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Whiskers of A Chance by Tempeste O'Riley 4.5 Star Review

9/30/2015

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Whiskers of a Chance
by Tempeste O’Riley
M/M Contemporary Paranormal Romance 
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Release Date: September 30th, 2015 (ebook/print)
Length: Novel
 

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​Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years. 
Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible. 
When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love? 
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​Keith is a lynx shifter with a difference – he is gay, and he doesn’t believe that he will ever find a mate, let alone his true mate.  Jason (who is human) works from home and has a great best friend, but what he wishes for is that he could have someone who truly loved him.
 
Keith decides that to be happy, he needs to move away from both his father and his tribe, taking his sister Taylor and her son Zeke with him. This decision does not go down well with his father who repeatedly tells him that he should be married and producing children to continue the line. 
 
As he moves into the house he will share with his sister, he scents a mate, but doesn’t know where he is.  Pretty soon he realizes that his next door neighbor is who is scenting, and when they meet the fur really flies between the two….but in a good way!  Neither can stay away from the other, it is like they are being drawn to each other.
 
When his sister moves in with him, Jason mistakes her for Keith’s wife, and is devastated. Keith wants to explain things straight away, but Taylor informs him that their father is coming to see the house, and they are both working to make sure that there is no trace of Jason’s scent left in the house, as they are not sure what their father would do.  Eventually Keith goes to see Jason to explain, but when he gets there he scents a vampire….who turns out to be Jason’s best friend Sasha.  Sasha and Jason both shift and are intent of fighting, both thinking that they are protecting Jason.
 
Jason is stunned to find out that Keith is a shifter and that Sasha is a vampire….. and he is terribly hurt that Sasha has never shared this part with him.  He is also upset with Keith for not being honest with him about what he is, but once again the pull between the two men means that they cannot stay apart for long.  Keith longs to claim Jason as his mate, in the way of the lynx shifters, but holds back.
 
Now starts the roller coaster ride that is the life of Keith and Jason.  There is never a dull moment, and Keith and Sasha are trying to be friends for Jason’s sake, but it takes a hostile action against Jason while he and Sasha went to the movies one night, that makes it clear to Keith exactly who Sasha is, and to what lengths he will go to protect his best friend.  Keith now has to decide how to proceed with things, as it seems that his father has found out that his mate is male, but this is not the way things are done in his father’s eyes. 
 
I am not going to say what happens, but suffice to say I could not stop reading this book as I just needed to find out how Keith would manage to make things work – especially with his father continually cropping up and causing problems.  I would have rated this book five stars, but some things about Jason left me wondering if he was actually human or if in fact he was a shifter too - little comments from Keith made me think this.
 
 
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♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ All Romance ♥ Amazon ♥ ♥
♥♥ Amazon UK ♥  Amazon AU ♥ Amazon CA ​♥ ♥
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“Jason?” Keith asked after a few minutes of lying there quietly, holding Jason around his waist.
“Hmm?”
“I’m sorry,” Keith mumbled into his shoulder.
Sorry? “What for?”
“I’ve never lost control like that. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he continued. “Be still and I’ll clean you up.”
Jason lay there, trying to figure out what Keith was referring to, but his mind drew a blank. All he could think about was how wonderful and perfect being with Keith felt. When Keith returned with a warm cloth and a towel, he wiped the spend and lube off Jason from his navel to the top of his butt. He then produced another cloth and dabbed carefully along Jason’s hip.
“Ow!” Jason snapped and pulled away. Confused, he looked down and noted not only the marks he knew would be finger-shaped bruises shortly but also four puncture marks just above his hipbone. “What the hell?”
“I, um…. Be still and close your eyes for a moment,” Keith murmured, not meeting his gaze. “Please.”
Even with the evidence that Keith could, and had, hurt him, Jason still felt safe with Keith. He nodded and closed his eyes, unsure why he did so. He gasped a moment later when Keith’s tongue ran up his hip, slowly tracing the small cuts. Every time Keith licked him, he moaned as a flash of heat ran up and down his spine in a way he’d never felt before. The logical part of his brain wanted to push Keith away, knowing that human mouths and wounds didn’t mix; the rest of him told that part to shut the hell up and enjoy the moment.
“All better.” Keith’s voice was soft and tentative, which it hadn’t been since they’d met.
Jason opened his eyes and met Keith’s, again falling into the depths of the oceans within. “What?”
“I’ve waited for you, waited for so long to find someone like you, and when I do, I go off and hurt you the first time we’re together.” Keith whispered as if he were talking to himself, not Jason, which confused him even more.
​“I don’t understand, Keith.”
“I know, just please believe me when I say it wasn’t intentional.”
Jason thought about it before he nodded. “It’s just a scratch, Keith. I’m the one who pushed you to be rougher. Now,” he added, looking around the room, “you think we could find a more comfortable place to cuddle than the floor?”
He didn’t want to move, but the cold tile wasn’t doing anything good for him. Keith helped Jason pull off the stubborn pants still clinging to one ankle. Jason then let out a yelp when Keith fluidly stood and proceeded to scoop him off the floor and carry him to the couch. Keith sat and pulled Jason between his thighs so Jason’s back rested against his chest and loosely wrapped his arms around Jason’s waist.
“Um, you have no drapes and we’re both still naked.”
“The only window with a view to where we’re sitting now is yours, so unless you have someone at home,” Keith rumbled, his tone turning possessive,“I don’t see the problem.”
Knowing Keith couldn’t see him, Jason smiled, pleased at the words and tone. “No, no one lives there but me. Not even a pet, unless you count my laptops,” he mumbled, post-sex lethargy claiming him quickly.
“Good—now rest, Jay. We can talk later.”
The last thing Jason felt and heard before sleep claimed him was Keith’s warmth and what he could have sworn was a cat purring.


Other Books by Tempeste:
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​♥ Designs of Desire ♥ Bound by Desire ♥ Desires’ Guardian ♥ Temptations of Desire ♥ Truth in Lace ♥
♥ ♥ Grand Adventures ♥ Hope & Love ♥ Caged Sanctuary ♥ ♥
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​Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.
Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.
Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, Rainbow Romance Writers, and WisRWA. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com.

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♥♥Website ♥ Tempeste's Temptations ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥
♥Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog ♥♥
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Perfect Imperfections Audio Book by Cardeno C - 5 Star Review and Giveaway

9/27/2015

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Audio Banner - Perfect Imperfections copy

WLK synopsis

Perfect Imperfections - AudioPerfect Imperfections

  • Written by: Cardeno C.
  • Narrated by: Charlie David
  • Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins 
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Release Date:08-27-15
  • Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC
Hollywood royalty Jeremy Jameson has lived a sheltered life with music as his sole focus and only friend. Before embarking on yet another international concert tour, he wanders into a bar in what he considers the middle of nowhere and meets a man who wins him over with his friendly smile and easy-going nature. Accountant slash bartender slash adventure-seeker Reg Moore has fun talking and drinking with The Jeremy Jameson and can’t say no when the supposedly straight rock star makes him a once in a lifetime offer: keep him company on his tour by playing the part of his boyfriend.
Listening to music, traveling the world, and jumping off cliffs is fun. Falling in love is even better. But to stay with Jeremy after the stage lights dim, Reg will need to help him realize there’s nothing pretend about their relationship.
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I have to be honest and say that I had already read this book, but it was a while ago.  When we were asked to review this on audio, I jumped at the chance, and I think I preferred listening to the audio than actually reading the book!  This was a story of two men who began tentatively as friends and then the road they took to become partners, while experiencing the highs and the lows.

