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Blog Tour!!  Leaning Into The Fall (Leaning Into Stories #2) by Lane Hayes, 5 Star Review, Excerpt and Giveaway 

3/29/2017

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Title:  Leaning Into the Fall

Series: Leaning Into Stories, #2

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher:  Self-Published

Release Date: March 10

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: Approximately 77K words

Genre: Romance, Erotica, Bisexual, humor, San Francisco, May to December romance

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Synopsis

Nick Jorgensen is a quirky genius. He's made a fortune in the competitive high tech field with his quick mind and attention to detail. He believes in hard work and trusting his gut. And he believes in karma. It’s the only thing that makes sense. People are difficult, but numbers never lie. In the disastrous wake of a broken engagement to an investor’s daughter, Nick is more certain than ever he isn’t relationship material. Wes Conrad owns a thriving winery in Napa Valley. The relaxed atmosphere is a welcome departure from his former career as a high-rolling businessman. Wes’s laid-back nature is laced with a fierceness that appeals to Nick. In spite of his best intention to steer clear of complications, Nick can’t fight his growing attraction to the sexy older man who seems to understand him. Even the broken parts he doesn’t get himself. However, when Wes’s past collides with Nick’s present, both men will have to have to decide if they’re ready to lean into the ultimate fall.
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This is the second book in the series, and I was looking forward to reading this one, as I wanted to see if Nick was able to redeem himself. To be honest, I wasn't sure he would, as I really did begin to dislike him in the first book.

However, as I began reading Nick's story, it soon became apparent that there was more to Nick that I had originally realised, and then I began to understand him a lot more.  Nick wasn't the really awful person I thought he was. In fact, he was the total opposite. He is actually a very complicated complex person, someone who is exceptionally clever, but at times has so much going through his mind, he just seems to go into overload, and this is when he does and says whatever he wants. 

Now enter Wes, and this totally throws Nick into unknown territory, and leaves him wondering exactly what had hit him, when they first lay eyes on each other.  Lust and want is what immediately comes to mind when he first saw Wes, but in the usual Nick fashion he begins to act like he normally does., and that is not good. 

What surprises Nick is how Wes had a way about him of completely calming his mind, and Nick soon began to relish the time they spent together, as he felt so "normal" while he was with Wes.  I should say, you will smile at their first meeting and what happens after that - I know I did!! Although Nick loves the time he spends with Wes, it is also obvious that Nick is convinced that he is not the sort of person to have a relationship, he has really deep set feelings that he is a bad person, and I guess that he is a freak and not normal. 

​Can Wes get through to Nick that it is him that he has grown to love, or will Nick let old feelings rise and destroy everything?  It will not be an easy ride with Nick, I guess you could say he would seem to some people to be high maintenance, but this is so not the case.  He is just simply a brilliant, complicated man who with the right person, will be the most loving partner possible. 

I must say one other character in this story was Geordie, and I do hope that somewhere in the pipeline is a story for him.  In this book, you meet a rather sad depressed man, but there was one chapter in the book when Nick was with Geordie, and you saw a totally new side of Nick, one that I think even surprised him!! 

I am really enjoying this series, and it is also one to keep you wondering.  Nothing happens like you think it will, and I love this in a series.  I look forward to the next book - at least I hope there will be more books in this series.  
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Excerpt

Wes led me to a small room at the opposite end of the building filled with barrels. The temperature dipped at least ten degrees here and the strong scent of fermenting wine was offset by the smell of oak. I moved toward the round table in the middle and glanced up at the tower of barrels. Each was labeled and dated, but as far as I could tell, the order wasn’t chronological. I categorized and filed the numbers in my mind in an attempt to solve a mystery that probably wasn’t so mysterious after all. “These are special reserve wines. The best of the best. Theoretically anyway,” Wes said, picking up the long-sleeved plaid shirt draped over one of the chairs at the table. “What do the numbers mean?” I asked, running my fingers over the printed tag on the barrel. “It’s an internal code that basically tells us exactly which vines yielded the harvest. Some have information about soil disruption or weather flux. Of course, once the wine is fermenting that information is no longer significant but—” “Where are the dates on these labels? Isn’t timing everything in the wine business?” “Some might argue timing is everything in every facet of life.” Wes regarded me curiously before pointing out the dates in the middle of the tag. “It’s all here. See?” “I don’t understand your system,” I said, stuffing my hands in my back pocket and staring up at the barrels. “It’s an internal system. You’re not meant to understand. It’s for us only. The same way you wouldn’t explain the science behind how an advanced operating system works to one of your clients. They might say they’re fascinated but they aren’t really interested in the details. Same goes for wine. People come to tour the winery every day. They want to know about grape varietals and blends and some even ask about topography, weather and the fermentation process. But the true science of wine making confounds them. At the end of the day, truth is in the bottle.” “In vino veritas.” Wes smiled as he pulled his shirt on. “’In wine, truth’,” he translated. “Different context, but yes… truth. Are you going to tell me why you’re here or do I have to break out a bottle of Pinot to get the real story?” Wes’s wolfish grin spread slowly across his handsome face as he closed the distance between us. He tilted my chin with his forefinger and stared deep into my eyes as though he was trying to read my mind. Or devour me whole. “You look like you want to eat me,” I said before I could stop myself. “I do. I want to do lots of things to you. Is that why you’re here? You want me to eat you, Nicky?” “You invited me.” My eyes drifted shut when he ran his fingers along my jaw then splayed his hand behind my head and tugged my hair. “I did. I’m glad you came.” “Well, we were in the middle of listing our all-time favorite bands or artists by decade. That’s not the kind of thing you can leave for a whole week. It’s important.” “You’re right. What were we thinking?” He licked my bottom lip in a sensual line from one corner of my mouth to the other. “We’ll have to continue that discussion later. I want to do other things first.”

