RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Press (White House Men #1) by Nora Phoenix

 

Goodreads Link

Amazon US   -  Available in KU

Henley is off-limits for Levar. So why can’t he stay away?

Five years ago, Levar survived a terrorist attack. The bombing left its scars, but he’s picked up his life. He loves working for the vice president—who is openly bisexual—as his press secretary.

Levar can’t afford a pesky attraction that proves to be frustratingly stubborn. Worse, those highly combustible sparks are with the very last person he should be falling for: Henley Platt, a well-known reporter covering the White House.

Henley may not be Levar’s enemy, but he’s definitely not his friend. He can’t be, not when their jobs put them on opposite sides. Henley is absolutely off-limits, even when he shows his appreciation for the sexy lingerie Levar loves to wear.

When the terrorists strike again with a devastating blow to the White House, Levar and Henley lean on each other for support. The sparks become a raging fire that won’t be doused, but what happens if they’re found out?

Press is the first book in the White House Men series, a romantic suspense gay romance series set in the White House. Think The West Wing but gay, and with less politics. Each book has a new love story with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot will continue throughout the books, so the series needs to be read in order. Press has 100k words. TW for terrorism and violence.

________________________________________________________________________________

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Nora Phoenix's Press is the first book in the White House Men series. And it's fabulous. From the first page, I was hooked. 

Set in The White House, this book illustrates some of the crazy atmosphere and pace of working in The White House. I have never seen The West Wing, but am told this is modeled after that show. Thus, anyone who's a fan of that show, will definitely love this book. I know I loved it. 

The writing style is wonderful, as I've come to expect from this author. The characters are complex and their storyline full of action, danger, romance and more. There's plenty of time devoted to the conflict of interest aspect which is all well done. And then there's the kink. This is an author who always delights us with some kink, and this time it's a business man who wears panties under his suits. Hot!

Levar and Henry make for a fantastic couple. They both experienced a horrific terroristic attack, which is all very well detailed. And then they find themselves in political jobs that won't allow them to be together. I love the conflict involved and the forbidden aspect of the storyline. 

This is a tale with lots of political talk, along with plenty of suspense and intrigue. Both men are working in their dream jobs and the friendship that develops is compelling, making for a nice read. But it's the attraction, tension, and desires that make this one ever better. 

If you don't like politics, I don't think that matters too much. Yes, there is plenty of politics involved, but overall, everything has to do with these men, their jobs, and their connection to the political scene. 

Press is a fun story. This Nora Phoenix gem starts the White House Men series on a stellar note. I can't wait to see what happens next to all the characters involved and the overall mystery. Basically, this book is a great forbidden romance which will leave you happy to have read it. 

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Out of everything he could’ve said, his brain latched on to one thing Henley had mentioned. “You like my panties?”

Henley shot him a questioning look. “You sound surprised. Wouldn’t every man in my situation appreciate them?”

Levar propped himself up on his elbow. “Some men feel they’re too feminine.”

“Really? Let me have a better look.”

Before Levar realized what he was doing, Henley had whipped the covers off him, exposing him and his still-hard dick in all its glory. Henley took him in, then licked his lips with a smack. “Nope, nothing feminine about that, and that’s coming from a man who can appreciate feminine curves as much as a male hard body and anything in between. You’re all male, baby, and those panties are delicious on you. Absolutely edible.”

He dropped the covers back onto Levar, who lay stunned for a moment. What the hell had just happened? But then he cracked a smile, which morphed into a full laugh. “You’re nuts.”

Henley winked at him. “True, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”

_________________________________________________________________________________

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self-doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self-help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norasnook/

My weekly newsletter not only gives you updates, exclusive content, and all the inside news on what I’m working on, but also lists the best new releases, 99c deals, and freebies in gay romance for that weekend. Load up your Kindle for less money!  Sign up here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: @NoraFromBHR

On Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/

On Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-phoenix

The Story Of Us by Barbara Elsborg

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

BLURB

Two boys. One love. Ten summers.

Are you okay?

The first words Zed says to Caspian, and the first time someone has cared about the answer. On a hot summer’s day, the lives of two boys are changed forever. A rebel and a risk taker, Caspian doesn’t give a damn for the consequences. Studious and obedient, Zed is the good boy who is never good enough.

The two couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they share, a need to belong to someone who understands them, someone who cares. Their friendship goes deeper than either can possibly imagine. They’re young, in love, and planning their future when an act of betrayal tears them apart.

Fate deals its hand. Seasons pass. Zed’s words follow Caspian through pain, fear and into the darkest of places. Friendships can last a lifetime, even when the world conspires to crush them. But this is more than friendship. This is love and they’re not going to let it slip through their fingers.

The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds.

The Story of Us is a new adult contemporary romance. It deals with family and social issues, violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault, sexual situations, and has dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

The Story Of Us, by Barbara Elsborg is a wonderful, long and complicated story that spans many years. 

When we first meet Zed and Caspian, they are young teenagers. Their lives are awful, as they are both dealing with abuse from their families. 

What follows is a story of first love,  true love. It's beautiful and it's complicated. It's a heart-warming example of learning what it means to fully care for someone. 

It is definitely a tough read at times. Included in the tale are some extremely horrific moments and events that made me have to pause for a bit.


It's well written, extremely descriptive and has characters who are detailed and well developed. And what an emotional rollercoaster! I definitely felt every emotion along with the boys/men. I laughed, I cried, and everything in between.


Please do yourself a favor and check out The Story Of Us when you're in the mood for a gutsy, complicated, and long story. Barbara Elsborg has gifted us with a gem yet again.