Oh wow, I was intrigued by the blurb on this one, and when I saw Charlie David, I jumped at the chance to review this audio.  Now Charlie David is someone I could listen to all day long.  There is just something about his voice that completely draws you in and keeps you totally enthalled in the story.  

Jay has been steadily drinking to pysch himself up to tell his wife that he is gay - but he doesn't get the chance to do this, instead he is told she died in the car accident he had heard about earlier in the evening.

Now Jay just doesn't know what to do.  He begins drinking more and more to block everything out, it was like he was hoping that it was all a bad dream and he would soon wake up.  He had now lost his chance to tell the one person who was so important to him the truth, and it was literally really eating him alive., 

Jay meets Scott, and they seem to click.  Jay sees someone who he doesn't know, who offers to listen to him if he wants to talk - and boy does Jay need to speak to someone, especially someone impartial. 

Their friendship grows, but then morphs into something even deeper.  and the two start a sort of relationship, Now I say a sort of relationship, as Jay still seems to be in limbo most of the time - holding onto the guilt he feels for never admitting to Misty or anyone else that he was gay, but he never seems to really grieve for Misty. 

Does Jay actually love Scott, or is it just something to do with Scott being the first person he told he was gay?  Will Jay actually grieve for Misty and accept things as they are, and does Jay actually love Jay or is he just more or less using Scott?   ​

Dylan, to me, is actually quite the complicated person -  he can never switch off from his job, and this bleeds over into his life totally, he just can’t relax, can’t get his brain to switch off.  When he finally realises that he is in love with someone who will never return his love, and add in that his brain is more or less going into overload, he decides to go to the one place where he knows he will find the peace that he desperately needs – Lovato’s, down in the bunker rooms, blindfolded and ready for whoever comes through the door.

Now Angelo is the total opposite.  Angelo leads a life that is dictated  by his illness, and he has good days and bad days, but I think even he doesn’t realise how badly his illness can affect him at times.  Sometimes it seems like he is ignoring it, hoping it will go away, which of course it won’t.  To try and believe he is fine, he goes to Lovato’s.

This is where Dylan and Angelo meet –  However, as soon as Angelo sets eyes on Dylan blindfolded, on hands and knees waiting for him, he feels something deep inside, and feels a yearning to take care of the man before him – an alien feeling for him.  Angelo is quite taken by the man in front of him, and the fantasy is wonderful while it lasts. 

They do meet again away from Lovato's, but not in the best of circumstances, so they seem doomed before anything really has a chance to start - however, neither men was prepared for the pull they both felt for the other. 

But both men have demons to slay - Dylan needs to slay the demon of his lost love, and Angelo needs to accept that his illness will affect his life.  On their own this seems impossible, but together this might just be possible, but do they want to, or even stand a chance to try together.  Both are very stubborn men, so this journey will not be an easy one.

This book kept me hooked straight away, and even more so when dealing with both Dylans overactive brain, and Angelo's illness.  You really couldn't help wanting to reach in and help either one or both of them at some parts through the book.  This was a real roller coaster ride, and at the same time, it made me realise that not all illnesses can be seen, but can still be totally life changing.  

Release Blitz - Love Times Five 

Title: Love Times Five
Author: Lily G. Blunt
Cover Art: Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art
Release Date: January 19, 2018
Genre/s:  paranormal, gay romance, contemporary, polyamory
Length: 77, 000 words
Add on Goodreads​

There's safety in numbers and plenty of love to go around.

When Colin searches for his missing colleague and buddy in the hills of northern England, his life is changed forever. Not only does he find Shaun living in a cabin with the mysterious and undeniably gorgeous Zach, but he also discovers the reason Shaun went AWOL in the first place. Colin wants to draw his friend away to safety, but Zach soon mesmerises him, and he's happy to stay in his company, for now.

Passing hikers, Wes and Dane, need some assistance, and the three men are willing to oblige. Thus begins a friendship that develops into much more.  

The five men each have their own secrets. Some are shared, others are kept hidden. It's only a matter of time before they are exposed and the consequences could change everything for them all.

I really did jump at the chance to review this book, I don't think I have ever read a book that was between five men before - and I admit I was curious as to whether this would actually work. 

