RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Press (White House Men #1) by Nora Phoenix

 

Goodreads Link

Amazon US   -  Available in KU

Henley is off-limits for Levar. So why can’t he stay away?

Five years ago, Levar survived a terrorist attack. The bombing left its scars, but he’s picked up his life. He loves working for the vice president—who is openly bisexual—as his press secretary.

Levar can’t afford a pesky attraction that proves to be frustratingly stubborn. Worse, those highly combustible sparks are with the very last person he should be falling for: Henley Platt, a well-known reporter covering the White House.

Henley may not be Levar’s enemy, but he’s definitely not his friend. He can’t be, not when their jobs put them on opposite sides. Henley is absolutely off-limits, even when he shows his appreciation for the sexy lingerie Levar loves to wear.

When the terrorists strike again with a devastating blow to the White House, Levar and Henley lean on each other for support. The sparks become a raging fire that won’t be doused, but what happens if they’re found out?

Press is the first book in the White House Men series, a romantic suspense gay romance series set in the White House. Think The West Wing but gay, and with less politics. Each book has a new love story with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot will continue throughout the books, so the series needs to be read in order. Press has 100k words. TW for terrorism and violence.

________________________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Nora Phoenix's Press is the first book in the White House Men series. And it's fabulous. From the first page, I was hooked. 

Set in The White House, this book illustrates some of the crazy atmosphere and pace of working in The White House. I have never seen The West Wing, but am told this is modeled after that show. Thus, anyone who's a fan of that show, will definitely love this book. I know I loved it. 

The writing style is wonderful, as I've come to expect from this author. The characters are complex and their storyline full of action, danger, romance and more. There's plenty of time devoted to the conflict of interest aspect which is all well done. And then there's the kink. This is an author who always delights us with some kink, and this time it's a business man who wears panties under his suits. Hot!

Levar and Henry make for a fantastic couple. They both experienced a horrific terroristic attack, which is all very well detailed. And then they find themselves in political jobs that won't allow them to be together. I love the conflict involved and the forbidden aspect of the storyline. 

This is a tale with lots of political talk, along with plenty of suspense and intrigue. Both men are working in their dream jobs and the friendship that develops is compelling, making for a nice read. But it's the attraction, tension, and desires that make this one ever better. 

If you don't like politics, I don't think that matters too much. Yes, there is plenty of politics involved, but overall, everything has to do with these men, their jobs, and their connection to the political scene. 

Press is a fun story. This Nora Phoenix gem starts the White House Men series on a stellar note. I can't wait to see what happens next to all the characters involved and the overall mystery. Basically, this book is a great forbidden romance which will leave you happy to have read it. 

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Out of everything he could’ve said, his brain latched on to one thing Henley had mentioned. “You like my panties?”

Henley shot him a questioning look. “You sound surprised. Wouldn’t every man in my situation appreciate them?”

Levar propped himself up on his elbow. “Some men feel they’re too feminine.”

“Really? Let me have a better look.”

Before Levar realized what he was doing, Henley had whipped the covers off him, exposing him and his still-hard dick in all its glory. Henley took him in, then licked his lips with a smack. “Nope, nothing feminine about that, and that’s coming from a man who can appreciate feminine curves as much as a male hard body and anything in between. You’re all male, baby, and those panties are delicious on you. Absolutely edible.”

He dropped the covers back onto Levar, who lay stunned for a moment. What the hell had just happened? But then he cracked a smile, which morphed into a full laugh. “You’re nuts.”

Henley winked at him. “True, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”

_________________________________________________________________________________

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self-doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self-help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norasnook/

My weekly newsletter not only gives you updates, exclusive content, and all the inside news on what I’m working on, but also lists the best new releases, 99c deals, and freebies in gay romance for that weekend. Load up your Kindle for less money!  Sign up here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: @NoraFromBHR

On Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/

On Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-phoenix

Exposed by Skylar M. Cates

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

After years of running from a traumatic secret, young journalist Rafe Quintero is making his way in the world alone. Now that he’s landed a job at a Miami newspaper, he’s hungry for success. His goal? A blistering exposé on closeted PGA golfer Daniel Andrews. Rafe will stop at nothing to get the scoop—even if it means going undercover on Daniel’s private yacht.

Daniel is used to being in the spotlight, but his reputation for being cold and unfriendly hasn’t made him very popular. Still reeling from his mother’s death and his ex-boyfriend’s engagement, he hides out on his yacht to escape the press hounding his every step. His instant attraction to Rafe, his new crew member, is a problem he can't ignore.

