Unholy Yearning (Sinful Natures #2) by Lynn Burke

 

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As a Christian counselor, I strive for integrity in helping guide others in God’s will for their lives.

Until a young man walks into my office for premarital counseling—the stranger who ensnared my soul eight months earlier with his bewitching green eyes.

Levi Townson.

The one whose addictive, luscious mouth I can’t cleanse from my memory.

My hunger for another taste of him should assure me of my need for a savior, not shepherd me down the rabbit hole toward depravity.

Levi’s yearnings mirror mine, the kind that dominates my will. Incinerates and leaves me powerless against my sinful nature.

But if we fall from grace, neither of us will escape unscathed. 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Unholy Yearning is a hot forbidden romance by Lynn Burke. 

This book is hot from the start, with an arranged menage. That said, it took me a while to fully get invested in the characters. 

At first, I hated the circumstances of this story. Besides the taboo nature, and the two men desperately aching for each other, it just seemed so icky to me. I don't want to give the storyline away, so I am purposely remaining vague.

But, by the end, I enjoy the way everything plays out. 

This story includes an age gap and a whole lot of angst.

Overall, Unholy Yearning is an emotional, super steamy forbidden romance. 

He Made Me Do It by Zee Shine Storm

 

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Zayn

What is it like to be both Muslim and gay? Honestly? It feels like I've been cursed for all eternity. And then I had to go and fall for Asher Hannes and make it even more complicated.

Not only was he a guy, he happened to be my cocky and rebellious stepbrother who became the reason I began to get in trouble for things that weren't even my fault.

Just seven months of his mother having married my dad, seven months of living under the same roof with him and sometimes even sharing the same bed and I already knew I was going to hell. Because I couldn't keep fighting who I was around him. I couldn't keep ignoring how I felt.

Wanting him was wrong. I never intended to cross any lines. But he made me do it anyway.

Note: This is a high school romance but with 18+ content. It does contain controversial themes relating to religion and homophobia but overall, it's a feel-good love story.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

He Made Me Do It is a fantastic stepbrother romance by Zee Shine Storm. 

And yes, the author had me at stepbrothers!

There's a lot going on in this book. Taboo. Forbidden romance. Illegal work. Risky sex. And plenty of religious homophobia.

The forbidden relationship aspect is the main aspect throughout. First, they are new stepbrothers and that certainly is an issue in itself. But to make matters worse, Zayn is Muslim and is torn between his true feelings and his religious stance on homosexuality. 

This story is tough to read. The tension is large and ever looming throughout. 

But damn it's hot. If you enjoy stepbrother romances, this is a must read. 

Asher is quite badass. He's certainly capable of a lot and very self assured. But poor Zayn struggles with his self esteem and his conscience. 

Overall, I love this book. The boys are so damn good together and you can't help but to root for them to find happiness. I questioned how the author could ever help them find their happily ever after, but damn, they did and it's a fabulous ending.

He Made Me Do It had me engrossed throughout. I couldn't put this book down. This Zee Shine Storm romance is totally compelling and wonderful, yet definitely full of the stress of what's going to happen. I love it!

BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - You're My Home by Katie Moore

Blog Tour, 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.

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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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Waiting for Ru (Unfinished Business series #4) by Barbara Elsborg

 

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Ruari Byrne may not have had an easy life, but now he’s determined to live in the present, not his past. Trouble is, it’s hard to be independent when you’ve no money and no qualifications. All Ru knows is horses, and when he finds out that his beloved Joni and Cookie are off to auction, his heart is in his throat. How can he protect them if he can’t even look after himself?

Jasim bin Rajhi hadn’t intended to buy two working mares; the horses in his rarefied life are priceless polo ponies, but there’s something that intrigues him about the guileless young man who’s so concerned for their welfare. They might be worlds apart in every way, but Jasim doesn’t want this to be the last time he sees Ru. It can’t be because Ru might just be the one he’s been waiting for.

Reunited at Jasim’s polo grounds, the pair bond over lives lived in darkness and secrecy. But there’s a truth about Jasim that should make Ru bolt like his beloved horses. Jasim knows he should let Ru go for his own safety, and yet it feels like happiness might be within their grasp. Can they overcome their pasts and trust in a future, or will Jasim’s obligations forever have a hold on him?


Warning: contains references to past abuse and paid-for sex, physical violence and abduction. There is one oblique reference to suicide. But no horses were harmed in the making of this tale :)

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Waiting For Ru is a wonderful hurt/comfort romance by Barbara Elsborg. The fourth book in the Unfinished Business series, it can be read as a standalone. 

This entire series is marvelous, and Ru's story is no different. 

