Showing posts with label sex worker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sex worker. Show all posts

Friday, June 4, 2021

Risqué Business by Brittany Cournoyer

 


Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link





He's not Julia Roberts, and I'm not Richard Gere. We’re way better.

Warner isn't looking to be rescued. He knows he can't turn tricks forever, but he has plans. In the meantime, he gets paid well for his skills. Plus, sometimes he gets guys like a certain redheaded virgin who make Warner's job worth it. Still, no one ever wants to take the time to see Warner for who he is outside of the bedroom.

Most days, Troy is too busy to think about all those years of being teased for being the fat gay kid. But others, it doesn't matter how successful he is, he's painfully aware that he is almost 30 and still a virgin. Sick of waiting for Mr. Right, he decides to hire Mr. Right Now.

What was supposed to be a one-and-done turns into a repeat performance when Troy hires Warner to play the part of his loving boyfriend for a weekend wedding. He could be in real danger of believing the fantasy, but Troy is nothing if not a realist. There's no way someone so hot, so smart, so amazing could ever look at Troy and want him for who he is.

Right?
 




My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Risque Business is a sweet fake boyfriend romance by Brittany Cournoyer. 

First of all, I have to admit that I struggled with this one at the start. With Troy hiring Warner to take his virginity, the scene is fine, but the emotions weren't quite clicking for me yet. 

But later, oh...the emotions!

I love the way things evolve for Troy and Warner. The emotions are front  and center as their feelings evolve. 

It's all super sweet and feel good. It's definitely a fake boyfriend/Pretty Woman feel and I certainly can't complain about that. 

By the end, I was fully invested in this romance and couldn't put it down. 

The men are complete opposites, both in the period of their lives, as well as their experiences. Seeing the way they connect and help one another to grow is fabulous. 

As for my problems with the beginning, I think I just didn't connect with Troy at that point. I don't think I ever felt why he cared about losing his virginity so badly. I needed more at that point. But, in the end, I can easily overlook that issue.

I enjoy and appreciate the way the author handled the aspect of being an escort. One friend enjoys what he does. And while Warren certainly doesn't mind it, he grows over time and his feelings about it change. I definitely like the way this is executed.

Risque Business is a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a feel good, heart warming romance. Brittany Cournoyer left me smiling and swooning. 



Wednesday, May 5, 2021

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Whatever He Needs by Mia Kerick

 

Release Blitz Banner

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Whatever He Needs
By Mia Kerick



CORE VALUES

Liam McAllister might be a preppy rich kid, but for one night all he cares about is finding the seediest bar in town and forgetting his complicated life for a few hours. When a captivating purple-haired go-go dancer catches his eye, his plans change.

Following in his larger-than-life father’s footsteps is ingrained in his DNA, but this dancer, who is nothing like what his parents expect of him, is a desire Liam can’t ignore.

For Dimmy Cirillo, being dissed is nothing new. After his mother’s death, he's sought his cruel, narcissistic father’s approval, only to learn he’s nothing more than a commodity to the heartless man. When a sexy patron shows him a life he's always dreamed of, he revels in the attention, even though he knows it’ll never last.

A swift kick of reality has Liam questioning his duty to his father, and puts his relationship with Dimmy in jeopardy. They must find a way to break free from their pasts if they’re ever going to have a shot of building a future together.

Universal Link

Goodreads


My Rating - 5 Stars!

Whatever He Needs is an extraordinary hurt/comfort story by Mia Kerick.

This is not an easy read, so consider yourself warned. It's heavy, but it's wonderful. 

Dimmy's situation is vile, as his father is basically pimping him out at his whim. Poor Dimmy feels he has no option. His father is the master of manipulation and Dimmy is the one who suffers. 

As for Liam, he struggles a lot too, as he's closeted and spends his life faking his sexuality. It definitely causes him a lot of confusion, as well as conflict, as he can't face telling his family his truth. He grew up with certain expectations and is stuck in the world his family wants for him.

The opposites attract factor is large here, with two men who come from different worlds and are polar opposites. At the beginning of the book this is firmly established. 

