RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Adrian's Scar by Martin Delacroix

Title:  Adrian's Scar

Author: Martin Delacroix

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: May 14, 2018

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 16000

Genre: Contemporary, contemporary, student/teacher, disability, grief

Goodreads

Synopsis

After Kai Olsen’s “perfect lover” dies in a cycling accident, Kai takes a part-time job teaching at a community college to fill his empty evenings. When Kai’s student, Adrian Knox, shows an interest in Kai, their lives quickly change. Adrian is dominated by his controlling mother, Kai can’t stop obsessing over his lost lover, and school policy says faculty members can’t date students. Does love between Kai and Adrian stand a chance?



REVIEW:
Kai is having a tough time mourning the death of his partner, Christopher. When he starts his part time teaching job, he meets Adrian.  He is instantly aware of Adrian, with his beautiful eyes and his missing left arm.  Adrian pusues Kai and soon they are lovers.  They have to keep their relationship hidden, but they are both happy to be together.  Kai is suddenly looking forward to getting up each morning again.  And Adrian is happy to be getting some separation from his very controlling mother.  

They have some obstacles in their way though - Kai's inability to let go of Christopher's things, Adrian's belief that Christopher is always there with them, the teacher/student problem, and Adrian's mother. 
In time, the only way their relationship can ever work out is if Kai finds a way to let go of his past.

This is a very short read, but a good one.   It is a beautiful story of a grieving man finding new love and having to find a way to let go of the past and start looking towards the future.  I enjoyed it a lot.

Excerpt

Adrian’s Scar

Martin Delacroix © 2018

All Rights Reserved

Chapter One

I was thirty, and my partner of five years, Christopher, was gone. An octogenarian driving a Sedan Deville ran over Christopher while he trained on his ten-speed bicycle. Christopher died instantly.

Some mornings, after the accident happened, I’d wake up and turn over in bed, expecting to find my beautiful Christopher hugging his pillow while sunlight reflected in his dark hair. And then I’d remember.

Christopher was a remarkable person, a gourmet cook who competed in triathlons and sewed the drapes hanging in our home. A pediatric hematologist, he treated kids with leukemia and hemophilia. I let him choose my clothes because he knew what matched with what. Like me, Christopher was organized, a true neatnik, and our home sparkled. We kept everything arranged just so, from the living room and kitchen to the closets and attic.

Now Christopher was gone, and I knew in my heart that no one could ever replace him.

In my bedroom, on the bureau, I created a sort of “Christopher shrine”: framed photographs, his sports medals and trophies, his wristwatch, and the gold necklace I’d given him for his twenty-ninth birthday. He wore the necklace at the time of his death.

I framed a letter he wrote me when he attended a medical conference in Montreal, and now the letter sat among the memorabilia. I kept a scented candle on the bureau and often lit it. I’d sit cross-legged on the bed, staring at the display while tears rolled down my cheeks.

Oh, Christopher, why did you have to leave me?

Evenings were hardest. I’d come home from my law office to an empty house. I had no one to discuss the day’s events with and no one to share a meal with. I took to eating frozen dinners, the kind I could pop into the microwave. I lost fifteen pounds and looked like a scarecrow. I felt lonely as hell and finally decided I should fill my evenings with some kind of activity. But what?

My law partner, David Bonner, suggested I try teaching part-time at our community college.

“There’s a paralegal program,” David said. “I know the department head, so I can put in a word if you’d like.”

Hell, why not?

I interviewed with Susan Stouffer, David’s friend, a petite woman in her forties with an easy smile, a strand of pearls, and a cluttered office. Textbooks choked her bookshelves. Her desk was stacked with file folders and legal journals.

“This is a four-year program,” she told me, “and our standards are high. I think you’ll find most of our students are bright and earnest. Many are middle-aged, looking to start a second career.”

I would teach a course called Introduction to U S Law and the Judicial System.

“It’s a survey course,” Susan said. “You’ll give them a taste of each area of substantive law: torts, contracts, family law, constitutional law, and so forth. You’ll also teach them court procedure; you’ll explain the state and federal court systems, and the Florida statutes too.”

Class met three nights per week, two hours per session, and the semester lasted four months.

“Adjuncts aren’t paid a lot,” Susan said. “You might call it a labor of love.”

“It’s fine,” I told her.

Susan gave me three different texts, a syllabus, a campus map, and a key to my office. “Visit the personnel department. You’ll need to sign forms and get your parking decal.”

The campus was perhaps fifty acres, much of it shaded by live oaks and long leaf pines with trunks as big around as oil barrels. The buildings were contemporary, with lots of glass and cream-colored brick, all connected by concrete walkways winding through swaths of Bahia grass. Classes were not in session that day, so few folks were about.

