You're My Home by Katie Moore

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

A love story you can live in…

Zach
Brady is my overprotective best friend, and I love him like this. He’s so much bigger than me and makes me feel safe. We are opposites in so many ways, but when I’m cuddled up against him and he reads to me, all those differences fade away. Brady promises to be friends forever, but what will he say when he finds out my secret? Will I lose my best friend and the boy I love more than life itself?

Brady
Zach is so tiny and tenderhearted. All I want to do is protect him from the world. He’s my sweet bookworm and never wants to hurt anyone. I love my best friend, but how do I give him all of me when I don’t understand myself yet? If nothing else, I can shower him with all the acceptance and love he deserves.

Zach and Brady come from completely different social and religious backgrounds, but they don’t let that weaken their friendship. Both teens have to go through a journey of self-discovery, including all the heartaches and joys that come with growing up. As they get older, will they find themselves and how they fit together? 

You’re my Home is a sweet and emotional coming of age story. It’s a slow-burn, hurt/comfort, teen best friends to adult lovers romance. There will be tears, laughter, new friends, and steamy lovemaking as Zach and Brady learn the meaning of true acceptance of oneself and others. 

**Trigger warnings: domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, and religious homophobia. 

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

This book! Oh my god, this book! You're My Home is a debut novel for Katie Moore. And it's mesmerizing, riveting, and all consuming.

This book is long. No question about it. It is detailed, complex, and covers many years. Set plenty of time aside to read this.

This book is serious. Extremely serious. It touches on abuse, family issues, bullying, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and a connection between two people unlike anything I've ever seen before. It thoroughly explores one's need to define their sexuality, and the elements of demi-sexuality.

This story is that of Brady and Zach, two boys who are worlds apart. But the connection between them is absolute. The first time Brady meets Zach, he knows he is there to help save him. From his father. From the bullies. From the ugliness of the world. And fortunately for Zach, Brady's family feels the same way.

I don't want to go into any details. It's best to just discover them as you read. But the story is amazingly beautiful and touching.

And it's as emotional as can be. Every single moment of this book, every single sentence, is weighed down with emotion. The emotions jump off the pages throughout.

It's a long, ugly, emotional journey for these two. But this is a romance, so ultimately it's no surprise that they eventually get together. I think it's fair to say this isn't a spoiler.

And when they do, oh my god. Seriously, I just can't even begin to explain how torturously emotional the sex scenes are. I thought the emotions carried this story before. But gah! The sex scenes. I've never read anything so full of emotion before.

Just read it.

Their journey starts as kids, carries them through the teen years, and ultimately looks at their futures. It's long. It's detailed. It could easily be a three part series. But it's pure perfection read all together.

You're My Home is absolutely addicting. From the first page, Katie Moore held me hostage with her words. This isn't like my typical review because this isn't a typical book. Zach and Brady grabbed my heart from the very first page and I lived and breathed every single moment of their journey with them. It's a spectacular book.

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - You're My Home by Katie Moore

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
You're My Home
By Katie Moore

A love story you can live in…

Zach

Brady is my overprotective best friend, and I love him like this. He’s so much bigger than me and makes me feel safe. We are opposites in so many ways, but when I’m cuddled up against him and he reads to me, all those differences fade away. Brady promises to be friends forever, but what will he say when he finds out my secret? Will I lose my best friend and the boy I love more than life itself?

Brady

Zach is so tiny and tenderhearted. All I want to do is protect him from the world. He’s my sweet bookworm and never wants to hurt anyone. I love my best friend, but how do I give him all of me when I don’t understand myself yet? If nothing else, I can shower him with all the acceptance and love he deserves.

Zach and Brady come from completely different social and religious backgrounds, but they don’t let that weaken their friendship. Both teens have to go through a journey of self-discovery, including all the heartaches and joys that come with growing up. As they get older, will they find themselves and how they fit together?