But oh man, there is so much more to these men. They're complex and wounded. They're lovable and hurting. They're both being controlled by other people and it's tough to read. The conflict this causes between the two is well done.

I appreciate the way the author explores Dimmy's dependence issues, and the way he finally sees that he can fly on his own. His new found confidence is amazing. 

This is a tale of finding someone worth coming out for. This is a tale of finding someone who shows you what you're worth. This is a tale of taking control of one's life. 

I continued to love the author's writing style. Everything flows well and her stories are always multi-layered and powerful. These complex men have one hell of a story to tell. 

Whatever He Needs is a compelling read with all the feels. Mia Kerick once again impresses me with the depth of her stories. These men capture my heart early on and I couldn't read fast enough. As usual, this is another Mia Kerick book that is a must read. It's powerful, impressive, and memorable. 

 

 

Liam

“Ogle him all you like, Ralph Lauren, but Dimmy’s the pay-for-play type. And it’ll cost you a pretty penny—Gregory’s saving his ass for top dollar.” The bartender — a lanky woman with a tight platinum-blonde afro and a smoker’s voice —nods at the go-go boy I’ve been gawking at since I sat down. “How about another drink to replace some of that drool?”

I nod, unable to tear my gaze away from the scene in front of me.

The scenery I’m so eagerly soaking up is of the human variety. In particular, the barely legal go-go boy named Dimmy, who’s gyrating his unnaturally flexible body on top of a glowing lime-green cube set up dead center of the dimly lit, jam-packed dance floor. At the moment, he’s dancing—if you can call it that—to a smoky 80s tune. One I recognize about the singer’s desire to be his lover’s father figure, and a song that makes me think, thanks to my own daddy issues. Which my respectable, successful, and remarkably satisfied-with-his-perfect-life father has no clue about. Long story.

Alva grunts and rolls her eyes. “All I’m saying is, if I was in your penny loafers, I’d keep my distance.”

Perched on a torn pleather bar stool in the All the Feels Lounge, my elbows are pretty much glued to a sticky tile bar top that likely hasn’t been scrubbed down since the late 1980s. I’d be willing to wager my Salvatore Ferragamo Braided leather loafers—a very far cry from penny loafers—that the grout between the tired beige tiles houses colonies of yet unidentified bacteria. Shit, this place illustrates the essence of tackiness overkill. Death by campy décor—even the ceilings are mirrored.

I’m not going to lie, though. The sight of the dancer moving to the sultry tune makes up for the dingy surroundings. He’s something to behold— the essence of I-don’t-give-a-shit. A guy living outside the lines, whereas I’m freakishly respectful of them.

Dimmy looks like someone more than the average hottie paid to dance half-naked on a pedestal in a gay bar. He seems raw, unashamed, genuine. In some ways, he’s over-the-top, though it has little to do with his septum ring and lip piercing. Bird tattoos fly over his skin every which way, across his stubbly chest, and right up his neck until they reach the dazzling mop of purple on his head. Between his gaping denim vest and black leggings, little of his lithe body is left to the imagination, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.


Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Whatever He Needs, Mia is giving readers the chance to win a $10 Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57199/?


Award-winning gay romance author, Mia Kerick, knows that a satisfying romance novel is riddled with challenges. For true love to prevail, the leading men are gonna have to put in some effort. But the HEA is oh-so rewarding.

Mia has a great affinity for the damaged teenage soul in literature. Her YA gay contemporary romance focuses on such tropes as hurt/comfort and dark secrets that keep them apart. In Kerick’s books, the course of true love never does run smooth.

Mia’s books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine. They have won a 2019 IPPY GOLD award for Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction, a 2018 YA GOLD MOONBEAM Children’s Book Award, a YA Readers’ Favorite Award, several Gold Rainbow Awards in YA and adult categories, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, a YA Indie Fab Award, a First Place Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, a First Place Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award, and more.

