Pines and Violets (Colors of Love #7) by V.L. Locey

 

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Colors of Love Series

Lost In Indigo - All Buy Links

Touch Of A Yellow Sun - All Buy Links

The Good Green Earth - All Buy Links

Slow Dances Under An Orange Moon - All Buy Links

A Brush Of Blue - All Buy Links

Songs of a Red Currant Wine - All Buy Links

Amazon Link    

Goodreads Link

He never thought he’d find love again, but one summer changes his entire life.

Greg Mattar always had a clear path in life. The son of wealthy professionals, he and his sister wanted for nothing growing up in Montreal. His skills playing hockey led him to be picked first in the draft and a successful career as one of the premier defensemen in the league. He married his college sweetheart and within a year, they’d been blessed with twin girls. Then the unthinkable happened, and Greg’s life was turned inside out.

After losing his wife to cancer, he’s left alone to raise his daughters and at the same time balance his career. After a rough two years of mourning coupled with a dismal season, Greg and his girls travel to a small vacation community deep in the Catskills. There he meets Aiden Burke, a local artisan with a past who enchants not only Greg’s daughters but Greg as well. During a vacation filled with laughter, acceptance, and morning goose parades, the two men fall for each other, which begins a journey down a winding road of revelations and romance. 

_______________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Pines and Violets is the seventh book in VL Locey's Colors of Love series. Each book is easily read as a standalone. 

Greg's a black hockey player who's spending some time in the woods with his daughters. Still grieving the loss of his wife, he's surprised to find himself attracted to the strange guy with the goats. 

Their story is cute and sweet, with everything evolving naturally between the men. And I adore the kids and their contribution to the story. They are cute and funny, and totally loveable. 

I appreciate that Greg never struggles with his sexuality. Instead, this is the story of him falling in love, coming out, and dealing with some obstacles that are in his way. 

Their story is full of first times and sexual experimentation. It's a story with racism and homophobia, both of which had my heart hurting for Greg. 

Theirs is a story of redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness. It's a story of finding one's place in the world again. And I love it all!

Pines and Violets is the perfect feel-good escape. This VL Locey is nice and low-angst, with plenty to keep you charmed throughout. 

_______________________

USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

_______________________________________

a Rafflecopter giveaway

___________________________

Encore (Famous #4) by Eden Finley

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

BLAKE

Never make a bet with Jordan Brooks. That’s how I’ve ended up here, doing a movie that risks my entire acting career.

Taking on a gay role when I’m straight is problematic in its own right, but when production gets put on hold, and a fabricated story breaks out in the media, Jordan and I have to go into hiding.

Our livelihoods are put on the line all because of an ill-timed photo and Jordan’s bitter ex-boyfriend.

Scandals, lies, and PR nightmares. Welcome to Hollywood.

JORDAN

Why am I always drawn to the straight ones? You’d think I’d learn my lesson, but when our movie is delayed, I repeat old patterns.

My plan to bury my hurt and anger toward my ex by “method acting” with Blake Monroe is foolish. But Blake is as irresistible as he is good-looking, and he settles into his role easier than I thought he would. In fact, he likes it a little too much.

There are too many PR problems hooking up with Blake for real would bring, especially when the media thinks he’s the reason my relationship fell apart. Yet, I can’t walk away from him, and it seems, he can’t walk away from me either.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Encore is the fourth book in the Famous series by Eden Finley. And, damn, it's a great continuation of the series. Definitely read these books in order to get the most enjoyment out of this series. 

Blake and Jordan's story is wonderful. I love the way everything develops for them. Their friendship is well done, with plenty of feels and ultimately plenty of chemistry. 

The real fun begins as Blake realizes that he's having feelings for Jordan. I adore his journey of understanding his sexuality. It's all well done, including all the feels as he comes to terms with himself.

The writing is great, with compelling characters and a storyline that keeps you intrigued throughout. The band continues to be present and add immensely to the story. And oh how I love seeing them all again.

Encore is a great way to end this riveting series. Eden Finley does a fabulous job bringing these former boy band members and their issues to life. 

The Friendship Equation by J.R. Gray

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I never thought I’d go to college a virgin, but unless something changes, and fast, that’s what’s going to happen. In comes Harden Hart, my All American boy-next-door best friend with an offer to help in a way I’d never imagined.

The boy who turned everything he touched to gold had a filthy side to him I’d never seen. Oh, and did I mention he’s straight?

We could keep this fun but we had to hide it from both our fathers. We could smile for the cameras, focus on winning the state swimming championship and maintain Harden’s image. Easy enough, right?

Only Harden didn’t want to hide. His addiction to our not-so-private hook-ups put everything at risk with his father’s planned presidential run, and I risked losing my best friend if anyone found out.