You’re my Home is a sweet and emotional coming of age story. It’s a slow-burn, hurt/comfort, teen best friends to adult lovers romance. There will be tears, laughter, new friends, and steamy lovemaking as Zach and Brady learn the meaning of true acceptance of oneself and others.

**Trigger warnings: domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, and religious homophobia.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

This book! Oh my god, this book! You're My Home is a debut novel for Katie Moore. And it's mesmerizing, riveting, and all consuming. 

This book is long. No question about it. It is detailed, complex, and covers many years. Set plenty of time aside to read this.

This book is serious. Extremely serious. It touches on abuse, family issues, bullying, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and a connection between two people unlike anything I've ever seen before. It thoroughly explores one's need to define their sexuality, and the elements of demi-sexuality. 

This story is that of Brady and Zach, two boys who are worlds apart. But the connection between them is absolute. The first time Brady meets Zach, he knows he is there to help save him. From his father. From the bullies. From the ugliness of the world. And fortunately for Zach, Brady's family feels the same way. 

I don't want to go into any details. It's best to just discover them as you read. But the story is amazingly beautiful and touching. 

And it's as emotional as can be. Every single moment of this book, every single sentence, is weighed down with emotion. The emotions jump off the pages throughout. 

It's a long, ugly, emotional journey for these two. But this is a romance, so ultimately it's no surprise that they eventually get together. I think it's fair to say this isn't a spoiler. 

And when they do, oh my god. Seriously, I just can't even begin to explain how torturously emotional the sex scenes are. I thought the emotions carried this story before. But gah! The sex scenes. I've never read anything so full of emotion before. 

Just read it.

Their journey starts as kids, carries them through the teen years, and ultimately looks at their futures. It's long. It's detailed. It could easily be a three part series. But it's pure perfection read all together. 

You're My Home is absolutely addicting. From the first page, Katie Moore held me hostage with her words. This isn't like my typical review because this isn't a typical book. Zach and Brady grabbed my heart from the very first page and I lived and breathed every single moment of their journey with them. It's a spectacular book. 

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Special Release Excerpt:

 

“I want to talk to you.” Dad walks down the hallway to his office, knowing I’ll follow him. I lean against the doorframe, staying just far enough out that Zach will know where I am if he comes back into the kitchen.

Dad sits on the edge of his desk, facing me. “Who were the kids that were being mean?”

“Derek Sanders, the one I asked to leave here when he called Zach a stalker. Along with a few of JV freshman players that I don’t know well.”

“Not surprising, he seemed like a dick.”

My dad doesn’t usually call someone a dick, and it catches me so off guard that an abrupt laugh escapes from my chest.

“What were they making fun of him about?”

“His size…being a fourth-grader…a hobbit. Then they called him queer, and he got up and left.”

“No wonder he was so upset.” Dad rubs the back of his neck, and I realize that I have that same habit when I’m stressed.

“He was upset because he thought it would embarrass me. He never wants to hurt anyone, and when he thinks he’s the cause of it, he can’t handle it.”

“That’s why it makes me livid that someone would hurt him, even with words. God knows the kid has been through enough already.”

I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and turn to see Zach in the kitchen, looking lost. I wave my arm so he sees me, and he smiles. I watch him walk over to help Mom with the ice cream before looking back at Dad.

“He trusts you, Brady. The kind of trust that most people will never give. Be sure to treasure that and not do anything to break it. I’m not sure you could get it back if you did.”

Dad’s words feel heavy, like I need to memorize them and keep them close. “I wouldn’t do anything to break his trust.”

“I know you never would intentionally, but you’re young, and teenagers do stupid things. I think you’re mature beyond your years, and I am so proud of the young man you’re becoming. I’m only cautioning you because I see the bond you have with Zach, and I’m not sure you truly understand what it would mean to lose that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friendship…love…and so many go through life searching for what you’ve found so young. Many never find it.”

