Showing posts with label online friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online friends. Show all posts

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Tempt Me (Rebel Mechanics #4) by A.T. Brennan

 



Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link





After a life of hiding, can I find the courage to be myself?

Being single, an introvert, and closeted has made my life lonely. The only bright parts are my coworkers at Rebel Mechanics and my volunteer work with a cat rescue.

In a moment of desperation, I sign up for a dating app, hoping to finally make a connection with someone. Despite me not exactly having stellar social skills, I find myself opening up to a virtual stranger in ways I never have before. What is happening here?

Then a new guy is hired at the garage, Jude. He’s funny, outgoing, and a genuinely nice person. He looks past my shyness and awkwardness, and for reasons I can’t understand, he wants to be friends. It feels like there’s something between us, but that can’t be. He’s straight, and to the outside world, so am I.

Then there’s SinBin7, the guy I’ve been chatting with online. He makes me want to take chances. To share all of myself with him, even though we’ve never met or seen each other’s faces. He feels familiar, like we’ve known each other forever. But then again, so does Jude.

How can I be drawn to two men at the same time? And more importantly: how do I choose?

Tempt Me is a steamy 89k word, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort story featuring coworkers who start as friends, a found family, some scene-stealing cats, and all the feels. It is book four in the Rebel Mechanics series but can be read as a standalone.





My Rating - 4 Stars!

Tempt Me is the fourth book in the Rebel Mechanics series. This AT Brennan tale is a great addition to this world. 

Wes and Jude make for a great couple. Their story is compelling and I enjoy the character development. 

It's an opposites attract romance between the somewhat awkward Wes and his outgoing and lively coworker Jude. There's instant attraction but Wes won't let anything happen. 

This is a story where they become friends slowly in person, as well as online, without knowing it. I actually really enjoy the way this plays out. It doesn't have any of the looming doom or angst normally involved. But it's adorable that they are falling for each other in real life, as well as falling for someone else online. 

Both men are closeted, but for different reasons. They're both well developed, with their reasons for being closeted are fully explored. I enjoy the way things progress between them, and their chemistry is undeniable. 

The writing is great, as I've come to expect from this series. And I'm left impressed with the way the author explores the issues of both men. Everything is written and handled with care and compassion. 

Trust Me is a co-worker romance with some sweetness and heat. This AT Brennan tale kept me entertained throughout. 



Tuesday, September 28, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - The Lie by Karla Sorensen

 

Release Date: September 15



Goodreads



Rule number 1 for the team owner’s daughter? Don’t date the players.
Especially not hotheaded tight ends with tattoos and impulse control problems. 
That's why Dominic Walker is completely off my radar. Sort of.

Babysitting the team troublemaker when he's forced to volunteer for the foundation where I work means I can't exactly avoid him.
I wish I had though. Because once I get to know Dominic, it's almost impossible to ignore the feelings he brings out in me. 
Pretty soon, I'm breaking all my rules. I just have to hope he doesn't break my heart in the process.  

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

Free in KU 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Lie is a fabulous sports romance by Karla Sorensen. This is grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put it down. 

Omg, this book had me obsessed. I love Dominic and Faith. But, damn, Dom stole the show!

This is a story with a forbidden romance, coach's daughter, opposites attract, grief, and some forced proximity to bring the characters together. In addition, it's one of those fun stories where they get to know each other both in real life and online, without knowing it. I always enjoy this trope. 

Dom and Faith are simply enjoyable together. Their opposite personalities, one grumpy, one "sunshine", is extremely fun. They're perfect when you're in the mood for sexy moments and plenty of banter. 

And damn, they are full of sexual tension and chemistry. I could feel the heat jumping off the pages. 

The writing is great, with both characters well developed. It's easy to understand why Dom is the way he is, which is always necessary in a good grumpy guy story. And omg, the way Dom is all in with Faith is superb. 

The Lie is definitely one of those romance that left me wanting more. Immediately. I wanted more of these characters, this world, etc. And I was left with a major book hangover. Definitely read this Karla Sorensen gem the next time you're in the mood for a sports romance. 



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Well, let’s see ... I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone's face, then I've done my job.  


I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. 


If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. 


I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I'll love you forever. 