It has been a while since I had read a book by this author (sorry Lily), but wow, what a re-introduction back to her books.  I admit I was pulled into the book as soon as I started reading.  Each chapter, is told by one of the five men, but I have to say I never got lost or confused, this seemed to enhance the story more. 

We first meet Colin, who is looking for his friend Shaun, who seems to be missing.  Colin and Shaun used to go walking in the hills together, and this is where Colin looks for Shaun - and finally spots him, but he is not alone.  Now enter both Shaun and Zach, who seem to have a special bond, but Colin has no idea why. 

While Colin is with Shaun and Zach, finding out why Shaun went missing, and finding out a secret about Zach too, nearby are Wesley and Dane.  Wesley and Dane are on vacation, staying in a cabin nearby to Zach and Shaun.  The five all meet, and seem to get on really well, although Wesley feels a little uneasy.  

The friendship between the five men seems solid, and they love spending time together, but standing in the way is the big secret that Zach and Shaun keep hidden, but then it seems like everyone has a secret, and some are confessed - but not the one that could change how everyone feels.  

However, outside forces seem to be working against the five, and the biggest secrets are soon revealed, but not how anyone wanted to find out.  Add into this, there seems to be something else more sinister going on, although nobody has any real idea what......

This is the first book that I have read that has been about five men together, and it really does work, each one of them had their place, and nobody was left out.  To be honest, it is strange how it all worked, but it really did.  I would love to read more stories like this. 

