Derek's Destiny (Maiden Voyage Series Book 2) by TL Travis

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

For Maiden Voyage lead vocalist, Derek Masters, life has had its fair share of ups and downs. Most recently, almost losing his best friend and lead guitarist, Ryder Hampton while they were on the road. They’ve just come off a whirlwind European tour and have a few weeks of R&R before hitting Rocktoberfest in Nevada this fall.

While Derek’s looking forward to time with his family, the loneliness of living in his big, empty house suffocates him. Seems rest isn’t always what one needs. For Derek, he’s a natural caregiver, always wanting to help others. Even when its not in his best interest.

Logan Bell has wanted to be a teacher since playing school in his backyard with his childhood friends. He loves to nurture young minds, and teach them the necessary skills in ways they can grasp and retain it. Never for a moment did he think that gift would be turned on him.

Can two souls who feel the need to be there for everyone, find a way to be there for themselves? Or will their hopes and dreams all be washed away like rushing floodwaters in a monsoon storm?

Maiden Voyage series must be read in order as each book starts where the last one ended but is from another band members point of view:

1 – Ryder’s Guardian
2 – Derek’s Destiny
3 – Jaxson’s Nemesis
4 – Shadow’s Light

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Omg, I love Derek's Destiny. The second book in TL Travis' Maiden Voyage series, it is a little different from the author's other rocker books. This time, we get a fun look at the band when they aren't touring. All the guys are around, and we get plenty of band moments without the touring. 

Not only does Derek have to deal with the feelings he had for Ryder, but everything changes as he meets Logan, his son's teacher. Yes, Derek, a rock star,  falls for his son's teacher. 

Their story is one of instant attraction and some hot sex. Their journey involves some danger and suspense, in addition to them navigating their way towards being a couple. 

The writing style is wonderful, with a fluid pace and stellar dialogue. The characters all have an intriguing background, and the storyline is gripping. Written in alternating 1st person pov, the characters fully come alive, with their feelings and emotions front and center. 

Most of the story is low angst, but there are some tough moments for sure, including some twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. 

Derek's Destiny is a great read. As much as I love TL's rock star adventures, it's fun that this story revolves around a rock star life when not on the road. I am looking forward to seeing more of these guys in the future. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Hardwood (Four Bears Construction #3) by K.M. Neuhold

Hardwood

Four Bears Construction Series, Book Three

KM Neuhold

Release Date: 07.01.20

M/M Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Link

I’ve spent forty-four years of my life telling the world I’m a carpet man. Is it too late to admit to myself and everyone else that deep down I’m really all about the Hardwood?

It took me over thirty-five years to admit to myself that I’m gay, another seven to find the courage to say it out loud to anyone else, and exactly thirty seconds to develop a massive crush on my daughter’s music teacher. It’s really not my fault, have you even seen those cute bowties he wears?

After everything it’s taken to get here, am I going to work up the nerve to come out to my ex-wife and my best friends? Am I ready to shake up my comfortable, simple life and take a chance on Watson? Or am I going to throw a wrench in my own chance for happily ever after?

Hardwood is a steamy, seriously so much delicious tension, single-dad, gay awakening, low angst story, which happens to be the third in the Four Bears Construction Series. It CAN be read as a stand-alone. There are NO shifters in this series, only the OTHER kind of bears.

Amazon Link  *  Universal Link

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Hardwood, the third book in KM Neuhold's Four Bears Construction, is a beautiful, heart-felt romance. 

Ev has been closeted forever. After divorcing his wife, it's finally time for him to try to explore his gay side. He never expected to meet the man of his life immediately. But meeting Watson feels right, even if it ends up that he teaches Ev's daughter.

Damn, the feelings come out in full force with this story. Ev's struggles with coming out are so damn sad. I love the way this is written, as Watson and the reader fully understand why Ev is so scared. Yet, it definitely leads to some problems for the out and proud Watson. 

And Watson, oh dear god, his hesitancy, and then his doubts, are fully brought to life. My heart hurt for the man. 

Then there's Liv, Ev's daughter. She is adorable and totally lovable.

Add in a wonderful ex-wife, and some amazing friends, and there's a lot to love about this story. Seriously, the ex wife is written in a stellar manner, lovable, understanding, and totally not a bitch.