Located in a one-story portable, my office was a cramped space with a desk and a swivel chair, a laminate bookcase, two folding metal chairs, and a telephone. My windows faced west, and afternoon sunlight slanted in through the venetian blinds. The paneled walls were barren, the carpet coffee stained.

If Christopher had been present, he would have rubbed his hands together and clucked his tongue. He might’ve said something like, “This place needs livening up: plants, framed posters, and maybe curtains.”

How I missed him.

A knock sounded on my door, and when I answered, a wiry guy my age with huge brown eyes stood in the hallway, clutching a briefcase. His skin was dark as chocolate, his hair onyx and straight as straw. His pudgy lips were a purple shade. I was six one and probably had half a foot on him. He wore a starched white shirt, khaki pants, and leather slip-ons.

“Are you the new adjunct?” he asked.

I nodded.

He extended a hand. “I’m Kip Patel; I teach legal research and writing full-time.”

We shook, and I told him I was Kai Olson.

With his thumb, he pointed over his shoulder.

“My office is across the hall. Elegant digs they give us, eh?”

I grinned and bobbed my chin. His voice had a lilting quality I found appealing.

“Do you like it here?” I asked.

He nodded. “Very much. This will be my fourth year at the college. After law school, I took a job at a firm; I performed real estate and corporate work.” He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “I worked sixty-hour weeks, and it was boring as hell. This job pays less, of course, but I prefer the academic life.”

“I’ve never taught before,” I told Kip.

He shrugged while rocking his head from side to side. “It’s not difficult,” he said. “But listen, if I can be of help, you must let me know. We are all friends here.”

Purchase Links

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Meet the Author

Martin Delacroix is a former journalist and trial attorney. He writes short fiction and novels. His short fiction has appeared in over twenty anthologies and he has written several novels. Martin lives on a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. When he’s not writing he enjoys beach walks, playing his guitar, gardening, cooking, and distance running. He enjoys good wine and conversation. Find out more about Martin on his Website

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His Cocky Valet by Cole McCade

Amazon

Blurb:
Ash Harrington's life is out of control.
At twenty-three years old, he's suddenly the head of a multibillion dollar global corporation he is in no way equipped to run. His father is dying. His mother's run away. He's spent his entire adult life playing fast and loose with his life and his loves, but when he's dragged into a position of responsibility with the fate of the company on his shoulders, he goes spinning into freefall.
And Brand Forsythe is the only man to catch him.
Icy, detached, nearly twice Ash's age, the massive monolith of a British valet is impossible to deal with and like no servant Ash has ever met. Domineering and controlling, Brand quickly puts Ash's life in order.
And quickly takes Ash in hand.
Even if by day Ash has to project authority, leadership, and calm...by night he's discovering the breathless pleasure of giving up control. The shivering thrill of surrendering to Brand. The sweet taboo of being submissive to the man in even the smallest things. Ash can't quite understand why it feels so good to put himself in Brand Forsythe's capable, commanding hands.
He only knows, as he faces the hardest decisions of his life...the only thing that can save him is the love of his cocky valet.
Author's Note: If you're reading this, you likely know why this book exists. Bask in the petty, my darlings. Bask.

REVIEW

I was so excited to see this book written in response to "Cockygate."  What I wasn't expecting though, was such an enjoyable read.  And, not only was it really good, it was also a full length novel that would rival any other book in this genre.  

The dynamic in this book was very enjoyable.  Ash is young, innocent and naïve.  He is thrown to the wolves, work-wise, without any experience.   

When Brand is hired as his "valet", he takes complete control over all aspects of Ash's life.  And it becomes more and more apparent how much Ash needs someone to take control.   Somehow, it develops into a Master/Slave type relationship, yet also a Daddy/Boy relationship.    It was very enjoyable.  I just wish we could have seen even more of this.  

Honestly, Ash is the rich one, but Brand holds all the power in their relationship, and it is just a very fun dynamic.

As for the storyline with Ash's father, there are some very tender moments.

If you haven't read this yet, do!   Not just to piss off a certain someone, but also because it is a very enjoyable read.    I was very impressed!!!

And, lastly, if nothing else, buy this book just for the Epilogue!  It is AMAZING!