​Excerpt #2 from Chapter 1

Colin yelped and stumbled back. The penknife fell from his grip as he connected with the solid ground and landed on his arse.
 â€œWhat the fuck?” Colin gaped at the wild beast in front of him, not five feet away, and apparently protecting Zach, who stroked the wolf’s back as if he were petting a huge dog.
Colin blinked, hoping to clear his vision. Had he knocked his head? Was he dreaming? Had he been drugged too?
The wolf sniffed the air and pawed the grass, its tongue now lolling to the side of its mouth. Teeth, sharp and white and scary, distracted Colin from the animal’s other features. The scent of damp fur and woodland soil filled his nostrils, and warm panting breath ghosted over his face.
The wolf was real enough. No vision. No dream.
“What the fuck?” Colin said, keeping his eyes fixed on the animal as it slunk away to the trees. His heart pounded and his mind was a whirl of confused thoughts. He tried to swallow around a thick lump in his parched throat. “What the fuck just happened?”
Zach said nothing but offered a hand to Colin, which after a few seconds pause, Colin grasped. Between the two of them, they easily hauled his bulky frame to standing. He scanned the grass for his knife, relief racing in his veins when he spotted it nestled among two nearby clumps of greenery.
Colin glanced away from the knife in the direction the wolf had headed. Could it really be Shaun? â€œI don't understand.”
“Of course, you don't.” Zach’s mouth curved into a warm, genuine smile. His eyes glimmered, and some of the tension lifted from Colin’s shoulders. “You must be Colin. Shaun’s sexy boss. He’s told me all about you.”
“What?” Colin’s pulse still pounded, and confusion turned his thoughts to sludge, but his heart fluttered at the hope those words kindled. What the hell was happening? What was this arsehole saying? Shaun had never tried anything on with Colin, not even when they’d been drunk. And had Shaun really… turned into a… what the actual fuck?
“You didn’t think he was interested in you?” Zach arched an eyebrow, and his eyes sparkled. Again.
Before Colin could commit himself to an answer or ask any questions about the precarious state of his sanity, there was movement to his side.
Shaun stood naked, his hands cupped over his groin, a little unsteady on his feet. “Chuck us your T-shirt, Zach,” he rasped, not making eye contact with Colin, his cheeks scarlet.
Without hesitation, Zach shed his top and threw it at Shaun, leaving his own fine torso on display. Smooth, defined, firm—perfect. No wonder Shaun had hooked up with him. Colin wouldn’t stand a chance with this guy in the picture, even if Shaun had liked him once upon a time.
Why was he even thinking about such things right now? He’d just seen Shaun turn into a wolf, and now he was back again as himself. And shortly before that, this ridiculously handsome man had been sucking on his neck and was now acting as if he knew things about Shaun that Colin didn’t even know. Was he losing his mind?
Colin dragged his gaze back to Shaun, his chest and nakedness now hidden from view by the oversized T-shirt. He staggered closer to Colin, his legs unsteady as if he were drunk. Shaun collapsed into Colin’s arms, maybe a deliberate move rather than an uncontrolled stumble. As much as Colin wanted to hug him to his chest, he needed answers. Anger bubbled to the surface and exploded. Colin gripped Shaun by his biceps and held him back at arm’s-length.
“What the fuck is going on? What did I just see?” It took all of Colin’s willpower not to shake the answer out of Shaun. “And what’s this fucking guy been doing to you?”
Shaun trembled beneath his touch, and his voice was hoarse and uneven, not its usual sweet timbre. “It’s okay, Col. I promise you, I’m okay now.” He placed his palm on Colin’s shoulder. “I know it’s a lot for you to take in all at once. I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to explain before.”
His words didn’t tell Colin anything. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were leaving and where you were going? I’d have listened… and helped you.” What the fuck could Colin have done to help if Shaun was a—?
Zach cleared his throat, distracting them both. He moved closer, running his long fingers down those taut abs of his until they came to rest on the waistband of his perfectly clinging jeans.
Shaun gazed at Zach, over his body, the renewed flush of arousal evident in his eyes. Colin’s heart sank but gave a hopeful flip when Shaun looked back at him with that same darkened expression. “Hey, how about we go inside? I can get dressed, and then explain what’s been going on with me.”
For a moment, Colin feared he might be overpowered or drugged or something like that once they got him inside the cabin, perhaps in the same way Shaun might have been. He eyed his knife lying on the ground, tempted to bend down and scoop it up for some protection.
Zach chuckled, and in a smooth yet swift motion slid past Colin. “I think you dropped this.” His mouth nestled close to Colin’s ear, his voice deep, his breath cool. A curl of interest coiled its way around Colin’s groin at the closeness of the man. Zach gripped Colin’s hand, turning his palm face-up, and placed the missing knife softly against his skin.
Colin couldn’t help but let out a gasp. He hadn’t witnessed the knife being retrieved from the ground. Whoever this man was, he was fast. He would probably dodge any knife or fist that Colin hurled his way. No way was Colin walking from this meadow without finding out who this man was. He pocketed the knife, despite his doubts about its usefulness now.
Zach glided away, entwined his fingers around Shaun’s hand, and pulled him towards the cabin. With an encouraging look over his shoulder, Shaun waved his free hand behind him. “Come on. We need to talk.”
Colin really had no choice, so he followed them. He needed to find out what had happened to Shaun and what the hell was going on between him and Zach.

Well, Lane Hayes has done it again, and written a book that I really enjoyed reading, but also a book that I could read time and time again. 

Reeve is a character that you will fall in love with, he comes across as a total sweetheart, and you won't help but smile as you first meet him, with what he was humming!!  He is a man determined to suceed, and work hard to get there too.  

Now Leo, I have to say I wasn't sure of to begin with - he is the arrogant man, one who has also worked hard to where he is, but he is also quite ruthless, so beware if you cross him. 

When Reeve meets Leo, I think he is not sure what to make of Leo.  He is instantly attracted to him, but no way will he do anything to jeopardise his new job.  Or at least, that is what he first thinks, but then suddenly things change. 

​Leo is starting a new project, and decides that he wants Reeve on board for this one, someone new, and eager to please.  However, Leo is also attracted to Reeve, and quite out of the blue things between them hot up, and next Reeve makes quite a brave decision. 

I think that Leo actually surprises Reeve, and although he is extremely well off, but he doesn't flaunt things, it is like he just wants to do things to make Reeve happy.  Reeve wants to do things on his own though, and doesn't want Leo to arrange things for him.  Is there a chance for Reeve and Leo to have any sort of relationship, or will some secrets that Leo has be the one thing that pulls them apart?

