RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Us Against the World (Roseden U #1) by Shayne Prescott

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Us Against the World

Author: Shayne Prescott

Publisher: Self-Published - Spartakittah Press

Cover Artist: GetCovers.com

Release Date: February 1, 2022

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Friends to lovers, sports, college

Themes: Bullying

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length: 65 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links 

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?

Betrayed by the only family he's ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?
 
For Roseden University frosh Theo Carter, the journey to his true self has been long and publicized. It seems most everyone on campus saw the TV series in which he was transitioning, and some feel very strongly he doesn't belong at the prestigious all-male school. Struggling with classes and bullying, junior Owen Lewis swoops in like his own personal savior.  But as the heat rises between the two, so too does the torment from some of the school's lacrosse team.
 
As a product of the foster care system, Owen knows all about not being wanted.  That's why his lacrosse teammates are so important to him — they've become the closest thing he's found to a real family.  Being bounced around constantly between different homes with just a plastic bag of his possessions taught Owen there was no such thing as love. But if that's true, why does Theo feel like a home he's never known? Owen is convinced that nothing will stop him from protecting Theo — but what if the choice is between his found family and his first love?
 
When all seems lost, both have choices to make. Will they choose each other?
 
Us Against the World is a 65 000-word HEA set at the fictional Roseden University, in Roseden, Pennsylvania. It is the first in the series of Roseden U books, and contains some derogatory language (LGBTQIA+)

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Us Against the World is a new adult romance by Shayne Prescott. The first book in the Roseden U series, this is a story of a trans man and an athlete falling in love.

Both characters are complex and interesting. Both bring baggage to their relationship, with Theo's gender dysphoria being an issue for him to learn to overcome, and Owen struggling with his upbringing and being a black, gay athlete. 

Their journey is a nice journey as they learn how they fit together. Theo has a lot of growth throughout, as he's unexperienced with sex and being comfortable with his body. His journey isn't anything unexpected, but it's well done. His emotions are well written and easily jump off the pages. 

One would expect Theo to have the most growth along the way, but damn, Owen's story is just as important. Having grown up without stability and a loving family, he struggles to deal with opening his heart and trusting one to love them. 

I enjoy the some of secondary characters, with Brett and his girlfriend being fabulous friends to the young men. I appreciate that both men have supportive and understanding friends. 

Their story includes a transphobic teammate, a lot of bullying, and a slew of doubts and fears. Uncertainty pops up throughout, adding a lot to the storyline.

Overall, Us Against the World is a nice romance. I enjoy the way Shayne Prescott brings these men through the pain of their pasts and into a loving, supportive relationship. It's a worthwhile read and I highly recommend it to anyone in a mood for a new adult hurt/comfort book. 

 “Hi! Do you need help finding your books?” My books, my brain, my capacity to speak…

 “Y-yes.” My tongue tangled like when I was a kid, when I’d had a mouth full of Gobstoppers and couldn’t manage any words. I bet I looked really intelligent.

 Owen grinned at me, either oblivious or nonplussed by my brainless moments. “Do you have your class schedule? I’ll need that to find your books.”

 “Sure do,” I confirmed. I handed him my class list and he looked it over, nodding quietly to himself before suddenly grinning even wider at me.

 “You’re in my Spanish class. But I don’t remember seeing you in the fall semester?”

 “I took the fall semester online, back home in New Hampshire.” Before he could ask why — I could see the curiosity on his chiseled face — I explained. “I had surgery early in the year; it made more sense to be home, rather than recovering here.” Smooth, Theo, so smooth. Why don’t you tell him about the time you tripped and skinned both knees while you’re at it?

 Owen nodded. “I totally get that. So since you’ve got Spanish covered, it’ll just be the other four classes?”

 “Yeah. Take all my money,” I groused, and he laughed, which made my stomach do a little flip-flop. I fought the urge to groan. I needed to get over myself. I didn’t know this guy, and despite him looking damn good, I shouldn’t have been swooning.

 Owen went off to search the stacks for the books, while I decided to pick up some more highlighters. I’d brought some from home, but given the current state of my Spanish book, it would take me no time at all before those were dried up and in need of replacements. Finding a five-pack of assorted colors, I made a happy little noise and snatched them up, coming back to the book section just as Owen approached with a thick stack of books.

