Play With Me by Brittany Cournoyer

 

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Tattoos, fixing cars, and his saxophone.

Those are the only things Stellan Abernathy cares about—being the tattooed auto mechanic by day and then the sultry saxophone player in a jazz band by night. But all that changes when a wide-eyed bartender captures his attention and refuses to let go. Now, instead of an audience, Stellan only wants to play for—and with—Foster.

Coming home, starting over, and getting back on his feet.

After a break-up that leaves Foster Morgan feeling more relieved than hurt, he returns home with an empty bank account and a new job. Getting his life back on track is his main priority, but fate has put pure temptation in his path. The only problem? Foster had never been with a man before. Now, he wants Stellan to change that.

Play with me is a high-heat, low-angst, bisexual awakening story filled with adult situations. It’s intended for an audience of eighteen years or older.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Play With Me is an enjoyable bi-sexual awakening romance by Brittany Cournoyer. The cover grabbed me and the storyline kept me reading. 

First, I need to say the cover model perfectly depicts the long haired, tattooed, saxophone player Stellan. 

As for the storyline, I always enjoy a good bisexual awakening story, and this one is just that, as Foster instantly takes a liking to the hot band member Stellan. Having never been attracted to men before, he's surprised, but can't deny the immediate spark between the two. If you're looking for angst over one's sexuality though, move on, as Foster has an easy time with accepting his new attraction to a man. 

What follows is a sweet story, as Stellan goes out of his way to be generous to the new bartender. Stellan is sex on legs, with his sexual way of playing the sax, and his hot as sin mechanic look, which the cover model depicts perfectly. I love how he deals with Foster and eases Foster's way into his new life. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, both men come to life, with their feelings on full display. The storyline is a light, easy read that includes plenty of spicy moments. There are plenty of lovable secondary characters included as well. 

Play With Me is a light, fluffy read that perfectly fills the desires I look for in such a book. Brittany Cournoyer won't disappoint with this tale that combines sweetness and sexiness. Definitely try this one the next time you're looking for a low angst, first bisexual times romance. 

Messy Ink (Get Ink'd #2) by Ali Lyda

Amazon Link - Available in KU
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Dane

Chris is a great doctor, but he can’t heal me…

I learned to look out for myself on the streets and in juvie. I’ve cleaned up my act, but it doesn’t mean that I’m about to start trusting a guy to stick around. Especially not a clean cut doctor like Chris. No wonder I ended things between us the first time around.

I’m sure it’s for the best. A guy like me can’t have a guy like Chris, no matter how much I want him. I’ve done too many bad things, and now karma is coming back to bite me. But every time my path crosses with Chris, I can’t help but wonder what might have been.

Chris

Is Dane too broken to try again with me?

I knew Dane was a player when we hooked up the first time, and I thought I didn’t want strings. But the smoking hot tattoo artist makes me want to break the rules and try something new. His past is full of pain, and I’ve got commitment issues of my own. It’s no wonder we didn’t last.

Dane has hidden depths, and my heart still beats like crazy every time I get close to him. If I let him get too close he could hurt me all over again - but maybe I’m ready to take a risk. Can we overcome the odds and make things work?

Messy Ink is a 70k m/m romance that gives you steamy second chances, a bad boy tattoo artist learning he’s worthy of love, the doctor who’s ready to mend his heart, and tons of gorgeous ink all wrapped up and ready for reality TV.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow, just wow! Messy Ink is an amazing book by Ali Lyda. The second book in the Get Ink'd series, it is fabulous. 

Chris and Dane are fascinating characters who grabbed my attention from the start. Good god, I love them. Dane has walls around his heart like Fort Knox. He won't risk getting his heart hurt again, leaving him unwilling to let anyone in at all. 

This is a tale of living a life of shame. Dane's past is heartbreaking and will leave you loving him just a little bit more. 

Their story includes a sick mother, money problems, a reality show, and a sexually aggressive producer. And of course, their journey includes many appearances by the rest of the Get Ink'd crew. 

Messy Ink is a fantastic emotional read. This Ali Lyda book is a worthwhile hurt/comfort read that contains a hard fought journey towards love. And I love it all!!!

 

Uncomplicated (Inked Book 2) by K.M. Neuhold

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Blurb

Two men with a rocky history, and one with an all-consuming love for both of them.

Sometimes I’m so lonely I swear I can’t breathe. I bring men and women into my bed to chase away the ache, but it never seems to help. I want something real, something lasting, but I’ve never been more afraid of anything in my life. If I have nothing else in my life I can count on, at least I have my best friend, Cas. If I have nothing else in my life that feels solid, at least I have Cas.

