Forbidden Ink (Get Ink'd #6) by Ali Lyda

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I’m not a deadbeat.
I didn’t know my kid existed before Milo showed up, but now that I do, I’m determined to keep my beautiful little Sofie in my life. Even if it means I need to spend time around her irritable uncle, Milo. The man pushes all of my buttons.

He riles me up until I can’t think of anything except kissing him. Definitely not the reaction he expects. He’s not out, but I’m not the type to hide. Is there any way to make it work for our new family?

Family means everything.
Eryk’s a cocky playboy. He’s not good enough to be my niece’s father, but unfortunately, DNA says otherwise. Father or not, I’m not about to walk out of little Sofie’s life.

Which means I have to walk into Eryk’s even though I can’t stand him. So why is he so hard to resist? I decided on a closeted life a long time ago. It’s the only way to stay safe and successful. Could I bring myself to step out of the closet if it means having the true love of a family?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

 

Forbidden Ink is the sixth book in the Get Ink'd series by Ali Lyda. It perfectly continues this fantastic series, but it's easily read as a standalone. 

There's a lot going on in this enemies to lovers story.

Milo and Eryk meet in an unusual way, as Milo has to bring his niece, Sofie, to meet her father, Eryk. To say that Milo hates Eryk for his reputation is an understatement. 

The enemies to lovers element definitely drives this story, as the two have so much animosity between them. Milo's jealous that Eryk is out and proud. Milo doesn't think Eryk's fit to be a father. And more.

There's custody issues, as well as attraction issues. And I love how it all develops. I adore seeing the small ways things start to change, and the ability to put the child first. 

Milo and Eryk are an interesting couple. Milo wasn't quite father material himself, but both men learn to put the child first. The chemistry between the men is too strong to ignore, and the men are certainly hot together. 

Of course, there's the elephant in the room that some readers won't be able to ignore. Cause yes, Milo is interested in the man who fathered his sister, Maya's baby. I know a lot of people who don't like someone sleeping with their sibling's ex. But, honestly, I barely felt that issue in this book. Eryk's night with her was just that. One hookup that meant nothing to him. They were never a couple. No feelings were ever involved. 

I do struggle with Milo's sister's decision to not tell Eryk that he's a father until she's on her deathbed. That is just something that always pisses me off. But, as this story isn't really about her, I can let that go. 

There's a large issue when it comes to Milo's feelings about Eryk's sexuality. His insecurities and jealousy over Eryk living openly while Milo is closeted and hiding is felt throughout. Milo's frustration and anger are well illustrated and this is a large part of his character. I appreciate where he's coming from and ultimately love the way it's all resolved. 

Forbidden Ink is a wonderful romance. Ali Lyda puts a lot of interesting issues into this story and I love it. Hell, I love anytime an actor feels forced into being closeted. Those are stories that just seem so realistic, so I definitely love that aspect. And the rest is just gravy on top!

RELEASE BLITZ, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Liars (Licking Thicket #2) by Lucy Lennox & May Archer

 

Release Blitz & Giveaway:
Fakers by Lucy Lennox & May Archer

A Licking Thicket Novel, Book 2

 

Parrish Partridge’s True Facts:

There’s nothing hotter than a tall, gruff, bewildered, tattooed mountain of a man cuddling a sweet, orphaned baby, so you can tell yourself that you’ll resist him...

But that’s a lie.

And when that man asks you to do him a favor and pretend to be his very temporary, very fake fiance to help him get custody of that adorable baby, you can pretend you know better than to say yes…

But that’s a lie, too.

And when you actually get to know your kind, strong, pullet-loving prince of a fiance, and all his crazy, lovable, meddling neighbors, you can tell yourself you’re not really falling for Diesel Church and the town of Licking Thicket…

But that might be the biggest lie of all.

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Universal Link

Goodreads

 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

With Liars, I am once again brought into the crazy ass town of Licking Thicket. To say that Lucy Lennox and May Archer excel in bringing this small town to life is an understatement. Be sure to read Fakers first to fully appreciate this quirky community. 