When Rafe and Daniel begin a steamy affair, Rafe knows it’s only a matter of time before Daniel discovers his betrayal. Now he has to choose: confess and hope Daniel can swallow his pride and forgive him, or put his ambition ahead of his heart and follow the story 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Exposed is an interesting read by Skylar M Cates. It starts off a little slow, but it didn't take long to have me obsessed with the story.

Daniel's a PGA golfer who is wanted by the press. Everyone wants to know why he walked away from the game and they want to prove he's gay. The adventure starts with an undercover reporter assignment by Rafe, as he takes a job on Daniel's yacht. 

What follows is a sweet romance between two men who clearly compliment one another well, all developing upon lies of omission. My heart was breaking for these two. I truly enjoy them together and wish they didn't have a game changing obstacle in their way.

They are hot together, they are open and mostly honest with one another, and they trust one another. But then...

When the angst hits, I was gutted. It was no surprise, but it had me hurting none the less. I felt every single second of the betrayal and pain.

Sports romance are my go-to, as I am utterly addicted to them. With Daniel being a golfer, I love the sports aspect of this story. That said, if you are not a sports fan, take note that this book takes place away from the game. Rather, this is a tale exploring the greedy nature of the press to invade every aspect of famous people's lives. Every second of that is realistic and well written. 

Exposed is a riveting read. Kuddos to Skylar M Cates for creating a romance that has disaster written all over it from the start, yet drawing me in hook, line, and sinker. I couldn't put this book down. It is nothing complex, but it had me connecting fully to the characters and their journey. I love it. 

Deacon's Defender (Protect and Serve #2) by Pandora Pine

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Hot on the trail of a crazed arsonist, Fire Captain Ozzy Graves has been ordered to stick close to the number one suspect in the string of deadly fires; mild-mannered newspaper reporter, Deacon Fairbanks.

Spending time with Ozzy is a dream come true for Deacon, who’s been in love with the ornery captain from afar. Deacon’s wildest dreams become reality when Ozzy asks him out.

The new relationship burns hot, but there’s trouble in paradise. Each of the lovers is keeping a devastating secret that could not only threaten to send Ozzy and Deacon’s fledgling relationship down in flames, but the entire city as well. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pandora Pine's Deacon's Defender is a great addition to the Protect and Serve series. The second book in the series, reading the first book is necessary to set up the mystery.

As part of the ongoing series storyline, there are more fires being started and the mystery of finding the arsonist remains. It's a a good mystery weaved with a budding romance. And with the ongoing evidence, there's a huge conflict of interest. 

It's an enjoyable tale of two men who are attracted to each other, but each has a secret. Ozzy and Deacon are an enjoyable couple. Their backstories are complex, making them both intriguing characters. They each have their own struggles and together, an even bigger one.  

Ozzy's physical scar makes for a wonderful aspect of the story. With his scars being a tough thing for him his entire life, Deacon brings a whole new perspective to the scars, creating some sweet and tender moments. 

All told in 1st person pov, from Ozzy's pov, I love the fast pace, quick wit, and amazing dialogue. 

Once again, the McCoy family, with Ozzy as one of the sons, is adorably charming and lovable. I want to be a part of their family. I love everything about them. They are as supportive, yet full of banter as well. 

Overall, Deacon's Defender is wonderfully entertaining. Pandora Pine kept me riveted with the mystery and intrigued with the romance. It's the perfect blend when you're in the mood for some suspense with your love story. 

Secrets from the Edge by S.C. Wynne

Amazon Link 

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Once a rising super star in the competitive world of snowboarding, Keith Williams is grappling with the results of a horrible crash that almost wrecked his body and ripped his confidence from him. Four surgeries later he’s struggling with debilitating fear, but trying to hide it, even as he forces himself to fight his way back to his number one spot.

Keith grudgingly agrees to take part in a snowboarding documentary his buddy is shooting. He hopes that the documentary will help entice sponsors to return and get him back on top where he belongs. Unfortunately, a reporter is also coming along on the shoot.

Jesse Royce is a journalist embedded on the snowboarding documentary. Keith and Jesse have a past sexual relationship, but Keith knows he still needs to hide his lack of nerve from his ex-lover. Jesse is looking for a juicy story, and Keith can’t afford to let his guard down.

Unfortunately, Keith’s loss of nerve isn't the only secret he’s keeping; he also has a dark, heartbreaking past he’d rather no one knows about.

But no matter how much Keith hates it, no secret can stay hidden forever.

Secrets From the Edge is a 53,000 word story about recapturing courage and learning to trust and love again. This is a re-release originally published in 2015.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Secrets From the Edge is a great sports romance, which is one of my favorite things to read. This SC Wynne story is sweet while also being very serious. 