I love the character of Reg, as he is so down to earth, what you see if what you get!  Jeremy on the other hand, although being a well renowned musician, he has lived a sheltered life.  

When the two meet, Jeremy gets it into his head that Reg is only being nice to him because of who he is, and this could not be farthest from the truth.  Reg simply enjoys being with Jeremy, and to me it seemed Jeremy liked being with Reg.  So much so, that Jeremy asks Reg to go on tour with him and play the part of his boyfriend.

It all starts with friendship between the two, and Jeremy is slowly beginning to realise that Reg is not with him for any other reason than he likes being with him, and then the barriers that Jeremy so carefully erected are coming down.

As the two grow closer, to me it becomes obvious that Jeremy has never really had anyone who truly enjoyed being with him, quirks and all.  Reg is also beginning to feel very protective of Jeremy and he is somewhat angered by all the extras that are being put on Jeremy, plus there is also a leak somewhere so Jeremy never has time to be just himself.

It then becomes obvious that Reg is starting to care very deeply for Jeremy, but Jeremy isn’t sure what he is feeling, so it is up to Reg to show him what love is all about, and the joys of being intimate with someone.  They are as different as chalk and cheese, but it seems like Reg manages to ground Jeremy, and very soon Jeremy starts turning to Reg for comfort more and more.

Narrator Review:
I could honestly listen to this audio all day long - I love the voice of Charlie David, and will confess to listening to this audio twice, just to hear his voice again (as well as an awesome story).  There was something about his voice that just pulled you right into the story, and I hope to hear more from him in the future. 

AUDIBLE US   Audible UK


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WLK Author Bio

Cardeno C - Logo

Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever- after sunset.
Cardeno's Home, Family, and Mates series have received awards from Love Romances and More Golden Roses, Rainbow Awards, the Goodreads M/M Romance Group, and various reviewers. But even more special to CC are heartfelt reactions from readers, like, "You bring joy and love and make it part of the every day."

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Beautiful Thunder by Louise Lyons      4 Star Review and Giveaway

9/24/2015

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Can romance and rock ‘n’ roll dreams survive with a storm raging around them?
Alex Randall has always wanted to be a rock singer. When he answers an ad from a local band, his dream finally comes true. He loves the stage, and the group’s fans love him. Things couldn’t be better, except for the attraction he develops for the band’s guitarist, Lindsey. Alex is surprised and initially worried, since he only had one brief flirtation with a boy in his teens. But even though he and Lindsey become close and start seeing each other, Alex fears commitment, and Lindsey worries that Alex might only be experimenting.
When Lindsey’s ex contacts him following a health scare, fear and anger drives a wedge between Alex and Lindsey, which causes rifts within the band. Alex and Lindsey’s relationship is still new and fragile, and with Alex unwittingly blaming Lindsey for their problems, it becomes a true challenge for them to weather the storm.


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Alex is someone who doesn’t need to work – due to a trust fund and his parents untimely deaths.  He loves music, and his dreams come true and becomes part of the River Rats.  He really enjoys being in the band, and the fans seem to love him too.  The only thing he cannot understand is his attraction to the guitarist in the band Lindsey. 

Alex and Lindsay become a couple a little while after Alex helps Lindsay during a bad time in his life.  However, Alex is hesitant about being seen out together, and he honestly doesn’t believe that it will be a long term thing.  Lindsay has deep feelings for Alex, but he is unsure if Alex actually feels the same way, and if he is just a passing phase, more or less an experiment.

Alex and Lindsay become closer, but at Alex’s insistence they don’t tell anyone to begin with, but when it becomes harder to hold their feelings inside they finally confess to the rest of the band that they are an item.  To their surprise, it is not a surprise to one of the other band members!  Things seem to be going well, although Alex is still uneasy at times when out with Lindsay.

Everything completely comes apart when Lindsay has a health scare, which also involves Alex, and they both seem to be blaming each other and harsh words are spoken and this causes a lot of friction between them, and ultimately their break up.  It is only when they break up that Alex realises how deep his feelings for Lindsay are, and the pain he feels is unlike anything he has felt before.

Lindsay decides that he needs a fresh start, and leaves the band to go and join another one in London, Alex has no idea what to do to try and make things right with Lindsay, and you can really get a sense of his feelings as you read.   Alex tries to get on with his life, but he just feels that something is missing, and that is Lindsay.

The new band Lindsay is with performs locally, and Alex goes to watch and then gets the chance to speak to Lindsay, but not to actually resolve any issues.  However, a phone call later gives him another chance and the two finally several hours later manage to sit and talk…… but is anything going to be resolved??  Is what Alex feeling actually love for Lindsay?? More importantly, will Lindsay believe what Alex feels is love??

