REVIEW - Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton

Goodreads

 Close Proximity, Book 2

Sometimes love is a lot closer to home than you think.

Charlie Burroughs can’t keep a man. All he wants is a good relationship like the ones he sees his friends having, but none of the men he picks ever work out. Despite him trying to be the perfect boyfriend, the men are either threatened by his looks or his epilepsy or a combination of the two. It’s lucky that he has his best friend Misha to turn to. The two of them are closer than peas in a pod and fiercely loyal to each other. He can’t imagine his life without Misha in it.

Misha Lebedinsky is the complete opposite of his best friend. Being the support system for his mum and twin sisters leaves Misha with neither the time nor the inclination for a relationship. Quick and frequent hook-ups are his favourite means of communication and any other pesky emotional needs he has are met by Charlie, who he’s devoted to. He lives a life of happy compartmentalization with no intention of ever changing.

All of this changes when the two best friends move in together.

Being in close proximity means that they suddenly start to see each other in a very different light. But Charlie struggles when his drive to be the perfect partner clashes with the fact that he’s in love with a man who knows every little thing about him. And even if he can get past that, can a relationship ever work with a man who’d need a dictionary to tell him what love means?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a love story about a sunny librarian who has relationship written all over him and a banker who doesn’t even have it in his blurb. This is the second book in the Close Proximity series, but it can be read as a standalone.

 Amazon US  *  Universal Link 

 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Charlie Sunshine is a tender hearted, accomplished tale. I love everything about this Lily Morton book from the start. 

This amazing story includes lifelong best friends, secret longings, and a jerk of an ex boyfriend. Charlie moves in with his best friend Misha. I love the way they get along, as you can see from the start how much Misha cares for Charlie. Both men are wonderfully lovable. 


This is a story that heavily explores the struggle of risking a friendship that means everything to you. That fear is loud and clear. The hesitancy is well done. Add in Charlie's epilepsy and wow, this is one phenomenal story. This aspect is written with knowledge and care. 

Do you like book clubs? It's awesome as the author gifts the reader with a book club unlike any I've ever been too. Omg, I love it!


And holy heat! When the time comes, these two are explosive. Then the author goes and adds in some lace, and holy hotness!! Add in some public bathroom sex to up the heat, and wow, just wow!

This is also a story with some great secondary characters, as Charlie's father and step-father add humor and heart to the story.

The writing is fantastic, drawing the reader into every scene. The feelings are there, behind every single moment and action. 

And then there's the title and the significance of it, which is truly remarkable. 
Charlie's a man who always puts on a happy face for the world. But in a real relationship, that isn't possible or necessary. I love this aspect and the true depth of it's meaning. Read it; you'll love it.

Charlie Sunshine will have you crying, laughing, and swooning. I love, love, love this Lily Morton book and can't recommend it enough! The love between these two is insane and all consuming. It's completely heart-felt and emotional throughout. Just read it. 

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The car park is dark apart from the thin light that emanates from the security lamp over the door. Hearing footsteps, I spin round and then immediately relax when I see Misha coming towards me.

“Are you on your own?” he demands.

“Why, Mister Lebedinsky,” I say in dulcet tones, fluttering my eyelashes. “Were you lying in wait to launch an attack on my virtue?”

“I’m about twelve years and ten miles away from a crack at that.” I laugh, and he shakes his head. “Why is it so fucking dark around here, Charlie?”

“Because night has fallen.” He stares beadily at me. “And the owner of the car park hasn’t replaced the bulb in the security light.”

 

“Have you told him that he needs to?”

“No, Misha,” I say sarcastically. “I thought I’d leave it to him. Maybe if I send enough good thoughts over to Malaga, he’ll realise and come straight home.”

“I’m absolutely positive that librarians shouldn’t be this snarky. Is there anyone in the building I can get to google it?”

I shove him. “We don’t google,” I say in a scandalised tone. “We utilise the skills that our very intensive library research course has taught us.”

“And then what?”

I slump. “We google.”

He laughs and holds out his hand for the cloth bag I’m carrying. I shake my head and hand it over, watching with satisfaction as he nearly drops it. “Fucking hell, have you got bricks in here?”

“Why would I be carrying bricks?” I ask, picking up my rucksack and moving over to the neatly parked and very expensive-looking silver Mercedes.

“I don’t know. Who the fuck knows what librarians get up to?”

“We are a very cosmopolitan crew,” I acknowledge.

“After picking you up from the staff Christmas do last year, I’m not entirely sure that cosmopolitan is the right word. Debauched would be nearer the mark.”

“I told Bethany not to get Sue that extra Baileys,” I say gloomily. “Can we not talk about it? I’m getting flashbacks.”

He fiddles with my bag and grins at me. “More books? Do you, or do you not have a very nice iPad with all your books loaded on it?”

