Audio Review!! Don't Twunk With My Heart (Loving You, Book 2) by Renae Kaye, Narrated by Joel Leslie - 5 Star Review

4/25/2017

Don't Twunk with My Heart: Loving You, Book 2
Series: Loving You, Book 2
By Renae Kaye
Narrated By Joel Leslie
Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins
Release Date: 24/01/2017

Kee Smith isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows who he used to be—the ignored gay son who chose a blue-collar job just because no one expected it, the submissive bottom who enjoyed large, masculine jocks who put him in his place, the sleek, fashionable twink who partied all night. But after his ex-boyfriend hit Kee and called him names, Kee retired from the social scene.

Back after a year’s hiatus, Kee still doesn’t know where he fits. His friends say he’s a twunk—a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk—but Kee is searching for somewhere to belong. Instead of going back to his usual type, Kee hooks up with twink Tate Stevens—a fashion-industry professional who works the image hard. It proves to be the best decision he’s ever made, and not just because he’s starting to regain his sexual confidence.

With Tate, Kee can open up about his fears and confusion without ridicule. Tate has his own fears about putting on weight and getting old. It will take work to make a relationship of opposites succeed, but they begin to realize the compromises will be worth it if they can be together.

Well, what I will say first, is WOW Joel Leslie, I bow down to you on how you manage to keep the voices throughout the whole audio book, and I so fell in love the voice of Jamie. This is one audio book that will have you smiling, almost crying with laughter and then being sad too. I totally loved this audio book and would recommend to anyone who loves m/m romance.. This is one audio book that I will listen to again and again.

Kee is such a loveable character, and boy do you feel for him when he reveals what happened to him with his previous relationship. So much so that he has changed how he looks, from being a twink to becoming a twunk, but more importantly he is happier with himself. However, he also withdrew from the social scene, and I think has no real idea what to do to get back into things.

His best friend Jamie is such a loveable character, and omg will you laugh at what he says (and again wow Joel Leslie, I don't know how you manged all Jamies speeches without a breath), and he manages to drawn Kee out to meet them at a nightclub. When Jamie sees Kee there, this is where you will literally howl with laughter, I know I did. This is where I learnt about Twinks, Twunks and Twanks!!

At first Kee is drawn to men he used to approach, but then he sees someone different - namely Tate. Tate is the total opposite of who Kee usually approaches, but they both hit it off. They do end up back at Tates house, and Kee is really unsure about what to do. He is strangely drawn to Tate, but isn't really sure why.

They meet every week, each realising that they love the company of the other, and slowly their feelings begin to grow. They have a great sex life, but Kee can't be the bottom he yearns to be... but Tate is so gentle with him, it will definitely be in the future that Kee can bottom for Tate. Tate is more open minded about sex that Kee, and sometimes Tate would take him completely out of his comfort zone, but to me Kee seems to love that Tate will do this.

Kee soon realises he is in love with Tate, but Tate has a secret that he believes could end their relationship..... but will it?? Kee must now find a way to show Tate that his bit secret doesn't matter, that he loves him no matter what.

I absolutely adored this audio book. It is the first book I have read/listened to by Renae Kaye, but it will not be the last. I also immensely enjoyed the narration by Joel Leslie, and to me this just made the book so more more enjoyable to listen to.

Audible
Audible UK

Renae Kaye is a lover and hoarder of books who thinks libraries are devilish places because they make you give the books back. She consumed her first adult romance book at the tender age of thirteen and hasn’t stopped since. After years – and thousands of stories! – of not having book characters do what she wants, she decided she would write her own novel and found the characters still didn’t do what she wanted. She believes that the world is too complicated for her, so she loses herself in stories. The only thing that keeps her going are her children who are the delight of her life.

Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.