Mia cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Contact Mia:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.kerick/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miakerick/
Twitter: @MiaKerick
https://www.miakerickya.com
https://www.miakerick.com
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-kerick
Goodreads
Amazon




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Monday, June 29, 2020

Love Me, Daddy by Elouise East





Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link




Will their pasts stop them from striving for a future?

Being homeless makes finding a safe Daddy experience difficult, which is confirmed when Nathan is almost knocked out after calling out the word during a liaison. When Loren steps in to aid him, Nathan is ready to let the strong man take charge. But he won’t ask for what he really needs, not when the reaction could be so extreme.

With many failed relationships in his past, Loren yearns for the perfect boy to cherish, but it’s a fantasy in more ways than one as far as he can tell. Nathan’s vulnerability calls to his protective instincts, but he refuses to cross the line. And then he finds Nathan’s need of him is very real.
When Loren assumes control, it centres them both but as they explore their way through this new dynamic, Nathan needs to learn if he’s going to be Daddy’s good boy or Daddy’s little brat.

This is a 30,000 words sweet Daddy/boy romance





My Rating - 5 Stars!


Elouise East's Love Me, Daddy is a quick, yummy Daddy romance. 

Loren and Nathan are two men who each have their fair share of struggles. Loren saves Nathan from the streets, but neither man can admit what they want. 

This story is loaded with attraction, want, and need. Damn it's hot! The connection is quick, strong, and exactly what they both need. I love, love, love the natural manner in which they connect and find what they want. And, fuck, it's hot!

Both characters are interesting. Nathan's life on the streets is fully illustrated, making him a sympathetic character from the start. By helping Nathan, Loren manages to find the boy he's always wanted. They complement one another perfectly.

Written in alternating point of view, the readers are able to understand both men. This is definitely the only way to make this story work so well.

Love Me, Daddy is a delightful feel-good read. With just 92 pages, I am hoping we get more of these two in our future. Since a lot is glossed over, this edition is a fluffy-ish read. And it's awesome!


Thursday, May 7, 2020

Of Paper and Wood by Amy Bellows







TROY


To inherit the family fortune, I must marry a woman. But first I have one chance at a night of passion with a man.

I just wish I could share it with someone who would treat me more like a lover than a customer.

After all, it’s my first time. My only time.


PARK

Alesto Markin sics his werewolf lackey on anyone who can’t pay him back. One bite, and my life as I know it will be over. My only hope of paying off my staggering debt is my godfather’s brothel.

I just never expected the man who hired me to be young. Or sweet.

I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with him.

Of Paper and Wood
 is a sweet love story of two men who share many firsts together. In a world of wands and werewolves, where their fate is either rags or riches, being together could cost them everything.

While Amy Bellows normally writes books set in the omegaverse. Of Paper and Wood is not. You can still expect magic, humor, and a big HEA.








My Rating - 5 Stars!

Of Paper and Wood is an impressive read by Amy Bellows. Fantasy and magic are not my typical read, but for certain authors, I have to take a chance. And Amy Bellows is definitely one such author.

This is an emotional story of complete opposites. One's rich and being forced into marrying a woman. The other is poor and is going to be a sex worker to save himself. 

Troy and Park are both virgins when they meet. And it definitely isn't the typical brothel experience. The two men quickly become emotionally attached. 

This is a story with werewolves and magical mirrors, a story with depth and heart. There are plenty of steamy scenes, including a fun docking scene. But, the thing that takes this book from good to great, is the emotional depth of the feelings these two men have for one another. 

The author does a wonderful job developing this unique world and all it entails. Magic, fairy tales, wands, and more are all present. It's fun, entertaining, and a nice escape read.

Of Paper and Wood is a riveting story of first love and first times. Amy Bellows impresses in this story of making sacrifices for love. Her combination of fantasy, magic, kink, and emotion makes this a must read.



Monday, April 20, 2020

Disciplinary Action by Onley James



Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link





LEOPOLD GIDEON spent his childhood as the poor kid in a rich school until he met an older man who took him under his wing and into his bed, teaching him to not only survive but thrive among the elite and to never submit to anybody…except him. For fifteen years, Gideon had everything, but then tragedy strikes, leaving him alone once again.