Ru and Jasmin meet under some emotional circumstances. Ru's attachment to his horses is well developed and felt throughout. 

Both men have harrowing pasts to deal with before they can truly be together. 

Ru's a man who has been saved after being abducted. The poor man is uneducated, unfamiliar with regular life, and without any support. In other words, all the feels come out.

Jasmin's a Prince who's stuck in the closet. For family and political reasons, he can't be out. But he can't resist the broken Ru. With Ru, for the first time, he's tempted to leave his easy life and live for himself.

These two together are wonderful. They definitely shouldn't be together, but they can only fight it for so long. And in the end, their relationship heals them both, as well as bringing them both to life.

Their story is full of attraction and an intense connection. Their chemistry oozes off the pages. Their story also includes horses, polo, and some danger. And it's lovely.

The writing is wonderful, with extremely well developed characters and a multi-layered storyline. This is not a light story, but as always, no one does hurt/comfort quite like this author. 

Waiting For Ru is a riveting and emotional romance. This Barbara Elsborg tale is a long, powerful tale that will leave you happy to have met these men. 

Morning Report: The Series (Morning Report #1-4) by Sue Brown

 

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Meet the gay cowboys of the Lost Cow Ranch…

Luke and Simon discover who their friends are when the town turns against them in Morning Report .

Tommy and Noah face their greatest fears in Complete Faith .

Ray and Zeke discover family is not always blood in Go-to Guy .

Simon is reminded that Luke needs to be shown who’s in charge in Luke’s Present .

Chip and Simon have to decide whether their love is worth the danger they face in Letters From a Cowboy.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Hot damn! I love Morning Report: The Series by Sue Brown. A collection of the first four books in the series, this is loaded with great characters, wonderful storylines, and plenty of hot sex. 

Taking place on a ranch, there's a slew of characters who contribute to this series, including plenty of secondary characters who I love. 

First of all, I absolutely love the meaning of the title. It's awesome. Just awesome. I won't give it away though. You need to read it to understand. And it's worth the read!

If you like cowboys, ranches, and big extended families, you will love this series. 

This collection of stories includes ongoing stories throughout, adding to the entertainment. There's an ongoing story revolving around a homophobia preacher and his scary preaching. There's family illnesses, injuries, danger, stress, and lots and lots of sex. Course with some hot voyeurism, including Tommy watching some fisting, oh man! Hot!

Just don't make me pick a favorite story, or couple. I just can't. I love them all. 

Morning Report: The Series is a must read the next time you're in the mood for a cowboy series surrounding the same ranch. Sue Brown wonderfully includes new couples in each book, all while keeping an ongoing storyline. I love everything about it. Don't miss this set!

Gideon's Wish by Bryan T. Clark

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He might be Mr. Right, but their timing is all kinds of wrong…
Gideon Miller is done letting his heart do the thinking for him. Been there, done that, still has the emotional scars to prove it. Besides, he’s leaving Los Angeles soon. There’d be no point in starting up a new romance now. But when he meets the off-the-charts sexy, ex-military man next door, Gideon starts to question everything…

Isaiah Williams needs a fresh start. With his time in the Navy—and a painful, toxic relationship—behind him, he’s ready to start a new life. Now all he has to do is figure out how to keep his matchmaking mother out of his business…and how to not fall for his sweet, nerdy, and entirely too attractive neighbor…

They’re complete opposites with nothing but trust issues in common. Their timing? Terrible. And yet…none of that matters when they’re together. Will love be enough to get Gideon and Isaiah to happily ever after? Or are they destined to remain star-crossed?

“Gideon’s Wish, a standalone, steamy, lightly angsty, M/M contemporary romance, features a loveable, openly gay handyman and the not-so-openly gay alpha male of his dreams. HEA guaranteed. Download today and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite read.”

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Gideon's Wish is a deep and intriguing romance by Bryan T Clark. 

The author spares no expense with tackling some heavy issues. Religion. Race. HIV. And more.

This tale is full of religion issues, with a family who's religious "when convenient". 

It's heavy with racial issues, with a family who believes they all need to date a person of color. 

The HIV issue is also an ever looming issue, including the fear of telling a someone you have HIV. The author also explores the the fear of being sexual again, despite one's positive status. 

Despite all the complicated family issues, there's one family member I love. Isaiah's mother is wonderful. 

Gideon's Wish is a terrifically sweet romance. This Bryan T Clark read is a tale of choosing happiness; of choosing your own path in life. It's a nice read and definitely worth checking out the next time you are looking to read a romance of someone with an HIV status, or an interracial romance. 