An Earphones Award-winning narrator, raised in the UK with American parents, Joel Leslie is known for a unique blend of authentic American and British sounds. He is a specialist in dialects – having taught accents at NYU, coached Broadway stars and celebrities, major regional theaters and national tours. Classically trained with an MFA in theatre from USC. Former theater faculty for Purdue/Indiana University; Director of Drama at Manchester University. He has over 100 full length audiobooks to his credit and over 2,000 five star reviews on audible. He was awarded Narrator of the Year and Audiobook of the Year 2016 by Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews and five of his titles have been voted Audiobook of the Month by voters at Openskyebookreviews. He likes Twizzlers and dachsunds (who also like Twizzlers). Visit him at www.joelleslienarration.com

www.joelfroomkinaudio.com
Twitter: @joelfroomkin
Facebook: Joel Froomkin Narration

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Release Day Review!! See My Words (Spectrum Nights #2) by Melanie Hansen - 5 Star Review

4/24/2017

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Successful underwear model Scott Ashworth is lucky—his attack at the hands of an unknown assailant will leave no visible scars. His professional goals are still within reach, and best of all, his stepbrother Rylan Mahoney is back in his life, their teenage infatuation at last getting the chance to deepen into something more.

Thrown together by the circumstances of Scott’s injury, Rylan’s long-dormant feelings for him are quickly rekindled, though he’s haunted by the memory of Scott’s disappearance on the night of his eighteenth birthday and the six missing years that followed. Rylan pushes Scott for the truth, a firm believer in the maxim that secrets lose their power once they’re shared—but resurrecting old demons almost always comes with a price.

Before Scott knows it, his life is spiraling out of control, his toxic insecurities welling up to threaten the fragile relationship he’s building with Rylan. Learning to let go of the past and believe in himself will be Scott’s greatest challenge, or else he risks losing Rylan forever this time.

Tags: angst, family drama, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, model (ish), Photographer/photojournalist, reunited, step brothers

If a nice sweet little romance is what you are looking for, this is most definitely not what this book is. This is a step brothers, friends to lovers story, and I felt both sorry and angry at both Scott and Rylan throughout the book.

I will say now, that I know this is book 2 of a series, and I have not read book 1, which I believe is Scott and Rylan growing up, and then again six years later. However, although I will probably go and buy book 1 to complete the set, I was not lost at all reading this book.

Both Scott and Rylan are complicated men, Scott more so then Rylan, but I believe that this all stems back to his life once he left home., and more importantly how he sees himself, and what he did to survive. Rylan loves Scott, but it seems like he is fighting a losing battle. Sometimes Scott seems to accept that Rylan does love him, then when something happens, all the doubts and self loathing come back full force.

I am not going to give away any spoilers, but to me this book is one where you are watching both Rylan and Scott grow emotionally. Sometimes, the decision you have to make may seem hard, but in the long term it is the best thing to do.

Is Scott able to finally believe that Rylan does love him? Or will he let his past totally cloud his judgement and common sense and send away the one person who sees him exactly as he is??

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NineStar Press

Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

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Cardeno C: The Mates Collection with Giveaway

4/20/2017

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The last book in The Mates Collection is due for release on 4th May 2017. To celebrate this new release, Cardeno C has a promotion on the other books in The Mates Collection.

These books can be read as a standalone, but I have this series and would highly recommend reading them all.

Until Forever Comes and Wake Me Up Inside are also both available as audiobook, and these too I would highly recommend. I think I have listened to the audio more than reading the books.

Please also see Cardeno C's Website

Until Forever Comes:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25926739-until-forever-comes
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Until-Forever-Comes-Mates-Collection-ebook/dp/B011STPHA4/

A sensitive wolf shifter and a vicious vampire challenge history, greed, and the very fabric of their beings in order to stay together until forever comes.

Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can’t shift. Hoping to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack, Ethan instead learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate - a vampire named Miguel.

Over four centuries old, strong, powerful, and vicious, Miguel Rodriguez walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they’re true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent and being together comes so naturally that Miguel can’t resist for long. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other’s side until forever comes.
Word Count: 60,702

Wake Me Up Inside:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25967103-wake-me-up-inside
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Wake-Me-Inside-Mates-Collection-ebook/dp/B0137I04VQ/

A powerful Alpha wolf shifter and a strong-willed human overcome traditions ingrained over generations and uncover long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny as true mates.