But the biggest risk of all—the risk of breaking my own heart by falling for someone who was never mine to begin with.

Maybe love just isn't in the equation.

***The Friendship Equation is a childhood best-friends-to-lovers, bi for you, forbidden sports romance standalone, featuring a dirty-talking boy next door and his sweet virginal best friend. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Friendship Equation is a fabulous new adult romance by JR Gray. 

This story is that of two best friends, one of whom is a virgin. 

I was really excited going into this one. Although I enjoyed it, it took me a while to get into it. Later on though, when things get in their way, I became fully invested and loved it. 

This is just one of the those feel good, friends to lovers romance that you can't help but to internally swoon over. Best friends since kindergarten, these two have a bond as strong as one can have. And god, I love these two together. The feelings that develop are just perfect, and it's a fun ride as they fall in love. 

I always enjoy when a political family gets in the way of their child being out. And this one has just that, as Harden's father wants to run for president. This sets up a great dynamic, as the boys have always been best friends, but for appearances sake, Vance knows he's beneath him. 

This is a story with a virgin, some sexual exploration, and best friends to lovers. There's political issues involved, as well as sports, and being separated for the first time because of college. 

As always, the writing is good and the JR's storyline will keep you reading late in the night. 

The Friendship Equation is a wonderful friends to lovers new adult romance. JR Gray does a fabulous job creating a strong friendship and testing these men on the strength of their love. It's a great feel-good story with enough angst to keep things interesting. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Friendly Fire by Saxon James

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Friendly Fire by Saxon James

 A Never Just Friends Novel, Book 4

Rafe

It started in high school.

We grew apart. Bit by bit, then all at once.

The friend who was my ride or die suddenly wanted nothing to do with me.

Now Cam’s back from college, living in the house next door, and pulling stupid pranks just to annoy me.

Between my intense family and my failing relationship, I’m struggling enough without his antics.

But Cam won’t go away. And I’m not so sure I want him to.

Cam

It started with a smile.

A touch.

A shared look of mischief.

Rafael Ortega stole my heart before I realized it was mine to give away.

We were best friends from the time we were in diapers right up until the unthinkable happened: he started dating.

I put distance between us to save myself, but now I’m back, willing to do anything for his attention again.

Because the only thing worse than Rafe breaking my heart…

Is him not getting a chance to.

Friendly Fire is the final book in the Never Just Friends series. It’s a low angst childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance with skinny dipping, sex toys, and one final happily ever after.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Friendly Fire is an awesome book by Saxon James. 

Omg! I love this book. Yes, I am a sucker for friends to lovers, and this one had me riveted throughout. 

Rafael and Cam's journey is one of sexual discovery and sexual experimentation. They're former best friends who quickly reconnect, although there's a whole lot of bickering back and forth. Love this aspect. 

I love the way everything develops naturally for them. So much of their story is about Rafael's sexuality and him finding himself. Everything's well written, with plenty of knowledge and care without every making him struggle a lot. 

I appreciate that Rafael's girlfriend Laura isn't a bitch. Often, books like this have a girlfriend who can't let go and does some awful things. But that is not the case here at all and I love that. 

Friendly Fire is a must read the next time you're in the mood for a friends to lovers romance. I love everything about this Saxon James book and can't wait to read it again. 

“So what are we watching?”

Rafe drops onto the cushion next to mine, and I hate that he can’t do something as simple as that without my breath catching. Someone needs to turn the hose on me.

“Dunno. There has to be a series or something that looks interesting.”

“You want to start a series with me, Rafe? Wow. That sounds like a big commitment, and I’m not sure our relationship is ready.”

He blinks at me.

I grin. “Kidding. Obviously. Carry on.”

He’s quiet as he scrolls through the options, and I notice him glance at me from the corner of his eye a couple of times.

“What?”

He jumps at being caught. “Just thinking.”

“About?”

“Whether your mouth has always been so out of control.”

“There’s a lot about my mouth you don’t know.”

Rafe shakes his head. “I walked into that one, didn’t I?”

“Less walked and more steam rolled, but yep.” I adjust my baseball cap, then point at the screen. “You’re still as indecisive as ever.”

He huffs and tosses me the remote. “You choose.”

“Fine.” I hit play on some Sci-Fi show he’d hesitated over.

We get through most of the first episode before he speaks again.

“Is this weird?”

I know he’s talking about us. Being here. The space between us. So many things are rolled into that one question that I hesitate on how to answer at first.

“Oh yeah.” Might as well agree. “I think we’ve well and truly passed that line.”

“At least it’s not just me.”

“Why do you think it’s so weird? We spent most of our lives together, but for some reason the last few years are the ones that seem to count.”

He frowns. “I don’t think that’s it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I think they only count, because the ones before them counted more. Maybe. Does that even make sense?”

“I think so.”