I enjoyed reading this story, and the struggles that Alex was facing as he came to terms with knowing that the person he loved was another man.  You also felt all the emotions running through both Alex and Lindsay with the health scare, and how easy it was to get into this position. 
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“I, um, I came in by mistake.” I hoped the lack of light in the club would disguise my red face. My cheeks felt as if they were on fire. Avoiding his eyes, I let my gaze drift down over his white ruffled shirt—the same one he’d had on that time in Rock City.
“Right. First you can’t make band practice because you’ve caught my fictitious flu, and now you’re in a gay club by accident?”
I groaned. “Yeah, I lied about being sick. I’m an idiot. I came in here because I saw you down the street and I didn’t want you to see me and realize I lied.”
Lindsey frowned. “Why lie? Why not just say you can’t make it? Presumably you were going out to pick up a girl.”
“I’m sorry.” I couldn’t tell him the truth—that I hadn’t wanted to face him—and the only other option was to let him think I’d let the band down in favor of getting my rocks off. “It won’t happen again. What are you doing in here, anyway?”
“I come in here every couple of weeks. I was intending to catch up with some friends.”
“So you skipped practice too?” I raised an eyebrow.
“I didn’t skip. Mark rang me and said you were ill and asked if I wanted to practice anyway. We decided to leave it and have a longer session tomorrow instead, with or without you.”
“Sorry,” I repeated. I took a long gulp of my beer. “I told Mark I’d caught your flu. Stupid, I know. I wasn’t thinking. I’ll get out of here in a minute. I don’t want to cramp your style.”
“I’m not looking for a bit of fun, Alex,” Lindsey snapped. “We don’t all get off with some random stranger every other night.”
“Nor do I. Not for a while.”
“But you don’t date. I doubt you can even remember the name of the last girl you were with.”
He was right, I couldn’t remember, and I covered it up by trying to sound annoyed. “Why are you having a go at me? Because you think I’m a slut? Or because I lied about being ill?”
“Neither. I’m sorry. I’m going to get a drink.”
I stayed where I was as Lindsey went to the bar and engaged in a chat with someone while he waited to be served. He shook hands with the other man and then leaned on the bar and talked to the barman. Eventually, he returned to me, carrying a bottle of Bud.
“I’ve nearly finished this.” I indicated my own bottle. “Then I’ll go.”
Lindsey nodded and sipped his beer. He didn’t speak, and I fiddled with my bottle, trying not to stare at him. He looked good as usual, and for once he wasn’t wearing makeup. His jeans were so tight, he probably had to use a shoehorn to get into them. I couldn’t stop myself imagining us in various scenarios—dancing like the two guys a few yards away, kissing like the pair nearby who were still at it. Would Lindsey even be interested in me?
I didn’t know how long we stood there not talking. Lindsey interrupted my thoughts with a muttered curse, and I looked up. “What’s wrong?”
“Steve’s here.”
“Where?”
“The dark-haired bloke who just came in. The one in the red shirt.”
I looked toward the door and spotted the man Lindsey had described. His collar-length hair framed a rugged face, and his muscular body indicated he worked out regularly. I had no idea what Lindsey’s type was, but I hadn’t imagined him going for someone like that. The man looked like he had a lot of power to put behind a punch. I put my bottle down on a nearby table and clenched my fists. “Do you want to leave?”
“No, I’m going to speak to him. I’m sick to death of jumping out of my skin whenever someone rings me or knocks on the door.”
“I could talk to him.”
Lindsey shook his head. “Don’t interfere, Alex. Stay here.” He put his drink on the table and strode away from me. I watched, grinding my teeth, as he halted close to Steve and spoke to him. Sweat stuck my shirt to my back. I knew nothing about Steve other than that he’d hurt Lindsey, and I wanted to go over there and punch the man’s lights out.
The pair talked for a few minutes, Steve gesturing in what looked to be an effort to placate Lindsey. At least he didn’t look as if he was about to hit him. Lindsey kept shaking his head, and at one point he glanced over his shoulder in my direction and jabbed a thumb at me. I wished I could hear what they were saying. Steve shrugged and nodded. He stayed where he was as Lindsey came back to me.
“What…?” I began.
“Do me a favor, I’ll explain later, just kiss me,” Lindsey said, his words almost running into each other in his haste.
I didn’t have time to think or question. I cupped his face, then slid my hand into his hair as I drew him closer. He rested his hands on my chest, and his lips parted as they met mine. I closed my eyes and caressed his lips, and I was instantly reminded of Joey’s kiss. Lindsey’s lips were firm but soft at the same time, and he wasn’t gentle and delicate like a girl. He kissed back hard and crushed my lips against my teeth. I wasn’t sure what he wanted from me, but it was obviously meant to be a show for Steve. I slid my arm around his waist and pulled him tighter against me. I didn’t care if he felt I was getting hard. My pulse raced, and I trembled with a combination of excitement and fear. Deepening the kiss, I stroked my tongue over his, and his tongue bar clicked against my teeth as he responded. I groaned and wondered if Lindsey heard it. He was bound to have felt the effect he was having on me by now. My rock-hard cock was trapped against his thigh.
Lindsey broke the kiss and turned his face into my neck. Warm puffs of breath fanned my skin, and he continued to hold on to me as he spoke quietly in my ear. “He wanted me back. He kept apologizing for hitting me. I told him to fuck off and that I’m with you. He seemed to accept it.” He pulled away at last and put a few inches between us. “Sorry about this. It was pretty childish, rubbing his nose in it, but….” He shrugged, then lifted his gaze to mine and grinned. “Anyway… I didn’t expect that reaction from you. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
My face heated up, and I lowered away. “I, um, you took me by surprise,” I muttered.

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Louise Lyons comes from a family of writers. Her mother has a number of poems published in poetry anthologies, her aunt wrote poems for the church, and her grandmother sparked her inspiration with tales of fantasy. Louise first ventured into writing short stories at the grand old age of 8, mostly about little girls and ponies. She branched into romance in her teens, and MM romance a few years later, but none of her work saw the light of day until she discovered FanFiction in her late 20s.
Posting stories based on some of her favorite movies, provoked a surprisingly positive response from readers. This gave Louise the confidence to submit some of her work to publishers, and made her take her writing “hobby” more seriously.
Louise lives in the UK, about an hour north of London, with a mad Dobermann, and a collection of tropical fish and tarantulas. She works in the insurance industry by day, and spends every spare minute writing. She is a keen horse-rider, and loves to run long-distance. Some of her best writing inspiration comes to her, when her feet are pounding the open road. She often races into the house afterward, and grabs pen and paper to make notes.
Louise has always been a bit of a tomboy, and one of her other great loves is cars and motorcycles. Her car and bike are her pride and joy, and she loves to exhibit the car at shows, and take off for long days out on the bike, with no one for company but herself. 

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The Marine In Unit A by Kris Cook Blog Tour! 4 Star Review, Excerpt and Giveaway!!!

9/23/2015

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Title: The Marine in Unit A
Series: A Mockingbird Place Novella
Author: Kris Cook
Genre: M/M Romance
Published: September 15, 2015
The man who has been more of a dad to me than my biological father is dead. 
He rescued me from the streets six years ago a runaway teenage boy, escaping a family who thought I was an abomination. 
Now what do I do? I have no one. 
My life might look great from the outside. Im in college. I have my own apartment. I have lots of friends. 
But Im dying on the inside. 
I feel so alone. Lost. Hopeless. 
Im not the kind of person to wallow in self pity. I need a distraction. 
The guy moving into Unit A may be just what I need to take my mind off of losing my dad. 
**** 
21 year old Oliver Lancaster is attracted to 22 year old Adam Stockton, the former Marine moving into Unit A. But attraction for the closeted man morphs quickly into something deeper, something meaningful, something that terrifies Oliver. What will happen if Adam learns about the secret from his past? 
Warning contains skinny dipping, two hot men kissing, and sexual situations taking place in a 10-unit Mediterranean complex filled with college-aged hotties.
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The story begins with a heart wrenching scene and this is where the reader learns about Mockingbird Place and how the tenants are family to each other. Now we learn that Oliver has lost the only man who was ever a father figure to him and completely shatters everything that was good in his life. Malcolm owned Mockingbird Place. At the memorial Oliver meets the new tenant, Adam who will be occupying Malcolm's old place.

After Oliver has left his own family as they couldn't accept his sexuality, he meets Malcolm who took him in and showed him what a true family love was about. Know that Malcolm is gone, Oliver is struggling with the fact that he has lost the only family he actually ever knew who truly accepted him for himself. Adam just freshly out of the military due to a serious injury and he meets the beautiful and sensitive Oliver who decides to help him move into his apartment and a beautiful friendship is formed. Can their friendship become something more intimate? Can Adam fill the void that Malcolm's death has left? Can these sweet men find love and acceptance they both need and deserve in each other?