Regarded as the strongest wolf shifter in generations, Alpha Zev Hassick is surprised and confused by his attraction to his best friend. His very human, very male best friend. A male shifter has to mate with a female shifter to keep his humanity, so shifters can't be gay. Yet, everything inside Zev tells him Jonah is his true mate.

Maintaining a relationship with the man he has loved since childhood isn’t easy for Jonah Marvel, but he won’t let distance or Zev’s odd family get in their way. When unexplained ailments begin to plague Jonah, he needs to save his own life and sanity in order to have a future with Zev.

Zev and Jonah know they're destined for each other, but they must overcome traditions ingrained over generations and long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny.
Word Count: 74,755

In Your Eyes:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25927403-in-your-eyes
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/In-Your-Eyes-Mates-Collection-ebook/dp/B011STPGGO/

Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society’s rules to realize they are destined for one another.

Raised to become Alpha of the Yafenack pack, Samuel Goodwin dedicates his life to studying shifter laws, strengthening his body, and learning from his father. But despite his best efforts, Samuel can’t relate to people, including those he's supposed to lead.
When Samuel meets Korban Keller, the son of a neighboring pack's Alpha, he reacts with emotion instead of intellect for the first time in his life. Resenting the other shifter for throwing him off-balance, Samuel first tries to intimidate Korban and then desperately avoids him. What he can't do is forget Korban's warm eyes, easy smile, and happy personality.

When a battle between their fathers ends tragically, Samuel struggles to lead his pack while Korban works to break through Samuel’s emotional barriers. Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society’s rules to realize they are destined for one another.
Word Count: 60,875

COMING MAY 4, 2017
To Touch You:
“His name is Salvatore Rossi. He’s a vampire. And he’s my true mate.”

By not relying on anyone except himself, Salvatore Rossi escaped a dead-end existence and reached the height of corporate success. But just when he has everything he always wanted, fate throws Salvatore a challenge he can’t solve alone and a young wolf shifter comes to his rescue.

Since childhood, Yoram Smith’s family was certain he would grow to become Alpha and save their beloved pack from its slow demise. When the time comes for a new leader, Yoram is forced to juggle his duty to care for a splintering pack with his duty to care for an absent mate, and his own strength suffers.

Being turned into a vampire didn’t alter Salvatore’s life philosophy: if you don’t rely on anyone, nobody can let you down. But when the boy who saved his life becomes a man who needs his help, the icy vampire must find his humanity.

Three lucky winners will win a copy of either: Until Forever Comes; Wake Me Up Inside or In Your Eyes.

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* Cover Reveal * To Touch You by Cardeno C (Mates Series)

4/11/2017

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BLURB:

“His name is Salvatore Rossi. He’s a vampire. And he’s my true mate.”
By not relying on anyone except himself, Salvatore Rossi escaped a dead-end existence and reached the height of corporate success. But just when he has everything he always wanted, fate throws Salvatore a challenge he can’t solve alone and a young wolf shifter comes to his rescue.
Since childhood, Yoram Smith’s family was certain he would grow to become Alpha and save their beloved pack from its slow demise. When the time comes for a new leader, Yoram is forced to juggle his duty to care for a splintering pack with his duty to care for an absent mate, and his own strength suffers.
Being turned into a vampire didn’t alter Salvatore’s life philosophy: if you don’t rely on anyone, nobody can let you down. But when the boy who saved his life becomes a man who needs his help, the icy vampire must find his humanity.

RELEASE DATE: 4TH MAY 2017

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At Attention by Annabeth Albert - 5 Star Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

4/11/2017

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Title: AT ATTENTION

Series: Out of Uniform, book 2 (but stands alone well--different couple for each book)

Author: Annabeth Albert

Publisher: Carina Press

Release Date: April 10, 2017

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 73,000

Genre: Romance, Military romance, contemporary, age difference, may/december, SEALS

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Synopsis

Lieutenant Apollo Floros can ace tactical training missions, but being a single dad to his twin daughters is more than he can handle. He needs live-in help, and he's lucky a friend's younger brother needs a place to stay. He's surprised to see Dylan all grown up with a college degree…and a college athlete's body. Apollo's widowed heart may still be broken, but Dylan has his blood heating up. It's been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it's time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he's all man now—an adult who's fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo's muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can't afford to fall for that guy. He's determined to hold out for someone who's able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother. Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he'd expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what's more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life. Book Two of the Out of Uniform series This book is approximately 73,000 words

When I began reading this book, I really did feel for Apollo. He actually came across as someone who was totally lost. He had his daughters, and his routine for them, and his job - but that was all he seemed to have in his life - nothing he did was for him.

