Love You So Madly (Love You So Stories #2) by Tara Lain

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

What does it mean when you have it all ... and you’d like to give some of it back?

Ben Shane’s a hard-working guy, deeply committed to an important job.
Dusty Kincaid is a hard-working guy who happens to be Ben’s handyman.

Ben’s chafing against his engagement to a super-wealthy man who makes him feel like a trophy wife – but is he really going to give up a partner who drives a Ferrari for one who takes the bus?

Dusty has challenges Ben can’t begin to imagine, and the world thinks they’re crazy. But face it. From the beginning, this love has been a little bit mad.

LOVE YOU SO MADLY is an improbable love, challenged hero, no-sugar-diet, MM romance. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Love You So Madly is a fabulous book. The second book in Tara Lain's Love You So Stories, I love it!

The tone immediately grabbed my attention and I found myself riveted throughout.  Ben's intrigued by a worker in his office, Dusty. Meanwhile, Ben's rich fiance is an inconsiderate ass. I enjoy the way Ben and Dusty get to know one another, and the way their whole storyline unfolds.  This is a story of finding someone who appreciates you, your interests, and your passions. It's about finding someone who makes you smile. Their story includes conflict, attraction, and a sweet romance, as well as seizures. The seizures part is well written with knowledge and compassion. I am impressed with how this is all added to the storyline.  Love You So Madly is one of those books that surprised me. This Tara Lain read is way more than I was expecting.

Fragile Heart by Nic Starr

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

The past doesn’t have to dictate the future.

It’s hard to focus on work when Sean Vargos sits a couple of desks away. He’s quiet, well-respected, and dedicated to his job, not to mention he’s gorgeous. Jason can’t get him out of his thoughts. Acting on his attraction is frowned on in the workplace but talk of Valentine’s Day and an upcoming business merger gives Jason the push to finally make a move. He’s tired of being alone, and he doesn’t want his career to be his key priority anymore.

Sean isn’t looking for an office romance. He isn’t looking for romance, period. Putting the past behind him has been a struggle, and he knows better than to think he can fall in love again. But Jason Simpson is hard to ignore. He’s passionate about his job, and he’s also interested in Sean.

The temptation is too much to resist, and they embark on a tentative relationship. Jason falls head over heels, fast. Sean runs.

All Jason wants is to win over Sean’s heart, but first he needs to earn his trust.

Fragile Heart is an office romance featuring hurt/comfort themes, well-intentioned friends, and a happy ending.


Note: This story started life (as A Day At A Time). This story has been revised, expanded, and re-edited, adding approximately 40% , but the plot largely remains unchanged. It is approximately 26k words.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Fragile Heart is a nice hurt/comfort office romance by Nic Starr. 

This is an office romance with an adorable first date. Sean and Jason are definitely sweet together. 

I love the character development for each man. Sean cut himself off from people years ago. But with Jason, he finds someone worth risking his heart for. 

It's wonderful seeing him opening up again after a past that left him scarred. The details of his past are left until the end though, for both the reader and Jason. I don't always like waiting for those details, and this is no different. I would have felt more connected to Sean if I knew about him earlier. 

The opposite personalities is a large part of this story, setting the tone from the beginning. Shy, quiet, hurt Sean. And confident and outgoing Jason. 

I enjoy the way things develop for the two, and I think they're great together, making for an enjoyable read. 

Fragile Heart is a sweet office romance. This Nic Starr read is simply adorable, with some tender and loving moments throughout. 

Let Me Love You (Love Permit #1) by Gianni Holmes

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  

Goodreads Link

What happens when a guy who constantly needs rescuing meets his Prince-not-so-Charming?

After bailing on his corporate kingdom due to a very public scandal, the last thing Tate expects is to bump into temptation in the woods. A five feet four, one-hundred-and-twenty-pound guy who reeks of a damsel in distress. In other words, Tate’s kryptonite.

When a sprained ankle leaves him trapped in the woods, Bryan has no option but to accept help from the only man within miles around. But there’s just so much to do in a cabin before boredom kicks in. With only one bed, one brooding inexperienced hunk, and a few days for his injury to heal, it's only a matter of time before things heat up.