“I know.” I sigh, climbing into the front seat after he clicks the locks and setting my rucksack at my feet. “I just can’t resist a new box of books.” He slides into the driver’s seat after depositing my cloth book bag in the back, and I grin at him. “It’s a bit like you resisting the last twink in a club at kicking-out time.”

“Well, why didn’t you say that?” he drawls. “Now I understand.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Lily's new release, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

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About Lily:

Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group
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Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - A Family Affair by Rob Loveless

Title: A Family Affair

Author: Rob Loveless

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: April 27, 2020

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 50100

Genre: Contemporary, bisexual, college, gay, HFN, holiday season, jealousy, new adult, 
revenge, unrequited love

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It’s been said that if you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were. But what does it mean when they come back into your life—as your sibling’s

significant other?

At twenty-five years old, Cal Adams has only ever truly loved one man, the one who broke his heart three years earlier—Andrew Hall. Since then, he has searched for meaningful relationships but cannot smolder the flames of the past his family remains unaware of.

As the holiday season approaches, Cal’s younger sister, Claire, brings her boyfriend home to meet the family. When she arrives, Cal is shocked to meet her boyfriend, who is none other than Andrew.
In a darkly humorous tale, Cal decides to show his ex what he missed out on.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

A Family Affair is an addictive romance by Rob Loveless. From the start, this one grabbed onto me and I couldn't put it down. 

It's a story of anger and confusion, unrequited love and regrets, and so much more. 

All told from Cal's pov, I was fully brought into Cal's thoughts and feelings, completely engrossed by his plight. OMG, I was so angry for him and on his behalf. With glimpses into the past, the reader easily feels for Cal as he's 
unable to let go of the past, still stuck with a whole lot of "what ifs."

And then, then there's the twists and turns. I have no clue what to say about this book. It went in a direction I didn't like. And then, then I liked it again. I almost put it down, thinking it was going a way I didn't way, but I am glad I didn't. Basically, be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions. 

A Family Affair is not a romance. But it is fun. Well, for the reader anyway. This Rob Loveless read is one of character growth and family issues. 

A Family Affair

Rob Loveless © 2020

All Rights Reserved

Cal Adams sat at his desk and shuffled through some papers as he eyed the clock: 5:47 p.m. A mixture of excitement and anxiety churned uneasily in his stomach as the seconds hand ticked away. In thirteen minutes, he would relinquish his work responsibilities and prepare for what was sure to be a big night. A few days earlier, Cal’s parents had called to invite him to dinner Friday night for a special occasion—his baby sister would be home from college for the weekend.

Claire Adams was a senior in college and only three and a half years younger than Cal, yet he couldn’t help but refer to her as his baby sister; perhaps that was part of being a big brother. As
Claire’s older brother and only sibling, Cal was a bit on edge about that night’s family dinner. After all, Claire wasn’t just coming home to visit; she was bringing along her new boyfriend to meet the family.

Cal tuned out the clinking of weight machines and the grunts of fatigued gym patrons as he sat in his office and concentrated on the circumstance at hand. His sister hadn’t had a boyfriend meet their parents since her junior year of high school, which meant this was serious. Cal and Claire had become very close in recent years, but he had not heard much about this boyfriend, including his name. Claire had always been one to maintain a low profile on social media, and only acknowledged she was “in a relationship” a month or so ago—without posting any photos. From what Cal had
been able to gather from his phone calls with her, Claire and her boyfriend had only been seeing each other for about six months. So they hadn’t been together that long. Still, this was serious, which worried Cal a bit.

Being the big brother, Cal was somewhat protective of his sister, but he was happy for Claire, and he was sure he’d love her boyfriend. After all, Claire had a good head on her shoulders. However, this whole situation made Cal uneasy since it made him reflect on his own lack of success in the relationship department.

As the eldest sibling, Cal had always anticipated he would be the first to settle down. However, being twenty-five years old and never having been in a serious relationship, he often felt frustrated and unfulfilled—like something was missing in his life. 

It wasn’t that Cal was undateable. On the contrary, he was quite attractive, with medium-length, dark-brown hair, piercing gray eyes, sharp features, and a lean build. He was successful, independent, and had an easygoing, fun-loving personality. In fact, he went on plenty of dates, but nothing ever seemed to pan out. Either the chemistry wasn’t there or things just didn’t advance. Cal hadn’t experienced genuine feelings for anyone since—

“Hey,” a friendly voice chimed, which snapped Cal’s attention back to work. A petite young woman with a pretty, freckled face and long, ginger tresses appeared at his office door.

“Hi, Sophie,” Cal greeted. “Getting ready to head out?”

“Yeah, my six o’clock canceled on me,” she informed him.

Sophie was a personal trainer at the gym Cal managed and also one of his closest friends. Sophie was a year his senior, and the two had been friends since childhood. They knew everything about each
other’s lives: the good, the not-so-good, and the bad.