Connect with Karla Sorensen

Website | NewsletterFacebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub | Reader Group

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Hosted By:     

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Leo (Bar 28 #3) by J.J. Harper

 


Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link




Two men, one night, and the chance of a lifetime.

After a destructive relationship ended five years ago, Leo Ritchie hasn’t trusted himself or anyone else enough to try again. He has great friends and loves his job at BAR 28, and for now, it’s enough. That and the late-night online chats with @Brunobear.

Bruno Alderton, one of the most successful male models in the world, has had enough of the constant travelling, jet lag, long hours, and no one to come home to. He spends the lonely hours talking and swapping trivia with his online friend, @Leolion.

Being summoned home to attend his sister’s twenty-first birthday party may not as bad as he thought. Bruno finds the most gorgeous man he’d ever seen. The man he wants to have in his bed every night.

Leo knows he’ll only cause the beautiful man heartache. But the temptation for one night is too strong to resist.

What happens when they both realise they can have what they want with this stranger? Who will be the one to fight for them, and who will want to run away?


This is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and emotions that will make your heart happy. Leo is the third book in the BAR 28 series and can be read as a standalone. This book is based in the UK and is written in British English. Please look inside the book for TW. 





My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Leo is the third book in the Bar 28 series by JJ Harper. And damn, this ended up being so much deeper than I was expecting. 

There are some serious issues addressed, making for an emotional read. I'm highly impressed with the author's ability to balance the serious with the light-hearted. There are plenty of sweet and sexy moments to keep everything balanced. 

Before they ever met in person, Bruno and Leo start an online friendship, which involves some wonderful interactions. 

Later, when they end up meeting in real life, they don't know they already know one another. It's cute seeing them deal with their suspicions and trying to navigate a few obstacles. 

Bruno's a model whose dealing with some career decisions and a pushy agent. Leo's a bartender who immediately hits it off with the handsome model. 

I love the men together. Obviously they are meant to be together. They mesh well and certainly are head over heels for each other. Their story isn't all easy, but I love seeing them end up together. 

Their story includes a slew of interesting facts, which is adorable and entertaining.

Both characters are multi-layered and have a difficult past, making both sympathetic characters. The author illustrates some of the modeling industry's problems, as well as exploring the effects of being in an abusive relationship. Add in some other issues, and damn, you just want to save both these men from their pasts. I am still in awe of Leo and all he's survived. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the characters are wonderfully developed and the storyline is great.

Leo is definitely a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a hurt/comfort read. This JJ Harper will definitely leave you impressed.




Thursday, February 11, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Goal Lines & First Times (CU Hockey #3) by Eden Finley & Saxon James

GOAL LINES & FIRST TIMES (CU Hockey #3) 

by Eden Finley & Saxon James


Release Date: February 10, 2021

Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs

Genre: M/M College Sports Romance
Trope: Bisexual awakening, first time gay



COHEN

It turns out making out with my best friend in high school could be considered gay. Who knew? Apparently, everyone but me.

Now that it’s been pointed out, I can’t help reliving it in my head. Repeatedly. Goodbye Denial Town, hello Confusionville.

When my path leads me down the gay dating app route, I don’t expect to meet anyone I like, but then I meet him.

He can’t be more opposite than me. He’s smart, he hates hockey, and he identifies as demi—something I’ve never heard of.

Yet I can’t deny something’s there. Something I want to explore in person. If only I could get him to agree.

 

SETH

All my life, I’ve felt broken.

Sick of being asked if I could be gay by ex-girlfriends, friends, and even my parents, I join a gay dating app to prove a point.

I don’t expect to find what’s always been missing. A real connection.

The problem is, I’m too scared to meet him in person. He’s a hockey player, and I fear when he finds out my twin plays for the NHL, I’ll be overshadowed by my overachieving brother. Again.

Worse yet, what happens if we meet and that connection isn’t the same?

When I tell him I’m not ready, he’s disappointed but supportive. Fate, on the other hand, isn’t as accepting.

I had no idea the person I’ve been falling for is someone I already know.

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Goal Lines & First Times is a fabulous sports romance. The third book in the CU Hockey series by Eden Finley and Saxon James, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I love this story. From the start, I easily fell into this tale and couldn't put it down. 