 “Oh God. How am I going to get all of those back to my dorm?” Yes, Theo, complain to the handsome man about your own ineptitude.

 Owen peeked around the books to peer down at me. “You didn’t bring a backpack?” I shook my head morosely. “Two options. You can either buy a Roseden one, or if you’ve got one back in your room, I can set the books aside while you go grab it.”

 “Can you really set them aside?” Owen nodded. “Okay, thanks! I’ll get back here as fast as I can.”

 “Don’t rush,” Owen assured me with a dazzling smile. “It’s been slow. More professors are going for online textbooks instead of the physical ones.”

 I hazarded a glance at my stack. “Not mine, it seems.” Owen winked at me and my stomach fluttered again. I started towards the door, then remembered the highlighters in my hand. Turning, I placed them beside my texts. “I’ll pay for those, too, when I come back.” Owen gave me a friendly wave, and then I was off, back to Tucker Hall.

Shayne Prescott has been putting together books since his medium was scraps of paper and pencil nubs. A children’s book was considered for publication while in middle school, and his short stories were often a favorite of his beloved English teacher, Mrs. Mazzacarro. Still, he writes.

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PRE-ORDER NOW - Obie Is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar

 

COMING September 7, 2021

Amazon Link 

Goodreads Link

A coming-of-age story about transgender tween Obie, who didn't think being himself would cause such a splash. For fans of Alex Gino's George and Lisa Bunker's Felix Yz.

Obie knew his transition would have ripple effects. He has to leave his swim coach, his pool, and his best friends. But it's time for Obie to find where he truly belongs.

As Obie dives into a new team, though, things are strange. Obie always felt at home in the water, but now he can't get his old coach out of his head. Even worse are the bullies that wait in the locker room and on the pool deck. Luckily, Obie has family behind him. And maybe some new friends too, including Charlie, his first crush. Obie is ready to prove he can be one of the fastest boys in the water--to his coach, his critics, and his biggest competition: himself. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Obie is Man Enough is an wonderful coming of age story by Schuyler Bailar. 

This story follows Obie who's a transgender middle school student. His story is powerful, heart breaking, and also inspirational. In other words, this is not an easy read. 

The writing is fabulous. It's flows great and the storyline will keep you riveted. The author excels in addressing many issues involved with being a transgender child. And it's heart wrenching at times. The author writes with knowledge, care, and compassion. And also hope. 

I love this story. I wish it didn't have to be told, but damn, the world needs more stories like this. 

Obie's journey from being a kid with good friends and a great swimmer, to living his truth, and facing the consequences, is extremely heartfelt and honest. 

His experiences with an transphobic coach and his former friends had me wanting to just hug him and protect him. But through it all, Obie lives his truth. 

Not all trans kids have a lot of support, but Obie does have some, which is fabulous. His story is similar to a kid I know personally, but not everyone is lucky enough to have parents like Obie's.

This is a story I'd recommend to anyone looking to read about a transgender child's journey, or to learn more about the emotions involved with being trans. That said, although Obie's journey is tough and multi-layered, his parents are fully supportive. Obie's a child who was able to start on hormone blockers early on, and then adding T later. Not all parents are so wonderfully supportive. 

Thus, if you're looking for a story of a trans child who doesn't have support at home, skip this one. 

But if you're looking for a story about a trans child who's family is supportive, but the rest of his life is a struggle, this is for you. 

And, honestly, one of my favorite parts is the way the author explores how Obie's friends feel. It's horrible, trust me, but I appreciate the thoughts that drive the friends. 

I also appreciate the sports aspect. As we all know, there's a lot of controversy about trans students playing sports. It's a messy and long drawn out issue in the world today. I like that the author addresses this issue. 

Obie is Man Enough is truly a great read. Schuyler Bailar excels in capturing the pain involved with dealing with transphobia. This is one I highly recommend. 

RELEASE TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Burn That Bridge by JR Gray

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Burn That Bridge
By J.R. Gray

Turns out trading a spot on the cheerleading squad for a fresh fade and all-new pronouns was more of a recipe for disaster than happiness. Coming out as trans in rural Alabama, where football rules and cheer is life, might have been the worst way to start my senior year.