His best friend Dustin brings his brother Dylan to Apollo's, and you can't help but laugh at this meeting! Apollo seriously thinks he knows Dylan, but he doesn't - what he is remembering is his best friends kid brother, and no way is the grown up college kid Dylan!

Dylan moves in with Apollo and his daughters, to provide help when Apollo is working, and Dylan settles in well with the twins, but Apollo is still not sure. Things seem to be ticking along fine, until a few things happen that changes the dynamics between Apollo and Dylan.

I have to say, Apollo on meds is hilarious, and I couldn't help but smile at what he would say to Dylan, and how he trying to get Dylan to sleep with him. Dylan showed how mature he was, even if he wanted nothing more than to join him, by firmly telling Apollo "no", and I think I fell in love with Dylan even more now, as he knew Apollo would have huge regrets in the morning if anything happened.

Dylan and Apollo seem to come to an understanding, about being together during the Summer, as Dylan was due to leave then. However, fate works in mysterious ways, and Dylan may not be leaving like he thought, but this gets back to Apollo before Dylan can talk to him, and now Dylan sees a very different side of Apollo, and it is not nice.

Can Dylan get Apollo see sense, or has Apollo managed to destroy the one good thing in his life - even if he doesn't realise it yet. Again, at this point, you can see that Dylan is so level headed, and can see things clearly - but Apollo will not accept what he says. Will Apollo go back to his sterile cold life, or will he finally listen to what has been said to him??