This is an amazing mix of fun and light-heartedness with a serious story of self doubt and finding ones own worth. From the meet cute, which involves a crying baby and baby vomit, I was hooked. And from there, it just gets better. 

Diesel is perfectly loveable. A big, tough looking tattooed man, his inexperience with babies had me laughing out loud. But damn, his heart is huge and one can't help but to fall for him as he will do all he can to care for Marigold.

Then there's Parrish who I absolutely love. His feelings develop naturally, and his shopping trip melted my heart. 

The custody battle and pretend relationship aspect of this tale is what guides the story. The "proposal" is as quirky as the town itself. The relationship develops wonderfully, as they easily go from strangers to fake fiances, to lovers, to falling in love. 

If you enjoy sexual innuendos, this book/series is for you. The innuendos never stop and are definitely a part of the charm of Licking Thicket. Making it even better, the townsfolk never realize that they're saying sexual innuendoes. It's hysterical, non-stop fun. 

"...you might say bobbing is what Nutters do best." "It's all in the stance you see...Legs spread, mouth open wide..." I am still chuckling. 

And don't forget "Joyous Pikin' Tidings!"

As for swoon worthy moments, "...other guys might know how to kiss just fine, but Diesel Church knew how to kiss me." Seriously, just swoon! As for the sex, hot damn! These two have some sizzling chemistry. 

It's hard to explain how "special" this town is. I have nothing to compare it to. It's full of a myriad of unique characters. The town and it's people are lively and completely lovable. With plenty of small town antics, I can't get enough of this town. 

Liars is a must read when you're looking to just smile and laugh. I love this Lucy Lennox and May Archer book. Most of it's sweet, goofy, and pure  fluff. But underneath it all, these men and their journey is beautiful, emotional and heartfelt. This is one of those books that will be re-read often.

Until the next book, I wish you "Joyous Pikin' Tidings!"

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Lucy & May's release, we are giving away 3 eBook sets of Fakers & Liars!

 Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

 

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a5791/?

 

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After enjoying creative writing as a child, Lucy didn’t write her first novel until she was over 40 years old. Her debut novel, Borrowing Blue, was published in the autumn of 2016. Lucy has an English Literature degree from Vanderbilt University, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the years and years of staying up all night reading tantalizing novels on her own. She has three children, plays tennis, and hates folding laundry. While her husband is no shmoopy romance hero, he is very good at math, cooks a mean lasagne, has gorgeous eyes, looks hot in his business clothes, and makes her laugh every single day.

 

Lucy hopes you enjoy sexy heroes as much as she does. Happy reading!

 

Connect with Lucy:

Facebook Page | Lucy's Lair Facebook Group

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Website | Newsletter

Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

 

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May is an M/M author who lives in Boston. She spends her days raising three incredibly sarcastic children, finding inventive ways to drive her husband crazy, planning beach vacations, avoiding the gym, reading M/M romance, and occasionally writing it. She also writes MF romance as Maisy Archer.

 

Connect with May:

Facebook Page | Club May: Facebook Group

Twitter | Instagram

Website | Contact | Newsletter

Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

 

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Honesty: Ben & Eric (Six Degrees #2) by Sandy Smith

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link



Blurb

How do you build a relationship without honesty?

To care for his teenage sister and her newborn baby, Ben Sinclair gave up his carefree university student life, playing gigs with a band, and his boyfriend Wyatt, who he thought was the love of his life. Handling a breakup, bills, and a baby is bad enough. Then Ben discovers Wyatt was cheating on him their whole relationship, and everyone knew but Ben.

Finding out his ex wasn’t quite as honest as he thought shatters Ben’s confidence, but it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have time to do anything other than work, babysit, and stress over bills anyway.