CALLUM WHYTE was raised with every conceivable luxury but one: loving parents. When his father is indicted for federal crimes and his assets frozen, Cal has to learn to survive with nothing. When a friend offers him money to spend the night with the hot older man they all call Daddy, Cal has no choice but to say yes or literally risk going without medication he needs to stay alive.

One night with Daddy Gideon leaves Cal’s head spinning and his body longing for something he never thought he’d want: discipline. Too bad Gideon never plays with the same boy twice, not even ones who beg as sweetly as Cal.

Just when Cal thinks all hope is lost, he discovers Gideon is the new headmaster for his school, leading him to devise a plan to get what he wants by blackmailing the older man into spending the next six weeks with him. But Cal is about to learn it doesn’t pay to blackmail someone who doles out his punishments.

Will this battle of wills end in a ceasefire or heartbreak?

This book contains BDSM, Daddy Dom, Age-Gap, Teacher/Student and Domestic Discipline and is complete at 70,000 words with no cliffhanger and a HEA.



My Rating - 5 Stars!


Onley James' Disciplinary Action is a impressive book. It's a complex read that explores some tough and relevant issues. 

At it's heart, this is a forbidden relationship between two people who definitely belong together, but have a long journey to get there. It combines some BDSM, Daddy kink, age gap, and a serious medical condition, with hot sex and tender emotions. 

At first it seems like it will just be an intriguing BDSM read. But then...then it gets so complex and more emotional than I could have ever anticipated. This story is extremely hot, but despite the many sex scenes, each scene serves a purpose. Each scene brings them closer together, further cementing their bond. 

When we meet Cal, he's working his first job as a prostitute. Upon being hired to service the quirky Gideon, he finds more than he could have ever anticipated. These first scenes are marvelous. Heavy on the BDSM factor at the time, the emotions are always front and center. Gideon won my heart early on with his extreme kindness. Neither man expected more than that one time together. But life has other plans. 

This is a story of finding someone who makes you feel loved, wanted, taken care of, and desired. Cal has never felt these things. Ever. Until he meets Gideon. 

Both men have heart-wrenching back stories. Both men are sympathetic and lovable characters. Cal is young, sick, homeless, and an outcast at school.
Gideon is alone, grieving, and floundering in his personal life, with some deep emotional scars. 

Their story involves a thrilling web of events that I won't spoil here. It's all well developed, pulling the reader in and keeping them on the edge of their seats at times. 

This story spends time exploring homelessness, both the struggles to survive each night, and the judgements placed upon the homeless. As well, the horrific problem with prescription drugs is well illustrated. The way Cal is treated is vile, and the struggles with his health are terrifying. As for the people at the school, they are horrid. To harm a young man the way they do is appalling. It is frustrating, maddening, and leaves the reader with a total sense of helplessness. I applaud the author for the way this is written.

The author continues to impress me in general, with her writing style, extraordinary characters, and thrilling story lines. So far, each book is a must read. Although BDSM stories are not for everyone, this one excels in exploring the emotions behind BDSM, and ends up being so much more than just a BDSM read. 

My favorite line is "Who cares what people think? They don't live your life. They don't pay your bills, so they can keep their opinions to themselves." Awww, so true. Too bad we can't all remember this in our daily lives.

In all, Onley James' Disciplinary Action is an amazing and accomplished tale. The tenderness, the emotions, and the beauty all combine to make this a remarkable story. It's riveting, intriguing, and I couldn't put it down. 


Monday, January 20, 2020

BOOK BLAST & REVIEW - Damaged Hearts (The Boys of Venice Beach # 1) by Jan St Marcus

BOOK BLAST


Book Title: Damaged Hearts: The Boys of Venice Beach, Book 1

Author: Jan St. Marcus

Publisher: SBPRA (Paperback), Blue Ascot Media (eBook)

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, LGBTQ Romance, LGBTQ Fiction

Trope/s: Hurt/Comfort, First Time Gay

Themes: Rescue Me, Romantic Thriller

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: 138 000 words/ 466 pages

It is Book 1 of a planned Series




Tragic Pasts. Unexpected Love. Unseen Danger.