“Like …” He tugs at his hoodie sleeve, looking unsure. “Even though this feels weird, I’m still glad I’m here.”

That smooth motherfucker. This is a serious conversation. I shouldn’t be smiling. I shouldn’t. “Me too.”

“Which makes it weirder.” He lets out a frustrated sound. “Shouldn’t I be making excuses to bail, instead of wishing things could go back to how they were?”

Every word he’s saying lightens some of that pressure on my heart. Maybe we’re not doomed. Maybe our friendship really can be given a jumpstart.

“I wonder if your need to be here is the same as mine.”

He looks up at me, pinning me with those dark eyes that I can’t stop dreaming about. “Which is?”

“I missed you.”

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the Release of Friendly Fire, Saxon is giving away a $20 Amazon Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57280/?

---

Saxon James is an author from Aus who’s obsessed with writing queer characters.

She has a range of books from YA to adult and they all have one thing in common: swoony, sweet love.

When not writing, Saxon exists on a diet of coffee and chocolate while putting her KU subscription to the test.

Connect with Saxon:
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/saxonssweethearts/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thesaxonjames/
Newsletter: www.subscribepage.com/saxonjames
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Saxon-James/e/B082TP7BR7
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/saxon-james
Instagram: www.instagram.com/saxonjameswrites/
Website: https://saxonjamesauthor.com

---

---

RELEASE TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - It Might Be Hot (Suntastic Fun #1) by Ariella Zoelle

 

Release Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
It Might Be Hot
By Ariella Zoelle

Suntastic Fun, Book 1

After another disappointing breakup, Lachlan is tired of dating all the wrong women. Even though he’s straight, his curiosity starts to get the better of him. What would it be like to be with his gay best friend, Alessandro?

 Lachlan

 I’m sick of wasting my time with women who love my money more than me. The only person who has ever cared about me and not my fortune is my flirtatious best friend, Alessandro. We always joke about me switching teams when I get bored with being straight, but lately, I’ve stopped laughing it off and started considering it as a very tempting possibility.

After breaking up with another gold-digging girlfriend, why shouldn’t I cheer myself up by having a little sexy fun with Alessandro? After all, it might be hot, right?

Alessandro

I’ve always had to joke about my attraction to Lachlan because I know he’ll never take my feelings seriously when he’s straight. But he shockingly asks me to show him what he’s been missing by only being with women. This is my big chance to convince him that there could be more between us than just friendship. How can I say no if it will make my dreams come true?

If he wants me to show him a good time, I’m more than happy to teach him a lesson about why I can be more to him than the women who don’t deserve him. But can I make him fall in love with me for real?

It Might Be Hot is the first book in the Suntastic Fun duet. This novella features a friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, no angst romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and scorching-hot banter that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll adore this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed in order.

It Might Be Hot was originally published as Like It’s Hot for the Red Hot Summer M/M giveaway. A new epilogue has been added for publication.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

It Might Be Hot is a quick, steamy romance by Ariella Zoelle. 

This one has friends to lovers and a sexual awakening. Lachlan and Alessandro are super hot together as Lachlan discovers his bisexual side. 

This is full of sexual experimentation and plenty of chemistry. If that isn't enough to make things enjoyable, the banter between the two is great. 

This is a short story where the author quickly sets the scene. Luckily for the reader, it never feels like something is missing. Everything's well developed and easy to understand. 

It Might Be Hot is a fun read. Ariella Zoelle certainly knows how to bring the heat to this friends to lovers romance. Definitely check this one out when you're in the mood for a short tale.

---

Chapter 1: Alessandro

 

 “You think I couldn’t land a hot guy?” Lachlan asked in an offended tone.

“Oh, you could have any man you wanted.” Baxley’s comment made my envy spark like a live wire. “But if you plan to date the male equivalent of your normal girlfriends, do us all a favor by never switching teams.”

Callahan burst into laughter, but I didn’t have it in my heart to join in. Instead, I took one last shot. I swam over to Lachlan and ran my hand up his shin and over his knee to rest where his white trunks started. My touch made him shiver despite the warm summer day. “You’d be much better off taking me up on my offer to take care of you.”

“For once in your life, please make a good decision, Lachlan,” Baxley teased him. “Let Alessandro show you why you shouldn’t spend another moment wishing what’s-her-name comes back.”

To my surprise, Lachlan seemed to be considering my proposition. I could see myself reflected in his mirror-finished sunglasses as he looked at me. “What’s in it for you?”

Making all of my dreams come true. However, there wasn’t a chance in hell I was about to admit that out loud. Instead, I chose a more playful retort. “A guaranteed good time for both of us.”

“Yeah, but you don’t actually want to suck my dick…do you?”

“Holy shit, he’s thinking about it!” Callahan exclaimed through laughter.