Cal glanced at the clock: nearly six now. “I’ll be leaving in a few too.”

“Any fun weekend plans?” Sophie asked.

“Well, I have that family dinner tonight, but I’m not sure if I would call it fun.”

“Ohh, that’s right!” she said. “Claire’s bringing home the boyfriend. What do you know about him?”

“Nothing,” Cal replied. “Honestly, I don’t even think my parents know much about him.”

“So this is a pretty big deal,” Sophie stated. “It sounds serious.”

“Yeah, it does,” he sighed with a lack of enthusiasm before he shut off his computer.

“Uh oh, sounds like someone’s big brother senses are tingling,” she teased.

“It’s not that. I’m sure this guy is great. And I’m happy for Claire, I really am. But I’m twenty-five years old and—”

“Cal, you can’t keep thinking like that. You’re young, and you’ll find someone.”

“That’s what all my friends say, but you guys are all in relationships,” Cal countered. “You and Rich have been together for years.”

“Believe me, you’re gonna find someone. Soon. I’m sure of it,” Sophie reassured him as she gave his arm a squeeze. “By the way, I forgot to ask, how did the date go with that guy last night?”

“Eh, it was fine…at first.”

“At first?” she questioned.

“Yeah, I mean, he was cute. We just grabbed a coffee. And he seemed to have a good personality.”

“So what happened?”

“He started talking about how he loves popping molly.”

“No!”

“Oh yeah. And then he told me Lana Del Rey’s music makes him horny. Those were his exact words.”

“What!” Sophie gasped in disbelief. “He did not!”

“I’m telling you I can’t make this stuff up,” Cal chuckled as he shook his head in disbelief. “And really, Lana Del Rey?  I didn’t know melancholic songs could get someone all hot and bothered.”

“You’re such a normal guy. How come you always find these crazies?”

“I don’t know, I guess they’re drawn to me,” he joked. “But, in all seriousness, I hate these stupid dating apps. I wish I didn’t have to use them, but I don’t know how else to meet someone.
Every time I do meet someone from the apps though, they’re crazy or—”

“Or you don’t feel the spark.”

“No. At least not like I had with—”

“Hey”—Sophie interrupted in a soft voice—“it’s been over three years.”

“I know. I know,” Cal stated. He stood from his desk and grabbed his charcoal peacoat. “And I’m over it—believe me—I am. I just get scared that—”

“Don’t be. You’ll have those feelings again. You’ll find that spark.”

“Yeah, I know,” he sighed with a slight shrug before he hit the lights and left his office with Sophie. The two exited the gym in silence and were soon embraced by the crisp air of late November.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble

Rob Loveless is a corporate communications professional, and currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA. He has been an avid reader and writer from a young age, being influenced by authors like J.K. Rowling and Dan Brown. When he’s not working or writing, Rob enjoys being active, exploring what the Steel City has to offer, and traveling.

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Hearts Ablaze (Forged in the City #1) by A.D. Ellis

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Chase Steele and Xander Copperfield are down on their luck, as similar as they are different, and ready for a love they didn’t even realize they’d been waiting on their whole lives.

With two gorgeous “tough guys” discovering and exploring their true selves, Hearts Ablaze is a steamy, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, bisexual awakening romance.

*This is the first book in the Forged in the City series.*

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Oh, I love Hearts Ablaze! The first book in AD Ellis' Forged in the City series, it is set upon the back of her Silver in the City series. 


When we meet Chase, he's reunited with his long lost aunt, discovers he has a young sister, and is set upon a new life plan. One that involves Xan. 

These are two men who are hardened to life's unwanted struggles early on. Chase's mother was neglectful, Xan's years were full of running with the wrong group of guys. 

Xan's an ex foster care kid who ended up in a thug life that included being pimped out. One thing that endeared me to Xan early on is his lack of regrets for his old life. He knows what he did is wrong, but he admits he didn't hate it, or being forced into it, at the time. I appreciate this, as I find it very realistic. 

When it comes to relationships and sex, Xan is bisexual, but hasn't explored this side of himself. Chase never planned on being with a guy, but he can't deny his attraction to Xan. 

These are two men who find a best friend, when they desperately need one, and struggle with their feelings of attraction and want. It's a story of insta attraction turned best friends turned lovers. And it's wonderful!

My favorite quote is "Be open to the unexpected; sometimes our expectations and plans keep us from something amazing. Don't lose out on something amazing."

As the men from Silver in the City are part of this series, there is a fantastic group of friends and family in this story. After loving everyone when I first met them, I am loving reuniting with them. They are all lovable men and I can't get enough of them. Chase and Xan naturally fit into their world and add so much to this group of men.  

