RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Wheels Down (Food Truck Warriors #5) by Beth Bolden

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Wheels Down (Food Truck Warriors #5)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Release Date: September 30, 2021

Genre: Contemporary gay romance

Tropes:  Friends to lovers, forced proximity, found family

Themes: Forgiveness, acceptance, friendship

Heat Rating:  4 flames     

Length: 76 000 words

It is not a standalone story. It is the fifth book in the Food Truck Warriors series.

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Shaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more.

Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival.

He’s struggling to keep his food truck and to maintain appearances, but what Ross doesn’t realize is that Shaw Finley, the bartender from the Funky Cup, has seen right through his charade.

Shaw offers the couch in his apartment over the bar, suggesting that saving money on rent might help salvage Ross’ failing prospects.

Even though he doesn’t really consider them friends, Ross discovers that Shaw is great to talk to, easy to look at, and he likes him. Late nights and lazy mornings and evenings with only the polished wood of the bar between them lead to an attraction that Ross can’t deny—and that Shaw doesn’t even try to.

But falling in love isn’t as easy as falling into bed together, and Ross isn’t even sure what he feels is love, until he figures out that it couldn’t possibly be anything else.

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Wheels Down is the fifth book in the Food Truck Warriors series by Beth Bolden. It can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as part of the series. 

Ross is struggling with keeping his food truck going, as his ex partner stole all the money from the business. His food is in demand, but he can't afford to keep it going much longer. 

Ross is a likeable, sympathetic character from the start. And Shaw is fantastic the way he understands Ross and sets out to help him. 

Everything about this couple is sweet. Their tale is a slow burn, low angst one with plenty of desserts and waffles. Their story is one of dealing with trust issues, opening up, and learning to let people into one's life again. 

This whole series is enjoyable and fun, with wonderful couples and a slew of captivating secondary characters.  If you haven't yet read these books, start now. You won't regret it. 

Wheels Down is a great addition to this world of food trucks. Beth Bolden delights as usual in this slow burn romance. 

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Shaw removed his glass, replaced it with a full cup of water and ice, and then a moment later he was back, with a plate full of delicious-smelling food.

“Steak and mushroom hoagie, with horseradish aioli,” Shaw said, depositing it in front of him, “and our famous sweet potato fries.”

“They’re famous?” Ross wondered, even as he realized he had heard people talking about them.

“According to our Yelp reviews,” Shaw said. “Can I grab you anything else?”

Ross was about to ask for napkins, because the sandwich looked absolutely delicious but also messy, but then one appeared next to him, like Shaw had known he’d need it.

“I think I’m good, thanks,” Ross said, and picked up the sandwich. It had a surprising heft to it, and he had to give Jackson and Shaw credit—they’d revamped the kitchen and the work they’d put in showed. When he took a bite, he was even more impressed, half a dozen flavors exploding across his tongue as he chewed spiced sliced steak working in perfect complement to the earthiness of the mushrooms.

“You’re nodding over there,” Shaw said, his voice teasing. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

Ross finished chewing and swallowed. “Really good,” he said. “I’m impressed.”

“Wow,” Shaw said, looking surprised. Too surprised.

“Am I really that notorious?” Ross asked, before he thought better of it. He ate a handful of sweet potato fries and they were really good too. “That picky?”

He didn’t really want to hear the answer; he really didn’t want to hear Shaw’s answer.

“Not exactly notorious,” Shaw said, returning to slicing his lemons.

“Then what exactly?”

Shaw sighed and put down the knife.

“You’re gonna get me in trouble,” he said with resignation.

“I am?”

Ross almost told him to forget it. After all, hearing the truth was probably not going to be all that enlightening and might actually make the next few months of living together uncomfortable.

Shaw smiled then, and it wasn’t the same smile he gave to all the random guys at the bar. It was softer, sweeter, more genuine somehow. Ross had never seen it before, and it hit him somewhere deep, a place where he hadn’t felt much of anything in years.

Maybe the last time had been when his grandmother had smiled at him, over pots and pans and pie dishes.

“You gotta know that you’ve got the best food at that whole lot,” Shaw said. “Objectively. The other food there is good, don’t get me wrong, but those guys? You know why they keep you at arm’s length? They’re all terrified of you, though they’d rather die than admit it. You’re brilliant. You should be working in the best, the fanciest, the most expensive restaurants, and instead you’ve got this food truck and it’s just amazing. Every time I go to Basket, I’m blown away.”

“And,” Shaw continued, leaning over, his blue eyes twinkling again, and Ross’ breath caught in his throat, “you’re gonna get me in trouble, because Jackson would have my ass for not thinking Alexis serves the best food on the lot.”

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A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.