Excerpt

**This is from the first chapter**

Hamburger. Onions. Pickles. Ketchup. Buns. Buns. Well, hello, there. Possibly the most perfect specimen Apollo had ever seen was bent over in the bakery aisle at Sprouts, looking at a rack of organic cookies. High. Tight. Round. Attached to muscular legs poking out of board shorts, the kind of legs that suggested a serious investment in a sport or fitness. He wasn’t going to do more than look, but even when he’d been with Neal, he hadn’t been blind, and it was nice to know perfection like this guy existed in the world. It was like swimming by a perfect coral reef on a dive or the blue of a cloudless sky right before a jump— Wink. Fuck. The guy straightened before Apollo could look away and caught Apollo staring, and instead of blushing or serving him with the angry glare he deserved, he gave Apollo a saucy wink. It was the sort of wink that a decade ago would have had Apollo crossing the shiny linoleum and getting the guy’s number, but those days were long gone. Instead he grabbed the closest twelve pack of hamburger buns and one of hot dog buns and headed to the next aisle. Those were the only kind of buns he had any business letting himself be distracted by. He was a father for crying out loud, not some single guy out treating the natural grocery store like his own personal pickup joint. Reflexively, he rubbed his ring with the side of his pinky, making it spin on his ring finger. Yeah. No more looking. “Apollo! How are you?” Bridget from down the street almost ran her cart into his as he navigated the aisles. Her red-haired toddler waved at him from the basket. Hell. He knew he should have brought at least one of the girls shopping. Then Bridget could have focused on the kids, and not his least favorite question in the universe. “Hanging in there.” Apollo gave her a practiced a smile. “Good” would be a lie and no one wanted to hear “same as yesterday,” which was closer to the truth. But what the Bridgets of the world all wanted to hear was that Apollo was moving on—like time was the magic cure for the hole in his heart. “Having some people over for a barbecue later. Apologies if anyone parks in front of your place.” “Oh, no worries.” Bridget patted his arm. “Having friends is so important.” “Yeah, it is,” Apollo agreed because Bridget was a nice person, but inwardly his teeth gnashed together. He was so tired of well-meaning people telling him what was good for him when not a damn one of their suggestions would bring Neal back. “I better get on with my list.” “You do that. And be sure and let us know if you need anything.” Apollo nodded. Two years. It had been two years of neighbors and friends stopping him like this, making kind offers, but none of them able to do the one thing he wanted more than anything. Fuck. Snap out of it, Lieutenant. No one wants your mopey ass around on this sunny May weekend. And it was an absolutely gorgeous day, perfect for playing with the girls outside and kicking back a few beers with his friends. He wasn’t on duty and had three consecutive days off for the first time in a long time. No sense dwelling on sad shit. Time to get stuff done. Find something else to focus on. Like that perfect ass? No. Absolutely not that. Like…pickles. Lots and lots of pickles. He saw Mr. Perfect Butt again in the juice aisle, and it was damn hard to keep his resolution to stick to shopping. The guy was model cute—curly hair falling just so over his forehead, sparkling eyes, chiseled jaw, and a tight T-shirt advertising a British soccer team showing off a defined chest and tight stomach. The guy smiled at him again and looked like he might want to speak, so Apollo grabbed the juice boxes for the girls and got out of there like he’d just launched a flash bang in the guy’s direction. At the checkout, Mr. Perfect Butt was ahead of him in the only line that seemed to be moving. Apollo very carefully did not look at his butt again and busied himself grabbing some gum and trying to give off “don’t talk to me” vibes. But those vibes seemed to be an utter failure as the guy turned, offering another movie-star-worthy grin. “You want to go first?” His voice was husky, like every word was a secret. “I’m good,” Apollo said. The man nodded, shy smile teasing the edges of his mouth, making his blue eyes dance. “You know—” “ID please.” The cashier interrupted whatever flirtation the guy had planned as his six pack of beer went across the scanner. “Oh, yeah.” A faint red flush spread up the guy’s neck. Oh hell. He wasn’t just younger than Apollo. He was a kid. A kid who still got carded, and rightfully so with that baby face. What the hell had Apollo been thinking, admiring his body? Apollo focused on unloading his own groceries, making neat rows for the cashier, and making sure the buns wouldn’t get squished. Buns. Nope. Not going there. The kid hung around after paying for his groceries, mouth moving as if he were debating speaking, but Apollo kept his attention squarely on the cashier. No more looking. Remember who—what—you are now. When he finally looked up, perfect butt guy was gone, and if Apollo felt a twinge of regret for being a bit on the rude side, he squashed it quickly. Wasn’t like he’d ever see the guy again anyway. ****

What will Apollo do when he discovers that Perfect Butt guy is his best friend's little brother? Find out in AT ATTENTION!

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Carina Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Meet the Author

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

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Book Bub Promotion - Nothing Special Series by A.E.Via, with Giveaway

4/8/2017

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A.E.Via Amazon

There is a promotion on ALL books in the Nothing Special series, please visit A.E.Via Amazon (link above) for buy links.

Nothing Special Blurb:
To be accepted into the most notorious narcotics task force on the East Coast is an incredible honor. A rogue collection of the most feared and unorthodox detectives, independent of standard departmental jurisdiction. Headed up by two of the baddest’ Lieutenants with the Atlanta Police Department - Cashel 'God' Godfrey and Leonidis Day.

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Blog Tour!!! Tys That Bind (Devils Pride Novella #3) by Jessie G, 5 Star Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

4/5/2017

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Author: Jessie G
Book: Tys That Bind
Series: Devils Pride MC #3 (series should be read in order)
Key Words: Gay Romance, Adoptions & Weddings, Contemporary Romance
Cover Artist: Andrew Reyna
Release Date: March 31, 2017

Unprepared, ill-equipped, and with no example to look back on, Ty and Chase embarked on a journey to build a family for Ava and Luc that would far exceed anything they dreamed of for themselves. Two years later, they’ve succeeded beyond their wildest expectations, but there’s still a couple of things missing…and they’re ready to make them happen.