There are no safety nets for people like me in places like this.

But sometimes, hope shows itself in the most unexpected places. New friends help us survive —and maybe— thrive. But falling for Sebastian was not part of the plan.

Embracing my identity put my happiness at odds with my safety. I’m terrified. Terrified to be me. Terrified to be happy. Terrified to love him.

Welcome to senior year.

Try to make it out alive.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Burn that Bridge is an amazing young adult read. Everything about this JR Gray tale is simply fabulous. 

Damn! I love this book. 

It's a coming of age story that follows DJ, a newly trans teen boy, and his boyfriend Sebastian. There's a lot going on throughout, but the emotions are always front and center. 

This book has it all. Bullying, friendship issues, transphobia, homophobia, rich versus poor, and so much more. 

I appreciate that Sebastian's sexuality is never an issue to him. He was attracted to DJ before he transitioned, and he has no problem accepting his attraction to DJ as a boy. As he states, he's simply attracted to DJ the person.

I adore how everything develops between these two, including the way they deal with adversity. This is a story of survival in a cruel world. Their connection is strong, but their devotion to each other is even stronger.

Everything is fantastically developed, with the storyline riveting, compelling, and easy to follow. The writing is raw and authentic, touching on extremely poignant issues. 

It ends with a happy for now for this group of friends, with college in their future. 

Burn That Bridge is a must read for anyone looking for the story of a transgender teen. JR Gray's writing is raw and honest in this impressive tale.

 

 

Release Blitz Excerpt:

There was a light to this boy I’d never experienced before. His soul was brightness. I envied him. I wanted to comb my fingers through him and feel like he felt if only for an instant. 

He drummed on his thigh, lost in his Fall Out Boy, which was such a strange band for him to be into. They were like thirty-five, but he owned it. He’d put all their albums on shuffle. Some stuff I knew, and others were made before I was old enough to care about music, and his dedication showed. He started to belt out every song in a slightly off-key tune that endeared him in my heart. 

“How many people see this side of you?” 

He looked over at me, his cheeks turning a little pink. “Just Emery, and now you.” He shrugged it off like it wasn’t that big a deal, but in the world I’d fallen from, it was. “My group of friends doesn’t care about cool.” 

“Everyone cares in the group I was in.” 

“It shows.” 

I couldn’t make eye contact. “You mean since none of them will talk to me anymore?”

“Why do they care what you look like? You’re still the same person, right?” 

“It’s more than that.” 

“Is it?” 

I turned back towards him, waiting for an explanation. 

“You changed the outside and a name. And you didn’t really change it that much. You decided to go by your initials. If that’s all it takes to scare people off, they are the problem.” 

“It’s not that simple.” 

“I think it is. You were…” He trailed off. 

“I was?” I prompted. 

He shook his head. “Just rambling. It should be, and is, that simple.” 

“I was lying to them. I deceived every single person for the last year.” This was so much heavier than I wanted the night to be. I didn’t want everything to be colored by my transition. I wanted to be as light as Sebastian felt.

“I think we all have parts of us we aren’t ready to share with the rest of the world. That doesn’t make you a liar.” He rolled to his side to face me. 

“This isn’t a little thing.” 

“I think you’re making excuses for shitty behavior.” 

I couldn’t look at him again, but I could feel his eyes, unwavering. “They don’t know any better.” 

“It’s time to learn.” He skimmed his fingers over my forearm, and there were real damn sparks in the wake of his touch.

I put my hand over the place he’d been like I could hold the feeling there, preserve it in some way. 

He was my rainbow. A prism projecting color into this dreary existence. The little bit of light shining through the rain, and maybe that was all I needed to go on. 

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Burn That Bridge, J.R. Gray is giving away a signed copy of Burn That Bridge (US Winner) & an e-copy for an international winner!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57195/?

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Gray is a cynical Chicago native, who drinks coffee all day, barely sleeps, and is a little too fashion obsessed. He writes realistic and damaged characters because everyone deserves a happily ever after.