He walks over to put his hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “All I’m saying, Son, is that when it comes to Zach, think before you react and don’t take all the love and trust he gives you for granted. Someday you’ll truly understand the depth and beauty of what he gives you. And what you give him.” His hand moves down over my heart. “You’ve given him a lot of space in here. Take care of your heart, Son, because that boy in the kitchen is most of it.”

I nod, speechless at my dad’s words.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the Katie's debut release & cover reveal, we are giving away a 3 copies of You're My Home!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57241/?

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Katie Moore is a writer of romance and happily ever afters. She is very compassionate and tries her best to show others kindness. She loves to write and escape into some imaginary world she's created in her head. If she's not writing, she's reading a book. Preferably one with emotion that makes her laugh and cry. Katie is usually snuggled up with her four dogs, Izzy, Bess, Violet, and Skye.

Katie Moore is the author of You're My Home, a gay romance novel. She let her heart write Zach and Brady's story. She hopes all her readers love them as much as she does.

Connect with Katie:
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21577348.Katie_Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatiemoore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatiemoore/

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Consuming Redemption: Love in the North by J.S. Grey

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Tyler:

Apparently time heals all wounds. Whoever came up with that saying obviously didn't go to school with Lukas Ford. After i made a stupid schoolboy error, Lukas Ford made it his mission to make me wish that i was never born. How can the one person who makes my life a daily living hell be the same person i can't stop wanting. I want to regret the day i first laid eyes on Lukas. I just need to bide my time and get the hell out of this high school.

Lukas:

After a life changing tragedy irrecoverably altered the lives of me and my family, I was left with no other decision to hide who I am to protect those i loved from coming to harm again. High school, is over, yet here i am years later haunted by the man whose face haunts my dreams. I messed up big time in high school, not this time though. One way or another, I am going to make Tyler Dane mine.

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

Consuming Redemption: Love in the North  is an all-consuming, gut wrenching love story by JS Grey.

From Lucas' first day at school, Tyler gets off on the wrong foot with him. Now, fours years later, he's still bullied and hated, while Lucas is the popular guy. 

Oh Tyler. He's someone I want to hug and protect from the start. The only gay guy in school, he stands no chance against Lucas and his friends. It's awful to see what he has to endure each day. 

But then there's Lucas, who's living a lie, as the closeted jock. He secretly enjoys his interactions with Tyler, but can't let his defenses down. 

What a tough read. Fast forward and the two men meet again. Damn, these two ooze chemistry. They are seriously amazing together. Even once they're together, things aren't easy. I cried. I bawled. But damn I love these men and know they aren't perfect. But, omg. The ups and downs killed me.

It's not always easy to redeem a former bully, but the author does just that. And does it well. Learning about Lucas's past had be bawling for the man. Good god, I wasn't ready for that. 

Some people are publicly bullied while others are bullied in private. Both kinds of bullying leave a person forever changed. And damn, the author powerfully illustrates this.

Good god, the only consolation I have is that people's experiences make them who they are. Had these two not suffered so much, they might have never gotten to a place of loving each other. Yes, I know, they aren't real people. But don't yell at me. Blame the author for creating such lovable and realistic characters. And, yes, that is one of the greatest compliments one can give to an author. Let alone a new author.

Written in present tense, it isn't my preferred writing style. But other than the tense, I enjoy the rest of the writing. It's written in alternating povs, bringing both men fully alive. It's amazing. Absolutely amazing. 

Consuming Redemption is one hell of a love story. I can't recommend this JS Grey book enough. Be sure to put some time aside for this one, because you won't want to put it down. 

Date in a Pinch by Brigham Vaughn

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

A sweet geek and an experienced Dom: someone’s about to learn their lesson …

When chemistry teacher Neil Greene gets an unexpected delivery at Pendleton High, he's mortified when his fellow teacher and crush sees the contents that hint at the adventurous love life he’s dying to explore. Curious but inexperienced, Neil has no idea how to live out his fantasies until the hot lit teacher offers a helping hand.