Bad boy biker Trick wouldn’t hesitate to fight for those he loves, but Ty knows it will take more than violence to win this war. Willfully submissive Chase has the utmost faith in his Master, but when he sees Ty struggling with demons from his past, it will be his quiet, unbending support that will see them through. Jumping through the loopholes of family court, they are only one event shy of making it all official and neither are willing to wait another second to check it off the list.

Clearing the path for adoption should reassure them, but it will take their cast of well-meaning friends and the occasional slap upside the head before they realize that the ties that bind them together are forged in a love that can never be taken away.

What a perfect excuse to go and read the whole series again! Thanks Jessie G :)

I absolutely loved this novella, to me it meant seeing old friends and how their lives had changed, none more so than Ty and Chase. It was also a novella that showed how close all the friends were, that no matter what happens that there will always someone beside you, you are never alone.

The relationship between Ty and Chase is mesmerising. Ty is the Master, but that this in no way demeans the role that Chase has in his life. Their relationship shows how close they are, and also so in tune with each other without any words being uttered. They both know instinctively what the other needs, whether it is a hug, words or in some cases a scene to get the balance within correct.

I refuse to put any spoilers as to what happens in this novella, but be assured that things happen in true Ty fashion!! He is never a man to do things the conventional way, and he has his own way of doing things – but this made it all the more special.

This novella closes a chapter on another part of Ty and Chases lives, but to me is not the end. It also shows the strength and depth of the friendships that have been forged over time, and maybe sometimes they forget how much they mean to their friends – but they are soon reminded!!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2npLIJy
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2opCTjK
Jessie’s store on Gumroad: http://bit.ly/2oFCQ2T

When I offered to write guest posts for the blog tour, I envisioned myself writing about gay marriage, gay adoption, and what makes a family. Then I saw the disturbing news out of Chechnya and my focus turned more toward the fight for those rights. Here in the US same-sex marriage is the “law of the land,” yet there are still towns and states where it’s legal to discriminate against same-sex couples by refusing them housing and employment. In most states, it’s legal for a same-sex couple to adopt, but they aren’t always given the recognition and protection of a birth certificate that lists both parents’ names. Instead of pushing back against such discriminations, our new administration is opening the door for it to happen at the government level.

Those very real and devastating issues pale in comparison to the life-threatening reality the LGBTQ community faces abroad. For all the countries who are passing their own equality laws, there are those who think nothing of killing someone because of who they love. I look at the calendar and wonder how, in 2017, we can come so far and still be so far behind?

The books I write are more than just fictional romances, they are my wish for the world. I look back and see a road that was paved by those who refused to give up, and it’s on us to continue the cause. As a little-known writer, I’m in no position to change the world. However, I can speak up, donate, advocate, and join the greater community that’s continuing to fight against these injustices.

If you don’t know how to get involved, start here for (US) http://www.hrc.com and here (International) http://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/international

Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I'd begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it's a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it's been amazing to have made this dream my reality.

I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics, and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters, and series filled with families—biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.

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Audio Blog Tour!! A Walk Through Fire by Felice Stevens, 5 Star Review and Excerpt

4/1/2017

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A Walk Through Fire

Through Hell and Back Series, Book 1

Felice Stevens

M/M Romance

A Walk Through Fire Audio Cover

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Cover Photo: Alejandro Caspe

Narrator: Kale Williams

BLURB

Years after running away from an abusive foster family, Asher Davis still struggles with the guilt of leaving his foster brothers behind. He's climbed to unimaginable heights as a ruthless, high-powered attorney, creating a life of power and control.

Blaming himself for the death of his parents, Dr. Drew Klein retreats into a shell of loneliness, merely going through the motions of life. After a disastrous, short-lived marriage, Drew leaves his lucrative medical practice to set up a clinic for abused young men and women. The decision has more repercussions than Drew could ever imagine when the dark and sensual Ash Davis volunteers to help. Although Drew isn't gay, Ash is inexplicably drawn to him. He vows to simply bed him and forget him like he's done with every other man. However, Drew's sweet and caring nature and unexpected passion both stun and frighten Ash, who questions his right to any happiness at all. And when Ash befriends an abused young man who unwittingly draws the clinic into danger, threatening Drew's safety and that of his beloved grandmother, Ash discovers that there is nothing he won't sacrifice to protect the love he never thought he'd find.