Just loved the self discovery journey that Oliver and Adam took and the great love that they found along the way. The sub characters of Adams family, like his mom and grandfather added such great depth to the story that I found it flowed brilliantly. The way the author grows Oliver and Adam together in such a beautiful story was some great writing. I felt connected right away to the great story that these men shared.
Loved this book! Very touching love story and has me wanting to know more about the residents at Mockingbird Place. ~ The Smut-Brarians
It is well written, and you can feel the intensity of the words and the emotions of the characters in the book. ~ Bloggin' With M.Brennan
A very nice read that I totally enjoyed. I will read more by this author especially this series. ~ Inked Rainbow Reads
The Marine in Unit A Mockingbird Place 
© 2015 Kris Cook
I stay behind as everyone says their goodbyes to him. Im not ready to leave.
He hugs Martha and Sarah last. They wave to me, and then walk out.
When Adam shuts the door, I ask him, “How about another beer? There’s three left.”
“Actually, I’m hungry. Are you?”
“Starving.”
He walks into the kitchen and holds up a grocery bag. “You like ramen noodles? I’m not much of a cook and I figured it might be too late to go out by the time I finished. I was right, even with all the help of our wonderful neighbors and you.”
This will be our first meal together. “Noodles and beer? Sounds perfect.”
Adam laughs. “I even got cupcakes for dessert. Now all we need to do is find a pot in one of these boxes so we can boil the noodles.”
A few minutes later, our dinner is ready to eat.
He looks in several boxes. “I found forks but no plates or bowls. Oh, well. I guess we’ll have to eat out of the pot. And since my dining room table is loaded with boxes and my new sofa won’t be delivered until tomorrow, we’ll have to sit on the floor.” He walks into the living room, carrying a couple of forks and our pot of noodles.
I plop down in the same place I sat in before everyone else arrived. “It’ll be like an indoor picnic.”
He laughs, sits down next to me and then scoots even closer. So close my heart skips a beat.
Adam holds the pot out for me. “You take the first bite.”
Heat rushes through me as I twirl my fork in the pot. I wonder if he realizes how intimate this feels. Was my first instinct about him right? Is he gay? I’m confused. I’m not about to bring up that subject now, especially remembering how he acted when I mentioned the gay strip club. Right now I must be patient with him. I like Adam. If he isn’t gay, I hope we can at least be friends. But if he is…well, that is a different story.
As I taste the noodles, his eyes are fixed on me. “How did I do, Oliver?”
“Delicious.” I haven’t eaten ramen noodles in a very long time. Malcolm was an excellent cook and taught me everything he knew about the kitchen. We always ate like kings. “It has a flavor I can’t quite figure out.”
Laughing, Adam places his arm around me. “It’s beer. I’m no chef and I don’t have any spices except salt and pepper, but I thought if I poured some of my beer in the pot it might make our noodles taste better.”
“It does taste great. Good idea.”
“Really? You’re not just saying that, are you?”
“Yes. Really.” I smile at his enthusiasm. I’ve witnessed a sliver of his dark side when he adamantly stated he wasn’t gay. But now, he seems completely relaxed and open. This seems to be another side to his personality. How many sides does he have? Adam is still a mystery to me.
We polish off the entire pot of noodles quickly.
“I guess we were hungry.” He finishes his beer and remains next to me. “Ready for dessert?”
I would much rather taste his lips, but for now, I will settle for a cupcake. “I would love dessert.”
He jumps to his feet, collecting our two forks and the empty pot, and returns to the kitchen.
Again, I notice his slight limp. I really wish I knew what happened to him. But if I say something it might end the evening, and I don’t want it to end. We’ve only had a little time alone together. I want more, but feel if I stay much longer, I will screw things up.
He brings the cupcakes on a napkin. “There’s a chocolate and a vanilla. Which one do you want?”
I look into his dark eyes, wondering what it would be like to hold him close. “Chocolate, please.”
“That’s my favorite, too.” He sits down even closer to me than before, the sides of our legs touching with only the fabric of our jeans keeping our skin apart.
My heart begins to race. “How about we cut the cupcakes in two, Adam, and split them? That way we both get a taste of our favorite.”
He laughs in such a way I can’t help but smile. It’s hearty and warm. “Oliver, you’re a genius.”
He takes a bite of his chocolate slice and closes his eyes. “Mmm.”
I can’t help but stare at the drop of icing that is on his thick lips. When his tongue appears and sweeps it into his mouth, I think I’m going to pass out. He is the hottest guy I’ve ever met. I need to get control of myself or my excitement will get the better of me.
Adam’s eyes pop open. “What are you waiting for? It’s delicious.”
I take a bite of mine. In the sexiest voice I can muster, I say, “It is so delicious—sweet, moist, and creamy.”
“You should be the bakery’s spokesperson. Have you ever thought about doing commercials?”
So much for trying to sound sexy, but I’m not ready to give up. Not yet. “No, I never have.”
“You should consider it. You’ve got a great voice.”
“Thanks. This has been a blast, Adam.”
“A blast?” He grins again. “I’m glad but I feel like I’ve taken advantage of you. This has been a lot of work.”
Please take advantage of me. “Next time I want to cook dinner for you.”
“That would be great. I’ll bring a six-pack or a bottle of wine. But don’t think you have to top my meal.” He grins, holding up his remaining cupcake half. “This is five-star dining at its best.”
“Yes, it is. And the company can’t be beat.” Despite how much I want to stay, I wrap up the remainder of my dessert in the napkin. “It’s late. I better go.”
A flash of disappointment appears on his face and then quickly vanishes. He gets up on his feet. “Thanks, buddy. Without your help and all the other neighbors pitching in, I wouldn’t have been able to get the truck unloaded.” He holds out his hand in the universal gesture of friendship.
Is this all we are ever going to be? Just friends?
I can’t resist testing the water, just a little. “Come on, buddy. We’ve shared noodles. We’re friends who deserve a hug.” I pull him in and he doesn’t resist.
It still doesn’t confirm my suspicions about him, but it does give me a reason to hope.
Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kriss total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was My muse finally came out of the closet. Isnt it about time? Ive been out since I was twenty five. A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writers favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen. 
 
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Unrelenting Feelings by April Kelley 4.5 Star Review and Giveaway

9/21/2015

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Robyn Heath has made a pretty good life for himself away from Pickleville. He loves his job as a paramedic, has a best friend who he adores who also happens to be his partner at work, and he even gets laid every once in a while. Life couldn’t be better. Until the man who broke his heart comes back into town. 


Caden Flynn has been gone for a long time. Five years fighting for his country has taken its toll and changed him in some fundamental ways. One thing he wants more than anything is to right the wrongs he’s caused Robyn. Robyn proves to have a very stubborn heart.