Blurb

When 19-year-old military veteran Brandon Hawkins is attacked on Venice Beach by a gang of frat boys, he is saved by Michael Angelo Curtis, a passer-by. Michel Angelo was roaming the boardwalk grieving the death of his twin brother six months earlier. The two men’s unexpected encounter forges a strong bond between the damaged and lonely men.

Inviting the homeless Bran to his place for some food and a shower, 25-year-old Michel Angelo finds himself drawn to the younger man. Neither of the men is gay. But before long, their friendship morphs into something like love and takes them both by surprise.

And they have something else in common: The frat boys are out for revenge.


Review 
My Rating - 5 Stars!


Damaged Hearts, book one in The Boys of Venice Beach series by Jan St Marcus, is an extraordinary story.

Brandon
is homeless, with no way out, when he's saved by Michael Angelo. The use of this name is perfect. And wow, a superb example of the change one good Samaritan can make in one's life.

Brandon is a completely sympathetic character. He's a veteran who's living on the streets doing whatever he needs to do to survive each day. When Michael Angelo takes him in, he's suddenly living in a beautiful beach house. I appreciate his reaction to this. And, when they do become a couple, they are super sweet and very likeable together.


The writing is wonderful; impressive from this debut author. The dialogue is excellent, the storyline powerful, the pace outstanding, and the characters well developed. The author excels in her illustration of what happens to some of our veterans when they return home. It is absolutely heart-breaking. The writing is riveting and emotional. Seriously, the emotions and pain jump off the page at times. 

The action and danger storyline is thrilling, albeit a little far fetched. Well, maybe. Maybe not. But it's detailed and keeps the reader invested and entertained. 

The reader is also treated to some quick wit such as "You've known me for like, two days, dude. It never came up." This helps balance out the seriousness at times.

Overall Damaged Hearts is a beautiful story exploring issues of trust. It's an amazing feel-good romance and I can't wait to read more of this series.


Trailer Video   






Buy Links 



Excerpt

BRANDON

But a little ways down, the pizza joint is just closing down. They have those ridiculously big slices of pizza and most people who don’t weigh at least three hundred pounds can’t finish their slices. Fuck the hot dogs. Half of a giant slice of pizza will do me just fine. Besides, trying to remember to say “catsup” instead of “ketchup” would make my brain hurt. And if I’m being honest, I do see the frat boy douchebags laughing and being all loud and douchey, but I really want to see if they’ll leave some of their slices uneaten. So I hang back a little and pretend to be looking for something on the ground. After about a minute or so, they drop their slices on the counter and start walking away. Score! I walk towards where they left their pizzas with my head down, like I haven’t noticed what they left for me. They’re about twenty feet away when one of them turns back and clocks me checking out their pizza. The fat one grabs the other one’s arm and points to me. I look up and see them seeing me seeing their pizza. Did that make sense? Fuck it. So anyway, as soon as they notice me, I kind of figure that they are going to be douchebags about their pizza, but I hold out hope. The fat one doesn’t need any more pizza, that’s for sure, but my stomach is getting the better of me, so I speed up a little bit. They’re closer and they return to the counter, beating me there by three steps.

Then the fat one, who seems to be the leader of this fucked-up pack of douchebags, picks up what’s left of his slice and lifts it up in my direction, like he’s offering it to me. Really? Maybe they aren’t such douchebags after all. I lift my eyes and start to smile. I’m going to thank him. I’m actually going to say “Thank you.” I do manage to smile as I approach because I realize that I haven’t said two words to anyone all day. He looks me in the eye and when I start to reach out my hand, he hocks a big ol’ lugey and splats it right on the pizza. Then he holds it out like I still want it. Okay, I know it’s probably gross, but I do still want it. His aim was pretty good and the glob of spit and snot has landed pretty much in the middle of the slice. But I could tear the pizza around the gross part and still have a pretty good amount of food. So I reach for it and he must have seen my eyes studying the pizza because he hocks another one and it lands on one of the good sides. He starts laughing and then his friends start laughing and they’re staring at me and laughing like it’s the funniest thing in the world. Assholes.