Amazon​

​Luke Sumner has spent his whole life being coddled, after nearly dying as an infant. At twenty-one, he is more than ready to break free from his restricted world. He hasn't told anyone he's gay, and he's only just admitted his kinkier needs to himself, but he hopes to work up the courage to say something to the older man who has captured his attention.

Since moving back to Ames Bridge, Jack Lawrence has been consumed with running a successful bed-and-breakfast. He hasn’t considered making time for relationships until he starts flirting with Luke each week at the farmers' market. By the end of the summer, Jack is wondering where the spark between them could go.

When Luke finally ventures into a club where he can fulfill his desires, he unexpectedly runs into Jack, and they discover they're a perfect match in the bedroom. With each hot encounter, more tender feelings surface, but between the age gap, not being out in Ames Bridge, and Luke’s need to come into his own, do they dare be more to each other?

 This is actually the third book in the series Ames Bridge, and I haven't actually read the first two books, but I found this did not matter at all.  I will be going and buying the first two books, as I love series with recurring characters. 

I really for Luke, it is like his family has permanatly wrapped up in cotton wall to protect him, and this has been the case since he was seriously ill as a child - but he is now 21 years old, and nothing has changed.  This is also probably why Luke has never told anyone that he is actually gay, and I have to admit I don't blame him. 

It also seems like the whole town of Ames Bridge thinks he is fragile - well all except for Jack.  Jack and Luke finally meet when Luke goes to a gay club, but not just any gay club, this was a club for Luke to explore his kinkier side, which he has been exploring on the internet. I'm not sure who was more shocked when they met either!! 

Jack and Luke start to meet in secret, where Luke can actually be himself - although they never meet where anyone from Ames Bridge will see them.  They spend more and more time together, and Luke really seems to be coming out of his shell, and this is all due to Jack. 

However, Jack is a lot older than Luke, plus nobody knows that Luke is gay, and it was inevitable that someone would see them and report back to Lukes family.  Now is when Luke has to make some decisions, but suffice to say he is not happy at what Jack proposes, But what Liam can't seem to grasp, is that Jack wants Luke to be happy. 

Is there any chance for Luke and Jack?  Can Jack get Luke to see things from his side, and why he proposed what he did? 

​Every time Jack stopped at the Sumner stand, Luke became a tongue-tied mess. Luke doubted today would be any different. He couldn’t take his eyes off Jack as he examined the berries Cal had for sale. His long-fingered hands gently cradled each basket as he searched for the best one. The gray pants he had on clung to his ass and his muscular thighs, and his deep-blue shirt would bring out the color of his beautiful eyes.  Jack looked his way, and Luke quickly dropped his gaze, praying Jack hadn’t seen him.

For all Luke knew, Jack was straight as an arrow and would be disgusted if he realized Luke fantasized about him. But he’d seen Jack assessing other men in a way most straight men didn’t. The fact that Luke had noticed meant he’d spent far too much time watching a man who probably thought of him as a kid. Why did he always crush on
older men who were out of his league?

When Jack crossed the grassy area between the rows of booths, Luke’s mouth went dry and his pulse pounded in his head.
“How’s the afternoon going?” Jack asked.
“Um…fine. It’s…uh…hot.”
“It is. It shouldn’t be this hot so far into September.”
“Right. It…um…shouldn’t.” Great. He was making a fool of himself.
“How’s your corn?”
The change of subject threw Luke at first. “Oh…um…it’s still producing. We’ve got some beautiful ears right here.” He pointed to his left where he’d placed the corn in bushel baskets. Produce was a safe subject. He could talk produce in his sleep.
“Great. I’ll take some. I’ve got a recipe for a Mexican casserole I want to try.”
“For your guests?”
Jack nodded.
“You…um…you seem to like choosing recipes for them.”
“Cooking for people has become my favorite part of running the inn, which has really surprised me.”
“Yeah?”
“Before I decided I wanted to run my own inn, I was, at best, a mediocre cook. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hire anyone to cook for me, though, so I started watching videos and practicing, and now I’m quite good, or at least the guests think so.”
“I bet you are.” Heat filled Luke’s face as he realized how breathless his words sounded.
“You should stop by the inn for breakfast sometime.”
“Oh, um…” Luke’s heart pounded.