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The book starts five years earlier, where we meet both Robyn and Caden.  To me, Robyn follows Caden with a case of hero worship, and I am not sure that he really knows what love is all about.  However, this is also the time that Caden totally shatters his heart, and from then on Robyn decides that he will not date anyone else.  Caden doesn’t really understand that Robyn will be heartbroken when he leaves for the military, so he too comes across as naïve in that respect.

Then we fast forward to the current day, and Robyn is a hard working paramedic, and he has moved away from Pickleville to live and work.  He goes back occasionally, but only when he knows Caden will not be there.  Caden returns back to Pickleville when he has leave, but he never gets to see Robyn, and has to rely on his brothers to keep him abreast of how Robyn is doing. 

Things all change when Robyn returns for a birthday party, and someone tells him the Caden will be coming to the party.  Caden has been injured and is still recovering back in Pickleville, and he is looking forward to seeing Robyn again, as it has been quite a while since he last saw him.

When Robyn see Caden at the party, his heart begins to break again, so when Caden asks to talk to him later, Robyn refuses and actually starts to get quite upset.  Caden is desperate to talk to Robyn, as he is beginning to realise is how badly he treated Robyn five years earlier. However, Robyn wants nothing to do with Caden, and still tries to avoid him.

Robyn later has a change of heart and decides to talk to Caden, but not to reconcile, he wants closure of what happened between them.  However, Caden has begun to realise how much Robyn means to him, and wants the chance to apologise and see if they can try again.

Is Robyn’s mind really made up that he does want closure??  Is Caden able to find a way to apologise to Robyn for what he did??  Is there any chance that they can actually reconcile??

This is the first book in the Pickleville series that I have read, and I have to say I really did enjoy this story.  This book has me wondering about the other characters that were in this story from earlier books in the series, so I guess I will be adding to my TBR list. 


Caden stopped breathing the instant he saw Robyn again. His Robby was so fucking pretty, just like he always had been. He had filled out slightly and his hair was styled differently, longer on top and shorter all the way around. Caden wanted to run his fingers through all those loose curls on top.

"I fucked up so hard, man," he whispered to Brad, who still stood beside him. He watched as Jaron took Robyn's elbow. They exchanged some words and then Jaron let Robyn go. Robyn went inside and it took everything in Caden not to follow, to make Robyn listen to him as he explained himself, even though there wasn't a damn thing he could say without sounding like an asshole.

"Yeah, you did," Brad said.

"He hates me, now."

"He used to love you," Brad pointed out.

"Well, he acts like he doesn't even care now."

"He cares. He's trying not to though." Brad looked at him, holding his gaze. "He slept in your room every time I would let him. I heard him cry on your pillow, Caden. When you stopped calling him, he would beg me to make you call him. Even after he moved with Neil and Owen, he still begged to talk to you. He would even call me specifically to ask after you until a couple years ago."

"Why didn't you tell me this before now?"

"My point is that you never asked about him. Not once."

"You're saying I didn't care as much as he did."

"I don't know if you did or not. The undeniable fact is that man loved you with everything he had."

"You're saying I can’t fix it?"

"I don't know if you should even try. My gut tells me you should let him go," Brad said.

"I give up. I'm not talking to you anymore. You sound like Yoda and it's driving me crazy. I need advice on Robyn not on how to use the force." Caden started to fold his arms, but then winced at the pain it caused. He remembered the crushing force of the truck as it rolled over him, pinning his arm down. The worst part was turning his head to find Yarborough's lifeless eyes next to him, the lower half of his body was gone. The vehicle had shifted, moved off its side and when it did Caden's arm was freed. Not before crushing the bones and leaving a scar that ran from his bicep to just before his wrist.

Caden felt a hand on his back and turned to see Luis. "Thank god. I need advice and Brad is being cryptic."

Luis shrugged. "You probably just need to pay attention to what he said." Luis pounded him on the back. "Have fun. This is supposed to be a party. Now, where is Owen?"




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Living in Southwest Michigan, April resides with her husband and two kids.  She has been an avid reader for several years.  Writing her first story at the age of ten, the characters in her head still won't stop telling their stories.  If April isn't reading or writing she can be found outside playing with the animals or taking a long walk in the woods.

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September 15:
Bike Book Reviews

September 16:
Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
The Purple Rose Tea House

September 17:
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September 18:
Prism Book Alliance
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September 21:
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My Hero Audio Book by Max Vos 5 Star Review and Giveaway

9/19/2015

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Title: My Hero ( audio edition)
Author: Max Vos
Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 6 hours and 3 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged

Narrator: Jared Bradford
Publisher: Max Vos, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: August 13, 2015
Language:
English

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This is a gay male romance with explicit sexual situations between men.

When he was 16 years old, Rich Miller saved a young man from drowning at his local pool. Little did he know that years later, as a senior in college and Olympic diving hopeful, Rich would meet up once again with Johnny Milloway, now a big football player - and when Rich says big, he really means "bear". The shy jock remembers his saviour, and the two men become friends.

Johnny isn't put off by the fact that Rich is gay. In fact, the more time he spends with Rich, the more curious he becomes. Johnny wants to know all kinds of things - what it's like to kiss a guy, for instance. Only it doesn't stop there...

Rich finds it difficult to believe that this relationship can go anywhere. Johnny is straight, and Rich isn't prepared to deal with the heartache he knows will come his way in the future. He has enough on his plate as it is - the worlds are just around the corner. His father would rather watch a football game than spend time watching his son dive. What he doesn't count on is Johnny, who can be very determined. And having Johnny in his life proves to be a catalyst for some pretty earth-shattering changes. 
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Book Review:
I love the character of Rich as he is so sure of who he is, and he will not put on a front for anyone. I do feel for him though, as since the death of his mother, he feels abandoned by his father.  He still loves his father, but he knows his father never comes to any of his dive meets, but he knows his father always goes to the College football matches.   Johnny comes across as a big softie at times, but he is somewhat confused at what he feels for Rich.  He has never felt this way about any other guy, so this has completely thrown him.  I think the bigger thing with Johnny is that he is a football jock, and for him to say he is gay would cause harm to his football career at College.

Rich and Johnny then start meet in secret, and they seem to be getting on well, and meet as often as they can, especially in the gym, spotting each other on their workouts.  The only people who knew what was happening between them was Ruthie, Rich’s lifelong friend and also Anita, Johnny’s cousin.  Rich has fallen for Johnny hard, but he is not sure that Johnny actually feels the same way about him, even though he says that he loves him.

Rich then arranges a romantic getaway as a New Year Celebration, but before he can tell Johnny about the arrangements, Johnny confesses that he has been invited to a New Year Party and has actually asked a girl to go with him.  This totally devastates Rich, and he walks out on Johnny, goes to his car and just keeps driving, no destination in mind, finds a hotel, plenty of alcohol and shuts himself away.  To ensure nobody finds him or can contact him, he turns his phone off and then starts drinking…….