Alexander Ford likes to be in charge in the bedroom and he’s happy to tutor Neil in all things naughty. But when Neil asks him to pretend to be his date for the Sweetheart’s Game at Pendleton Bay’s Love Fest, Neil may be the one teaching Alexander about love. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Date in a Pinch is a sweet fake boyfriend romance by Brigham Vaughn. Everything about this book works for me. 

This is a story of sexual exploration, as one man teaches the other about BDSM.

I'm surprised and happy that it's much more about their emotions and developing relationship than about their sex scenes. At first, I expected a lot of the scenes to be written out fully. Instead, the author does a great job adding most of their scenes into the tale as off page events. Rather than getting all the details, we get one of the characters thinking about the scene after the fact. I am pleased with how well this was written and definitely enjoyed this aspect.

And the emotions. Omg, the emotions. These are two men who ooze emotions. Neither was looking for a relationship. But, scene by scene, moment by moment, time spent together slowly draws these men towards loving one another. It's just beautiful. If you enjoy an emotional slow burn, this is it. 

Both men have a past that keeps them holding back emotionally. One feels guilt for having let down his former sub, thinking he can't go through something like that again. And the other has a history full of pain and baggage, that has caused him personal issues as well as family issues. 

I truly adore this story. The emotions are everything for this developing relationship.

This is a must read when you're in the mood for two men starting a BDSM relationship and slowly falling in love. It's tender and sweet, in addition to all the heat and pain. 

The BDSM scenes are great, with amazingly sweet aftercare moments. They don't seem like the typical aftercare moments to me, but I enjoy them none the less. There's a whole lot of tenderness involved which just makes me smile.

Overall, Date in a Pitch is a great read. I love how Brigham Vaughn brings so much emotion to this story. She combines sexiness and sweetness in this kinky romance and it's absolutely delightful.

Boyfriend Freeze by DJ Jamison

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

I've made a lot of mistakes, but you can't be one of them...

Dear Graham,
After crossing too many lines for my self-respect, I made a promise to myself: no hookups for sixty days.

But I didn't count on meeting you.

Who knew a smart, cardigan-wearing geek would be such temptation? You're all wrong for me, except you're also kind of exactly right.

So how do I keep my promise not to seduce the cute librarian and still get the perfect guy?

Maybe you know, because I don't...

Already yours,
Ollie

Boyfriend Freeze is set in the Love Notes universe but can be read as a standalone. Originally written as part of the Winter Wonderland promotion, it has been expanded by more than 20,000 words.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

DJ Jamison's Boyfriend Freeze is a compelling read. I love this story. The tone drew me in, taking me on a heartfelt journey.

It all starts with a New Year's resolution, as Ollie vows to not date or hook up for 60 days. So, of course, that's when he finds that someone special who might just be the man for him. Cue the dilemma. 

I adore these two men together. I love the way they get off on the wrong foot, but eventually get to be friends. As co-workers, the forced proximity helps them to get close and bring down one another's walls.

Graham is the sweetest. He's a geeky librarian who suffers from anxiety. His fear of public speaking makes me want to hug him. It took me a little while to like Ollie. He's just obnoxious and stupid at the start. His immaturity is all he shows at first. But, I love when we get to know the man under that immaturity. And it's fantastic the way he wants to be a better man, and Graham is happy to help.

The sex aspect is a ton of fun, as Ollie's a man slut, and Graham is not at all. They're hot together and I love the emotions involved. Their connection is strong, and each moment together just strengthens their bond. 

In the end, the resolution is well done and the way Ollie deals with it is perfect.

The age gap is a little weird with these two though. One's a  grad student and the other a freshman. Honestly, I'm surprised there isn't more angst about this. It's truly a large age gap at that point in life. But the two men handle it well and definitely seems like they can make it work in the long run. The two connect well and certainly help the other to be a better person.

