Redemption (Darkest Skies #1) by Garrett Leigh

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  ??

Goodreads Link

Reformed gangster Luis falls hard for his boss. When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.

Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.

Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.

And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.

Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Garrett Leigh's Redemption is a beautiful hurt/comfort romance. The first book in the Darkest Skies series, it's a fantastic start to what looks to be another amazing series by Garrett. 

Everything about this story works for me. The flawed characters are complex and lovable. The development of the relationship between Luis and Paolo is flawless. And the bond between the men is spectacular. 

There are endless layers to this storyline, as well as to the characters. The hearing issue is a brilliant addition to both Luis' character, as well as the storyline. I appreciate that one of the men is pansexual. And the theme of family is well explored.  

The danger and action is all thrilling, leaving me turning the pages as fast as possible. Luis' situation is heartbreaking, with the reader able to feel every emotion of hope, love, and hopelessness along with him. It's definitely a tough read at times. 

This is a wonderful romance full of tension and lots of heat. It's truly heartwarming, heart stopping, and heat inducing.  

The settings are so damn well explored, with the reader fully feeling they are there with the men. Hell, even when Luis is just walking down the street, I felt like I was the one walking. I felt all the fear and tension down to my bones. 

Redemption is a must read the next time you are in the mood for someone finding love while turning their life around. Garrett Leigh once again crafts a riveting story of getting a second chance at life. The title says it all, as Luis searches for his own redemption. 

South Main and Gentry (Willow Springs #1) by A.D. Ellis & Declan Rhodes

 

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Mitch Aiken serves up authentic small-town comfort food in Willow Springs’ South Main diner. Willow Springs is the kind of town where you hunt mushrooms in May while trying to avoid poison ivy. Mitch dominates the local food scene until young upstart Tanner Gentry arrives from Chicago to prove small-town foodies are aching for a contemporary approach to coffee and sandwiches.

The battle for the hearts and stomachs of Willow Springs residents is on with one major complication - the sexual chemistry between Mitch and Tanner is off the charts and everyone recognizes it except Mitch and Tanner themselves.

South Main and Gentry is a 53,000-word gay romance with enemies to lovers, age gap, and opposites attract themes. It is the first book in the Willow Springs series. All books can be read as standalone stories, but characters from each book will reappear across the series. A happily ever after ending is guaranteed.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

South Main and Gentry is a sweet, small town romance. AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes perfectly combine an age gap with opposites attract and enemies to lovers aspects. 

Overall, this is the story of two competitors trying to figure their way through their attraction. We see them slowly develop a friendship and then deal with their increasing feelings for each other. 

The business part is well done, with ups and downs between the men. They compete, they help, they hurt. I appreciate how well both places were brought to life, with their unique and special charms.

Mitch is so damn hurt from his past; unable to move past his pain. His diner means the world to him, not just as his livelihood, but as a way of holding onto his grandfather. With Tanner's new bakery offering so much to the town, it causes a lot of issues between the men. 

I love the slow burn between Mitch and Tanner. So much of this book is spent with them slowly going from rivals to friends. It takes a long time for a kiss to happen. Yay slow burn!

I definitely enjoy the men together, and my heart hurts for both of them. Mitch's anguish is well illustrated, as well as his pride. And Tanner's confusion, as he's finds himself enjoying small town life, takes a lot out of him. He came to town to start his business, planning to return to the city. Instead, he finds a new home in Willow Springs, which has a special small town feel, new friends, and the love of his life. Swoon.

The age gap is another large aspect of this tale. Mitch struggles with thinking a man so much younger would want to be with him. I love how all of this plays out.

The writing flows great and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The storyline is sweet and the men are likeable.  The small town is fully brought to life and is definitely charming. Small things add up to make the town special. Even the mushroom hunting had me happy. 

South Main and Gentry is a fabulous small town romance. And the authors definitely end this one on a sweet note. I am excited for AD Ellis and Declan Rhodes to continue their collaboration. I hope to revisit this town often. 

Blind Love (Online, Book 1) by C.K. Blake

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Slade:

An anonymous stranger online.
As the executive chef and owner of one of the city's best restaurants, I don't have time for relationships. But as I’m approaching my mid-forties, loneliness seeps in and something needs to change. After downloading a dating app called Blind Love, I develop a connection online with a stranger who goes by the name of RealDeal.