Johnny is frantically trying to find Rich, but has no idea of where to look, and asks his cousin Anita to come and get him to take him home, and when prompted he tells her what has happened, and was totally unprepared for her actions!  When Johnny arrives home, his mother is there, and although he tries to avoid her, she follows him and gets the whole story out of him, including the fact that he has been dating Rich. As she leaves him room, she tells him to sort everything out, but this is easier said than done.

Rich feels totally alone in the world, he really doesn’t feel he has anyone that he can turn to, especially not his father.  Anita speaks to Johnny, and makes him ask himself some really deep questions concerning his feelings for Rich, but also tells him that if he cannot love Rich as he should do, then he has to let him go.  Rich finally returns home as he is due to have training with his dive coach, and Johnny manages to track him down.  Rich tells Johnny that they cannot be together, as he knows that Johnny is not “In Love” with him.

When they meet again later, Rich cannot speak to Johnny about what has happened, and even when Johnny says they can be boyfriends if that is what Rich wants, Rich decides he cannot do that to him, and cause him any problems.  They seem destined to never be together until one of the other football jocks hits Rich and Johnny is incensed about it, and then goes to confront the culprit.  Rich has never seen Johnny so angry and tries to stop him to no avail.

By now, Rich feels like his life is a mess and he really doesn’t know what to do, and finally he turns to his father…. Is this good or bad??  Only time will tell, and can Rich actually be totally honest with his father, and will his father actually help the son he has been ignoring for years.  Can Johnny ever make amends for the heartbreak he has put Rich through? Will Rich ever totally forgive him for what he did??

I really cannot recommend this story highly enough, it is a very emotionally charged read, and I had tears in my eyes quite a few times, even suffering with both Johnny and Rich.

Narrator Review: 
This is the first audio that Jared Bradford has done,  and I sincerely hope he does more audio books.  He managed to get all the emotion and heartbreak over in the audio, and his voice is one that just keeps you listening.  I could quite happily sit listening to his voice all day long!  
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Max is giving away: 
2 X audio code for a copy of My Hero
3 Ecopies of My Hero
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About the Author:

Max Vos is a classically trained chef with over 30 years of food service experience. After retiring in 2011, Max found himself with time on his hands and was urged to turn his talents to writing.

‘Cooking English’, a short story, was his first published work, and has four other short stories currently in publication with Ravenous Romance. His first novel, My Hero was a number one best seller on Amazon. He continues to challenge himself with varying topics, from Marine Vampires to taboo subjects. The one thing you will always be guaranteed to find in his writing is hard, gritty, man-on-man sex.

Max loves hearing from readers. You can keep up with him by reading his weekly blog posts on his own blog page: http://www.maxvos.com/

or his Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/max.vos.393?fref=ts

Email him at: max.vos@aol.com


About The Narrator:

Jared Bradford has been a nation-wide gay nightlife icon, actor, go-go dancer, singer, model, classically-trained pianist, yogi, and educator in physics and mathematics. He is originally from Louisiana, but now lives very happily in New York City with his partner of three and half years, Seth Fornea, and adorable Chihuahua, Miley. As a debut narrator and producer, Jared is proud to present his performance of My Hero as his first introduction to the audiobook world.

Jared has always had a strong interest in music and the theater and has starred in several productions of plays and musicals including Hay Fever, Old Wicked Songs, The Exonerated, Godspell, and A Grand Night for Singing. He also recently portrayed Chandler in the daytime web series La Fleur de Mai. Now, he is delighted to be able to bring his interests in music recording and acting together to produce quality audiobooks.

Like most, Jared loves to enjoy life, and always tries to find the FUN in everything. If you have the chance to see him twerking it on a box somewhere around the world, don’t be shy and come say hi!

Connect with Jared online at:

https://www.facebook.com/jbradford.inc?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/jbradfordinc
http://www.soundcloud.com/Jared-Bradford
http://jaredbradford.music@gmail.com



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Closet Confession by Kindle Alexander Blog Tour! 5 Star Review, Excerpt and Giveaway!!!

9/18/2015

3 Comments

 
Title: Closet Confessions
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre: M/M Romance Novella
Release Date: September 8, 2015
This version includes Bonus Scenes adding an additional ten thousand words to this edition. Closet Confession was previously released in the Night Shift Anthology. 
Dr. Derek Babineaux is intelligent, dedicated, and one of the best ER physicians in the fast-paced world of critical care at Tulane Medical in New Orleans. Always on top of his game, he's thrown off balance when the newest medical staff member finally unleashes his hidden desires. 
Justin Delacroix's job at the inner city's busiest hospital might be just what he needs to ease back into civilian life after a long stint in the military. High-performing shifts make working as a trauma nurse at TMC the perfect way to utilize his skills and quick reaction times. There's only one problem, his attraction for one sexy ER doctor is off the charts, but he has his reasons for not returning Dr. Baby's night shift advances. Or maybe he doesn't.
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Dr. Derek Babineax works in the ER department of Tulane Medical in New Orleans and he's one of the most dedicated, sought after and hot doctor in this medical establishment. He is always in complete control until one day a hot new staff member awakens feelings that he had hidden for quite some time.

Justin Delacroix has just finished a long stay in the military and working at this medical center is exactly what he needs to be a part of society again. Working as a trauma nurse in this very high pressured place is exactly what he needs. He now finds himself attracted to an ER doctor but he's holding Dr. Baby at a distance.

This was an extremely hot and beautifully written novella by Kindle Alexander and of course she never disappoints and my only problem is that I wanted this novella and the story of Derek and Justin to go on and on. I loved the funny and quirky relationship between Dr. Derek and his aunt as only Dr. Baby knows how to handle her and it gave us some great comedic moments. I love how these two guys were not looking for love or anything and then meeting in all places an ER was just perfect. There is a great twist just as things start to heat up and I thought it was written so well and it was introduced quietly subtly. This novella takes place within basically a few hours and so much happens in that small time frame. The hot sex scene in the closet was omg so brilliantly hot and I was hanging onto every word. This version has some added bonus scenes which I loved reading as it added to the story perfectly. The fact that it was not part of the story but separate chapters was a great way to read them and it kept everything so clean and tidy and answered every question you could have.

The hot and steamy connection between these guys was the best ever and a night shift that no one will ever forget. I had a huge connection to Dr. Baby and Justin that I had a very hard time forgetting about for quite a long time once I was finished reading. How they met, the great twist, their prefect sexual chemistry, the fun sub-characters such as the aunt and the amazing bonus scenes are the main reason I had I tough time forgetting about Closet Confession. Wow their brief encounter was so deliciously hot and so well-written no one writes gay sex scenes like Kindle Alexander. She must've been a horny gay man in a previous life as her scenes are so spot on. You'll fall for Derek and Justin as I did. I highly and I mean highly recommend this novella by Kindle Alexander!!!