Author Links

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Full Speed Ahead (Food Truck Warriors #4) by Beth Bolden

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title:  Full Speed Ahead (Food Truck Warriors #4)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: AngstyG Book Cover and Media Design

Release Date: June 3, 2021

Genre: Contemporary gay romance

Trope/s:  Bodyguard, found family

Theme: Hurt/comfort 

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 84 000 words

It is book 4 in the series. 

The author recommends that readers read at least one of the other books first.

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Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

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Lennox’s favorite escape is the Food Truck Warriors . . .until it needs his protection.

Ash isn’t running from his past—he’s already left it way behind. He’s built a business from scratch, using all the lessons that his father taught him, and every day at his food truck is a challenge he was born to tackle.

But when a stalker appears, hinting that he knows the secrets Ash has tried so hard to bury, he needs more help than his food truck friends can provide. He needs a professional.

Lennox is a mystery. He’s been coming around the Food Truck Warriors for months now, and nobody knows if that’s even his real name. But Ash knows he’s fascinated by the man, and the feeling seems to be mutual.

When the threat to Ash becomes a little too real, Lennox intervenes, and finally, the electricity between them transforms into something very much like love. But now their safety—and their hearts—are on the line.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Full Speed Ahead is the fourth book in the Food Truck Warriors series by Beth Bolden. It's an enjoyable addition to this fun series. 

That said, something kept me from fully loving this book. I just don't know what it is. 

There's plenty of sweetness between Lennox and Ash, including the mutual attraction and cluelessness involved. Lennox's attraction to Ash has had him coming to buy salads for months. But when Ash needs his help, the two finally get a chance to be together. 

This is a story with plenty of vandalism, danger, and suspense. Lennox is trying to protect Ash from all that threatens him, but he certainly can't be there all the time. 

I adore the way the two finally come together. They both have some issues to deal with before they can be together, but damn, they are fabulous together. 

The writing is great, with a storyline that keeps the reader intrigued throughout. Both men are wonderfully developed and easy to fall in love with. I love the way the tension is developed and carried out. 

Full Speed Ahead is a good addition to this Beth Bolden series. There's plenty to enjoy in this romance. I'm honestly not sure why I didn't love this book as much as the others in the series. Maybe it was my mood. It's a great addition to the series, but I just didn't find this one all consuming. 

After climbing into the truck, Ash set his coffee on the counter and checked his watch. His delivery should be here any moment, if they were on time, which . . . Ash had learned practically from the cradle what to do with suppliers who wouldn’t keep to their timelines or couldn’t be relied upon.

They really didn’t want to be late today.

Ash wasn’t in the mood for it.

He glanced out the front window, and froze.

There was a piece of paper taped to it—something that had definitely not been there when he’d closed up last night.

Ash stared at the words, printed in damning black and white.

It was an interview that his father had done—likely one of hundreds, if not thousands, he’d done over the course of his illustrious career. But in this one, he had mentioned his son, Oliver. Who Stephan Atkinson had said with some humor, liked to be called Ash.

A silly affectation, his father told the interviewer, that he would grow out of.

Ash had been . . . maybe thirteen or fourteen if he remembered correctly, when this article had come out, and he’d been furious. It had been one of the many things he’d been pissed at his father for.

Now someone had found it, dredged it out of the bowels of magazine hell, had photocopied it, and taped it to his window. Not facing outwards, so anyone could see it, but inwards, so only Ash could.

Fury flashed with a frightening power through him. He didn’t hesitate. He grabbed his keys, and with shaking fingers, locked up behind him. Walked around to the front of his truck, tore the paper off, leaving the edges trapped by the neatly placed tape fluttering in the early morning breeze, and forgoing his bicycle, took off for the one place that he’d told himself he would not go.

Who else could have done this? Ash thought angrily as he stormed towards his destination. It was still so early the streets were essentially empty. He’s the only one who knows.

The building that Tony had described was only a few blocks away.

It had been remodeled, with a glass-front office on the lower level, and a living space on the top. There were a separate set of stairs leading to a discreet door on a wrought iron landing.

A discreet black-lettered sign, matching the wrought iron of the stairs and contrasting with the freshly painted taupe stucco of the building itself, indicated that this was the offices of Protectorate.

It might be early, but Ash could see a figure already in the office below.

Tony had mentioned offhandedly that Lennox was a workaholic, always in the office, so it was not a huge stretch to imagine that it was him, up early, and already working.

Ash walked over to the door, and pulled it, fully expecting it to be locked, but to his surprise it opened easily.

Even though he must have been the one to unlock it, Lennox looked up with shock as he walked in.

Ash imagined they probably didn’t get much foot traffic.

He stomped over to where Lennox sat at a desk, and slapped the paper down in front of him.

“What the fuck is this?” he demanded to know.