A new hire.
When Rhys, a bright-eyed college grad, walks into my restaurant looking for a job, I don't know if there's a position for him because he barely has any experience. But I love his passion for cooking so I give him a chance.

A spontaneous night out with Rhys culminates with a fiery kiss. At the same time, my virtual walls start to fall and I become more vulnerable online with RealDeal.
I'm attracted to Rhys physically and RealDeal emotionally. It's not a good idea to continue either relationship, but the fire growing in my heart is now too big to put out.

What are the chances that my new hire and the stranger I've been talking to online are the same person?

Is love really blind?

Blind Love is a full-length standalone romance novel with a HEA. It has no cheating, no love triangle, and no cliffhanger. Recommended for 18+.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Blind Love is a fabulous book by CK Blake. The first book in the Online Series, it is a crossover series to the Single Dads Club series by Candice Blake. 

I love this story. The characters are lovable, and the separate connections they make are thrilling. I adore Rhys' ambition and work effort. And Slade taking him in and teaching him is admirable. 

The characters from the Single Dads Club series are often present, contributing greatly to the storyline. If you have read those books, you will love getting to spend time with them again. 

This is a story that includes an age gap, some fantastic first times, and some surprises for the men. And, yes, the sex is hot! 

As I have said in my past reviews of Candice Blake books, I love the story, but have rated it less than 5 stars because of the dialogue. There remains too many "he saids" for my liking. But the storyline is wonderful and the characters terrific. 

Blind Love is one of those books that had me mesmerized throughout. It had it's fair share of predictable plotlines, but I love it all. This CK Blake book is sweet and full of romance. I am excited to see what happens next in this series. 

 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Indulge Me (Kitchen Gods #4) by Beth Bolden

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Indulge Me (Kitchen Gods #4)

Author: Beth Bolden

Publisher: Beth Bolden Books

Cover Artist: AngstyG LLC

Genre/s: Contemporary MM Romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: approx 80 000 words

It is a standalone story.

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Buy Links 

Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link

Amazon US

Amazon UK 

Blurb

Throughout the restaurant industry, Chef Bastian Aquino is a notorious control freak. For two very long years, Kian Reynolds has worked for Bastian as his special assistant, doing whatever he and his restaurant needs. The toughest part isn’t even all the impossible tasks he expects Kian to complete flawlessly—it’s the hopeless, endless love he feels for his older boss.

Falling for someone so far above him might be agonizing, but at least his feelings aren’t unrequited. Bastian fell in love right alongside him, but at the very beginning, they made the choice to abstain for logical, smart, professional reasons.

But love isn’t logical, it isn’t smart, and it definitely isn’t professional. It defies containment, even by Bastian. While he watches Bastian struggle with their attraction, Kian finally comes to the conclusion that he’s done.

He’s done standing off the side, done not getting any of the credit, done letting Bastian define the boundaries of their relationship. Most of all, he’s done waiting.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Beth Bolden's Indulge Me is a messy and complicated romance amidst the messy and complicated world of kitchen politics. And I enjoyed the hell out of it.

To say this romance is a slow burn is an understatement. Seb becomes Kian's mentor, making for awkward moments, as the attraction is high between them. 

They're in a no win situation, as Kian is learning lots from Seb, but they're both sad. This part is so damn depressing, as you can feel their pain, and the sexual tension. However, adding to the beauty of this story is the intensity of events once they are together. Their romance is full of longing and want, temptation, and so much time wasted fighting their feelings. 

And once together, these two aren't going to have things easy. They need to fight to find the correct juggle between control in and out of the kitchen. It's no secret that a chef rules his kitchen, as this is perfectly explored.

As I said, it's messy. But it's also intriguing and fun. These two love hard and fight harder. Bastian's hard-ass, gruff personally is splendid, and Kian is just so damn loveable. 

This compelling story is about love, and finding something important other than work. It's a tale of sexual frustration at it's max. There's tremendous personal growth in both men, as they deal with learning to give up control.

Beth Bolden once again impresses me with this insta attraction, that results in a slow-burn romance. Indulge Me, a May to December romance that's also mentor/student, this book is full of some wonderful tropes. Ultimately, their story revolves around control, and the extreme need for control, and it's well worth a read.