Just when Tate starts opening up to Bryan, an unexpected turn of events throws Bryan in the face of danger. To rescue him this time, Tate must leave his fortress in the woods to return to society. Will their brief encounter be enough for them to survive what lurks in the city?

Full of playful banter, lingerie, heels, a slight age gap, devious friends, stubborn exes, mystery, and intrigue, this book will give you a thrilling and swoony experience.

Please note, this approximately 100k word book was previously published as Falling for Mr. Corporate and My Dear Mr. Corporate. Over 20k words have been added to the story for a dual POV of the section which was formerly Falling for Mr. Corporate. Also newly edited. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Let Me Love You is the first book in the Love Permit series. Gianni Holmes has revamped the previously released Falling For Mr Corporate and My Dear Mr Corporate and added more to the fun. And what a story it all is!

There are essentially three parts to Bryan and Tate's relationship. 

First, they meet in the mountains, after Bryan has had enough of his abusive boyfriend/boss. Ugh. That man is such an ass. With Bryan alone and needing help, Tate meets him and ends up helping him out. 

What follows is an instant attraction, as the two men quickly fall into bed. And damn, they are hot together. 

Tate's a recluse, with his past slowly revealed. The way Bryan helps heal him and bring him back to life is wonderful.

I love this quote. "Sex is easy...Relationships are different, and I'm not sure I'm any good at it."

Second, once Bryan is ready to return to the city, they have to try to make things work, juggling all the insecurities and doubts involved. Bryan doesn't want to be a kept boy and is desperately trying to make himself self sufficient, while also trying to be with Tate. 

As for the heat, there's lots of it, including some sexy lingerie and some hot rimming. 

Third, there's action and danger, with plenty of twists and turns. There's abuse, assumptions, and plenty of manipulation. 

Both men have a lot of healing to do. Tate's getting over the death of his wife and daughter, but there's a lot involved with that situation and it isn't easy for Tate to deal with. 

And then there's Bryan, who's struggling to deal with the abuse he suffered from his ex, the long term effects of his upbringing, and his need to be dependent. 

All the while they're still dealing with Bryan's ex and plenty of issues with Tate's family business.

I love the author's writing style and her well developed characters. It's easy to fall in love with these men and root for them through all they have to deal with. My only complaint, if I had one, would be the completely different feels for the different parts of this book. It's a little strange, but I didn't let it bother me.

Let Me Love You is a wonderful mix of hurt/comfort, healing, and suspense. Gianni Holmes will definitely leave you turning the pages throughout.

BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Abstract Love by Sara Dobie Bauer

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Abstract Love

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: September 4, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM romance

Trope/s: enemies-to-lovers, age gap, co-workers, office romance, 

bisexuality, businessmen, artists, bondage, comedy

Themes: sexual awakening

Possible triggers: depression, suicidal ideations, biphobia

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: 71 000 words

It is a standalone book.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

I hate Sam Shelby. So why do I want to kiss him?

Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.
Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man.
Well, shit happens.

After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.

After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.

Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact.

Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Abstract Love is a delightful enemies to lovers romance, sort of. To me, this Sara Dobie Bauer read is more of two men getting off to a bad start together and their slow progression towards love. 

When Sam and Donovan become co-workers, the sparks fly. Donovan is miserable with his life, as he's getting a divorce which has left him empty and gruff. Thus, he hates the energetic and arrogant Sam from the start. Yes, fun sparks!

Ohhhh...Sam. I love and adore the confidence Sam has. At times it's over the top, almost making me mad at him, but he has the game to back up his arrogance. His talent is well established and I love the way he discusses art.

Their story includes family issues, as Sam struggles as his long estranged father is dying. His parents are vile. And then there's Donovan's family issues, as his wife left him for his best friend. It's a tough road for both of them, but in the end, I love the way everything is resolved.

As for the relationship itself, these two men make for a great couple. They definitely have some strong chemistry and they bring out the best in one another. And oh, the opposites attract theme is strong with these two. 

The author takes these two on a long journey. Sam has never wanted an actual relationship, creating problems with Donovan, as well as with his fling Jamie. His insistence on being independent and repeatedly pushing people away is almost his undoing. I love it all. The changes in both men are extraordinary by the end.  

As for the sex, there's some sizzling sexual exploration with some great first times and plenty of emotion. If you enjoy first times, you'll love it all. 