Told in alternating 1st person pov. the author fully brings these men to life. Add in some hysterical humor, and this book is a winner. 

Hardwood is definitely a recommended read. KM Neuhold delights in this tale of sexual exploration and coming out. I am definitely adding this to my re-read list. 

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“Welcome then. I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s a great bar. Lots of nice people, and the drinks aren’t overpriced, not much more you could ask for out of a bar,” I ramble, taking another sip from my drink to shut my stupid mouth up. 

The corner of his lip quirks up in an uncertain sort of half smile. “Thanks. I’m not sure I’ll become a regular, I’m kind of…trying it out,” he confesses.

“I get it.” 

I glance over my shoulder to make sure my friends aren’t terribly bereft without me, and I’m unsurprised to find them both making vulgar gestures in my direction. Sometimes it’s hard to remember why I love them. I give them the finger and turn my attention back to Everett. 

“So, what do you do for a living?” 

“You don’t have to do that,” he says.

“Do what?” I cock my head curiously, pulling my eyebrows together.

“You saw me acting nervous in the parking lot and now you think I need a friend, right?” he guesses. “I appreciate it, but you don’t need to worry about me. I really am just here for a drink.”

“Wow, I clearly need to work on my flirting if it’s coming off as pity,” I joke. Yes, I figured he could use a friendly welcome after seeing how nervous he was outside. Would I also like to take him home and lick his abs, among other things? Also, yes. 

“Sorry,” he says, giving me another one of those cute half-smiles. “I am so far outside of my comfort zone right now it’s not even funny.”

“Fuck comfort zones. When was the last time something memorable happened inside of a comfort zone?” I challenge. 

A surprised laugh escapes his lips, and his half smile is cranked up to a full smile, and damn is he even more gorgeous when he smiles for real. 

“You have a point there,” he agrees.

“I’m a genius,” I agree. “Listen, I won’t bug you if you’d rather be alone.”

He looks down at his glass, swirling it absently. “Construction,” he says.

“What?” 

“You asked what I do for a living,” he explains. “I own a construction company.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” I nod and drain the rest of my drink, gesturing to Van for one more. “Now, when you’re all hot and sweaty, using your big, hard hammer to pound something, are you usually shirtless, or is that only how it works in porn?” 

He snorts into his drink, sputtering a cough as he sets his glass down and reaches for a napkin. “I don’t think OSHA would approve of being shirtless on a work site,” he answers once he stops coughing.

I sigh dramatically. “I feel so lied to. If you can’t trust porn, who can you trust?” 

“The eternal question,” he agrees solemnly.

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Author K.M. Neuhold is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely- and sometimes damaged- men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she's not writing she's a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero...just kidding, she's likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

linktr.ee/KMNeuhold

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The King and Jai (Royal & Reckless #1) by Isla Olsen

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

This book was originally published inside the Romantically Ever After contemporary romance box set

One young American tutor + one dangerously sexy widowed king = conflict, chaos, misadventure and lots and lots of sexytimes

Jai

For the record, sleeping with my boss was not part of the plan when I started this new job. A job I desperately need to get my parents off my back about my chosen career path.

But the second I catch sight of Lukas Romansky in the flesh, I know I’m in trouble. The guy is pure sex wrapped in a three-piece suit, and not even his stuffy attitude or the way he seems to despise me on sight is enough to stifle my attraction.

But I’m here to work, not to hook up. It doesn’t matter how sexy Lukas is, or how sweet he is with his children—sleeping with the boss is never a good idea.

Oh, and did I mention my boss also happens to be the king?

Yes, King Lukas III of Korova, the man voted World’s Sexiest Head of State three years in a row. Hooking up with him wouldn’t just be a bad idea, it would be an international scandal.

So believe me when I say I didn’t come to Korova with the intention of seducing the king. But sometimes things just happen. And is it my fault I’m impossible to resist?

The King and Jai spins off from Virtually Screwed (Love & Luck #2) and is the first book in the Royal & Reckless series.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The King and Jai is a super sweet forbidden romance by Isla Olsen. The first book in the Royal & Reckless series, it's a spin off from Virtually Screwed, which I loved.

In this all consuming read, King Lukas falls for his children's language teacher, Jai. What follows is a tale full of homophobia, coming out, and of course children.