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Lane Hayes Website

Meet the Author

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest.

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Release Tour!!  Step By Step by K.C. Wells, 5 Star Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

3/18/2017

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Title: Step by Step
Author: K.C. Wells
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: March 13, 2017 
Jamie’s life is one big financial mess, and it really isn’t his fault. However, the last thing he expected to find in the library was a Good Samaritan. He might have been suspicious of Guy’s motives at first, but it soon becomes apparent that his savior is a good man who has been lucky in life and is looking to pay it forward. Guy being gay is not a problem. Jamie’s not interested… or so he thinks.
Guy is happy to help Jamie, and the two men get along fine. But when Jamie’s curiosity leads him from one thing to another, Guy finds himself looking at the young man with new eyes. What started out as a hand up is now something completely different….
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I totally loved this book, again so much so that I have read it twice.  I just loved how this story played out, Jamie was in a really bad place, and he had no idea of what he was going to do.  This I can totally relate to, you are in a mess and can't see anyway out of it all.

Guy is a wonderful character, and his only aim is to help Jamie get himself sorted, playing it forward when he thinks of his own life. Although he was attracted to Jamie, he knew Jamie was straight and did nothing to overstep the boundaries he himself set.

Jamie however, is aware that his feelings are changing towards Guy, but he is unsure what to do.  He has a roof over his head, and all the time he needs to make sure he passes all his exams, and he doesn't want to jeopardize this. 

Slowly, the two begin to realise that their feelings are changing towards each other, and they actually begin a relationship, but it is obvious as you read that Guy is always making sure that Jamie feels happy with what is happening, and doesn't feel in anyway obligated to sleep with him. 

I loved reading how their relationship slowly began to flourish, they had time to get to know each other, and feel comfortable together enjoying all the time they were together.  However, as what usually happens, there are some people who think that Guy was just using Jamie or even the other way round..... so not true in either case. No, to me it was clear that they had really met their soulmate. 

I really enjoyed this book, and if you like a wonderful light read, where you can really relate to the characters and their situation, then this is one book you should read. 
DREAMSPINNER PRESS
“Please, tell me you’re tapping that gorgeous ass,” Troy said in a low voice.

Guy followed Troy’s gaze to where Jamie stood next to Cole, talking and smiling with Simon Bexter. Guy smiled to himself. Perfect. Cole had caught on to Guy’s plan.

Then Troy’s words hit home. “Excuse me?”

Troy indicated Jamie with a nod of his head. “Your so-called roommate. Only that’s a euphemism, right?” He gave Guy a sideways glance. “You are fucking him, right?”

“Wrong.” Guy set his jaw. It wasn’t the first time that evening that he’d heard that assumption. “One, he’s straight, and—”

Troy snorted. “And what’s wrong with that? He just doesn’t know what he’s missing.” He leered. “You could be the one to teach him how to take a dick.”

Guy tried not to growl. “And two, I’m helping him get a good start in life. Like someone once did for me.” Right then he was asking himself why he’d invited Troy in the first place.

Troy groaned. “Seriously? Just look at him. That is one beautiful specimen of manhood right there.”

Guy watched how Jamie interacted with others. It was funny, but until that moment, he’d never seen him as a man. He was just…. Jamie. But Troy had a point. Jamie’s creamy skin, gorgeous blue eyes, and slim figure all added up to a beautiful man.

How come I never saw him so clearly before?

Maybe it was because Jamie was straight. Guy wasn’t in the habit of lusting after straight guys. He’d had his fingers burned in the past, and on both occasions, it hadn’t turned out well. Maybe that was why his brain had refused to acknowledge what he was now seeing: Jamie was lovely.

Then Jamie glanced across at him and his eyes lit up.

“Ooh, someone’s happy,” Troy said in a singsong voice. “Look at that smile.” He nudged Guy with his elbow. “You play your cards right and you could have that tasty piece of ass warming your sheets tonight.”

Guy turned to Troy with a sigh of exasperation. “You don’t listen, do you? Not going to happen. You got that? Now go find yourself someone else to pester.” He had no idea why Troy’s suggestions evoked such a strong reaction in him, but he wasn’t about to spend time fathoming it out. Not when Jamie was walking over to him.