Wow, that is the first word that comes to mind after listening to this audiobook. I was so enthralled with the story, that after listening to this audiobook, I had to go and buy the remaining ebooks in the series just to find out what happened!!

This is the first audiobook that I have listened to, that was narrated by Kale Williams, but it most definitely will not be the last. He has the kind of voice that pulls you completely into the story, and I just had to keep listening to know what happens - I will also say that you will need some tissues at times in the story, and the emotion just literally poured out while listening.

When I first began listening, I was not sure about Ash, he began as the sort of MC that you love to hate, until you slowly learn his background and then you really do have a change of heart. As we first meet Ash, he comes across as a someone who always has to be in control, and is power hungry, in some ways extremely arrogant.

Now Drew, is the total opposite of Ash, he actually comes across as a sad, crushed man. However, as he sets his life back into some kind of order, you see him grow into the man he was. He seems to come to life once he sorts all the necessary planning for the clinic for abused kids.

Ash and Drew meet again here, and in the beginning they really don't hit it off. However, Ash is totally drawn to Drew and does what he can to try and get to know him better. - but this is a slow process.

Drew also has to deal with his over protective family and close friends when things seem to be happening with Ash, but what will he do??

This is one audiobook that completely held me from the beginning, and one that I would recommend to listen to. You do meet the characters from future books in this story, and again I found another character that I wasn't sure of!! Love these characters that you don't know what to make of them.

BUY LINK

Amazon US

Amazon UK

A Walk Through Fire Teaser 1

A Walk Through Fire Teaser 2

EXCERPT

“Have a drink, Drew, and tell me why you’re here.” Ash sipped his vodka and stared at him over the rim of his glass. “No, thanks, I’m driving. But I do want to talk to you.” The man was a study in contrasts. Drew couldn’t think of a time he hadn’t seen Ash perfectly dressed, every hair in place, looking like he’d stepped out of a men’s fashion magazine. Tonight however…well he looked off-kilter. Though he still had on his clothes from earlier, that white button down shirt and black slacks, the shirt was wrinkled and unbuttoned lower than he’d ever seen. Dark stubble shadowed along his jaw, and his hair lay unkempt and disheveled. Drew shifted on the sofa. “Look, I know this may sound stupid, but my grandmother was concerned about you, so she asked me to stop by and check up on you.” “And of course you do everything your nana says.” Drew’s face flamed. “Fuck you, Davis.” A tiny smirk hit the corner of Ash’s lips. “What’s the matter, Doc? The truth hurts?” The bastard. After all the nice things his grandmother had said about him, how she’d worried about him, this was his response? To act like the snide sarcastic son of a bitch he was at their first meeting? How dare he treat her concern as if it were nothing? And to think he’d actually thought they were friends. “What the hell do you know about the truth, huh? No one knows anything about you; you have no friends, no lover.” He stood, ready to leave. “No wonder you’re all alone. No one cares about you. You aren’t worth it.” Shit, he’d never spoken so cruelly to anyone. But then again, no one had ever gotten under his skin like Ash Davis. Like a snake uncoiled, Ash jumped off the sofa and grabbed him by the shoulder. “Take that back.” “What’s the matter, Davis? The truth hurts?” He mimicked Ash’s earlier words to him, and saw a flare of anger gleam in those colorless, glittering eyes. “You fucking bastard. Who are you to say I’m not worth it, that no one cares about me? I have friends. People like me. Don’t you ever say I’m not worth it. I matter goddamn you. I fucking matter.” Ash tried to grab onto him, but Drew wrenched away and took off for the door, speaking over his shoulder. “People don’t like you, Ash, they want to fuck you because you’re beautiful. That’s not liking. That’s not a friendship. How many relationships have you ever had with another man? You’ve never even had a boyfriend or a permanent relationship have you, because you have to have a heart. You have to care about someone. How can you value someone else in your life when you don’t even value yourself?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance novels was renewed. But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back. Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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