My favorite thing though is the way Sam sees Donovan; sees the real Donovan. Sam sees past Donovan's facade and pushes him to be happy, which he's never been. I adore this aspect of the tale. I love the way Donovan comes to grips with his submissive personality, and takes charge of his life for once. 

Abstract Love is a compelling read. This Sara Dobie Bauer gem explores the importance of being happy, and going after what makes one happy. I truly enjoyed this book. It's a long, slow burn read, at almost 300 pages, but it's all fabulous. If you enjoy men who experience a large amount of character growth, don't miss this one. 

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Donovan sifted through a few hand-drawn logos on the desk and froze when he found a crudely drawn sketch of himself. Sam must have done it during a meeting at some point, capturing Donovan’s faux hawk, wide jaw, and severe expression.

Jesus, was this what other people saw when they looked at him? Did he really look so miserable?

“Make yourself at home?”

Donovan dropped the picture and stood straight at the sound of Sam’s voice.

He leaned against the doorframe, with one ankle crossed over the other.

“It’s really bullshit when people say that, you know?” Sam said. “Make yourself at home. No one actually wants their friends to take off their pants, drink all their beer, and binge The Great British Bake Off.” He paused. “What are you doing in my office?”

“I didn’t mean to snoop.”

The office door closed as he stepped inside. “Sure you did, or you wouldn’t be in here, so what’s up?”

Sam circled the desk, so Donovan circled the other way, although he noticed it was true what coworkers said: Sam did smell good—like clean laundry and cedar. “I think we started off on the wrong foot.”

Sam snort laughed and flipped through some files on his desk. “More like wrong continent, man.” When he found what he was looking for, he tapped the file’s corner against his palm. “I can handle guys like you, you know.”

Donovan shifted back on his heels. “Guys like me?”

“Hmm. Corporate assholes. All you see are dollar signs. You take no pleasure in your work. Advertising is money to you, not art, but without the artists, there wouldn’t be advertising, so…” He sucked his cheeks into his mouth, a momentary fish face.

Donovan wanted to tell him it wasn’t true. Donovan loved art.

He used to love art.

Sam continued, “I know I look like a six-foot-two Disney princess, but you’re not gonna rattle me.” To prove his point, Sam got right up in Donovan’s personal space until Donovan took a step back. Again, he was not used to dealing with someone his own height. “And I’m right about the Great Lakes ad campaign. If you’d pull your head out of your ass, maybe you’d notice.” He turned away abruptly.

“Sam.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” Ouch, that hurt coming out.

Sam’s rebuttal: “Prove it.”

“Excuse me?”

He rested a hand on the desk and cocked his hip out—the very picture of young attitude. “Listen to me in meetings.”

“I was listening.”

“Nope.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his unkempt, unprofessional hair. “No, you were hearing. I need you to listen. There’s a difference. And I know I’m just some fucking kid to you, but I ruled the New York City advertising scene. I know what I’m doing, Donovan, so let me do it.”

“Fine.” He’d had enough. He’d apologized, okay, so he’d done his Monica-enforced duty. He didn’t owe Sam anything else.

He didn’t run for the door, but he definitely moved with speed.

 

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Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.

 

 

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Private Facebook Group

Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | Freebies

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Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts, interviews, and reviews here

Talk to Me: The Sloan Brothers Series by D. K. Sutton

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Max
Chase Corrigan is the competition and the reason I can’t sleep at night. How does he beat my customer service numbers—and get the bonus—every month? We’re complete opposites. I’m a people person, and he avoids everyone. Sure, he’s gorgeous with long blond hair and icicle-blue eyes, but I like my guys a little more thawed out. I’m determined to take him down.

All that changes when my plan backfires. I get to know the real Chase and realize why he’s so private. I can’t stop thinking about him. The problem? I’m a casual-type of guy. And Chase Corrigan has serious written all over him.

Chase
Maxwell Sloan is everything I detest in a man. He’s loud, obnoxious, and way too full of himself. He loves being the center of attention, while I just want to be left alone. I’m not competitive, but I enjoy beating Max out of the top spot each month. It also makes me his favorite target.