The Weight is Over by Jason Collins

Amazon


Blurb:
EVAN:
I have two guilty pleasures. Sexy men and delicious food. Since gorgeous men don’t usually go for guys like me, I tend to indulge in the latter.
When I score a week-long job as the hospitality manager for a private island resort, it’s the wakeup call I need. I’m surrounded by hot, sculpted bodies—men who look like they’re straight out of fitness magazines.
I stand out, but not in the way I want to.
Even though gyms have never been my thing, I decide to try the island’s workout center. That’s where I stumble into what must be the hottest guy at the resort. He’s exercising shirtless, but hell, I would too if I was him.
Of all the men on the island, this one takes the cake. Chiseled. Perfect. Out of my league.
But through a treadmill accident of embarrassing proportions, the hottest guy on the island suddenly becomes my hero.
I don’t know if I’m his type, but I find myself wondering if a night between the sheets counts as cardio.
NICHOLAS:
I always seem to be drawn to the sculpted, Adonis types.
More than just that, they have to be shallow. That’s how I protect myself—by finding guys who would rather hit the gym than actually get to know me. The real me...not just the physical.
Lately, though, I’ve been hoping for more than that.
And then I meet Evan.
There’s an instant connection. The chemistry is there, but with him, it’s much more than physical. He’s sweet, funny, and adorably clumsy. I’m excited by the idea of building a future, and I want to explore it with him, but the notion of letting someone in terrifies me.
Evan doesn’t know it yet, but he’s the guy I’ve been fantasizing about. I don’t want to rush it, but the spark is undeniable, so I decide to start with a private invitation.
Maybe it’s time to show Evan my idea of a workout.
Note to readers: This is an extra spicy MM romance. Readers can expect two passionate men and several steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.

REVIEW

This is a very sweet romance. I couldn't help but to fall for both men immediately.  I liked that their connection was made before the matter of money and success was ever mentioned.

Both men were insecure and not actually looking for love.  

Evan was insecure in his looks and his body.  And Nicholas is insecure about trusting a partner's intensions.  He can't easily trust that someone is interested in him and not his money.  Both of these issues were prominent in their thoughts and actions throughout the story.

We get to watch as Evan works to get healthy.   It was such an important message, as many struggle with this same issue.  I love the choices he made and that it wasn't easy, but that he worked hard for his success.   Nicholas's journey of realizing how to trust and support Evan was also well written.

In each other, they managed to find someone not only to love them, but to help better themselves.   They found confidence in one another.   And both men had to work to trust the other.  

Add in slimy ex, and how that actually helped Evan to gain more confidence.  That was a nice addition to the story.

I also really enjoyed their friends.  These secondary characters were both enjoyable, as well as a great addition to the story.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book.   

The Soldier Went South by W. Mae Smith & Ashton Stellys

Amazon

Blurb:
Is a second chance possible? Or is the first time the only time you get?
The army is Justin’s life. He’s an exemplary soldier, and he takes great pride in being successful. He’s never focused much on dating, and meeting omegas that he can connect with is a challenge for him. He hasn’t given any thought to being in a relationship, not since breaking up with his high school sweetheart.
Rory chose the life of an expat, bouncing around from exotic locales to hidden beach towns, living the life of a traveler. A loner. He’s had his fun, never settling down or putting down roots. He doesn’t care much for the idea of love since Justin broke his heart by joining the army. But the life of a nomad is taking its toll, and Rory is longing for something more.
A late-night message rekindles an old flame between once young, naïve lovers. Rory and Justin tried at love before, and it didn’t work. Nine years later, they’re both alone, looking for something they can’t name. Could the time be right for their love story, almost a decade in the making? Or are they destined to make the same mistakes again?
The Soldier Went South features an unexpected pregnancy, a second chance at love, and the discovery of what home truly means. If you’re not looking for a story about a man getting pregnant (and how he gets that way), then avoid this book!



This is a sweet little second chance romance.  It is a short read, but it covers all the basics - reuniting, some good sex, and some angst.   It is about two former high school sweethearts who are reunited and their desire starting a family together.   

I enjoyed reading this.  It isn't spectacular, but is was a sweet read.

The Reunion (Decadent #5) by Elaine White

Amazon


Blurb:
What happens when everyone in the room is only six-degrees of separation from an ex-boyfriend, the guy who beat him up, his brother, his cousin, and his best friend? You have a reunion to remember...for the wrong reasons.
Bringing everyone together, at the urging of his therapist, seems like a bad idea. Especially when it means putting Grayson, Tam, Casen, Giovanni, and Lachlan in the same room. And, of course, they all had to bring their partners, husbands or boyfriends. How Levi and Mack got invited, Konnor can only imagine. It seemed like everyone was eager to witness the inevitable explosion. After all, bad feelings can only be buried for so long...

REVIEW 

This is the 5th book in the series and they need to be read in order.

This book is a wonderful continuation of The Decadent series.  We end up being witness to a compilation of all the past participates as they try to make some peace with the past. 
We get to witness wonderful closure for the men.  And get to see how they have been moving on and forward in their relationships.   It truly encompassed all that we love about each man.  

Overall, this is just a fantastic, feel-good story.  The author does a superb job, as usual, with the character development.  I have loved her writing style for this entire series.   It is superb and engaging.  Throughout, she has managed to capture multiple sides of each character and has helped them to overcome their pasts.  She does not shy away from tough topics and tough situations and does an excellent job with each topic that she is addressing.

If you like the first 4 books in this series, you need to pick up The Reunion.  
If you haven't read any of them, go back and start at the beginning.  It is worth the ride.