Troy huffed and left him to go to the bar, and Guy was fine with that. He’d known Troy for years, but recently he had changed. He’d become a pig, pure and simple. At least Guy could see that now.

Well, no more.

Jamie stopped in front of him, his face glowing. “Thank you.” The words were uttered fervently but quietly.

“For what?”

Jamie’s smile hadn’t dimmed. “I figured it out, with a little help from Cole. You put a lot of thought into that guest list, didn’t you?”

Guy played the innocent. “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.” When Jamie continued to stare, he had to relent. “Okay, so I might have invited a few lawyers.” He nodded in Cole’s direction. “I got the impression you were a little awestruck when I introduced you to Cole.”

Jamie chuckled. “That would be an understatement. I may have a mild case of hero-worship.”

“Hero?” Guy widened his eyes. “Wow.” He buffed his fingernails on his shirt. “Guess I did good, then.”

Jamie laughed. “Better than good. You are one cool guy, do you know that?”

Fuck, the light in his eyes….

Guy steered himself away from that particular thought, but he had to admit it had shaken him. When was the last time someone looked at me like that?

The sad thing was, he couldn’t remember.

Guy pulled himself together. “So are you done schmoozing for the night, or is Cole about to introduce you to another mover and shaker?”

Jamie laughed again, and Guy loved its natural, unforced quality. Even his laughter makes me feel good. He gave himself a mental slap. He did not want to think about Jamie like that.

Guy smiled. “I’m going to mingle and make sure everybody’s happy. Cole looks like he’s taking good care of you.” He reached out and squeezed Jamie’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re having a good time.”

To his surprise Jamie gave him a quick hug. “Thank you,” he whispered before releasing him and disappearing in Cole’s direction.

Guy stared after him, shocked by the unexpected display of affection. Then Troy stepped into his line of sight, his lips contorted into a smirk, his eyebrows arched.

Guy slowly turned away and headed into the living room.

Nope. Not going there.

K.C. Wells started writing in 2012, although the idea of writing a novel had been in her head since she was a child. But after reading that first gay romance in 2009, she was hooked.
She now writes full time, and the line of men in her head, clamouring to tell their story, is getting longer and longer. If the frequent visits by plot bunnies are anything to go by, that’s not about to change anytime soon.
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Release Tour!! Who We Are by Nicola Haken - 5 Star Review and Giveaway

3/17/2017

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Title: Who We Are
Author: Nicola Haken
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 13, 2017
Since putting his life on hold ten years ago, Oliver Clayton doesn’t know who he is anymore. To his clients at the hair salon, he’s the sassy and confident stylist. To the crowds who come to watch his drag act at the club, he’s the fierce and fabulous Miss Tique. He’s popular. Talented. Out, proud, and self-assured.
He’s also a good actor. 
Sebastian Day is content with life’s easy, if not a little monotonous, routine. After several failed relationships, he likes the simplicity of being alone in his truck at his job as a heavy goods driver, spending the weekends with his teenage son, and putting the world to rights with his cat, Marv. He’s not lonely. He isn’t hiding.
At least…he doesn’t think he is until he meets the mesmerising stranger with the red hair and purple lips. 
Can Oliver and Sebastian help each other embrace who they are? Or will a cruel twist of fate end their journey before it’s even begun?
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What can I say about this book??  This book had me hooked from the beginning, as I really had no idea of what to expect, and to be honest I should have realised as Nicola Haken always manages to completely throw a spanner in the works!    

​I totally love Oliver, someone who had to change his life, to care for his brother Tyler when their mother dies.  He needs to be the parent for his brother who was so young when their mother died, and he works hard to keep a roof over their heads, and support Ty as much as he can.  Love life… what love life, he doesn’t have time for that.  What he does have though, is a little time to be himself but in the guise of Miss Tique, who performs on a Friday night. But is this enough for him, he thought so, until he met Sebastian.

Sebastian is the total opposite of Oliver, and you can’t help but fall in love with him too.  He has a son Scott, who he sees often, and is on good terms with Scott’s mother, and her wife!! He has been burned by previous relationships, and to me became sort of withdrawn, I think even doubting that he could find the relationship he actually wants.  His partner most of the time is his cat Marv, who you will also love!!

When Oliver and Sebastian meet, they are both holding things back, but seem to be getting to know each other well.  Things go get a bit rocky, when they both find out about the brother and son that each have, but they do what most people don’t do and talk about it all throughout the night.  Everything starts going right for them, and just as you think that you are about to get your happy ending, something major happens instead.  Boy, do you need the tissues here, I have read the book twice and still cried the second time.