Hearts Ablaze is sweet and tender. I find it completely soothing; the perfect book to curl up on the couch with a blanket and read in one sitting. It's a fantastic book. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. 

The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link - Old version

Kevin Bivanti’s dream is to open a wedding dress shop, a place with the stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored. At thirty-eight, he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood and to make his dream a reality. When one of his cosigners drops out, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery. With Casper willing to take the risk, their ambitions meld into a wedding dress and wedding cake boutique.

Extensive renovations to the brownstone, an affair with his ex-husband, family drama with his mothers, and the anxiety of significant life changes push Kevin to the brink of a nervous breakdown. In the midst of stress and uncertainty, Casper becomes more than a business partner, a mutual attraction that adds another layer of intensity and risk.

With their dreams on the verge of reality, Kevin and Casper must find the courage to face the stress of managing their attraction, the gamble of a new business venture, and the resurgence of Kevin’s personal demons.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The Imperfection of Swans is a remarkable, yet gut wrenching book by Brandon Witt.

Kevin's always dreamed of opening his own wedding gown shop. With his sister's push, he's finally taking a chance. And then he meets Casper, when fate brings them together. 

Brandon Witt manages to bring to life some amazing characters. Kevin is a man who's extremely complex and even more vulnerable. His struggles are many, and his pain is constantly jumping off the pages. Overall, he's one hell of a tortured soul. And then there's Casper. There aren't many characters who are more understanding, supportive, and loving than this tender man. 

But the ultimate beauty of Casper entering Kevin's life is that he is the one who can see what is happening and can make Kevin face it. 

And then there's the brownstone, which is a character in itself. The changes these men make to this building are fully brought to life, and one can feel they are in the building along with the men. 

This is a story that explores that love isn't easy; that love is a struggle. The author beautifully illustrates the power of love to calm and heal. 

This is a story that delves into some extremely tough issues. The author explores severe anxiety, physical illnesses, eating disorders, and leaping to face one's dreams. 

I love this quote. "It takes guts to leap. Whether you make it or not." So true. 

The author's writing style is unique. His characters, and the overall message is deep, with his writing fully reflecting this. He's able to fully delve into Kevin's mind, exploring the mentally of his body and eating issues firsthand. And then we discover that this is story who's roots are based in reality, and wow, just wow. Loosely based on a close friend of the authors, this story takes on even more meaning. And hot damn, his friend is the cover model, once again, making everything even more personal. 

The Imperfection of Swans is a long slow-burn read. When you pick up this Brandon Witt book, be prepared to be patient and ready for one hell of a serious and tough journey. Don't take on this story for the romance, but rather for the journey. It's well worth it to meet these men who discover that meeting the right person can calm you and make you a better person. This book is emotional, raw, and riveting and will stay with you long after you finish it.

A Different Kind Of Chemistry (Nerds and Tattoos, #1) by Ashlynn Mills

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Casey's social life is much like his love life, non existant. He is constantly playing it safe and it is no longer working for him. After another date gone wrong, he finds himself stepping in a world completely foreign to him when walking into a small bar trying to drink his rejection away. Never did he think he would find something in that bar that would change his world forever, but his mind never stops thinking about that sexy tattooed stranger with the mesmerizing eyes. He tries to forget his heated moment with the stranger he will never see again, but Maverick keeps appearing in more places than just his dreams.

Maverick has rules for a reason and has been doing so well sticking with them until a nerdy science geek has him questioning everything. Maverick won't be the reason for destroying another person and everytime he looks at Casey, he is reminded more and more of his haunting past. This can only end in disaster because people like Maverick were never meant to fall in love with people like Casey, but like a moth to a flame, the adorable red head has him always coming back for more.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

A Different Kind of Chemistry is the first book in the Nerds and Tattoos series. This Ashlynn Mills book is really sweet.

Mav and Casey are complete opposites. One's a nerdy teacher, the other's a hot tattoo artist. 

Damn, these boys have some issues to deal with. Oh man, how I love Casey. His science shirts are fantastic. His virginal status fits him perfectly. And his awkwardness is well done. I love that he calls Maverick "hot tattoo guy." Just adorable. Mav isn't looking for a relationship, but can't resist the adorable red-headed Casey. Sort of. He wants him, but he just wants him for sex. Poor Maverick is so hardened after being hurt in the past, and it shows. 

I enjoy the differences in these men, especially as these never become an issue between the men at first. It's a story with some funny friends, some encouraging friends, and annoying ones as well. 

The writing style is good in general. But I wish there had been "more" though. The low angst is good, but it feels a little forced. Mav's back and force seemed a little too forced as well. I love the concept, I just feel it needed a little something to connect the reader to the men more. And everything seems resolved to quickly. I do adore the ending though.

A Different Kind of Chemistry is good when you're looking for a sweet, quick read. I definitely like it overall, and will be sure to check out the next book in the series.