Everything about this book calls to me. The characters are fantastic, the storyline is sweet and entertaining, and the writing style is soothing, smooth, and riveting. Written in alternating first person pov, these characters are fully brought to life. I could feel their emotions as if they were my own. 

The King and Jai is perfectly enchanting. Isla Olsen delights in this low angst read. This book is definitely perfect the next time you want to read anything about royalty falling in love. 

Love Lessons (Draycott Cove #2) by B.L. Morticia

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Two men brought together by an annoyingly intelligent child.

Moving to Draycott Cove hadn’t been Leander’s plan, but the opportunity of working in a school that didn’t care he was openly gay was too good to pass up. Leander was raring for a new start in a place that was off the grid. He knew loneliness would set in, but that’s what hobbies and his hand were for.

Thorne grew up and married before discovering that a straight fairy tale life wasn’t for him. After separating from his wife, Thorne had no intention of marrying again. Humble and unselfish, Thorne was happy to raise their son, Roddy, alone. Men like him didn’t deserve love – no one wanted a dumb jock.

Thorne didn’t expect to be bowled over by Roddy’s sexy god of a teacher. He pledges to coerce Leander into his bed, hoping he’ll accept his flaws and past. More importantly, will Roddy tolerate Thorne putting someone on a pedestal along with him?

Not all lessons are easily learned.

Love Lessons is the second book in the Draycott Cove series. This book is an opposites attract interracial romance novella between a teacher who loves frilly things and a jock who can charm the pants off of anyone and is parent to a cute little kid that makes everyone smile.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

BL Morticia's Love Lessons, the second book in the Draycott Cove series, is a sweet and tender read.

After Thorne and Leander meet with a cute airport mishap, Thorne is relentless in his pursuit of Leander, who happens to be his son's teacher. It's a story of secrets and some kinky lace. 

I definitely enjoyed Leander and how well he's described physically, but it took me longer to become as invested in Thorne. My favorite character was young Roddy though. He's just funny and cute. I always enjoy stories with young kids. 

I very much appreciated the way the author explored Thorne's secret. It's a serious issue, causes great shame, and yet is completely avoidable. Thorne is definitely a sympathetic character as this point and you can't help but to root for him. 

Love Lessons is romantic and feel good book. This BL Morticia tale is perfect when you're in the mood for a warm, comforting read. 

REVIEW - Angels Sing by Eli Easton

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Goodreads Link

Daddy Dearest Series

The Daddy Dearest series features single dads. Each book in the series features a new couple and can be read as a stand-alone.

Book #1 - Family Camp - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

Jamie Bailey has not had such a wonderful life. He gave up his dreams of Harvard at 18 to raise his sister’s unwanted baby, and later a prized job to help a sick friend. Now the father of six-year-old Mia, and assistant manager at Raven Books, Jamie’s dreams are dashed once again when Uncle Billy admits the bookshop is in dire straights.

Stanton Potter, son of the most notorious businesswoman in Bedford Falls, loves his job teaching at the local elementary school. But he’s less than thrilled when he is forced to put together a Christmas pageant with first-graders, including Mia Bailey.

When Stanton meets Jamie, angels sing. Jamie’s gender-bending fashion sense and sweet aura have Stanton suffering through the worse crush he’s had since he was a teen. But can there be any hope for them when Jamie and Mia’s lives are about to be uprooted?

This Christmas, it’s Jamie’s turn to receive a little help from heaven.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Angels Sing is a beautiful Christmas romance by Eli Easton.

In this sweet romance, a teacher falls in love with a student's father. Their relationship is one with an age gap and an opposites attract aspect. It includes  a Christmas pageant, a bookstore, and an amazing mother, in addition to giving the reader all the holiday feels.

Jaime's an extraordinary character, full of strength and integrity. Honestly, he couldn't have been written any better. His gender bending ways are written well, and makes him an even more charming man, if that's possible. I love a man who's unapologetically true to himself, and Jaime is just that. Add in all the sacrifices he's made in his life, and he's amazing.

And then there's Stanton. He's a jock who's flustered when tasked with suddenly teaching kindergarten and having to direct the class pageant. As he's Jaime's exact opposite, this makes their connection even more enchanting. Their tale also includes some great first times, as Stanton's never acted on his bisexuality before. 

Angels Sing is a perfectly tender and sweet romance. I love this book. It's a must read when you're looking for a feel good holiday romance. 