Lennox stared at the writing. He took his time answering, clearly reading through the words on the page once, and maybe even twice. Finally he looked up. “It looks like an interview that your father did, talking about his restaurants, and also his son.” He hesitated. “You.”

“Yes, thank you, I can read just as well as you can,” Ash bit off. “What I mean is why was it taped to my truck’s front window this morning?”

“Taped to your . . .”

“And not facing out, but facing in,” Ash interrupted. “So I would see it, but nobody else. Someone wants me to know they’ve figured out who my father is.”

“And you think that’s me.”

Ash gestured wildly, pacing between Lennox’s desk, and the other, currently unoccupied. “Who else could it be?”

“Do you really think I needed to do this to get your attention?” Lennox asked, his tone dry.

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published twenty-three novels and seven novellas.

Author Links

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Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign-up

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On a Roll (Food Truck Warriors #3) by Beth Bolden

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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If they could stop arguing for a hot second . . . they just might fall in love.

Gabriel Moretti and Sean Cooper should be friends. They’re both passionate about serving delicious food to their customers. They both love to kick back with the other food truck owners at the collective they’ve joined. But maybe it’s possible to have too much in common . . .

Especially when they’ve chosen the exact same name for their food trucks.

Gabriel and Sean know that one of them will have to change the name. The only question is, who’s willing to give in first?

It’s inevitable that with such a difficult decision, their tempers flare. But to their shock, their deeply-buried chemistry ignites too. Could it be that for them fighting is actually flirting, and what they really crave is each other?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

On a Roll, the third book in Beth Bolden's Food Truck Warriors series, is a fabulous addition to this world of food truck owners. 

Gabriel and Sean get off to a bad start, as they have the same name for their food trucks. They're two stubborn men who refuse to change their name, but are eventually forced to solve the problem.  

What follows is a fun and adorable romance, full of tension, chemistry, and plenty of heat.

The men have some major obstacles in their way, but I enjoy how everything unfolds. The rivals aspect is enjoyable, as they're competitors who slowly become friends, move to friends with benefits, and then more.

I enjoy everything about these men, especially how they are together. Seeing them butting heads and being stubborn is entertaining. Seeing them slowly start to break down their walls is fabulous. And seeing them fall in love is heartwarming. 

As for the sex, damn, these men know how to bring the heat. 

Sean's past is heartbreaking, with his grief ever present. His confessions and his reasoning is all sad and really makes one fall for Sean. Add in his coming to terms with falling in love again, and how it's okay to do so, and I just love him more. 

Written in alternating pov, we get both to know both men well. Add in the men from this Food Truck World, and Beth's other books, and everything is just wonderful. I love this created world and enjoy each story tremendously. The men are great and their stories ever better.

On a Roll is a riveting enemies to lovers tale. Beth Bolden brings plenty of emotion and heart to this charming story. I highly recommend it.

Hometown Christmas by Garrett Leigh

Amazon Link 
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Can Yani and Gavin go from friends to lovers this Christmas?

Yani Nicolaou is sworn off love for good. After fleeing a bad break-up in London, the only blood, sweat, and tears he has left are for his gyro stall at the Christmas market. Rebound fling? No thanks. He’s sticking to one-night-stands.

Ex-army vet Gavin Richie has even less capacity for romance. Managing a homeless shelter while recovering from injury keeps him far too busy. So what if he’s often alone? He’s content being single, or so he thinks until a chance meeting lights a spark he can’t ignore.

Yani is the warmth and affection Gavin hadn’t known he was missing. As Christmas lights up the city, their lives entwine in more ways than one. Falling for each other is easy. Holding on is harder, unless a hometown Christmas proves their love can last longer than the festive season.

Hometown Christmas is a standalone MM Christmas novella.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Hometown Christmas is a nice Holiday romance by Garrett Leigh. Don't be expecting Christmas itself though, as it's more of a tender tale that takes place approaching the holidays. 

Yani and Gavin have an instant attraction. Doing some work together brings them closer and brings out all the feels. Both men are likable and flawed, both at a crossroads in their lives. But they also each have a lot of baggage. Yani's still gun shy after a past relationship, holding himself back from anything serious. And Gavin is a lot more than his care free attitude implies. I enjoy that they both find comfort in one another; that they both find healing in one another.

This is a story with a food truck and a homeless shelter. There's an ex military factor, PTSD, OCD issues, and more. The writing is wondeful, with a tone that's comforting and relaxing, but some of the topics are heavy; both realistic and raw.

Overall, Hometown Christmas is a good hurt/comfort read. Garrett Leigh entertains in this story that revolves around homeless in big cities, as well as mental issues. 