When Ben starts a new job at a hotel and meets Eric, he begins to dream of a better life. Eric is hot, charming and funny. He’s also straight… or so Ben believes. Eric is everything Ben ever wanted but couldn’t possibly have.
Eric helps Ben find his footing and rediscover his passions. But when Ben discovers Eric has been lying to him all along about who he really is, can Ben ever forgive him? Or were they doomed from the start?

No matter what else happens, Ben vows never to make the mistake of falling for someone who lies again. There is no way he’d make that mistake a second time, right?

Honesty is a contemporary MM romance novel with some adult scenes and is not suitable for young readers


Review 
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Sandy Smith's Honesty: Ben & Eric is super sweet from the start. The second book in the Six Degrees series it's easily read as a standalone. 

Ben and Eric are two men who meet at work and a friendship is born. These two are complete opposites, upping the fun factor. 

Ben is tasked with raising his younger sister and her infant. He has major trust issues, after his lying ex cheated on him, and this is a main theme throughout. 

Their story is one that includes issues with one's own pride and work problems, It's a story of learning that love and support is what is most important in life.  

Making things even better, it's set in Australia. I love, love, love the Sydney mentions and how often the characters traverse the city. 

My favorite scene is actually the review scene. So damn funny. And then there are amazingly tender moments like the way Eric cares for baby Rory. 

Told in first person pov, the writing is fantastic. The writer's voice, tone, and story line kept me intrigued throughout. Written with heart, humor, and passion, the author had me experiencing everything first hand. There are some great twists and turns thrown in, which keeps the reader intrigued as well.

Honesty: Ben & Eric is completely charming. This Sandy Smith tale is a beautiful read full of inspiring character growth. I wish I could just live in this world. 

REVIEW TOUR - Today (Single Dads #2) by R.J. Scott

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Length: 55,500 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Goodreads Link

Single Dads Series 

Book #1 - Single -  Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

My Review

Blurb

When the world labels a man and judges them blindly, is it possible to ever find love?


Firefighter Eric is on the front line, battling the threat of nature’s destruction in the California grasslands alongside his CalFire team. Focused and calm, even in the direst of situations, he has a strong affection for his fire truck, loves his career, and has best friends he can rely on. All he needs now is love, but that seems to be impossible to find. At his friend’s wedding. Eric falls in lust at first sight with the shy, slim and sexy Brady, even if Brady isn’t the type of guy he usually goes for. What Eric longs for is an equal in his bed, not a smaller guy who might want Eric to role-play big strong firefighter every time they have sex. He wants to find someone he can be vulnerable with, someone who will love him for his soft heart and quiet ways.

Brady’s life plans grind to a halt when his niece and nephew lose their parents in a tragic accident, and he becomes a dad overnight. His Developmental Coordination Disorder rules his life, but he fights both DCD and the fears that chase him every day, to give Maddie and Lucas a home. Agreeing to go to a friend’s wedding is a decision he regrets long before he even gets there. But, he refuses to give in to his fear, even if he might do something that makes him a target for people’s comments and laughter. Meeting Eric, a huge man with a gentle voice and a flair for chivalry, he falls hard. Now, if only he can let himself get past his panic that Eric would never want someone like him, then maybe he could fall in love for real.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

From the start, I knew Today would be a 5 star book. RJ Scott always welcomes me into her character's world in a soothing and pleasant way. I instantly felt like a family member to this crew of men.

Brady, oh poor Brady. He's so lovable, yet so afraid of his shadow. With Developmental Coordination Disorder, he lacks social skills, and struggles to find his way in the world. Caring for his niece and nephew, he also struggles with raising them. He's always on the outside, and still isn't comfortable being there.

And Eric, I just adore the way Eric reacts to the awkward Brady. Not only is he a great man, he is great with Brady. Brady and Eric are fantastic together, with chemistry is off the charts. They fall together quickly, as they naturally fit into one another's lives. 

