After the Crash: A Small Town Hearts Novel by Emma Alcott

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Blurb

Rule #1 Straight military men will always be straight, no matter how much you wish otherwise
Rule #2 Being a billionaire won't change that (probably)
Rule #3 The whole thing between you when you were in high school? It was only fantasy
Rule #4 One-sided fantasy
Rule #5 God, how great would it be if it was a two-sided fantasy?
Rule #6 Okay, getting off track
Rule #7 Hiring your hot high school crush is totally okay
Rule #8 If you don't let your feelings get in the way, everything will be fine

Marshall Lloyd is about to be very not fine. Not only is his high school crush back in his life, but he's matured into a gruff, brooding, drop-dead-gorgeous specimen of a man that makes Marshall's wet dreams seem about as exciting as drying paint. The only problem: Fox Fraser, the individual in question, is straight.

Super straight.

The kind of straight that would make a ruler jealous.

But if what Marshall sees when he looks in Fox's eyes is to be believed, he's broken, too. There are scars inside of him that no one notices. No one but Marshall. It's not wrong to want to help him, is it? To hire him to take care of things around the house so he can get back on his feet? It's just work. Work that leads to lingering looks. To prolonged touches. To... mmph. It's better not to think about it. Marshall's fantasies aren't real. A guy like Fox would never pin him to a wall and do things to him like that.

Maybe.

Probably.

Right?

After the Crash is the first book in the Small Town Hearts series, which features heroes scattered across the rural United States who find love where they're least expecting it. In addition to explosive chemistry, you can expect sneezing bushes, tea that tastes like hay, and a wet wrestling match that's just boys having fun, Mom.Rule #1 Straight military men will always be straight, no matter how much you wish otherwise
Rule #2 Being a billionaire won’t change that (probably)
Rule #3 The whole thing between you when you were in high school? It was only fantasy
Rule #4 One-sided fantasy
Rule #5 God, how great would it be if it was a two-sided fantasy?
Rule #6 Okay, getting off track
Rule #7 Hiring your hot high school crush is totally okay
Rule #8 If you don’t let your feelings get in the way, everything will be fine

Marshall Lloyd is about to be very not fine. Not only is his high school crush back in his life, but he’s matured into a gruff, brooding, drop-dead-gorgeous specimen of a man that makes Marshall’s wet dreams seem about as exciting as drying paint. The only problem: Fox Fraser, the individual in question, is straight.

Super straight.

The kind of straight that would make a ruler jealous.

But if what Marshall sees when he looks in Fox’s eyes is to be believed, he’s broken, too. There are scars inside of him that no one notices. No one but Marshall. It’s not wrong to want to help him, is it? To hire him to take care of things around the house so he can get back on his feet? It’s just work. Work that leads to lingering looks. To prolonged touches. To… mmph. It’s better not to think about it. Marshall’s fantasies aren’t real. A guy like Fox would never pin him to a wall and do things to him like that.

Maybe.

Probably.

Right?

After the Crash is the first book in the Small Town Hearts series, which features heroes scattered across the rural United States who find love where they’re least expecting it. In addition to explosive chemistry, you can expect sneezing bushes, tea that tastes like hay, and a wet wrestling match that's just boys having fun, Mom.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

After the Crash is a stunning small town romance. This Emma Alcott read is small town living at it's finest, with rumors that spread like wildfire. And, damn, I love the way in which the rumors are dealt.

Marshall's back in town after years away. Growing up bullied at school, now he's rich and famous. Meanwhile, Fox is the one man who stood up for Marshall back in high school, but they were never friends. Now, Marshall's the one who's able to help Fox. Cue the feelings. 

Omg, the way they meet again is full of emotion and downright touching. The resulting new relationship between Marshall and Fox is adorable and full of emotion. Their story is one of dealing with a lot of homophobia, including from one's family. There are family issues galore, resulting in a toxic home environment for Fox.