When Max and I are thrown together on a work project, I want to throttle him. He makes me so angry—and more alive than I’ve felt in a long time. But I’ve been with men like Max before, and I’ll never put myself in that position again. If only my heart would listen.

Talk to Me is a 50.000-word m/m romance with a HEA. It’s the first book in the Sloan Brothers series but can be read as a stand-alone. The book includes a steamy office romance, scheming gamers, and an adorably high-maintenance terrier.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

DK Sutton's Talk to Me is a sweet co-workers romance.

Chase is the socially awkward worker who never likes to talk to his co-workers. When Max decides to get to know the man as a way to figure out why Chase is so successful in his job, he doesn't expect what happens.

As Max gets to know Chase, he finds he actually likes and understands the man.

The author discusses social anxiety with care and understanding. Knowing people who suffer from this issue, I found it to be very well done.

The writing style kept my interested throughout, with some fun side characters and a fast pace. Max and Chase are highly enjoyable characters who each complement one another wonderfully. I enjoy that  despite being an jerk at the start, Max soon changes his feathers. 

Talk to Me is just perfect when you're in the mood for easy and sweet. This DK Sutton read is a quick, light read.

My Fair Brady by K.C. Wells

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A spur of the moment invitation changes two lives.

Jordan Wolf’s company runs like a well-oiled machine. At least until his PA, Brady Donovan, comes down with the flu and takes sick leave. Then Jordan discovers what a treasure Brady is and who really keeps his business—and Jordan in particular—moving like clockwork. So when Jordan needs a plus-one, Brady seems the obvious choice to accompany him. After a major shopping trip to get Brady looking the part, however…. Wow.

Brady has a whole new wardrobe, and now his boss is whisking him away for a weekend party. Something is going on, something Brady never expected: Jordan is looking at him like he's never seen him before, electrifying Brady's long-hidden desires.

But can the romantic magic last when the weekend is over and it’s back to reality?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

KC Wells' My Fair Brady is a fun little slow burn office romance with an age gap.

The romance between Jordan and Brady is different than most office romances. Brady works for Jordan, but it's not until Brady is sick, that Jordan comes to realize his feelings. Until then, all he focused on was work.

We're also treated to some fake boyfriend moments, as Jordan asks for Brady's help.

The secondary characters are a great group, who definitely add to the story's enjoyable factor.

Overall, My Fair Brady is a whole lot of sweet, a little bit of tension, and a lot of tender. It's pretty simple in that it's just a couple of men falling in love, but it's a fun journey to read. It's one of those pleasant stories that just make you smile.

A Temporary Situation (Temporary series; Tristan and Dom #1) by H.L. Day

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Personal assistant Dominic is a consummate professional. Funny then, that he harbors such unprofessional feelings toward Tristan Maxwell, the CEO of the company. No, not in that way. The man may be the walking epitome of gorgeousness dressed up in a designer suit. But, Dominic's immune. Unlike most of the workforce, he can see through the pretty facade to the arrogant, self-entitled asshole below. It's lucky then, that the man's easy enough to avoid.

Disaster strikes when Dominic finds himself having to work in close proximity as Tristan's P.A. The man is infuriatingly unflappable, infuriatingly good-humored, and infuriatingly unorthodox. In short, just infuriating. A late-night rescue leading to a drunken pass only complicates matters further, especially with the discovery that Tristan is both straight and engaged.

Hatred turns to tolerance, tolerance to friendship, and friendship to mutual passion. One thing's for sure, if Tristan sets his sights on Dominic, there's no way Dominic has the necessary armor or willpower to keep a force of nature like Tristan at bay for long, no matter how unprofessional a relationship with the boss might be. He may just have to revise everything he previously thought and believed in for a chance at love.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

A Temporary Situation is a boss/employee romance by HL Day. 

Immediately, the story starts with some excellent snark and witty banter. And the fun never stops. I absolutely love this couple, and this book, from the beginning to the end. In addition to being fun and witty, it's also very sweet. 

Their story contains misunderstanding, a fiancée, an aggressive co-worker, and more. 

Tristan is a fantastic character, with a wonderful dichotomy between his business smarts and his common sense. I could not adore him anymore than I do. 

Overall, A Temporary Situation is exciting and entertaining. HL Day has excelled with entwining a great pace and non-stop fun with an excellent story.