Keith's a snowboarder who's trying to get back to the sport after an injury. Adding to his stress is an ex coming to work with him as a reporter. The problem? Keith is closeted and does not want to be outed. On top of that, he's ashamed of his past, not wanting anyone to learn his secrets.

I enjoy the underlying angst of their conflict of interest throughout. After all, an athlete getting involved with a reporter sent to write about him isn't an easy ride.

This is a story with stellar character growth, as Keith learns about himself as well as his relationships with others. It's a fantastic story of reevaluating the benefits of friendship and love.

The teammate issues are a huge part of Keith's character development. I enjoy this, as we all know that there's always some jealousy involved. But it's his stoic nature that is his real problem with his fellow snowboarders. I absolutely love this aspect of the story, as what one sees as being self sufficient, another resents.

The writing is excellent, with stellar dialogue. The author expertly draws the reader into the tension and pull throughout. There are some great secondary characters who add a lot to the story. 

Secrets From the Edge is an impressive sports romance. I definitely recommend it when you're in the mood for your next complex-athlete-falling-in-love story. 

RELEASE BLITZ, GIVEAWAY &REVIEW - Hold Me Up (Chasing Gold #1) by Colette Davison

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Hold Me Up (Chasing Gold Book 1)

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Independently Published

Cover Artist: Colette Davison

Release Date: January 29, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Second chance, sports, slow burn, hurt/comfort

Themes: Forgiveness, trusting others, dedication, self-care

Heat Rating: 2 - 3 flames

Length: 68 500 words

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Can second chance love survive past trauma?

Reece has one goal: to compete in the Olympic Games. With the gymnastics World Championships looming, his dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.

When his childhood sweetheart, Alex, walks back into his life unexpectedly, Reece’s world is turned upside down. Alex was the boy who inexplicably pushed him away and broke his heart; the boy he still loves.

When the truth behind their break-up is revealed, Reece wants to hold Alex up and give him the strength to heal.

But can Reece be Alex’s rock, and remain focused on his training, or will his Olympic dreams suffer in the process?

Hold Me Up is a MM second chance romance, with a slow-burn relationship and lots of hurt/comfort. It’s the first in a series of books that follows male artistic gymnasts as they chase gold.

Trigger warnings: Hold Me Up features a character who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks due to a past event that is briefly described.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Hold Me Up is a captivating second chance sports romance by Colette Davison.

Four years after Alex broke up with Reece, completely ghosting him, they are reunited. Alex, a man of self sacrifice, is led by his need to support, from afar, the one that he loves. He's haunted by the demons of his past, spending the past four years with panic attacks, distancing himself to the point of putting off everyone. 

And poor Reece has no idea that any of this has happened. His focus has firmly been on making the Olympic team, and suddenly he's faced with his ex. 

Both men are well developed, interesting characters. Both are written in a manner that draws the reader right into their emotions and actions. And both are positively loveable.

The author excels in her extraordinary illustration of Alex's anxiety stemming from trauma. She does a fantastic job handling the writing of panic attack hangover. It's all written with knowledge, compassion, and care.

I enjoy the uniqueness of this story. We don't get to read about gymnast often. And the strength of their love is extraordinary. For them to be so young, and yet so purely devoted to each other is inspirational and all consuming. It's absolutely beautiful. 

Hold Me Up is a wonderful story of healing through love and support. A tough subject matter, Colette Davison handles it well, creating a riveting and complex amazing read that I couldn't put down. You can't go wrong with this book. The storyline, the characters, the emotions, and the love are superb. Just read it.

Excerpt

“Pizza and beer, as requested.”

Alex’s smiled deepened as he stood back, allowing Reece to enter.

“Are we eating at the table, or are we going to be uncouth?” Reece made eyes at the sofa and then frowned playfully. “How can you be uncouth when you can’t be couth?”

Alex chuckled. “You’re an idiot.”

“It’s true, though,” Reece pointed out, kicking the door shut behind him. “Just like you can be over- or underwhelmed, but you can’t actually be whelmed. The English language is weird.” Raising the hand carrying the beer, he pointed to the table and then the sofa. “Table or sofa?”

Alex considered the question. The sofa would be far more relaxed, but he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. In just a few days, most of his barriers regarding Reece had crashed down. He was enjoying having Reece back in his life, but he felt like it was for all the wrong reasons.

Reece took the decision out of his hands. “The table is occupied by your laptop. Let’s take the sofa.” He put the pizzas and beer on the coffee table before flopping down on one end of the sofa. He looked up at Alex expectantly. “Are you joining me?”