Omg, Fox. Dear sweet Fox. He's such a broken man, riddled with PTSD and anxiety after an accident. His PTSD is written in an excellent manner, with understanding and compassion. It is definitely a tough read at times that had me in tears. If PTSD is a trigger for you, be sure to avoid this one. 

Their story is one of finding someone to be there for you, finding someone who supports you. The writing is fantastic, with two complex characters and an inspirational storyline. In addition to all the hurt and pain, the author includes a whole lot of charm, banter, chemistry, and love.

Add in teenage Sam, who adds so much charm and heart to the story. Not only do both men see themselves in the young teen, but Sam also adds humor. I love this addition to the story and the way his story resonates so much with Marshall and Fox.

After the Crash is a beautiful reminder that love is worth a whole lot more than any amount of money. Emma Alcott brings out of the feels with this sweet tale. Basically, read this book and enjoy!

Appeal to You (Beyond the Cove #3) by Jaclyn Quinn

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Blurb

Will the demons of the past ruin any hope for the future?

If there’s anyone who knows how to have a good time—be it with a man or a woman—it’s Ryder Pearce. Master of the nail-it-and-bail-it theory, he lives his life for one person and one person only: himself. When a man enters Ryder’s life who challenges him on every flirtation, every sexual innuendo he can come up with, Ryder’s thrown off his game in a big way. Because there’s one thing the man has made perfectly clear—they’ve played this game before, and Ryder doesn’t remember the outcome.
Avery Hamilton has seen all of Ryder’s moves and has witnessed his sex appeal. He knows all too well about his cocky sense of humor and his penchant for one-night stands. There was a time in his life when he’d taken the bait, but this time around, he wants more. He’s seen Ryder’s act; what he hasn’t seen is Ryder—the real Ryder he hides from the world.
When both men come together to help a young boy, Ryder’s forced to face things from his past he’s blocked out. Things he never wanted anyone to know. Now, Ryder has one fear… Will revealing that side of himself be real enough for Avery? Or will it be the reason Avery walks away?

***Warning: This book contains off-page references to sexual/physical abuse of a minor.
***This book is the third book in a series. Reading the books out of order may result in spoilers.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jaclyn Quinn's Appeal to You, the third book in the Beyond the Cover series, is a splendid story of healing and family.

Avery and Ryder are complete opposites, who truly prove that opposites can attract. From the start, these complex characters banter and butt heads, starting of some great sparks. 

Their story involves a tragic past that delves into foster care and the long lasting affects of what happens in a bad foster home. Ryder's own experiences in his youth lead him to want to take care of Chris, a neighbor who's about to be placed in foster care. Avery and Ryder have a sorted history, but working together to help Chris brings them closer together. Unfortunately, it also brings up the past for Ryder, which is messy and ugly, leaving him broken and feeling unlovable.

Ohhh, and Ryder has a Prince Albert piercing. Avery's exploration of it is a lot of fun. And the humor is fantastic. "Prince Eddy is ready for heady." Omg! stitches! I always love some good banter, and this one has it in spades. 

The strong sense of friends and family is wonderful, adding immensely to the story. The strength of family is well explored, illustrated with heart and compassion. And it's a story of falling in love with a teenager who needs a family, and doing everything you can to help him. 

At it's heart, it's a story of learning one's self worth, and a story of creating a family when you're own isn't worthy. It's a story of finding one's forever family.


Their story is one of guilt and fear. It's also one of survival and strength. It's a story of putting one's past behind you, or realizing you're more than your past. 

Appeal To You is a beautiful story of a man who always felt invisible finding someone who sees him. Jaclyn Quinn excels in the telling of this tender tale of facing one's past and healing. I highly recommend this heart-warming tale.