Boyfriend Freeze is a tale of pushing oneself to be better. DJ Jamison delights in this tale that is ultimately full of character growth. In the end, it's way more than I was expecting and I love it all.

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - By the Numbers (Love Logic #3) by K.M. Neuhold

 

By the Numbers

Love Logic Series

KM Neuhold 

Release Date: 01.22.21

M/M Romance

Goodreads

Two hot roommates, minus clothes, plus a drawer full of debauchery, and a WHOLE lot of tension. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out the sum of that equation.

They say I’m a super genius, but would a super genius make the outrageously stupid mistake of falling for his roommate? 

Out of all the men in the world, I had to go and develop a crush on the one who’s already in love with his best friend. 

But when Theo tells me he found my drawer of toys, the only logical thing to do is to offer some no-strings fun.  

I’ve read enough romance novels to know this can’t possibly end well, but I can’t seem to stop myself from falling for Theo. 

The only question is… 

Will he be there to catch me?

*By the Numbers is a low-angst roommates to lovers to HEA story with plenty of heat and lots of swoony moments. It’s the third book in the Love Logic series but can be read as a stand alone.

 Universal Link     *    Amazon US

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

By the Numbers is a hot roommate romance by KM Neuhold. The third book in the Love Logic series, this is easily read as a standalone, as is each book in the series.

First of all, let's talk about Alex. Dear lord, what a sweetie. He's a complete genius; a total nerd. But he likes sex and he likes it a lot. I love every minute of his snark and dirty talk. 

His new roommate Theo is his complete opposite in every way. He's had a normal childhood and is not so well versed in sex.  

I enjoy the complexity of both men. Alex has always been encouraged to use his brilliant mind to do something good for the world. The thought of not doing so, of doing something he enjoys, has never entered his mind.

As for Theo, he's spent the past so many years in love with the Elijah, who his brother Pax is now with. He still hasn't yet realized that he will need to move on, and Alex just might be the one to help him with that.

This is a tale with shared sex toys, Legos, and plenty of heat. The exploration of kink makes for some great moments. And, wow, Theo's first solo time in this book is awesome!

My favorite parts by far are when Theo helps Alex to experience some of the things he missed during his childhood. There are so many beautiful moments during these scenes which easily made me ready to shed some happy tears.

I truly love the way both men evolve through this story. From strangers, to friends, to friends to benefits, to more. It's a great ride as both men help the other to be a better version of themselves.

By the Numbers is a perfectly sweet, hot, and feel-good romance. KM Neuhold delights in this low angst tale that will leave you happy throughout, as the upsetting moments always lead to something better.  

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“Wow, something you don’t know; that’s a bit unsettling,” I tease, and catch a quick grimace on his face before he smooths out his expression.

“There’s plenty I don’t know.” 

“Like what?” I ask. 

“Like…” He licks his lips, his eyes dropping to my mouth and lingering there for a few seconds. My heart beats wildly, my cock—my whole body—aching desperately for the kiss I’m pretty sure he’s thinking about giving me. It’s a bad idea; it’s a messy idea, but fuck I want it. 

I’m not sure which one of us moves first. For all I know we move at the exact same time, crashing into each other with eager force. Alex’s lips are soft but insistent against mine as he drags his fingers through my hair, tugging gently. I move closer, knocking my laptop off my knee and onto the cushions, and then slip a hand under his shirt. His skin is smoother than I imagined, his kisses anything but passive as he coaxes my mouth open and slips his tongue inside. 

I moan into his mouth, his hot, wet tongue gliding against mine, our kiss growing heavier and deeper. I dig my fingers into his lower back, feeling the hard outline of his erection against my thigh. 

Alex breaks away, resting his forehead against mine and dragging in a deep breath. 