“Clearly, we’ve underestimated how desperate his dick is to find a willing hole.” Baxley snorted, earning him another kick of water in his direction.

Unable to resist, I slid my hand up the inside of Lachlan’s swimming trunks to refocus his attention on me. He startled as his thigh tensed under my touch. I gave him my best attempt at a seductive look. “All you have to do is say, ‘Please,’ and I’ll show you pleasures you’ve never imagined.”

“Yeah, right.” He scoffed, but I heard the uncertainty underlying his tone. “You’re just joking like you always do.”

“No, he’s definitely serious,” Callahan disagreed with a laugh. “You should take him up on it after all these years. Maybe you’ll learn something about yourself.”

Since Callahan was the only other straight one amongst us, Lachlan asked his opinion. “Would you let Alessandro suck your dick?”

It surprised me he didn’t need to think about his answer. “Mouths don’t have gender, so sure, why not?”

Lachlan’s jaw dropped in shock. “Seriously?”

“What’s the big deal? He doesn’t have to be in love with me to suck my dick. It’d just be a friend helping a friend. I’d probably even jerk him off afterward as a thank-you.”

Baxley swam up behind Callahan and embraced him. “If you’re open to other offers, Alessandro isn’t the only one here who’s interested in cocks.”

“I’m almost horny enough to say fuck it, let’s do a circle jerk, so don’t push it, Bax,” Callahan joked as he swam out of his friend’s grasp. “I know I’ve been single for too long when you’re somewhat tempting.”

Baxley’s blue eyes lit up with delight. He had been interested in Callahan from the first moment I introduced them two years ago, but our straight friend seemed oblivious to that fact.

Returning my attention to Lachlan, I stroked his thigh, sending a shudder through him. “So, what do you say?”

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Ariella's new release, we are giving away One of 3 backlisted eBooks by Ariella Zoelle!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57274/?

---

Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. She writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she's in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. If you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Connect with Ariella:

Website: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/
Newsletter: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/newsletter
Amazon Author Profile: https://amzn.to/3zzxJWg
A.F. Zoelle’s Books: https://amzn.to/3BAgypg   
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazingafzoelle/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/extraafzoelle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriellaZoelle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellazoelle/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ariellazoelle
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ariella-zoelle

---

---

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Dear Mr. Brody (For Him #3) by A.M. Johnson

 COVER DESIGN:

Enchanting Romance Designs 

GENRE:

M/M romance

TROPE: 

Slow burn, slight age-gap, student/professor, single dad, second chance, bi-awakening, hurt/comfort, HEA

Goodreads

Amazon

Parker,

I never meant for any of this to happen, to fall for you. It doesn't matter that we're both adults, or how much we want this to work. The college policy is clear. I can't see a way around this without one of us getting hurt. If I would’ve known who you were when we met online, I would have never pursued a relationship. I'm new to all of this, and besides my daughter, getting to know you has been the best thing to ever happen to me. But I can't make you hide again. I won't. It's not fair to either of us.

Deepest regrets,

Donovan

**

Dear Mr. Brody,

You're right, we are adults. I'm twenty-four years old, and I think I can decide for myself what's best for me. If this is about you losing your job, I'll walk away. But if this is you trying to protect me, then you're an idiot. I want you. I care about you. My past isn't an issue. What we're doing… it isn't the same thing. If we have to hide, so be it. I'm not ready to let you go.

Your Lost Boy,

Parker 

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Dear Mr Brody is a fabulous romance by AM Johnson. The third book in the For Him series, it's easily read as a standalone. But, the first two books are so amazing, you'd be missing out to not read them first. 

This is a teacher/student romance that is definitely different than most. I'm not a huge fan of this trope, but I enjoy that both men are older and more mature. 

I love Mr Brody! Donovan's divorced, with a young daughter, and just starting to explore his sexuality. And, omg, I love it!

Unfortunately, while exploring, he ends up falling for his student Parker. Big old oops.

The two are wonderful together and I enjoy every moment of their online flirting. 

Damn, I just adore this book. Every moment of it. 

Dear Mr Brody is amazingly enjoyable read. AM Johnson once again delights throughout this story. 

________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon Gift Card 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

DIRECT LINK:

https://bit.ly/3xmyJvo

______________________________________________________________________________

Amanda lives in Utah with her family where she moonlights as a nurse on the weekends.

If she's not busy with her three munchkins, you'll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard where she explores the human experience through the written word.

She's obsessed with all things Austen and Oreos, and loves to connect with readers!

Connect with AM Johnson

Website

Newsletter Sign Up

Facebook Author Group

Facebook Reader Group

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2TMRxVF

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2FdeDe2

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2ug2Wy0

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2FftowO

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2TU9dOy

__________________________________________________________________________

• 

___________________________________________________________________________