Contact J.R. Gray:
https://www.patreon.com/join/Graybooks/
https://twitter.com/theoriginalgray
twitter.com/booksbygray
facebook.com/Booksbygray
booksbygray.tumblr.com
https://www.pinterest.com/JRGrayBooks/
www.JRGrayBooks.com
https://www.instagram.com/hipsterwriter/

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Burn that Bridge by JR Gray

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Burn That Bridge
By J.R. Gray

Turns out trading a spot on the cheerleading squad for a fresh fade and all-new pronouns was more of a recipe for disaster than happiness. Coming out as trans in rural Alabama, where football rules and cheer is life, might have been the worst way to start my senior year.

There are no safety nets for people like me in places like this.

But sometimes, hope shows itself in the most unexpected places. New friends help us survive —and maybe— thrive. But falling for Sebastian was not part of the plan.

Embracing my identity put my happiness at odds with my safety. I’m terrified. Terrified to be me. Terrified to be happy. Terrified to love him.

Welcome to senior year.

Try to make it out alive.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Burn that Bridge is an amazing young adult read. Everything about this JR Gray tale is simply fabulous. 

Damn! I love this book. 

It's a coming of age story that follows DJ, a newly trans teen boy, and his boyfriend Sebastian. There's a lot going on throughout, but the emotions are always front and center. 

This book has it all. Bullying, friendship issues, transphobia, homophobia, rich versus poor, and so much more. 

I appreciate that Sebastian's sexuality is never an issue to him. He was attracted to DJ before he transitioned, and he has no problem accepting his attraction to DJ as a boy. As he states, he's simply attracted to DJ the person.

I adore how everything develops between these two, including the way they deal with adversity. This is a story of survival in a cruel world. Their connection is strong, but their devotion to each other is even stronger.

Everything is fantastically developed, with the storyline riveting, compelling, and easy to follow. The writing is raw and authentic, touching on extremely poignant issues. 

It ends with a happy for now for this group of friends, with college in their future. 

Burn That Bridge is a must read for anyone looking for the story of a transgender teen. JR Gray's writing is raw and honest in this impressive tale. 

 

There was a light to this boy I’d never experienced before. His soul was brightness. I envied him. I wanted to comb my fingers through him and feel like he felt if only for an instant. 

He drummed on his thigh, lost in his Fall Out Boy, which was such a strange band for him to be into. They were like thirty-five, but he owned it. He’d put all their albums on shuffle. Some stuff I knew, and others were made before I was old enough to care about music, and his dedication showed. He started to belt out every song in a slightly off-key tune that endeared him in my heart. 

“How many people see this side of you?” 

He looked over at me, his cheeks turning a little pink. “Just Emery, and now you.” He shrugged it off like it wasn’t that big a deal, but in the world I’d fallen from, it was. “My group of friends doesn’t care about cool.” 

“Everyone cares in the group I was in.” 

“It shows.” 

I couldn’t make eye contact. “You mean since none of them will talk to me anymore?”

“Why do they care what you look like? You’re still the same person, right?” 

“It’s more than that.” 

“Is it?” 

I turned back towards him, waiting for an explanation. 

“You changed the outside and a name. And you didn’t really change it that much. You decided to go by your initials. If that’s all it takes to scare people off, they are the problem.” 

“It’s not that simple.” 

“I think it is. You were…” He trailed off. 

“I was?” I prompted. 

He shook his head. “Just rambling. It should be, and is, that simple.” 

“I was lying to them. I deceived every single person for the last year.” This was so much heavier than I wanted the night to be. I didn’t want everything to be colored by my transition. I wanted to be as light as Sebastian felt.

“I think we all have parts of us we aren’t ready to share with the rest of the world. That doesn’t make you a liar.” He rolled to his side to face me. 

“This isn’t a little thing.” 

“I think you’re making excuses for shitty behavior.” 

I couldn’t look at him again, but I could feel his eyes, unwavering. “They don’t know any better.” 

“It’s time to learn.” He skimmed his fingers over my forearm, and there were real damn sparks in the wake of his touch.

I put my hand over the place he’d been like I could hold the feeling there, preserve it in some way. 

He was my rainbow. A prism projecting color into this dreary existence. The little bit of light shining through the rain, and maybe that was all I needed to go on. 

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Burn That Bridge, J.R. Gray is giving away a signed copy of Burn That Bridge (US Winner) & an e-copy for an international winner!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57195/?