Although this book had me in tears, I have to say I totally loved it, and strangely I loved it even more the second time I read it, and this will definitely  be one book that I will keep to read again and again.  
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Angie at Wicked Reads ~ “Very heartwarming story, the banter between these guys is so sweet. I can’t say enough about this book to do it justice, just read it, you will love it.” Beverly at Southern Babes Book Blog ~ “Sebastian and Oliver’s story is beautiful and heartbreaking… These two amazing men are trying to figure out who they really are and together they figure out that they can do anything.” Jodi at Alpha Book Club ~ “Oliver's story will make you cry and stand up and cheer for how strong of a human being he is… Loved this story and would recommend to anyone.” MJ at Alixzia Reading Corner ~ “I ache and bleed with this book for every page turned! Highly recommend!” Deanna at Two Chicks Obsessed ~ “This might be my new favorite Nicola Haken book. Broken nearly broke me, thus becoming my favorite; but this one left me far more emotional and thoughtful. I think it's taken the crown.”
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Who We Are 
Copyright © Nicola Haken 2017
~ Sebastian~
I WAS JUMPING down from my cab after arriving back from my last drop of the day when my life almost ended. Okay, so maybe I was known for being a tad on the dramatic side, but when Benny - my oldest friend and biggest pain in my arse -jumped out from behind my trailer, I almost choked on my fucking heart. 
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered, breathless from the fright. “How the hell did you get in the yard?” 
I’d been a heavy goods driver for thirteen years, working here at Patterson Haulage Ltd. for three of those – long enough to know they didn’t let pedestrians wander in off the streets to play hide and seek behind the lorries. Transport was in my genes, I guess. My dad had been a trucker all his life, and he met my mum at work – she worked as a clerk in the office. I never wanted to do anything else. I walked straight into my first warehouse job fresh out of school and stayed there until I was old enough to train for my Class 1 licence and could go out on the road. I loved my job. 
“That old lady with the bright orange face let me in. Told her I needed to talk to you about Scott.”
“Scott?” Slamming the door to my cab closed, I fished my phone from the pocket of my Hi-Vis jacket and scanned the screen for missed calls. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Well, he likes Eminem, but hopefully he’ll grow out of that.”
“What?” Narrowing my eyes in confusion, I stared at Benny who looked to be admiring his thumbnail. 
“Nothing’s wrong with him. I just knew they’d let me come see your truck if I played the kid card.”
Rolling my eyes, I huffed as I turned and re-opened my cab door. Climbing the steps, I leaned inside to grab my holdall and tacho card before hopping back down. “You’ve seen a wagon before. You shouldn’t use Scott like that. There could be a real emergency one day.”
“And if there is I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be the one anyone’d call about it,” he said, his tone amused as he ran his finger along the curtain of my trailer. “This needs a wash.”
“You offering?” I asked as I locked up the cab and started walking towards the transport office. I found it highly doubtful as I turned my head to the side and eyed up his leather coat, and beige turtleneck that no doubt he’d paid upwards of a hundred pounds for. Benny worked in recruitment. In other words, companies paid him far too much money to find them suitable candidates for their businesses, money which he wasted on overpriced shit he didn’t need. “Or did you come here for another reason?” 
“I came because, as you know, it’s my birthday on Friday. The big three-four. I want y…” Pausing mid word, Benny spun on his heels. “Holy hot ginger.”
I didn’t need to turn around to know he’d spotted Rod, seeing as he was the only red-headed bloke who worked at this depot. “Christ, Benny. Keep it down. I have to work with these guys.”
“Chill out. The fact you’re mates with a gay guy won’t give away the big secret that you like cookies and ice cream.”
“It’s not a secret,” I snapped. Or maybe it was, given that I’d never told anyone I worked with that I was bisexual. My last two relationships had been with women, and ‘passing’ as straight was simply…easier. I was a copout and a liar but I was tired of explaining, defending myself. 
There are a lot of misconceptions about bisexuality and I’d encountered most of them during my twenties. Now, at thirty-four, I was kind of exhausted with it all. I wanted to fall in love and create a future with another person as much as anyone, but I’d given up on the idea a while ago. Relationships, for me, whether with a man or a woman, seemed to consist of me justifying myself, reassuring my partner, or hiding – as Benny would say – the cookies or ice cream part of my sexuality. 
I couldn’t just be me.
I wasn’t good enough.
Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t want to sleep with everybody, and there weren’t twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay. The last one confused me the most. The number of people who believed bisexuality was a temporary label used to ease the transition to gaytown would never cease to amaze me. It happened, sure, but there were a hell of a lot of bisexuals claiming to be gay, or straight, for no other reason than they couldn’t face the stigma attached to it, too. 
I was simply attracted to people. I got turned on by the way someone carried themselves, by their confidence, or even shyness. I felt the same stir in my cock and pull of excitement in my chest when I saw the rugged grooves of a man’s chest as I did the silky curves of a woman’s hips. People are beautiful. I couldn’t help it. It’s just the way I was made. 
Thankfully, many people realised these days that being gay or straight wasn’t a choice. Unfortunately, some of these same people believed bisexuals were capable of making a choice, and that they should. Well, I tried that when I was a teenager. I tried to pick a side, to ‘fit’ in somewhere. 
Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work out too well. 
“Just tell me what you came for,” I added to Benny, pushing open the swinging door that led to the warehouse which, in turn, led to the office. 
“Do you have Scott this weekend?”
“No. Lisa’s taking him to see Jenny’s parents in Cornwall. Why?”
“Great! You’re coming to the village for my birthday.”
Ugh. “Ah, you know it’s not really my scene.” I had my reasons for not frequenting the village, unlike Benny who spent so much time there it could be considered his second home. Besides, after a day on the road my idea of a good time was Netflix and a takeaway. 
“Yes, Mr Misery, I know having fun isn’t usually on your To Do list but it’s my birthday and you’ll hurt my feelings if you say no.”
We’d reached the office now and I handed my keys over to June through the window partition while raising a sceptical eyebrow at Benny. “Fine,” I said. “But as soon as you’re too drunk to notice whether I’m there or not I’m leaving.”
“I love you.” He turned to June who looked rather amused by my dickhead friend. “I love him, you know.”
“Knock it off, moron,” I said, ramming my shoulder into his. 
“Watch the jacket!” he shrieked as he rubbed at the tan leather that made him look like a seventies pimp. “You’re covered in dirt and smell like oil.”
“Please excuse my friend, June. They don’t usually let him out unattended.”
“Don’t mind me, lovey. I’ve seen all sorts in my time.”
I risked a glance at Benny, whose mouth had dropped ever so slightly open. For a man who wasn’t easily offended, the image was priceless. 
“You’re on the Midlands run tomorrow, lovey,” June added as she tapped on her keyboard. 
Nodding, I told her I’d see her in the morning, swung my holdall over my shoulder and started making my way to the car park, all the while trying not to laugh at Benny’s reaction. 
“Did she seriously refer to me as an all sort?” he muttered under his breath when we neared my car. I knew he wouldn’t let it go so easily. “Clearly, out of the all sorts she’s met none of them have been make-up artists.”
“Stop it,” I said, snorting as I clicked open the central locking on my matte black Ford Galaxy. “June’s lovely. A little old-fashioned, but harmless.”
“I’m sure. It just wouldn’t hurt for her to go down a shade or twelve in the foundation department is all I’m saying.”
Opening the rear door, I tossed my bag onto the back seat. “Have you finished being a bitch?”
“God, I hope not.”
Removing my thick, Hi-Vis jacket, I threw that on top of my bag, revealing my dark green uniform polo shirt, before closing the door and getting into the driver’s seat. “Is that all you wanted? You could’ve called or text.”
Benny leaned against my open door, hand on hip. “Told you, I wanted to see your big truck.” He winked at me. 
I wanted so badly to roll my eyes, or at least keep a disinterested expression, but I couldn’t help chuckle at him. 
“I was in the area, and besides, you’d have said no without my pretty face to seduce you.”
Probably. 
“And hey, if you want to bring a plus one your red-haired co-worker is more than welcome.”
Shooing him away from the door, I pulled it closed and brought the engine to life before rolling down the electric window. “Let me know when and where during the week,” I said, dismissing the idea of inviting Rod. He’d only been here for three months and I didn’t know the guy well, but the fact he had a wife and three kids told me Rod wouldn’t be interested in the kind of socialising Benny had in mind for him. 
“Will do,” he said, tapping the roof of my car before backing away. “Don’t forget I have expensive taste!”
Shaking my head, I bit my lip to suppress the grin that wanted to escape as I reversed out of my space. I already had his present – a bottle of Dior aftershave, same as every year. It was the only thing I knew the fussy bastard wouldn’t return in exchange for store credit. 
Nicola Haken lives in Rochdale, England, with her five kids – one of whom is a grown man who many refer to as her husband. She spends her days writing about life, love, and all the beauty and angst that comes with it, and her nights binge watching Netflix or being the household slave. She’s also not very good at referring to herself in the third person, so if you’d like to get to know her your best bet would be to follow her on social media! 

Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…
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Release Day Blitz!!  Two Weeks To Life by John Charles, 5 Star Review and Excerpt

3/15/2017

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Title: Two Weeks to Life
Series: Fated Soulmates
Author: John Charles
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: March 15, 2017
After thirty years on the force, Detective Carl Bellwin thought he’d seen it all. He had developed a protective shield around himself, keeping the rape, murder, drugs, and other crimes compartmentalized and away from his emotions. He didn’t have time to date, didn’t have time to socialize, and didn’t have time for hobbies. The force was his life, but his protective shield was crumbling. An innocent girl was missing. Her single mother grieved, wondering if she would be planning a funeral. The seedy part of Clarkesburgh had become the hunting ground for a gang that kidnapped teens off the street, forced retailers to launder money and sell their drugs, and victimized anyone who stood in their way. Carl, at whits end, had no leads. Elijah Quinta traded one high stress job for another. Purchasing a bankrupt Inn and developing it into a five star resort became more than his full time job: The Bliss Inn became his life. Though he tried, anyone he dated accused him of having a mistress. They were right; he was married to the inn. Carl never thought attending his nephew’s wedding would change his life. For the first time, he realized what he was missing. Everything he thought was important faded into the background. When he met Elijah, Carl’s life took on a new meaning. Could he turn Two Weeks To Life? Could he let go of the only world he had ever known?
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Guess what I found....... another new author to me, and someone who doesn't write the normal happy little romance book either!!  I totally loved this book.  This book was such a different read, it really was quite refreshing. 