About Eli

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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Christmas in Paris by Riley Knight

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A romantic Christmas with the hottest guy he's met in a while--but he's straight...

Ray Myers just wants his daughter to have the same opportunities as other kids. When her teacher offers a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris for the class, he knows he has to do whatever it takes to get her to Paris, even if it means going along himself. That's how he ended up where he is now: spending Christmas in the most romantic city in the world with someone that he, despite being straight, is finding more and more attractive all the time.

Simon Taylor just wants to make it to retirement and keep things interesting for him and his students. After being cheated on, he's not going to trust again. But when a passionate parent comes to him, something starts to change, and the Paris air might just bring a Christmas love story after all.

Christmas in Paris is a 50,000 word gay-for-you romance with adults-only heat and a happily ever after to warm your winter season

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Riley Knight's Christmas in Paris had me hooked from the start. Not just a vacation fling, but one between a teacher and a student's parent, it's fun, flirty, and definitely forbidden. 

One has to love Ray. He's lost his job, is raising his daughter alone, and will do anything for her. As a result, he ends up chaperoning her class trip to Paris for Christmas with her teacher Simon.

The Paris aspect is always in the background, adding some magic to the story. But the real beauty comes from the first kisses and the first times. Their story includes a whole lot of sneaking around, and just the right amount of angst. There's nothing unique, classic angst, but it's a good read. 


A short story, the reader doesn't get a whole lot of the student aspect, only the parts that affect their relationship.

I love the characters and I love the flow. The forbidden and vacation fling aspects are well done. I absolutely loved this. The only downfall is the way the angst is done, as it's completely predictable and seems forced. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's just a little over the top.

Definitely check out Christmas in Paris when you're in the mood for a sweet read. This OFY romance is definitely a fun holiday romance.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Twice Shy (A New Milton Novel) by Sally Malcolm

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 88,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Sally Malcolm

Goodreads Link

New Milton Series

Book #1 - Perfect Day - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #1.5 - Love Around The Corner - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 - Between The Lines - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

The last thing Joel Morgan wants is to fall in love again. Scarred by his failed marriage, Joel’s determined to keep his life emotionally stable—which means taking a job teaching fourth grade, fixing up his house on weekends, and avoiding absolutely all romantic entanglements. And he's doing great.

Until he meets sweet but struggling single dad, Ollie Snow.

Following the tragic death of his sister and her husband two years earlier, Ollie became the legal guardian of their two young sons—much to the horror of the boys’ conservative grandparents. They think Ollie’s too young and too unreliable to raise their grandsons. So to prove them wrong, Ollie’s determined to parent the boys without anyone’s help.

Until he meets reserved but caring teacher, Joel Morgan.

As the only two men in the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, Joel and Ollie are thrown together over a series of fundraising events, and somewhere between the Beach Fun Run and the Fall Festival they fall in love. But Ollie has another reason for moving to New Milton—a reason he’s keeping close to his chest—and Joel’s wounded heart won’t trust a man with secrets.

Dare they hope for a future together, or will their past pain keep them apart forever?

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Twice Shy is an enjoyable romance by Sally Malcolm.

Ollie's a young parent now, since becoming guardian to his two young nephews. Meanwhile, Joel's a teacher who's secretly bisexual, passing as straight to everyone as he has an ex wife.

When the two meet, the attraction is intense. What follows is a part forbidden parent/teacher romance, loaded with tension and sparks. 

Their story includes some enjoyable characters, a great town, and some adorable kids. The storyline is fun with just the right amount of angst.

The author does a great job illustrating the biased opinions against bisexuals. Joel firmly believes he needs to hide his bisexuality, as this issue is well explored.

Twice Shy is a delightful small town romance. Sally Malcolm creates a great mix of kids, closeted relationship, some mystery, and a whole lot of connection. 

Sally Malcolm was bitten by the male/male romance bug in 2016 and hasn’t looked back.

Perfect Day was her first published male/male romance, with the follow-up (Between the Lines) out later in 2018 and a dozen other ideas bubbling away on the back burner. Her stories are emotional, sweetly angsty, and always have happy endings.

Sally also writes tie-in novels for the hit TV shows Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. To date she’s penned nine novels and novellas, and four audio dramas.

She lives in South West London with her American husband, two lovely children, and two lazy cats.

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