Wrapping Up: A Rainier Family Novel (Rainier Family #6) by Ashton Cade

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Blurb

Garrett:

Sometimes being a Rainier fricking sucks. Even if you don't want their help, someone in the family is bound to butt in with their expert advice. This time, it's my cousin Clary trying to "help" me with my campaign for Umberland Town Council. He wants me to tone down the gay; specifically, my attraction to Eli, the nurse in the care clinic.

I’m way more concerned about getting Eli back to my place—and in my life for good. I’ve never been with a man in my life—but Eli is different. He might even be The One. My soulmate. The forever partner I never knew I needed.

I don’t know how to convince Eli that I’m not just messing around, but I’m sure as hell going to try. Every second I spend with him makes me want to turn the dial way up on the all the gay and tell Eli he’s the one I want to grow old with.

Screw the political campaign. The only cause I care about is Eli Sanders.


Eli:

It's tough to have secrets in a small town—especially when they come back to haunt you. And this time, my secret might ruin my relationship with Garrett Rainier.

Whenever I look into his earnest, deep green eyes, I’m so excited and terrified, my heart could burst. I’ve never opened up to anyone. I’ve never been in love like this. But Garrett might not want someone like me, someone with a past like mine.

After all that I’ve been through, I want to sink into Garrett and let him love me. I want those lips against mine, tender and sweet. And I just might want them every day of the rest of my life. But does that love even count, if he doesn’t know who I truly am?

Loving me could cost Garrett anything; it could ruin his life and everything he holds dear. I’m not sure I can resist, but the price might just be too high.

Wrapping Up is the sixth book in the Rainier Family series and can be read on its own. 62k words of toe-curling, gay-for-you, angst-ridden love, more Rainiers than you can shake your stick at, and a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

In Ashton Cade's Wrapped Up, we are treated to the sixth book in the Rainier Family series. I love this series, both the Rainier family and the small town.

Eli's weighed down by fear, with a past of which he's not proud. My heart hurts for him, as he has nothing to be ashamed of, but struggles with his past coming back to hurt Garrett.

Eli and Garrett are perfect together, full of unconditional love. I enjoy following their path as they learn how to entwine their lives. I want more of them! As Garrett's never been with a man before, we're treated to some fun first time moments, full of sizzling chemistry.

The political factors play a big role in this romance, as Garrett's running for office, remaining closeted and is being told to not come out right now. 

Eli is amazing; such a natural caregiver. It's admirable the way he wants to take care of Craig, a teen who's struggling. The teenager story is fantastic, with so much pain and emotion. This secondary storyline is perfectly woven into the story, and adds so much to the book.

Their tale's one of fear and abuse. It's about overcoming homophobia and holding unto love.

This series is seriously a great one, full of wonderful characters and fun storylines. I love the small town atmosphere as the author does a great job capturing all the feels we enjoy about a small town. 

Wrapping Up's a gripping, emotional romance. Ashton Cade does not disappoint with this memorable story of learning to trust again.  

Secrets and Broken Pieces (Promises #1) by Karen Botha

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Blurb

When hate turns to love...
AXEL
The day I started as the first junior ever to be employed at Judd Racing, I never expected to fall in love. I arrived there with vengeance in my heart. And I set about delivering my plan to right the wrongs of my past.
Or, so I thought.

FLORIAN
Axel turned up, and it was like a whirlwind walked in and snatched away my rational thoughts. Not only was he hot, hot, hot, but he had an emptiness in his soul that was crying out to be filled.
And, I knew I was just the person to do it.

The road to true love for Axel and Florian was never going to be simple though, and in this book, which is a spin-off to the Commitment series, we follow these lesser-known characters and understand exactly what makes them tick.

We cry for the pain that Axel simultaneously hides too well, and doesn’t hide at all. We root for Florian to work out the kinks and bring out Axel’s true character that we can all see hidden away under his iron-clad surface.

Axel fears what would happen if he reveals his true character while Florian fears for their future if he doesn’t.

Then we cheer for their happy ever after when they eventually work out what the hell they need to do to make their lives work.
As one.