I enjoyed both main characters, and especially the sub characters too, especially Erek at the Inn!!  I would love to read his story too. 
Carl and Elijah meet when Carl has to attend a wedding at The Bliss Inn that Elijah owns and runs, and from when they first meet you can sense the attraction they are both feeling. 

However, although they spend time together, and enjoy every minute there is then the added problem that Carl lives so far away.  Carl returns when he is forced to take vacation days, and things really begin to build between the two, only really cementing what they are feeling. How will things really work out, Carl has a major case he is working on, and just can't leave, and Elijah has The Bliss Inn to run.  What really does come across is what Carl is feeling, or even more so how he begins to question his life. 

At the end of the book, the author posed the following questions, to people who had read the book.

What did you like about Two Weeks to Life?
I think I rea;;y loved this book, as it wasn't just the romance, it had a strong storyline,  with Carl's job., and Elijas with The Bliss Inn.  For some reason I felt I could really relate to Carl too, and totally understood his feelings. 

Did the plot keep you interested and involved?
The plot was really good, and you weren't sure what would happen. You knew how Carl was feeling, and bit by bit you were also learning about Elijah too. As it all unfolded, I just couldn't stop reading, I had to know what happened, especially as a relationship was so new to both of them, and living so far apart was there any chance of things working out?

How did you relate to the characters and their journeys?
As I have already said, I could really relate to Carl.  He had put his all into his job, to the detriment of having a relationship.  He was in essence a workaholic.  Elijah, I loved from where we first met him, although The Bliss Inn was his, to me he also came across as  very shy. He was comfortable in his skin, but as The Bliss Inn took all his time, he really wasn't looking for Mr Right.

Will you read additional books from this author?
Yes I would read more from this author, as I would want to see if all his books are like this one.  Carl and Elijah are just so suited, they seemed to blend together so well, and as time went on seemed to be able to read each other well.  