I turn around, about to say, “Fuck my life” again when one of the other guys apologizes and offers me his piece. It’s not as big as the fat guy’s, but it still looks good to my hungry young ass. And I can’t believe I am so hungry that I start to walk back over and take it, but I do. You can probably guess that he does the same thing his leader does and hocks a lugey and spits on his piece, too. My stomach growls with as much anger as I am feeling and I turn around and start walking back towards the boardwalk. It’s going to be a long night.

Their laughing stops and I hear a deep voice talking to them. “Why would you do something like that? What kind of asshole do you have to be to fuck with someone who is obviously hungry?”

As I turn around, I see the fat guy step in front of the other guy, who is six inches taller, and the frat-boy leader guy speaks in this bullshit little sing-song voice: “What business is it of yours, asshole?”

The guy just stands there, hands by his sides, not seeming to be bothered by the fact that there are three of them. Then he laughs. He looks right at the fat-assed guy and laughs.




About the Author 

Jan has been a professional writer since he 15 and got a job writing for a local paper in the Washington, D.C. area. Since that time, he has travelled the world and enjoyed a myriad of experiences, meeting interesting people and sharing epic experiences. He is currently a full-time professional photographer and completed his first novel, DAMAGED HEARTS, the first book in a series partially inspired by his experiences living and working in Venice Beach, California.


Author Links












Saturday, November 9, 2019

Somebody to Love (Crazy Little Thing #3) by Serene Franklin






Blurb


Remy
I’m the worst. I don’t mean that in some cute, self-deprecating way; I’m literally the worst person I know. I’m not the type of guy that gets second chances, but fate has a funny way of messing with you sometimes.
A phone call in my darkest hour sends me flying back to a city I left behind a decade ago—right back to the only guy I’ve ever loved. He also happens to be the person I’ve hurt the most, and the reason why I left.
Now he’s in the hospital, and I can’t imagine leaving his side. I don’t deserve to stay—I know that more than anyone, but I’m not going anywhere until he’s well again. Once that happens, I’m gone for good.
Maxim
Waking up in a hospital is disorienting enough. With my ex here too, it feels like a dream. Except it isn’t. After ten years without a word, Remy is back. When he insists on being the one to see to my rehabilitation, I jump at the chance to invite him to stay at my apartment.
Remy smiles and says all the right things, yet I can tell there’s something weighing on him. I want to help, but if I push too hard, he may run again. When he’s ready to talk, I’ll be there.
I’ll do whatever it takes to make him want to stay.
***
TW: suicidal thoughts, mental illness, sexual assault (not on page)


Review 
My Rating - 5 Stars!


Damn, Serene Franklin's Somebody to Love is an exquisite second chance romance that I couldn't put down. 

After being away for ten years, Remy ar
rives back in town when his ex, Maxim, is injured. What follows is a powerful story of forgiveness, trying to reconcile, and an extremely intense connection.

Their tale is one of fear, fear, and more fear. It's absolutely gripping. Their story has alcohol, drugs, and cheating. It's full of regrets, confessions, secrets, and explanations. 

Remy is drowning in guilt and self-loathing. He's so damn broken, living a life he's ashamed of, feeling inferior and unworthy. He's a man in so much pain that he's unable to allow himself to be happy with the man he loves. 


This is
a long story of reconciliation before we find out why Remy had left in the first place. I was totally engrossed in this tale and these characters. I could feel their pain in every ounce of my body.

It's a complex tale, full of many issues, but it all fits perfectly. The writing is magnificent and the characters are both mesmerizing. Both men are flawed, yet perfect for one another, and I fell hard for them as a couple.

Somebody to Love is absolutely gripping. It's a powerful story about love and getting through the pain of one's past and finding a future; a reason to live. I loved every second of this Serene Franklin gem.



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

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