Axel is another example of how Botha combines all the hallmarks that have made her page-turning writing a go to for anyone looking for love. Download your copy now.


Axel is the first in the Promises series of gay romance books, a spinoff series from the Commitment Series. The MM romance books included in this LGBT series are: Axel and will be followed by Florian’s story, although each book is a story in its own right and has a HEA.

Other series in the same Universe include: Love 1: Daisy, Love 2: Idris, Love 3: Cassius and the Commitment Series 1. Buckle Up 2. G-Force 3. Jump Start 4. Ignition 5. Turbo Charged 6. Pole Position

A note from Karen I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and my other series', it's always great to hear what readers say directly. All my contact details are on my Amazon Author Page, feel free to message me.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Secrets and Broken Pieces is the start of a new series by Karen Botha, but it's set in the world of the Buckle Up series.

Axel has come to work for Elliott, but hasn't told him that he's his son. I absolutely love this. Axel's life has been awful; he's homeless, his mom died, and foster care was bad.

At his new job, Axel meets Florian. The interest is immediate, but both fight it. I love the age difference in this romance, as it's both hot and fun. Their story is one of acceptance, as well as dealing with past scars. It's a tale of guilt, deception, bad timing, confessions, and understanding. It's about trust and letting your walls down.

Holy crap, I freakin love the way Florian deals with Axel's scars. Total swoon moment!

I do find the ending to be rather abrupt, but hopefully we'll get to see more these two in another book. Overall, the story is fast paced, glossing over a lot of details, but it's a sweet story. 

Family Camp (Daddy Dearest #1) by Eli Easton

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link - Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited. 

Length: 219 pages

Cover Design: Reese Dante

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Blurb

When Geo signs up for Family Camp, he envisions nature hikes, s’mores, and a chance to win over his recalcitrant new foster kids, Jayden and Lucy. He’s tried to become a dad for so long, and he hopes the three of them can be the family he’s always wanted. What he doesn’t anticipate is the prickly and gorgeous camp counselor who constantly comes to his rescue.

Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.

Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?

About the Daddy Dearest series

The Daddy Dearest series will consist of stand-alone contemporary novels focusing on single gay dads who find hot romance. Expect laughs, sweet and sexy slow-burn romance, and lots of family feels!

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Family Camp is an interesting and intriguing romance by Eli Easton.

Gus brings the kids to attend a Family camp, while they are just trying to start being a family. While there, he meets Travis who works at the camp each summer. 

Can't help but to admire and like Gus. Taking in two foster kids, and wanting to adopt them is inspiring and uplifting. Meanwhile, Travis is closeted baseball player who's weighed down by the pressure of being gay in a pro sport.

Both kids are wonderfully written, true to their circumstances and ages. Lucy and her dolls just hit me in the heart. What a precious little girl. Her attachment to her dolls is heart warming while also being heart breaking. And Jaiden's developed perfectly, as a teen with abandonment issues. It's realistic and emotional. 

Travis' connection to Jaiden is wonderful. He see so much of himself in Jaiden and easily relates to the chip on the shoulder. I love this.

I find the foster care discussions to be written with knowledge, heart, and care. 

It's a story of love and trust., and it's beautiful.

Their relationship involves dealing with fears, insecurities, and secrets. It's about making connections, and finding a way to break through someone's walls. It's a tale of coming out; the fear, the complications, and the sacrifices when you stay closeted.

If you don't like kids in your romances, skip this one.

Family Camp's a story of living one's truth and finding someone who makes you want to be a better person. Eli Easton captures the power of love, both the power to give you the world versus the power to destroy you, in a marvelous manner. She does a fantastic job demonstrating how one who isn't nurtured and loved suffers many negative effects. This story is both compelling and riveting. I loved it all and am adding it to my re-read list.