Seth and Cohen start an online relationship. It's cute and 
sweet, with their online chats warming my heart. And it's wonderful as they slowly grow into more. 

Their sexuality is what really connects them, as one has been in denial that he might be gay, while the other is asexual or demisexual. 

And then they find out they know each other. I couldn't have loved the way this develops more than I do. It's perfectly sweet and full of emotion. And a lot of sexy firsts.

In the end, their futures are up in the air and they have to deal with long distance fears. All of it is enjoyable and riveting. 

Goal Lines & First Times is a riveting sports romance. The authors delight in this combination of emotion, sexual exploration, and a slew of life decision. I couldn't put this book down. 


ADD TO YOUR TBR


GOODREADS LINK: https://bit.ly/3gsj4UD


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GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DIRECT LINK: http://bit.ly/3tGZHx1
 


OTHER TITLES WITHIN THE SERIES



Power Plays & Straight A's (CU Hockey #1)

Amazon   *   My Review





Face Off's & Cheap Shots (CU Hockey #2)

Amazon   *   My Review


Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.

She doesn't take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.

With a short attention span that rivals her son's, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.

She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.


CONNECT WITH EDEN

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2owAsgY

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2GMjfag

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2t1KqM4

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ouFzya

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2HQnyCv

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33mNum4

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2EV9Roi

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ouhBDq




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saxon James unapologetically writes happy endings for LGBT+ characters.

While not writing, SM is a readaholic and netflix addict who regularly lives on a sustainable diet of chocolate and coffee.

Member of SCBWI.


CONNECT WITH SAXON

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2QSVCmS

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/36slT1W

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2SYfPKU

Instagram: https://bit.ly/33m1XPb

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2ZXjp9C

Thursday, December 17, 2020

XOXO, Santa by Spencer Spears

 



Amazon Link   - Available in KU
Goodreads Link





How do you ask your best friend to be your first time?


Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?

If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:
Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.
In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.

Just one problem—Henry hates my guts.

That’s okay, though, because I’ve got a Plan B:
Download an app, find a guy to hook up with, and figure out once and for all if I’m as gay as my internet search history suggests.

One more little problem—before I can meet the guy I’m messaging online, I have to get through a week’s vacation with Henry and our families.

Henry, who can’t stand me, but who I can’t get out of my head.
Henry, who’s off-limits, but who I maybe kinda sorta kissed last night?
Henry, who’s spending an awful lot of time checking messages on his phone…

XOXO, Santa is a 70,000 word stand-alone gay romance novel with holiday sweetness, first-time steam, and a borderline-unhealthy level of snark. It features jock/nerd, friends-to-lovers, and online love tropes.




My Rating - 4 Stars!

XOXO, Santa is a great enemies to lovers romance by Spencer Spears. 

Blake and Henry have a messy past; former best friends whose families are still friends. With some family time together in a cabin, they're forced to spend the holidays together. I always enjoy a good wintertime forced proximity! Add in two men who don't get along, and let the real fun begin.

Henry's always been out, but Blake struggles with his developing sexuality and exploring his gay feelings. Looking for some sexual guidance, as he's finally admitting he's gay, he turns to a dating app. As he forms an online friendship with a stranger, he certainly gets more than he expected. 

First, the humor is so damn funny. Seriously, some of the texts are absolutely hysterical. If you enjoy banter, sass, and innuendoes in text form, you'll love this one. If you enjoy dirty baking references, and some messy situations, you will laugh your ass off.

Second, the online friends aspect is well done. There's certainly no surprise, but I enjoy the way it's all executed. 

I always enjoy Spencer's writing, and this book is no different. The beginning is a little long winded, but it definitely sets up the situation. Blake's exploration into porn could have been summed up quicker, but don't let that stop you - just keep reading. Trust me. It's honestly just an authentically feeling situation. And from there, the humor starts. 

XOXO, Santa is a romance filled with endless banter and sass. Spencer Spears spares no expense in this delightful, sweet tale. This one has a little of everything, with a great mix of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, ex best friends, and online friends. It's definitely a cute story. 




Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Dear Daddy, Please Praise Me (A Naughty or Nice Story Book 5) by Luna David & Amy Bellows

 







Dear Santa, I want a Daddy who will take care of me...