---

______________________________________________

Gray is a cynical Chicago native, who drinks coffee all day, barely sleeps, and is a little too fashion obsessed. He writes realistic and damaged characters because everyone deserves a happily ever after.

Contact J.R. Gray:
https://www.patreon.com/join/Graybooks/
https://twitter.com/theoriginalgray
twitter.com/booksbygray
facebook.com/Booksbygray
booksbygray.tumblr.com
https://www.pinterest.com/JRGrayBooks/
www.JRGrayBooks.com
https://www.instagram.com/hipsterwriter/

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Burning For You (Neighborhood Shindig #2) by A.M. Arthur

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Bran Foxwell has crushed on Joel Fisher from afar for years, and now that Joel is happily in love with another guy, Bran has lost his chance. But when uber-sexy Keenan Pratt stumbles over an upset Bran, it’s the perfect opportunity for a no-strings hookup. Except sex with Keenan is hotter and more intense than Bran ever imagined, and despite their no-strings agreement, both men agree to an actual date.

As the middle triplet, Keenan Pratt is devoted to his brothers and they’ve spent the last ten years supporting and protecting each other. When Keenan has the chance to screw around with his own long-time crush Bran, it’s an itch he can’t wait to scratch. But there’s chemistry there neither of them expects and, slowly but surely, what should have been a single hookup turns into more.

But when their family is targeted, the Pratt brothers circle the wagons hard, and Keenan pulls away from Bran exactly when he should be leaning on the other man. Bran wants to be there for Keenan, but old habits run deep and if Keenan can’t learn to trust, he risks losing the best relationship he’s ever had.

Welcome to Neighborhood Shindig, a friendly place where you can snack on a lamb kebab while getting your hair done, pick up your favorite herbal tea blend, and then go listen to live music under the pavilion. We’re happy to have you. 

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Damn! AM Arthur's Burning For You is a fun romance that starts with a super hot hookup.

After a hook up with his long time crush, Keenan's confused and frustrated that Bran doesn't want more. Their journey from friends to lovers isn't without it's complications, but most of it is from outside sources, as opposed to relationship drama. 

I enjoy the romance in this one, but am not a big fan of all the food talk. It's well done, just not something I care to read. That said, the food talk is important, as Keenan and Bran bond over food and their careers. As a result, this is a slow burn romance that takes some time to build the connection. 

Their story includes some horrific homophobia and bigotry, as well as transphobia. Jayden's a bi-trans man who's a secondary character. The transphobia that he faces is sad and poignant. Jayden deserves a happy ending which I hope we get soon.


Written in dual pov, we get good insight into both characters and their feelings. Though a second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. 

Burning For You is a beautiful romance, centering around a theme of family, love, and support. AM Arthur's food truck series, Neighborhood Shindig, is an entertaining and fun series with the promise of many book stories to come. 

MF - Little Ms Who? by S. Neff

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Lee has been going through the same routine in his life. Seeing his friends find love has made him question his own choices, and when he meets Tris at the Friday night bonfire he is captivated at first sight. One kiss is all it takes for him to want her for his own, and after that night he thinks he's found his Cinderella and his chance at love. What Lee doesn't know is that some princesses have much bigger secrets than being covered in soot, and Tris’s secrets are going to redefine Lee and everything he thought he knew about himself. Love is never easy and Lee has to decide if he can love Tris even if he’s not who he says he is.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

S Neff's Little Ms Who? is a terrific romance. I am surprised and thrilled with how much I love this book.

At it's heart, it's an excellent exploration of many different aspects of being transgender. There's a whole lot of the mentality behind gender dysphoria, the difficulty of acceptance, and the struggles to bare yourself to someone. 

This story immediately sucked me in, as it's compelling as well as riveting. Full of extreme examples of transphobia and a girl who won't take no, this is one hell of an emotional ride. It's non-stop concern for Lee and Tris, as they deal with mental issues, as well as dangerous situations. 

The transformation of Lee and Tris from the beginning, where their world is full of secrets, to the end, where they let love rule, is huge. Both inspirational and thought-provoking, I love this couple.

Little Ms Who? is a delightful thriller/romance. It's a beautiful story of falling in love for a person, not a body. I highly recommend this S Neff book.