Excerpt

Sixth inning. Geo was ready for the game to be over. It was fucking hot on the ball field, all open and exposed, the sun baking down. And he was also not sure how much more Travis-watching he could take—him with his silky burgundy gym shorts and a sweaty Camp Evermore green shirt stretched over those muscles. His long legs were tanned and well-defined from hours at the gym.

Those thighs could fucking crack walnuts. Dude.

Damn, but that was one fine-looking man. Geo knew he should lay off, though. Travis had made himself clear.

Only he hadn’t. At all. One minute, Travis seemed into him him. He sought out Geo’s company, like the way he kept coming by the cabin at night. And the next minute, he’d put distance between them, ignoring Geo or closing himself off behind a granite-like expression and those eye-hiding shades. And Travis had laid a clear line in the sand. Not at camp. Not gonna happen.

Yup. That was fine. Sure, Geo hadn’t been mutually attracted to a guy that hot in ages. Or ever, really. But Geo hadn’t come to camp to fool around. He had other priorities.

It did make him wonder though. Bridget had said Travis wasn’t out. A quick Google search last night had confirmed that. In fact, Geo had been shocked to discover there’d never been an out baseball player in the major leagues. Like, in the history of American baseball. Which was tragic. No wonder Travis was in the closet. It had to suck monkey balls living like that. Especially with all the women who threw themselves at him constantly. There were a dozen women on the sidelines right now that looked ready to have his babies. That had to be weird for a gay guy. Didn’t it?

Geo himself was always super uncomfortable when women came on to him. He felt compelled to blurt out “I’m gay!” in the first five minutes. It was just too weird otherwise.

Then again, Travis’s love life was none of Geo’s business. Maybe the guy was bisexual. Maybe he liked dating women just fine.

Jayden came up to bat. Geo focused on his son, clapping hard. “Come on, Jayden! You’ve got this!”

Jayden took a wide stance beside the plate, both hands gripping the bat, choked up a little. Travis had spent a few minutes with Jayden at the start of the game, showing him how to stand, and Jayden copied him exactly. The kid was a great mimic. He’d been nervous at first, tense and defensive. But by now he just looked focused. He stared, narrow-eyed, at Frank as Frank pitched an easy ball.

Geo loved that about this game, that everyone tried to give the kids easy wins, and no one took the competition seriously.

Jayden hit the ball hard. It flew through the air a short ways then plonked to the ground and skipped along fast. It was heading right down the center line, though a bit more towards third base and Travis’s side of the field.

“Go Jayden! Go!” Geo shouted. He went after the ball. In his peripheral vision, he saw Jayden round first base and keep running.

Travis was going after the ball too, dodging low. He scooped it up. He was going to throw it to third base, keep Jayden back on second. Geo couldn’t let that happen.

He dove in front of Travis, crowding him, holding an arm out to block Travis from throwing the ball.

Travis snorted, bemused. “What are you doing? You’re on my team.” He backed up, trying to get away from Geo.

“Blood before bros, man,” Geo said with fake seriousness. He kept up with Travis, step for step, grabbing Travis’s right arm in a firm grip so he couldn’t raise the ball.

“Stop it!” Travis laughed. “Dork. That’s not legal.”

“Don’t care.”

They took three steps back, like they were dancing. Geo held Travis’s right arm, staring him down. Travis met his gaze, a goofy smile on his lips. Back and back they stumbled. Suddenly, Travis got a sparkle in his eyes. He wrapped his left arm around Geo’s waist and picked him up, swinging him around so he ended up behind Travis.

Geo was still finding his feet as Travis drew back his arm and sent the ball sailing.

Right to home plate. But Jayden got there first. Umpire Cindy made the motion with her hands, safe.

Geo laughed and raised his arms in triumph. “Yeah, baby! Great job, Jayden! Home run, whoo!”

Then he realized everyone was staring at them. On the sidelines, there were a dozen cameras raised, filming.

Oh. Er. Hmm. Geo wiped his face, feeling sheepish.

That’s when a piercing scream rent the air.

About Eli


Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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