RELEASE BLITZ, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Drive Me Crazy (Food Truck Warriors #1) by Beth Bolden

 

Book Title: Drive Me Crazy (Food Truck Warriors #1)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: Angsty G Book Cover and Media Design

Release Date: August 26, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary gay romance, opposites attract, work romance, foodie romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 83 000 words

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads

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When Tony Blake walks into what might be a blind date, he’s surprisingly intrigued despite his irritation with his meddling brother. But when Lucas turns out to be a new employee for their food truck, Tony’s usual charm deserts him. 

Lucas might be fantastically creative in the kitchen, but to Tony’s disappointment, he’s not interested in more than a casual hookup. Old Tony would have loved the lack of strings, but New Tony is finally ready for it all.

He’s ready to find love, and to help the food truck thrive. What he needs is Lucas next to him, revolutionizing their carnivore menu with his vegan point of view, and what he wants is Lucas underneath him in bed, turning his life inside out.

As the kitchen heats up in the Los Angeles summer, can Tony figure out how to drive Lucas crazy enough to change his mind?

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Beth Bolden's Drive Me Crazy is the first book in the Food Truck Warrior's series. If the rest are anything like this one, it should be a great series. 

Tony and Lucas don't get off to a good start, as Tony doesn't like being set up. But soon the two develop an easy comradery, with an attraction that is ever growing. 

Their story includes a mystery, as someone is stealing from Tony's truck, and a strong friendship as the two start to respect one another and get closer. 

Their chemistry is strong and hot, with some steamy phone sex and a smoking public kiss. The physical side of their relationship starts slow, with a nice build up. But once they are there, they can't keep their hands off each other. 

As for Lucas, his past and his struggles are damn depressing. I just wanted to wrap Lucas in my arms, protect him, and help him. His goals are real and his motivation is heartfelt. 

Their journey includes a jealous co-worker, some food truck competitors, and plenty of yummy sounding food. If you're in the mood for a surprising reveal to the mystery, move on. This mystery is only a mystery to Tony, not the reader. Don't let that distract you though, it's a great read and the suspense helps guide the tale along. 

I always enjoy the author's writing style, with well developed characters and their intriguing storyline. The flow is great, and the sex is hot. 

Drive Me Crazy is a fun read. Definitely check out this Beth Bolden book when you're in the mood for something sweet and sexy, with a side of suspense. 

As for Wyatt and Ryan, you can read their story in book two of the Kitchen Gods series, Catch Me. 

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A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published nineteen novels and six novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |    BookBub

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Waiting for You (Neighborhood Shindig #3) by A.M. Arthur

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Blurb

Clancy Jons never expected to fall in love while attending Reynolds College, never mind falling in love with a man, but he did. Clancy fell hard and fast, but his strict, Catholic upbringing and personal insecurities pushed Samir away—and out of the state. Four years later, Clancy accepts a job as the general manager of Neighborhood Shindig—a trendy local place full of food trucks and small businesses—and it brings him face to face with Samir again.

Samir Ford left Reynolds for Philadelphia to start over after Clancy refused to come out and broke his heart, but now Samir is back to help his beloved aunt after a serious stroke. His food truck in Neighborhood Shindig is thriving, and he’s creating new friendships there, but he’s never truly gotten over his first love. A first love who strolls back into his life as Samir’s brand-new boss. A super-hot boss Samir still has feelings for.

After an unexpected, sizzling-hot encounter, both men know they still love each other, but there’s been too much hurt. Too many broken promises. Clancy is a changed man, though, and he vows to prove himself to Samir and earn back his lover’s trust—even if it means coming out to and losing his family’s love. But Samir’s heart is still bruised and wary, and he isn’t sure he can risk it being shattered a second time.

Welcome to Neighborhood Shindig, a friendly place where you can snack on a lamb kebab while getting your hair done, pick up your favorite herbal tea blend, and then go listen to live music under the pavilion. We’re happy to have you. 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

AM Arthur's third book in the Neighborhood Shindig series, Waiting For You, is a great second chance romance.

Ex boyfriends, Shamir and Clancy  are now both working at the Neighborhood Shindig. Their breakup was ugly, as Shamir refused to live in the closet, and Clancy refused to go against his family and live out of the closet. 

Now, after years of pain and hurt, they are reunited. Clancy's partially blind after an accident that ultimately taught him a lot of lessons. With a fresh start for Clancy, the two men discover how much they've changed and grown over the years. 

It's a beautiful story of trying of overcome obstacles, as both men still love one another. Now they need to figure out how to be together. Their story consists of explanations and a whole lot of faith and trust.


Waiting for You is a wonderful tale of the time that's wasted when one's living a lie. This Neighborhood Shindig series is a great one by AM Arthur. Full of a great group of characters, I can't wait to see who finds love next.