Sanders doesn’t believe he’ll actually find a Daddy through a dating app. He’s not much to look at, and his life is a mess. A Daddy would never be interested in someone like him. But he’s lonely.


He hasn’t been kissed for three long years.


Briggs moved to the small tourist town of Red Canyon, Utah to get away from his fast-paced life in Chicago. But he also moved away from most of his dating prospects. Downloading a dating app seems like an obvious choice. The boy he messages is sweet, nervous, and drinks up every word of praise Briggs gives him. But he’s too nervous to meet face to face, claiming that Briggs won’t like him as much in person.


How can Briggs convince his boy that he’s everything a Daddy could ask for?


Dear Daddy, Please Praise Me is part of the Naughty or Nice multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are so many boys hoping that holiday magic will bring them their perfect Daddy, why not grab them all?






My Rating - 5 Stars!


Dear Daddy, Please Praise Me is a fantastic romance by Luna David and Amy Bellows. Part of the multi-author A Naughty or Nice Story series, it's easily read as a standalone.

I was already an avid fan of Amy Bellows, but this is my first time reading a Luna David story.

This all starts with the same theme as the rest of the series - an ad written to Santa via a dating app, looking for a Daddy.  I love the way Sanders and Briggs become friends in real life, while starting an online relationship without knowing they know one another. And the reveal scene is perfect! Just perfect! 

Basically, I love Sanders. He's adorable, insecure, lovable, and easily burrowed his way into my heart. 
I just love him. And there's there's his dyslexia, which adds a lot of dimension to his character. It's well written, with knowledge and care. I definitely appreciate the way the authors handle this. 

As for Briggs, oh man, what can I say? His storyline is great and his personality is positively perfect for Sanders. Briggs is a great Daddy, totally loving and caring.

Their story includes some sexting, some lace, and a whole lot of smiling on my part. Their tale includes a bookstore, a coffee shop, and a hole to Narnia (another scene I love!) I love everything about this story. And damn, I love how often I laughed. 

Written in alternating first person pov, the reader gets both narratives, easily bringing both men to life. 

Overall, I love Dear Daddy, Please Praise Me. This Luna David and Amy Bellows combo is charming, sweet, and oh so hot. If you enjoy sweet Daddy romances that will make you smile, you need to read this book. It is a pure delight. 



Monday, December 14, 2020

A Christmas Engagement by Riley Knight

 



Amazon Link   - Available in KU
Goodreads Link






Sean O’Conner built his company from the ground up, and is terrified that he could lose everything if he came out. Christian Elliot is a trust fund kid about to be written out of his parents’ will if he displeases them, so he, too, has been closeted. Both of them feel like they’re walking a thin line, without anything other than drunken fumbling with other guys to see them through.

When Christian reaches out online to look for help, the two of them connect. Even though the businessman is far older than the trust fund kid, somehow, it works out perfectly. The sex is amazing, but what happens when they start to fall in love? Will their little secret remain safe, or will their feelings for each other ruin everything for both of them?

The newest Christmas special from Riley Knight, this 45,000 word hidden relationship romance will keep you warm all winter long with sizzling, adults-only heat! Don't miss it!






My Rating - 5 Stars!

Riley Knight's A Christmas Engagement is a tender, feel good holiday romance. 

This is a story of two closeted men, a dating app, and an online friendship that leads to taking chances and meeting. It's full of family issues, pressure from family and society, and the stigma that comes with being gay. 

I absolutely love the way this story develops. Both men are painfully honest about their situations. Their emotions are fully on display as they deal with the excruciating situations they're in that are forcing them to live in the closet. From there, the emotions continue throughout, as their feelings for one another evolve, and decisions need to be made. 

In the end, they are two men who find a reason to come out and find real love and happiness. It's beautifully done, with some sensual scenes as well. Hell, who doesn't love first times? 

The writing is wonderful, easily flowing and fully engaging. The characters are charming and their dialogue heartfelt. I enjoyed every moment of this story.  And the ending is terrific.

I just adore this book. A Christmas Engagement is a stunning romance, heavy on the heartache of being closeted, and the beauty of finding someone worth coming out for. 


Season's Change (Trade Season #1) by Cait Nary

  Amazon Link    Goodreads Link A veteran hockey player and a rookie can't get away from each other—or their own desires—in this sexy, h...