“I guess that’s one thing I now officially know,” he says with a hint of humor in his otherwise raspy voice. He darts his tongue out to lick his lips like he’s tasting the kiss. Fuck that’s so hot. I mirror his action, dragging my tongue along my bottom lip and nearly moaning out loud again at the flavor of him lingering there. I want to taste the rest of him, strip away his clothes and suck bruises onto his skin, grind our hard, bare cocks together, slide my fingers between his ass cheeks and tease his hole until he’s begging me to fill him.

All the wanting hits me so hard I almost can’t breathe. 

“What’s that?” I ask trying to focus on his words, my brain slow and sluggish, my cock hard as steel as my body buzzes to get close to him again. Although I’m not sure how much closer I can get with our clothes on, we’re still pressed against each other, his breath fanning over my damp lips with every exhale, our foreheads and noses bumping. A little voice in the back of my mind whispers that clothes are definitely an optional part of the equation. 

“We’re hydrogen and oxygen, baby. We’ve got chemistry.” He waggles his eyebrows and another laugh bursts from my throat. Fuck, he’s cute. And hot. And I might be a little bit fucked. 

I groan, unable to help myself as I hook a hand behind his neck and drag him in for another kiss.

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Author K.M.Neuhold is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely- and sometimes damaged- men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she's not writing she's a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero...just kidding, she's likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

 linktr.ee/KMNeuhold

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Bad Blood (The Road To Rocktoberfest #6) by B.L. Morticia

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Thiago is thrust into the spotlight when his brother’s band is in trouble, but it’s the sexy Corrigan who tugs at his heartstrings. Will their undeniable bond destroy Burnt Ember’s chance at fame?

After graduating from college, Thiago is ready for some action. Being a virgin at twenty-four sucks, and he’s determined to shed his V-card the second he finds the right man. Just because he’s a different kind of guy, doesn’t mean he can’t find true love, right? No matter how long it takes, Thiago refuses to settle for less.

With one failed relationship after another, Corrigan is ready to throw in the towel. Why can’t the band’s good juju rub off on his love life? Doesn’t help that he’s infatuated with his fellow guitarist. Those feelings could ruin their chance at being a huge success.

Right when Burnt Embers embarks on their first tour, everything crumbles. Confusion and anger disrupt the band as Thiago and Corrigan attempt to unravel the meaning behind their intense emotional connection. Even worse, a former nemesis rears his ugly head, attempting to sever the relationship they’ve built.

Will their insta-lust sizzle enough to endure the trouble ahead or lead heavy metal’s newest sensation onto a path of destruction?

Only the strongest couples survive the pressure of fame.

Bad Blood is the 6th book in the multi-author Road To Rocktoberfest series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not stay and enjoy the whole show? If you like stories featuring polar opposites seeking their happy ever after with some drama thrown in, you’ll love this rockin’ book.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Bad Blood, the sixth book in The Road to Rocktoberfest series is a good addition to this multi author series. BL Morticia certainly combines plenty of rocker angst with romantic angst. 

Some will hate this book just because it's a brother falling for his brother's ex. Making it even worse, the brother is still in love with the ex. It's a trigger for some for sure.

Thiago's a nerd, who definitely doesn't feel he fits in as a rocker. But when his brother is injured, he's asked to help out. When Thiago joins the band, he and Corrigan bond quickly and the attraction is strong. There's plenty of push and pull, want, and heat.

After meeting Thiago and knowing how tough things can be for him, it's nice to see him find someone who likes him as is. His feelings of never being enough for people, of never fitting in, make for an emotional read. For him to feel safe, cherished, wanted and loved with Corrigan is everything!

The writing is great, with some fabulous dialogue. And the romance overall is sweet. I definitely don't love this book as much as the other in this multi-author series. I think I never fully got past the connection between them. But, for others, that just won't be an issue.

Bad Blood is an interesting rocker romance. For me, the best part of this BL Morticia read is the way race plays a hand in everything. BL does a fabulous job illustrating the way Thiago's race has affected him.