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...
“I’m starting to think you might have a crush on me, Dr. Baby.” His own crooked smile spread, hoping he was getting past the too quiet remark from earlier. He didn’t want Derek to see him that way. 
“Then quit dodging me and let’s play doctor,” Derek growled. Justin could feel Derek’s heated gaze on him, but refused to look his way. 
“I don’t mix business with pleasure,” Justin playfully fired right back, like he had every night they’d worked together. Besides, Derek had to know he was such a liar. It took everything in him not to jump the smug doctor right there in the hallway and show him exactly how well he played with others.
“I’m not buying it. Besides, if you don’t want to play with me, then why do I always catch you eye-fucking me?” Derek cockily countered. The doctor grabbed his forearm, stopping Justin in his tracks. Derek turned toward him and their eyes locked in an instant. Justin wondered if Derek could hear his heart pounding against his chest as he held his challenging gaze. 
This was new to the game.
Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!
I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.
I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.
That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.
Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.
Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.
Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com
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Paint The Sky by Lily G Blunt Audio Book Blog Tour 5 Star Review and Giveaway

9/17/2015

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Paint The Sky by Lily G Blunt
Narrated by Joel Leslie
Length: 6 hours 4 mins
Release date: 3 September 2015

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A love of art....

A mutual interest in art draws two shy university students together. Ben admires Vinnie's painting of the university building, so Vinnie invites him to an exhibition of his artwork. From a wealthy family, Ben purchases some of Vinnie's art and arranges for the artist to personally hang the paintings in his apartment.

Starry, starry night....

Ben commissions Vinnie to paint his portrait, in order to spend more time with the artist. On the night of the sitting, Vinnie fingerpaints the starry night on Ben's chest... and they kiss. They begin a relationship beneath the night sky, God's own canvas.

But every relationship has its ups and downs and so it is with theirs. When Ben thinks Vinnie spends too much time with a fellow artist, his jealousy drives a wedge between them and forces Vinnie into the very thing Ben dreads.

Hold tight to your dreams....

Ben and Vinnie will have to walk through fire before they can find one another again. But if they believe, and if they keep their faith in the night sky and each other, just maybe they can make their dreams of love come true.

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I quite happily listened to this story, especially while doing chores around the house :)   I have to admit though, I was really getting to get annoyed with Ben at times through this story, he seemed to have Vinnie's best interests at heart, but oh dear did he go at things the wrong way.  Although Ben comes from a loving family, to me it came across that he was very shy, no that's not the right word, it was as if he thought he was unworthy, he wasn't actually very confident.  As he came from money, he seemed to think that if he brought Vinnie things, this would make things all better.

Vinnie was someone who was very independent, and seemed to begrudge anything Ben did to try and help him.  In the beginning, things were going well with Vinnie and Ben, and then Vinnie began being secretive.  Ben did overreact to Vinnie being secretive, especially as he was spending a lot of time with an artist friend called James, and in the end a huge argument ended with Vinnie walking out.

Ben was totally devastated by Vinnie walking out, and almost fell apart.   He believed that Vinnie was now seeing James, and he was completely lost in a world of pain and heartbreak.  Ben has absolutely no idea of how to speak to Vinnie, and what he could do to rectify things.  Vinnie was ignoring all the calls from Ben, and this seemed to depress Ben even more. Even  Vinnie’s brothers Finn and Theo try to help, but to no avail, Vinnie seems to like his new life with James.

However, as the saying goes…. looks can be deceiving, and this was very much the case with the new relationship between James and Vinnie.  They always looked happy together, but if someone was to look harder, they may have seen this was not the case.  Ben tried to rebuild his life, one without Vinnie, as he was convinced that he had lost him forever.  The early hours of one morning changes things considerably, when Ben receives a frantic telephone call from Vinnie’s brother Theo.

I am not going to spoil things to say what has happened, but at this point of the audio, I was literally growling at anyone who tried to talk to me, as I had to listen to what happened next!!   To me, this book was one that showed how wonderful a relationship can be, and how easily when not trusting your partner, things can go downhill very fast.  I must also mention the narrator here too, as I have listened to quite a few audio books now, and I hope that I get to hear more from this narrator in the future, as his voice was quick to draw me into the story I was listening to. 

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Paint the Sky is available as Ebook and Audio:

Audio Book:
Audible
Audible UK

Ebooks:
Amazon
Amazon UK
All Romance Ebooks
PayHip

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Lily is offering a choice of either a paperback copy of Paint the Sky, an A5 or A6 notebook with a Paint the Sky cover to three lucky winners.


Three winners will be randomly chosen on 3rd October 2015.

Please click here to enter giveaway
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Lily G. Blunt writes contemporary gay romance and erotica. She loves to explore the relationship between two men and the intensity of their physical and emotional attraction. Angst often features in her stories as she feels this demonstrates the depth of the men’s feelings for each other. Lily is forever writing imaginary scenes and plots in her head, but only a few ever make it to the page—there never seems to be enough hours in the day despite having left the teaching profession to concentrate on her writing!

Lily discovered the wonderful world of m/m romance novels five years ago via fan fiction and went on to write stories in her spare time. With the encouragement of her friends and readers she decided to publish some of her work. Lily subsequently self-published several stories via Amazon. She later published short stories with Torquere Press and Wayward Ink Publishing. Lily is excited about joining Pride Publishing for her upcoming story, The Handyman Can.

Easily distracted from her writing, Lily makes videos using clips from gay-themed movies and posts gorgeous pictures of men kissing or making out on her tumblr and Facebook pages. Lily is also an avid supporter of GLBTQ rights and advocates equality for all. She was recently a steward for Pride in London.

Lily lives in central England with her rather bemused husband and a ‘mad as a bag of frogs’ Shetland Sheepdog called Barney.

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The Marine in Unit A by Kris Cook Release Day Blitz!!! Plus Excerpt and Giveaway!!!

