.

Wilder Elordi has always been a wreck.
He’s Neglected.
Abused.
Broken.
And he’s protected me since first grade.

We aren’t just friends we are in love with each other. I didn’t fall in love, it drop kicked me in the face. Our love for each other is more than we know what to do with.

It’s beautiful but it always ends.
That’s why I don’t want any part of it.

But moving away for college changes everything.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Even Wilder is an interesting friends to lovers romance.

Wilder hides his anger, frustration, and fears behind alcohol and sex. His friend Violet suffers a lot as a result. They have a strong bong, are best friends, and are clearly meant to be together forever. But to get to their forever, they have to face a whole lot of stupidity, mistakes, growing up, danger, and tragic events. 

Seriously, their story is a hot mess. It's emotional and a long ride for sure, full of pain and hurt.  

The writing is good, with great dialogue and a decent storyline. The tone is serious and dark throughout, with a complex plot full of twists and turns. It is a tough read for sure.

Take note that there are some possible triggers of off page sexual abuse, as well as murder. 

I definitely enjoyed Even Wilder but I had a personal problem with some of the events and their reactions. I'm not sure when I'd recommend this, but it kept my interest throughout.