Until one sad smile from a beautiful man tilts my world on its axis.

But Finn is Cas’ ex, and that means he’s off limits, right? What if I could have something permanent, if I’m willing to put my heart on the line? Finn and Cas may have a history, but something tells me the three of us could have a future, if we’re willing to let things get a little complicated.

Review 

My Rating -  5 Stars!

KM Neuhold's Uncomplicated is spectacular. Damn! Once again, this author brings so much love and beauty to this series and has me completely spellbound by this cast of characters. I already love their world that surrounds around Heathens Ink, but these three have a special place in my heart now, as they are extraordinary together. From the very start, I found myself completely engrossed in the lives.

Beau and Cas are roommates and best friends, as well as fuck buddies. They've long been in love with each other, but haven't been able to admit their feelings. When Beau meets Finn, he suddenly finds someone who makes him feel less lonely when Cas is gone. He finds himself living, and missing Cas less.

As usual, the author manages to draw me into every scene, every moment, every feeling, and every emotion. The writing is stellar, as I felt every bit of their insecurities, doubts, and fears, as well as the regret and guilt. Her writing style is accomplished and somehow just keeps getting better and better. She's created likeable and complex characters, who love intensely and love whole-heartedly. The character development is written in an expert manner, and the pace is perfect. As for the storyline, well, it's phenomenal.  

It's a beautiful tale of broken hearts and second chances that will bring out all the emotions.

There are so many things I love about this book. Cas and Beau's initial relationship is so damn intense, despite it being open. Of course, they are both afraid to commit, but Cas's reasons of knowing Beau needs someone when he's not there is an amazing and tender sacrifice.

Oh, how I love Cas. He's such a standup man who loves deeply and thoroughly. And Beau. He wears his love for Cas on his sleeves, but he struggles to commit to more. When Cas is away, he drowns in the loneliness and fear. And Finn. Oh, how I love Finn. Everything about him is appealing. His past is heartbreaking, and his loneliness is extreme.

The three together gift each man with everything they need. It's a beautiful and emotional culmination of want, need, and love. As for the sex scenes, wow, just wow! The author crafts intensely emotional scenes that will leave you fully invested. The emotions that are brought out during these scenes are exquisite. Personally, my favorite sex scenes are always the emotional ones, and this book has that in spades. 

Of course, figuring out how to work out being a throuple is not easy sailing. If it was, it probably wouldn't be so realistic. I love the varied needs of each man, and their varied strengths. They compliment and balance one another perfectly. 

Overall, this is a tale of fear, guilt, and regret. It's a tale of forgiveness, understanding, and acceptance. It's a tale of hope, second chances, and the creation of a strong and equal menage. 

Thank you KM Neuhold for this story. Uncomplicated is pure beauty, and took me on an amazing emotional ride. 

Inked in Vegas (Heathens Ink #6) by K.M. Neuhold

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Blurb

Synopsis
“We’re going to be married in a week. You’re going to be my husband, and we’re going to live happily ever after.” ~Madden

It feels like I’ve been waiting to marry Thane my entire life. And with our big day only a week away, our friends insist on a bachelor party in Vegas.

An outrageous scavenger hunt, an unexpected trip to the altar, and a wild night with an ex-boyfriend. You know we don’t do anything half-assed.

***This is a multi-POV novella with lots of sexy times (including one MF and one MMF scene). Unlike the rest of the Heathens Ink series, this one CANNOT be read as a standalone.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

As if I didn't already love KM Neuhold's Heathen's Ink series, she then gifts us with Inked In Vegas, the sixth book in this fabulous series. 

From the beginning, the humor, sass, and antics are fantastic, as the group heads to Vegas for Madden and Thane's Bachelor Party.

They deal with facing nightmares, sobriety, exes, and more. There are plane antics, an hysterical scavenger hunt, and some surprises for all. And of course, since they are all together in this book, we get a plethora of sex scenes. If nothing else, you have to read this just for the naked proposal!

Honestly, Inked In Vegas is an exquisite combination of all the fantastic men in this series. They are all a large part of this story and seeing them have fun together makes for an enjoyable read. 

Manic Pixie Dream Boy (The Underdogs #1) by K.A. Merikan

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Blurb

---. You can’t hide the cracks under the spotlight .---Dusk. Leader of The Underdogs. Destined for greatness. Lives in the now.
Abe. AKA Lolly. Iridescent. Unicorn.