Excerpt

“I’m sorry,” Bastian said quietly. “I’m sorry I gave Xander the sous job, not when you deserved it.”

Kian had been dying for this apology for six months, but even the tender, apologetic look Bastian swiftly shot him wasn’t enough.

He wanted more. He wanted Xander’s old job. He wanted more than just the fleeting touch of Bastian’s fingers on his cheek. He wanted another kiss. He wanted even more than that.

It didn’t matter that it was dangerous or that Bastian had said it was impossible. It didn’t even matter that a part of Kian believed he was right, because there was another part of him that was actively rebelling. That part wanted more, and was not going to be placated with less.

“And you’re still going to try to convince him to come back?” Kian said incredulously. He didn’t need Xander back; they both knew it. Bastian could promote Kian and the kitchen would probably run better, not worse.

But Bastian couldn’t have looked more surprised than if Kian had been the one to walk out in the middle of prep.

“I don’t think you understand,” Bastian began, and Kian knew him well enough, knew his mental gymnastics well enough by this point that he knew exactly what he was going to say. I don’t apologize to anyone, and I’m apologizing to you. You’re special, you’re important, and you need to stay exactly where I’ve put you.

Kian had liked that place, but even at the beginning, it hadn’t quite felt like enough, and by now, two years in, Kian was tired of it and bored.

“I understand,” Kian cut him off. “More than you realize.”

Bastian’s hand dropped to his side and he flexed it, like he was trying to forget the way Kian’s skin had felt under his fingertips. Even if he never forgot, it wouldn’t be enough. Kian wanted to weasel his way under his skin, until there was nothing else between them. Until Kian didn’t know where he stopped and Bastian began. He loved him. Why had he ever thought this sort of half-relationship would ever be enough?

“I guess you do,” Bastian said slowly.

“I need to check on the soup,” Kian said and walked away.

He wanted to be shocked and incredulous that in one breath, Bastian would tell him that Kian should have had the job that was Xander’s and in the next, tell him he was getting Xander back. But the truth was, Kian wasn’t, at all.

He’d known the person Bastian was for a long time now, and he’d loved him anyway. Believing that his mother’s advice was solid, he’d loved the good and the bad parts of him, and that wasn’t going to change, at least not anytime soon. But he was done tolerating Bastian’s shit and he was done giving in.

Most of all, Kian was done being jealous of Luc for having things he never would.

About the Author 

A lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. She still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to start a chapter of Keeping Durham Weird.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published eleven novels and four short stories, with Indulge Me, the last book of the Kitchen Gods series, releasing in spring 2019.

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Yes, Chef (Amuse Bouche #2) by T. Neilson

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

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Blurb

A savory slice of first love.

Simon’s dad died when he was young, leaving Simon to take the reins of the family restaurant business—and the responsibility for his mother and brothers. His commitment to his duty left Simon time for little else, least of all romance.

Argentinian celebrity chef Luke Ferreya has wanted Simon since their culinary-school days, but for Simon, family always came first. Now Luke’s back in Simon’s life—briefly before he returns to South America—and he’s determined to give Simon a sample of everything he’s missed out on.

Simon’s brothers are grown, and his mother is doing fine on her own, and Luke is offering a second chance for a future full of the pleasures of fine food, wine, and especially love. Without his obligations to hide behind, can Simon finally allow himself to say “Yes, Chef”?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Yes, Chef is an interesting romance by T Neilson. Revolving around living the life one's expected to live, versus living the way one wants to live, it's a fantastic theme. The second of the Amuse Bouche series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Luke and Simon, former classmates and friends, meet up again, bringing up a whole lot of complications. I enjoy the way Luke dealt with his career and his desire to get out of his restaurant business. Simon's situation, however,  is heart-breaking, as he was never given a choice.  

Their romance is an emotional one. The two men are sweet together, as they help one another. Along the way, Luke and Simon have a lot of complications to deal with, including being honest with each other, and re-building trust. Simon's never been with a guy before, and their first time together is beautifully written.

Their romance deals with the struggle of figuring out who one wants to be, and how to deal with one's own expectations. The author does a wonderful job exploring the problem of not knowing what one wants, who one is, or who one wants to be.