“Since your family supplies so much of the food, it only makes sense for you to see how it gets used. And I like to show off my skills because I—”
“Worked hard for them.” They said the words at the same time.
“I know that feeling,” Luke said.
Jack smiled. “I guess you do.”
Unlike most people, especially anyone older than Luke, Jack didn’t patronize him. He simply acknowledged that Luke had worked hard for opportunities a lot of people took for granted.
“Call me if you want to stop by one morning.”
Luke would love a chance to spend more time with Jack, but he also knew he wouldn’t have the nerve to call. If he let Jack feed him a delicious breakfast, he’d be even more of a wreck around him than usual, or, even worse, he might lose his mind altogether, follow Jack into the kitchen, and try to seduce him right there.

If I am completely honest, I think it would have helped if I had read the other books in this series before reading this book, just to get a better grip of the other characters within the book. 

I did enjoy this book, but at times I would get frustrated with Victor, to me it almost seemed that he was trying to sabotage his marriage, but then the more I read I realised he was doing some things, not realising the impact of what he had either said or did. 

Now Dan more or less comes across as a saint, and at times I was wondering why he was sticking with Victor, but he is the love of his life, and there was no way that Dan was going anywhere, especially when an old flame joins the team.  At first I thought it was jealousy that fueled Victor, but thinking about it later, I think he felt vulnerable and was scared that Dan would would see that he was hard work, and that he could have a better life with someone else.  

Victor and Dan work hard to overcome the issues raised by the old flame, someone who Victor's past now enters the scene - and this person completely upsets Victor and his life.  Now Victor and Dan have to work even harder to overcome even more issues being thrown at them - but can they survive this latest obstacle?  

This is one book that I rea;;y had problems getting into, but I honestly believe that was down to me, rather than the book itself.  Although I did enjoy reading this book once I got into it, I feel that this book is more or less setting up the story for following stories in this series, but sadly I don't think this series is one for me. 

Devon is returning home to Rowan Hunter, which is where he was for most of his young life, but he doesn't even manage to get there in one piece, having an accident not far from his destination, and it is here he encounters a huge wolf, but rather than hurt him, it seems to want to try and help him. 

When he finally makes it to his grandmothers house, Devon actually seems rather unsettled, but this could be due to his injuries from the car accident, or are they?  Then his grandmother talks to him about some "accidents" that have been happening to the local schoolteacher, and she asks him to look into them.  

Devon then spends more time going around Rowan Hunter, but things seem rather strange, and then there are the dreams that he has been having....... 

Wow.... that is what first comes to mind when reading this book.  I thought books 1 and 2 were brilliant, but this series just seems to be getting better and better - hats off to Nora Phoenix for this.  I think my new favourite character in this series is now Aaron, and once you read about him you will understand why. 

When we first met Aaron, I like many others I suspect, decided he was not a nice person, but I was so wrong - I was judging him before I got to know the real Aaron, and listened to his story. Even his own brother Josh thought he knew him, but boy was he so wrong about that.  You may have hated Aaron, and he admits he did wrong by Josh, but that is just the tip of the iceburg, there is definitely more to Aaron than meets the eye.  

Now enter Blake, with whom Aaron is staying as he is homeless, jobless and he is just so lost.  For some reason Aaron seems to bring out a protective instinct in Blake, and even Blake seems surprised by this.  Aaron has a front that he uses well, but Blakes seems to be someone who can see straight through this.  The more time they spend together, and Blake gets Aaron working, and begins really mentoring him, the two become closer, even bordering on a relationship, even though Blake seems adamant that there will be nothing between them.  

In the meantime, things are changing rapidly for Indy, Noah, Josh and Connor - as Indy's past most definitely catches up with him, and it seems like they are all in danger, and even anyone who is actually friends with them.  It is around now that Aarons new found confidence seems to diminish again, and he takes things into his own hands, but will this make him happy?

I am not going to spoil what happens, but this book will keep you held in its grip - and when you finish you will be wanting the last and final book in the series to see how things pan out for everyone in the book, especially the sub characters in this book namely Charlie and Brad.

I am really hoping that the final book is as good as the first three, and I can't wait to find out.