Falling in Love and Other Bad Ideas (One More Thing #7) by F.N. Manning

 

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Sometimes bad ideas are the hardest ones to resist...
Zach Ahmad is more used to fooling around than falling in love. In fact, the bi baseball player’s fondness for having a good time earns him many parental lectures from his disapproving father. But Zach isn’t expecting anything to change during his senior year, until he literally falls into the arms of the new boy at school.

When the new guy isn’t impressed by his charms, Zach can’t help but be intrigued by the dog-lover and do-gooder. Even if his meddling friends are trying to turn his life into a romcom. Just when Zach is ready to take a chance on something real, a curveball from his dad puts his whole future in jeopardy. Can Zach face his biggest challenge ever and still fall in love, or will he fall flat?

Falling in Love and Other Bad Ideas is an LGBT romance about what happens when a guy who never falls in love finds himself in a romantic comedy filled with meet cutes, matchmaking friends, and supposedly adorable canines. While characters in this story appear in the One More Thing universe, this standalone Zach novel can be read separately from the other books. 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Falling in Love and Other Bad Ideas is a fun young adult novel. To me this FN Manning book is more about teen life and the pursuit of romance than actual romance, giving us a nice coming of age tale.

Zach's at a crossroads, with some major life decisions to make. He also has some issues with his brother that are extremely profound. The faith aspect of this tale is a major leading factor for Zach's behavior. He struggles with the fine line for a Muslim teen, figuring out who he is in relation to the lifestyle he desires and his religion's rules. 

There are multiple narrators, all funny and quirky, with plenty of meddling friends. It's scattered and crazy, yet perfectly fitting for these characters. It's all written in an honest way. It's sharp and quick witted, with a fast pace, so don't let your mind wander much, or you'll find yourself soon confused. 

I definitely enjoyed Falling in Love and Other Bad Ideas. Since this is only my second FN Manning read, I am excited to go back and read the earlier books in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quirky, fast and fun young adult read. 

Savage Grace (Murphy Brothers Book 3) by Spencer Spears

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My ex in my bed is a bad idea. But consequences are for when the sun comes up…

Connor: If there’s such a thing as a soul, Julian Jackson owns mine.
But that doesn’t mean I want to see him.

I left Summersea Island 10 years ago, nursing wounds from a past I’d rather forget.
Julian was my first love and my first heart-break.
He saved me when I thought I was beyond saving—then turned his back when I tried to return the favor.

When work takes me back to Summersea unexpectedly, I promise myself I’ll steer clear.
But I don’t even make it a week before I’m on my knees in front of him.
And I don’t last a month before he’s back in my bed.

In high school, we had to hide what we were to each other. And Julian’s still hiding—still convinced he has to face all his demons alone.

No one’s ever told Julian he’s worth fighting for.
But I’ll be damned if I lose him again.

Savage Grace is the 3rd book in the Murphy Brothers series, which follows a family of brothers as they find their sweet, snarky, and steamy happily-ever-afters on small-town Summersea Island. Each book can be read on its own—but why would you do that, when you could read them all together? Savage Grace is a 125,000 word m/m romance with second chance, out-for-you, and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Saving Grace, the third book in the Murphy Brothers series, is another tremendous small town romance by Spencer Spears. The author excels at developing the small town feel. And in this small town, there's a continued fight against condos being built versus protecting the land. 

Julian and Connor have a second chance at love when Connor returns home to help the town against the developers. The two are working together on a committee and the tension is ever present, along with anger and resentment. Forgiving Connor for leaving will not be an easy feat for Julian. 

Julian's past is painful. Not only is he scarred from Connor leaving, his father is religious, homophobic, and abusive. Thus, he's always remained in the closet. Every choice Julian has made has centered around his desire to keep his sister safe. 

This is a story with years up built up resentment, pain, and confusion, as well as attraction and want. It's a story with lies, sneaking around, and denial. Overall, it's a story of two men in love put into a no win situation. As much as Connor may still want his ex lover, he knows Julian isn't capable of giving him what he wants. 

There are plenty of problems for these men along the way. In addition to trying to figure themselves out, they have to deal with Julian's homophobic father, a vindictive boss, and an ass of a former classmate. 

As a couple, they are sweet, complimenting one another wonderfully, and bringing out the best in each other. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, I love the author's writing style. As usual, the author develops a long and detailed story, that never has an extra, unneeded word. He manages to delve into amazing character reflections at times and keeps the reader riveted throughout. 

Saving Grace is a beautiful story with a wonderful ending. Spencer Spears impresses in this complex tale full of heart and character growth. Put some time aside for this amazing romance that explores living for others, always trying to please people, instead of reaching for what you want and living your life for yourself. You won't be disappointed.