Alex glanced at the table, wondering if he should offer to move the laptop. It would have taken him two seconds to close the lid and prop it against the wall and only slightly longer to take it back through to his bedroom, but he didn’t want to. Instead, he wandered to the kitchen units and grabbed the bottle opener from the drawer.

“Good call,” Reece said as he pulled two bottles out of the cardboard pack. He held them both while Alex flipped the lids off, and then gave one to Alex. “I got us garlic bread,” he declared. “And I seem to remember that you’re not much of a fan of topping on pizza, so I’ve got a margherita for you and pepperoni for me.” He took a swig of beer before opening up the pizza boxes and handing Alex his. Then he reclaimed the bottle. “We should have a toast.”

Alex raised his eyebrows as Reece lifted his bottle.

“To you. Reporter extraordinaire.”

Alex felt heat creep up into his face. “I don’t—”

“I do,” Reece cut him off. “Like I said earlier, your article was amazing.” He glanced around the room. “You should cut it out and frame it.”

The heat swept up to Alex’s hairline and into his ears. “My boss already did.”

“Where is it? I don’t see it up anywhere.”

“At work.”

“On the wall?”

Alex shook his head.

“You need to bring it home. I’ll help you put it up, if you want?”

Alex dipped his chin. “I—”

“It’s your first article. It’s a big deal, Alex and you should be bloody proud of yourself.”

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub

Goodreads

Instagram

Mailing List

Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $10 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts here

GRL 2019 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - The Scoop by Louisa Keller

In my attempt to cover some of the attending authors for this year's GRL,

I am reviewing 

Louisa Keller's

The Scoop!

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

BLURB

“I don’t normally open up to anyone like this…”

Neil: Until I met Easton Devereux, I had no idea that a single night could change my life. One minute our eyes were meeting in a hotel bar, and the next I was falling hard for him. Instead of holding back like I normally do, I found myself wanting to share every part of myself with Easton—my deepest secrets, my darkest fears, and every inch of my body. Saying goodbye in the morning was the hardest thing I’d had to do in years, and I drove up to Maine lamenting the fact that we only had one night together. Or so I thought…

When Monday morning rolls around, I find myself standing in my brand-new classroom, where I will spend the next year teaching philosophy to the students at an elite private high school. And who is sitting there, drumming his fingers on his desk? None other than my life-changing one-night stand.

“There are things you don’t know about me. Big things.”

Easton: At twenty-three years old, I’m well on my way to achieving my goal of becoming an award-winning journalist. When my boss sends me to the exclusive Laurelhurst Academy to go undercover as a student, I’m over the moon. This is my chance to break a huge story. But everything starts to crumble around me when I find myself face-to-face with the man I slept with—and started falling for—right before arriving at Laurelhurst.

I desperately want to tell Neil the truth about who I am, but blowing my cover is not an option. For one thing, I can’t do anything that might jeopardize the story I’m breaking. But the bigger issue is Neil’s safety, because I was sent to Laurelhurst to uncover the principal’s homophobic hiring and firing practices, and the more Neil knows, the more likely his job will be in jeopardy.

The Scoop is a contemporary romance with student/teacher, hurt/comfort, and hidden relationship themes, plus a very happy ending.

REVIEW

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Louisa Keller's The Scoop is a great teacher/student romance. 

This is the story of Easton and Neil, who meet and have a hook up that feels meaningful. Ends up they're in class together, as student/teacher. Taboo, right? Well, Neil doesn't know that Easton's actually an undercover reporter posing as a student. 

The heart of their story revolves around the fact that Neil's a closeted professor working for a homophobic university administration. With this being the administration Easton's investigating, the secrets and lies are all they have. Neil's hiding his relationship with Easton from everyone, and Easton's hiding his undercover status from Neil, as well as everyone else. Yikes! 

Having a relationship based on lies, their romance is more than just a taboo one. Their story involves PTSD, a fire, and trauma. Their story is one of learning to live with pain. It's a story of learning to trust and take chances. 

The author's writing is fantastic, with loveable characters, a great storyline, and a wonderful pace. 

Louisa Keller's The Scoop sucked me in from the start, leaving me reading late into the night. I couldn't put his superb romance down. 

Louisa Keller

Louisa Keller is a queer adventuress who has spent most of her life living in New England and the Pacific Northwest. While her academic background revolves mainly around French Studies and Philosophy, she has strayed from these considerably in her professional pursuits. Over the years Louisa has been a tutor, goat farmer, concierge, and freelance copywriter. She has also hiked hundreds of miles across northern Spain, volunteered at a medical clinic in Honduras, and spent many a summer living in small cabins and platform tents. When she's not off gallivanting, Louisa can be found with a whiskey-ginger ale in one hand and a Philip Pullman book in the other.