All Dusk wants out of life is for his band to become world famous. He also wants to have a lot of fun along the way. And to get his rocks off. When he wants something, he goes for it, consequences be damned.

So when he sees a gorgeous pink-haired guy who is the human equivalent of tattooed cotton candy, he can’t help but have a taste. But it’s when Lolly ends up on their tour bus that Dusk knows their meeting was destiny.

Abe is the kind of guy who goes with the flow. He was hitchhiking anyway, so why not spend the week with a hot piece of rocker beefcake, getting smothered by his sexy long hair? And why not play the part of the supportive cutie while he’s at it? It’s not like he’d be sticking around for long anyway.

All plans hit a wall when photos of Abe and Dusk emerge online, suddenly pushing the band into the spotlight. To take advantage of the sudden popularity, the band offers Abe money for staying.

Which means money for being in a fake relationship with Dusk.

Which isn’t even fake.

Or is it?

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: rock band, alternative lifestyles, tattoos, bisexuality, commitment, instalove, abandonment issues, fame, outing, coming out, life on tour
Genre: Contemporary M/M Rocker Romance
Heat level: Scorching hot, explicit scenes

Length: ~52,000 words

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

KA Merikan's Manic Pixie Dream Boy is a fantastic rocker romance. 

I was immediately sucked into the zany world of the Underdogs, and loved the intense, immediate attraction between Dusk and Lolly. It was hot and funny at the same time. 

As well, I enjoyed the funny way that Lolly suddenly found himself traveling with the band. 

The transformation of these men is well developed and perfectly executed. Their attraction for each other, which leads to a strong bond, ends with both men changing in ways they never anticipated. They definitely have some issue to deal with when the lines get blurred, but it's a great read. 

It's fun to follow the band and get to know the members a little. As for the heat factor in this one, let's just say it's hot! Hot from the first meeting and throughout the story.

Both men are super fun to get to know. Dusk is impulsive, and crazy, yet super overprotective of his younger brother. And Lolly is a breathe of fresh air. He's a wonderfully sassy and femme man who I fell for right away.

I already know I love Manic Pixie Dream Boy, as well as Book3 You. Forever. Always., so I highly suggest this series. Now, I'm off to read Book 2, Just Here For The Pain.

Sacred Skin by Terra Sinclair

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Blurb

Leo

When I need a tattoo artist to cover up my self-harm scars, I meet Brooks, the owner of Sacred Skin and the man I don’t realize is about to fix me in more ways than one. Brooks Hogan is exactly my type--that is, the exact opposite of me. All hard muscle and tattoos...and the most piercing grey eyes I've ever seen. He makes my heart practically palpitate right out my chest.I never thought he'd agree when I asked him to model for my photography series. I certainly never dreamed he might want to get close to me. I'm the kind of guy that gets chewed up and spat out. I can't help but expect the same from Brooks. But he keeps proving me wrong.We might be from different worlds. There might be secrets he's keeping. I know those bikers who hang out at his studio aren't just customers. So how can I trust that he won't hurt me? That he's not dangerous?

Brooks

I've known tough guys all my life. From his looks alone, you wouldn't think Leo was tough but he's one of the strongest people I've ever met. The first time he walks into my studio, I don't know what to make of him. He's got a sweet attitude, but some bad scars to cover up. Makes you wonder where they came from.I never thought anyone would make my knees weak, especially not a dude. I was never much of a romantic. But there Leo Cooper is, doing all sorts of things to my head and heart. Not to mention other parts of my body…All he wants from me is trust, but that's the last thing I can offer. There's things I have to hide from him. My family connections are a risk for anybody who gets close to me, and yet here Leo is, pushing to find out more.I never knew that coming out was going to be the easy part. But hell, things are so messed up, it's the only place I know to start.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Terra Sinclair's Sacred Skin is a fantastic book. It's powerful, riveting, and extremely emotional. 

The connection between Leo and Brooks is immediate. Leo is amazed at the way Brooks is able to instantly understand him.

Leo's past is awful to read about, as it's dark and full of pain and hurt. And he has the physical scars to prove it. 

The author writes with a great pace, and a riveting writing style. 

One thing I love and appreciate is the easy manner in which Brooks comes to accept his sexuality. It's a welcome change of pace from most books. 

Sacred Skin is a beautiful journey of two young men dating and getting to know one another, while learning to trust again. And I loved every second of this journey. I highly recommend this Terra Sinclair gem.