Theirs' is a story about loss, overcoming loss, and facing the fear of loss. It's a story of taking chances despite your past losses. It's about finding a man who shows you your strength, who gives you hope; of finding a man who sees beyond your weaknesses and loves you are you are.

This is my first time reading about Developmental Coordination Disorder, which is exactly as it sounds. It is fascinating to read about, both with it's physical effects and mental effects. It's written in a realistic manner, with knowledge, care, and compassion.

RJ Scott's Today is an extraordinary book. I loved every single moment and will definitely be re-reading this one. I can't wait to see what comes next in this superb series.

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

Email RJ rj@rjscott.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Instagram | Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

RELEASE BLITZ - Today (Single Dads #2) by RJ Scott

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | 

Universal Link

Length: 55,500 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Goodreads Link

Single Dads Series 

Book #1 - Single -  Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

My Review

Blurb

When the world labels a man and judges them blindly, is it possible to ever find love?

Firefighter Eric is on the front line, battling the threat of nature’s destruction in the California grasslands alongside his CalFire team. Focused and calm, even in the direst of situations, he has a strong affection for his fire truck, loves his career, and has best friends he can rely on. All he needs now is love, but that seems to be impossible to find. At his friend’s wedding. Eric falls in lust at first sight with the shy, slim and sexy Brady, even if Brady isn’t the type of guy he usually goes for. What Eric longs for is an equal in his bed, not a smaller guy who might want Eric to role-play big strong firefighter every time they have sex. He wants to find someone he can be vulnerable with, someone who will love him for his soft heart and quiet ways.

Brady’s life plans grind to a halt when his niece and nephew lose their parents in a tragic accident, and he becomes a dad overnight. His Developmental Coordination Disorder rules his life, but he fights both DCD and the fears that chase him every day, to give Maddie and Lucas a home. Agreeing to go to a friend’s wedding is a decision he regrets long before he even gets there. But, he refuses to give in to his fear, even if he might do something that makes him a target for people’s comments and laughter. Meeting Eric, a huge man with a gentle voice and a flair for chivalry, he falls hard. Now, if only he can let himself get past his panic that Eric would never want someone like him, then maybe he could fall in love for real.

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

Email RJ rj@rjscott.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Instagram | Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

The Guy From Glamour (The Guy #1) by Skylar M. Cates

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Anthony Carrino loves his big, gregarious Italian-American family, even if his sisters are interfering, and his dad, the local sheriff, knows everything going on in town. He’s happy as a middle school guidance counselor. Despite helping kids and their parents fix their problems, Anthony can’t manage to get his own love life right. If only everyone would stop calling him the “nice” guy.

Dean Pierce doesn’t do relationships. A tough-minded military man, he is dedicated to his job as a Night Stalker, flying Chinook helicopters and not speaking much to anybody. He certainly doesn’t want to deal with a mess of emotions. But when tragedy strikes, Dean finds his hands full with his troubled niece, her irresistible guidance counselor, and a meddlesome family, which includes a rather large puppy.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

The Guy From Glamour, by Skylar M Cates, is a tough review for me. I was hooked at the start, but the second half left me wanting.

Dean's world is upended when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of his niece, Nicki. Only having known the military world, he's lost. From the start, the writing had me invested in Dean's life. And you can't help but to love Moose, the puppy.

Anthony is there to help Dean pick up the pieces and help. Ends up the two men are very compatible and have some hot chemistry. Yes, there are some hot scenes!

This book is definitely about family. There's a whole lot of fun with Anthony's family. I love them all. And Nicki is someone who you can't help but to love and root for. She's definitely a teen with a chip on her shoulder, but for good reasons. Dean getting to know Nicki, and starting to get that sense of family, is wonderfully done. 

The bullying is spot-on, and left me hurting for Nicki. We've all seen kids bullying others, and it's awful to read this. Middle School sucks with the jealousy and the desire to cut others down.

The Guy From Glamour is definitely a little longer than I needed. A faster pace would have definitely improved this story, thus the 3.5 rating. But it's still a decent romance.