The locations are well described, with the atmospheres being written is a great way. I could completely picture the land and the restaurants. 

Yes, Chef is a good read, full of hope and a chance to take control of one's direction in life. T Neilson definitely entertains in this tender romance. 

The Victorian (Lavender Shores #9) by Rosalind Abel

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Goodreads Link

Blurb

Sexy bartender Seth Marino is the epitome of the allure and sophistication for which the town of Lavender Shores is known. For twenty years, Seth has found contentment and happiness as co-owner of the Blue Blossom Bed-and-Breakfast. Seth’s kind heart, good looks, and humor charm both locals and tourists—except the one person who despises him.  
 
Charley Perez began building the life of his dreams a few years before Seth moved to town. Just as his hard work was about to pay off, Charley saw his hopes for building a restaurant worthy of his abuela’s recipes slip through his fingers when Seth arrived. Sure, maybe Charley has a temper, perhaps he should smile more, but does the whole world have to lay out the red carpet for the slutty bartender while never giving Charley a break?

When Lavender Shores welcomes a star-studded food-and-wine celebration, Seth and Charley are forced to work together, leading to an explosion of anger and passion. Both men find the heat and fire of hatred morphing into an irresistible attraction. But even as Seth sees a different side of Charley, the hurt and anger of the past simmer below the surface, threatening the future. And a lifetime of struggle isn’t easy for Charley, who must find the courage to show his true self in seeking help and reaching for his dreams. 

(Contains Lavender Shores maps and family trees.)

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I've love all of Rosalind Abel's books, but The Victorian is amazing!

It's essentially an enemies to lovers story, but it is so much more. It's complex, and tackles some important issues. 

It's a compelling story of someone who's so broken that he can't allow himself to be happy. It's a reminder to start imagining what you want and to find your happiness, your true love.

It's a wonderful story of two men who despised one another, yet never really knew each other. Sometimes we only see what we want to see, instead of seeing what's really happening. Their story perfectly captures this.

It's a tender, real, and raw look at a man suffering with mental health issues, and the shame that comes with it. The enlightenment that follows is well written and well developed.

The Victorian is another riveting and superb romance in the Lavender Shores series by Rosalind Abel. It's emotional and will push some of your buttons, as issues such as anger, anxiety and depression, are approached with understanding and tact. I love this book and cannot praise it enough!

Heart of a Redneck by Jodi Payne & B.A. Tortuga

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Colby McBride is a blue-collar cowboy trying to make ends meet laying tile in Colorado. A loner by choice, Colby works hard with his hands and finds his peace camping in the mountains outside Boulder. Gordon James is a white-collar restaurateur who owns not one, but two successful establishments in downtown Boulder. He’s a sophisticated urbanite who is devoted to his work and is accustomed to getting what he wants.

The men are friends, but sparks fly when Colby falls in love and decides to show Gordon how much fun a good old boy can be. They’re just beginning to explore their relationship when Gordon’s sister’s suicide leaves him with custody of his five-year-old niece.

Colby comes from a huge family and is eager to help with the girl and to prove his worth to Gordon. But neither of them is ready for the tremendous changes to their already busy lives, or for how this new relationship with Olivia challenges them, complicating the way they interact with each other.

They say opposites attract, but can these two very different men work together to join their disparate lives and form a strong, if highly unlikely, family?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I love Heart Of A Redneck by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga. 

In the beginning, I was a little put off by the writing, as it seems jittery and gets off to a slow start. But, wow am I glad that I continued reading. The pace picked up and I soon found myself fully invested in these characters.

When we first meet Gordon and Colby, they're in a casual relationship, involved just hook ups, despite Colby wanting more. But things change immediately when Gordon becomes the guardian for his five year old niece.  Suddenly Gordon is thrown into instant fatherhood, just trying to survive day by day. Admittedly there were times I wanted to yell at Gordon, but I still came to love him. 

I can't praise Colby enough, as he is one of the most gentle characters ever. He is absolutely caring, loving and selfless. He is a rare gem of a man. I also adore Oliva, Gordon's niece, as she's adorable and well written.

Heart of a Redneck does an amazing job of demonstrating how quickly life can change. It's beautifully written and positively gripping. I am thrilled to have found this sweet romance.