"Another missing girl? What is that, four in as many months?" Detective Carlin Bellwin, Carl to everyone except his mother, asked Fran, his partner. "How do these kids disappear without a trace?" His frustration clearly evident in his voice and the sour look on his face. "Meet you at the car in five. Just need to get rid of that cup of coffee."
Carl was a career detective who knew his way around Clarkesburgh and the criminal population that infested his city. He had a hard-on for anyone who hurt a kid, sold drugs, or took advantage of the elderly. Snatching a girl off the streets was one of the worst things for him. Prostitution rings were notorious for the cavalier manner in which they corrupted young boys and girls, but snatching and selling them into prostitution was one thing he could not tolerate.
Fran was in her usual spot, behind the wheel of their unmarked Ford reading over the missing person report. She looked almost as young as the girl in the file did. As the passenger door opened, she could feel the strength of the man who trained her and chose her as his partner, fold his tall frame into the seat next to her.
Clarkesburgh was a city with over half million people living within its borders. When the influx of working commuters was counted, that number increased to over three quarters of a million people. Though not as big as some neighboring cities, Clarkesburgh attracted its share of criminals, thugs, prostitutes, and drug dealers.
Carl made sure Fran understood why she was a detective. "There are people out there who think nothing of hurting others to better their own lives. It's our job to make sure that doesn't happen and whenever it does, to put these guys away so they can't do it again. Stay alert, ask lots of questions, and never turn your back on anyone. That may be the last time you do."
"What do we know?" asked Carl as he looked over the file Fran handed him.
"Only what's in the file. White, 16 years old, good student, works part time to help support the family, never in trouble before, no drugs, no record of any kind." She pulled away from the station, heading to the girl's home. She knew the drill, question the parents, find a reason for the girl to go missing. Then trace her steps for the past few days. Talk to teachers, friends, her boss at the dry cleaning store where she worked. She also knew they would come up empty handed. Everyone will say they had no idea what could have happened to her. Then the real work would begin.
"You never told me who was getting married," said Fran as she drove.
"My nephew Trent. He and his partner decided to go all the way and tie the knot." Carl leaned his head back for a rare minute of personal thought. Trent had moved to a suburb of L.A. to take a residency in emergency medicine at Lake Community Hospital. When a position at Amity General had become vacant, he applied and was hired. He moved back for the job almost two years ago.
"Isn't he the one who was shot by that lunatic?" Asked Fran looking at her partner. "If I remember what you told me, he was having dinner with his boy friend and his kids when a man shot him."
Trent was openly gay. He had the self-confidence rarely found in a young gay man and the body to support that confidence. When the homophobic father of the paramedic he was dating tried to shoot the man's two kids, Trent's quick actions saved their lives. Unfortunately, he was shot in the process.
"Yeah, that's the one. The bullet did a ton of damage but everything seems fine now."
"You've been looking forward to this ever since you got the invitation. Why are you only staying the weekend? God knows, you have the accrued time. Why don't you take a week or two and have some fun with the family?"
Carl gave Fran his 'are you kidding me' look. "What would I do for a week with my family? We talk all the time, so all the catching up will be done in an hour. What would I do for the rest of the week?"
"Relax, go out to dinner with friends, find a hot guy and get laid. You know, all the stuff normal people do on vacation," laughed Fran as she pulled the car up to the curb. The house was typical for this area of Clarkesburgh. It might have been a hundred years old, but looked well kept. Painted white with black shutters adjacent to the windows, the house looked as if the owners cared. The small lawn was recently cut and the gardens were free of weeds.
Carl took the file and his notebook as he and Fran walked to the door of the small house. It was refreshing to be in one of the nicer parts of town. Most of their work had them in the seedy, drug infested, gang hoods. But Carl didn't like this situation at all. A girl was missing and most likely, the parents were frantic with worry and fear.
Two officers, already on scene, acknowledged them as they approached the front door. "The parents inside?" asked Carl. One officer nodded and stepped aside to let Carl and Fran enter the home.
A little more than an hour later Carl and Fran walked back to their car. The girl's mother didn't stop crying long enough for any intelligent discussion. She was a single mother raising two kids on her own. The father vacated the scene years ago, provided no support either financially or in person. Not unusual for the city they worked in.
A neighbor was more help telling the detectives about the girl's schedule, hobbies, and other tidbits of information. Fran took copious notes as Carl asked questions.
At one point, when the mother stopped crying, Fran asked, "Does your daughter date anyone?" Both women in the room shook their heads. Fran didn't let them know her thoughts about how squeaky clean this girl seemed. 'She's just too clean.'
"We'll be in contact with you if we need any further information," said Carl as he and Fran left the home. The two uniformed officers had already returned to their normal duties. While it might seem cruel, there was too much to do and too few officers to do it, so the ladies were left to their grief.
"Something's not right," said Fran as she started the car. "They know something and are afraid to tell us." They drove in silence, each digesting the information they had just received. "Who will I be partnered with?"
The question brought Carl from his thoughts. He didn't want to leave Fran alone, especially on a case like this, so he asked Captain Syverson to assign another detective to her while he was at Trent's wedding. "Syverson will let you know tomorrow. Today you're stuck with me, at least until I leave."
They pulled up to the drycleaners and parked. Fran looked around as if trying to spot the criminal. Carl sat in silence, letting the vibe of the area sink into his bones. "I don't like this. There are too few people on the street, so stay sharp." He extricated his large frame from the car, keeping his free hand on the revolver holstered under his jacket.
The store was located in a less then friendly part of town. Years prior, this store probably had an upscale clientele, but the neighborhood declined as the more affluent moved away. Now the store probably provided the owner with a meager living at best. Fran rounded the car joining him as they entered the store.
An older, frail man stood behind the counter. His eyes grew wide as Fran showed her badge. "What is this about? I run a clean business here."
As with the others, he had no real information. The girl, Nadia, was nice to his customers, did her job well, and never caused any trouble. He seemed genuinely upset that she was missing. His frown said more than his words.
Fran had always been impressed with Carl's manner of questioning witnesses and suspects. He seemed not only compassionate, but genuinely concerned. Even suspects felt at ease around him. For a big man, he had an inner teddy bear that came out at the most perfect of times. "It seems that you know more than you are sharing with us, sir. Might that be because you, too, are afraid?"
The man seemed to wither deeper into his already withered skin. Shaking his head, he said, "I'm an old man and just want to live long enough to see my grandchildren. Please you must leave now." Carl nodded and left with Fran in tow.
"He is scared out of his whits," said Carl as Fran drove away. "You need to make sure nothing happens to him. Let's get back to the station. I hate to leave you on this one, but I have to get a move on."
"How long is the drive to Amity from here?"
"I'm staying in Monroe at the place Trent and Matthew reserved for out of towners. If I leave as soon as we get back, I should be there by 10 or so. Not looking forward to the drive, but I can't wait to see Trent walk down the aisle."
"You deserve as much. Are you just a bit jealous?"
Carl thought through that question. He had met two people in his life that could have become his lifelong partner, but neither could tolerate his hours. Both complained that he was always being called away, that they didn't have any together life, and they couldn't live like that. After the last episode ended over ten years prior, he decided to go it alone - at least until he retired. Then he could find that someone special and settle down.
"Sometimes it does bother me, but I made my decision and I'm not budging. After I retire, and only then, will I allow a man to get under my skin again."
Larry Thomas aka John Charles spent his youth struggling with reading. Not until his late teens did he discover the cause - dyslexia. Only then, with guidance and professional help, did he learn to read. From that point forward, he discovered his love for the printed word.
Ironically, as a father reading to his children his desire to write was born. Reading to his children was a nightly ritual. "I wanted them to fall in love with books."
Writing was always part of his professional career, but not until he retired did he move from creating marketing and technical materials to writing novels. Now, as a full-time author, Larry writes Romance / Mystery / Thrillers using the pseudonym John Charles.
His books can be found on Amazon and wherever e-books are sold.
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Blog Tour!!  Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali with Giveaway

3/8/2017

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Bryan Dane’s been living the dream—photography student by day, up-and-coming rocker by night. His summer goals are to earn his last few credits, graduate from NYU, spend as much time in the recording studio as possible, and survive the next few months without sex so he can complete his yearlong goal of self-imposed celibacy. Everything is on track, until he meets Oliver Newcastle. For years Oliver planned a marriage of convenience with his high school BFF, but now that she’s fallen in love for real, with someone else, it’s no longer convenient. So Oliver came out to his family, quit his job, and left small-town New England for NYC, an intensive summer study program, and a chance to find his own happiness. From the moment they meet the sexual tension between Bryan and Oliver sizzles. But Bryan wants no part of a relationship, and Oliver wants to sew his wild oats—he just isn’t sure how. Oliver seeks Bryan’s help navigating the NYC gay scene, which throws them together in increasingly more sexual situations until they can no longer deny they're hot for each other. Bryan is desperate to keep things simple, but fate might have other plans.

Meet The Author

Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men. She's also the multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romances. She writes novels about love...like real life, only hotter. Karen's lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen's novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex—all the best things in life. When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don't hesitate to contact/follow/like her at: Other books in the Moments In Time series: MOMENT OF IMPACT (Book 1) MOMENT OF TRUTH (Book 2) MOMENT OF CLARITY (Book 3) MOMENTS IN TIME (a compilation of Books 1-3) MOMENT OF SILENCE (Book 4) Author Web & Social Media links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenstivali/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenStivaliAuthor/ Website: http://karenstivali.com/ Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karenstivali/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/KarenStivali/ E-mail: karenstivali@gmail.com/

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Three Hearts by Grace R.  Duncan - 5 Star Review

3/3/2017

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Published by Grace R. Duncan
Release date: March 3, 2017
72k Words
Cover artist: Jess Small
M/M Paranormal/shifters

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Liam Scott is sick. That’s not supposed to be possible. As a wolf shifter, he’s supposed to be able to heal. The omega gene he was born with means he’s capable of carrying shifter young and Liam is worried that whatever is wrong will mean his one-day hope of having pups will be dashed. But despite the fears keeping him away from the doctor until now, he knows he needs to go.  It turns out the sickness is temporary, but the treatment causes a whole other problem.

Mason’s alpha gene means he’s one of very few wolves who can impregnate an omega male. For two years, he’d been watching Liam, but things kept getting in the way. When Liam shows up in heat, Mason recognizes the opportunity he needs and doesn’t hesitate make to Liam his mate and the father of his pups.
 
But Liam has old wounds and fears to work through which the pregnancy is only making worse, and Mason isn’t sure how to get past them to show he’s serious about making a life together as loving mates. It’s not until a female wolf decides Mason should be hers that Liam makes his biggest worry known—and Mason can finally put the fears to rest.

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I totally love shifter books, and when the author emailed to ask if we would review this book, I jumped at the chance, especially as I have not read any books by this author previously. 

I have read quite a few shifter books, but as soon as I started reading this one, I knew it was going to be different to what I normally read, especially as soon as we met the omega Liam.  I should point out that this book is written with both main characters pov.  

Liam is sick and has no idea why, and how can a shifter be ill, they can heal themselves.  However, for some reason, Liam is not healing so he must go and see his doctor.  The news from his doctor is not what he imagined being told, and brings with it more complications for Liam.

Then we meet the alpha Mason.  Liam has not had good experiences with other alphas, so he is very wary of Mason, assuming that he will be rude and arrogant - but how wrong he is!! 

I don't want to spoil things by saying what happens, but rather than be an arrogant alpha, expecting things to be done his way, Mason is the complete opposite, and he can read Liam so well.  There is also the added problem that both of them love the other, but neither will admit it.  Liam loves Mason, but doesn't believe that Mason could love him, and Mason is taking things slowly with Liam, knowing that he is unsure of Mason and what he expects from him, so doesn't tell Liam he loves him!!  Ah, this will cause problems in the future...... 

The book kept me hooked from the first page, and I really did enjoy it. The way the book was written, you knew exactly what the other was thinking and feeling, and this seemed to make the book more enjoyable..  If you love shifter books, then I would definitely recommend this book. 
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Amazon
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Author Bio: Grace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age – many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica. A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children – both the human and furry kind. As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.

Website ◊ Facebook ◊ Twitter ◊ Youtube ◊ Goodreads

Website: http://www.grace-duncan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceRDuncan2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceRDuncan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/djserani/videos

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10546257-grace

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