9/15/2015

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Title: The Marine in Unit A
Series: A Mockingbird Place Novella
Author: Kris Cook
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: September 15, 2015
The man who has been more of a dad to me than my biological father is dead. 
He rescued me from the streets six years ago—a runaway teenage boy, escaping a family who thought I was an abomination. 
Now what do I do? I have no one. 
My life might look great from the outside. I’m in college. I have my own apartment. I have lots of friends. 
But I’m dying on the inside. 
I feel so alone. Lost. Hopeless. 
I’m not the kind of person to wallow in self-pity. I need a distraction. 
The guy moving into Unit A may be just what I need to take my mind off of losing my dad. 
**** 
21-year old Oliver Lancaster is attracted to 22-year old Adam Stockton, the former-Marine moving into Unit A. But attraction for the closeted man morphs quickly into something deeper, something meaningful, something that terrifies Oliver. What will happen if Adam learns about the secret from his past? 
Warning: contains skinny dipping, two hot men kissing, and sexual situations taking place in a 10-unit Mediterranean complex filled with college-aged hotties.
“Loved this book! Very touching love story and has me wanting to know more about the residents at Mockingbird Place.” ~ The Smut-Brarians
“It is well written, and you can feel the intensity of the words and the emotions of the characters in the book.” ~ Bloggin' With M.Brennan
“A very nice read that I totally enjoyed. I will read more by this author especially this series.” ~ Inked Rainbow Reads
The Marine in Unit A Mockingbird Place 
© 2015 Kris Cook
Having been awake all night, I step out of the shower. The rally doesn’t start until noon, but I need something, anything that can distract me from thinking about what happened with Adam. Giving him space is what Martha and Sarah think I should do, so I decide to let a single day pass. But if I don’t hear from him by tomorrow, I will make the first move to fix things between us. And besides, Adam still needs help setting up his apartment before his mother arrives, and I want to be that help. 
I finish getting ready, and take one last look at my hair before leaving my apartment. I park my car in the student parking lot. The university I attend has a large green space in the middle of campus. Mature trees line the sidewalks that are sparsely filled with students going to and from their classes and dormitories. In the fall the grounds will be teeming with students. 
I look at the time on my cell. 8:21am. I have over three and a half hours to kill before the rally. Where to go? The library? No. I didn’t need to go over my speech any more, since I’ve spent several early morning hours already working on it. I am ready. So I decide to get a bite of breakfast in the cafeteria. 
When I walk inside, I see Adam at a table filling out some paperwork. I freeze in place. I am in a quandary whether to approach him or not, whether to follow Martha and Sarah’s advice or not, whether to tamp down my desire to sit down next to him to say how sorry I am—or not. 
Adam looks at me. Did he feel me staring at him? Before I can step back to the entrance to leave, he waves me over. I feel my shoulders relax as relief rolls through me. At least he is willing to talk to me again. I take cautious steps in his direction. Gone are his jeans and T-shirt and facial hair. He is clean-shaven, wearing black slacks and a white dress shirt and blue tie. Casual or dress up, with whiskers or without, Adam is the epitome of masculine beauty. 
“Have a seat, Oliver.”
I do, waiting for him to lay into me again about seeing his prosthetic legs. “Would you mind if I put your name down as a reference on this application? 
They’re asking for a student or professor’s name. You’re the only one I know.” He looks at me with those damn gorgeous doe eyes. “I have the option to leave it blank if you don’t want me to.” 
“Please. Use my name. I’ll be happy to be your reference.” Your friend. Your boyfriend. Whatever. 
“Thanks, buddy.” He smiles and then goes back to filling out the paperwork. 
I have the strongest urge to bring up what happened last night to try to clear the air. But hearing Martha and Sarah’s words of advice replay in my head, I keep my mouth shut. If he isn’t ready to talk about it, then I certainly am not going to mention it. I will give him whatever space and time he needs. At least he isn’t asking me to leave. 
“Done.” He stands. “Wish me luck.” 
“Sure. For what?”
“That I can get a job in the cafeteria. Are you in a hurry?”
“I don’t have to be anywhere until noon.”
“Good. Let me turn this in and maybe I could trouble you with that tour around campus you offered me.”
I am so glad he’s asking for my help. “I’ll be happy to show you some shortcuts.” “You’re a lifesaver. My sense of direction is shot. I wish you could have seen the 
look on my face when I walked into the women’s locker room by mistake earlier. Why the door was unlocked I have no clue, but I could feel my cheeks burning when the girls started giggling and running for cover. I turned and walked out as fast I could, buddy.” 
“You really do need my help. It took me a whole semester to figure out how to get around this place. But I’m surprised that you walked into the women’s locker room. Isn’t a good sense of direction necessary on the battlefield?” Oh shit. Why did I bring that up? 
“It’s easy on the battlefield. You just have to know where the bullets are coming from.” He smiles, which makes me feel better. “I’m starving, how about you?” 
“Famished.” 
“Breakfast is on me.” He hands me a twenty-dollar bill. “The lady in charge asked me to fill this out today but won’t be able to interview me until next week. Let me turn this application in and you order us some breakfast. Then we’ll go on the tour. I’ll be right back.” 
He walks away. His limp is gone. No one in the cafeteria has a clue that he is missing a leg but me. And it certainly doesn’t bother me, not one bit. I don’t know how he lost his leg, but obviously he hasn’t quite accepted it yet. He mentioned a friend was supposed to help him initially, but the guy never showed. Did Adam have any help packing and loading before driving to Mockingbird Place? He didn’t seem overly tired that night, but he is a strong guy. A former-Marine. I guess he’s not limping because he got some rest after unloading his things into Malcolm’s old place. No, Adam’s place. Unit A is Adam’s. I go and order two sausage egg cheese biscuits and orange juices for us. When I get back to our table, he is already there. 
Adam looks up at me. “Breakfast is served?” 
I place the tray on the table. “Yes, sir.” I can’t resist and salute Adam, instantly worrying I might be overstepping again. Thus far he’s been very closed mouth about his military service. But he returns the salute with a devilish grin, easing my concerns. We eat our breakfast, talking about everything except the main issue on my mind. 
“I bet you’re glad our complex has a pool,” he says. “It’s going to be very hot according the weatherman for the next several days.” 
“You like to swim?”
He shrugs. “I used to.”
I brace myself, thinking we might be getting close to opening Pandora’s box about what happened. But as usual, Adam changes the subject. “Oliver, how about you show me the buildings where my classes are going to be first?” 
“Sure thing.” 
He hands me his schedule, and I realize the lid on the infamous box is not only shut tight, it is also locked with no sign of the key in sight. What is it going to take for Adam to explain his sudden and over-the-top reaction to me learning he lost his leg? And will I ever learn if he is gay or straight? 
As we leave the cafeteria, he asks, “Do you know the guy who lives in Unit D? Long black hair. Blue eyes. Good looking. He invited me to a party tonight at his and his roommate’s place.” 
“That’s Trace. I’m going, too. In fact the whole complex should be there. It’ll give you another chance to get to know everyone.” 
“The ones who helped us move my things were very nice, though the MMA fighter is a bit intense.” 
“Tony’s that way, but I believe he’s really a good guy underneath all that darkness.” “I wasn’t sure I would go, but now that I know you’re going I will.”
We had so much drama last night, and today he’s acting like it never happened. 
Now, he says he only is going to the party if I’m going. Damn. He confuses me so much. I sense now is not the time to confront him with what I’m feeling. But if not now, when? “I’m glad you’re going, too.” 
We walk around campus, and I point out the iconic spots.
“That’s Dallas Hall, the oldest building on campus.”
“It’s quite grand. I like the dome.”
When we got to the building that had the last class on his list, he turns to me. 
“Thanks, buddy.” Buddy. There’s that word again. But better to be called that than nothing. I did say I would settle for friendship, but can I really? The more time I spend with him the more my feelings get mixed up. 
“No trouble, Adam. I enjoyed hanging out.” 
“Me, too. I would have been completely lost on my first day of classes if it hadn’t been for you and your fantastic tour.” He sighs. “I better get back to looking for a job.” 
“Do you plan on working the entire time you’re in school?” 
“Yeah. With the financial aid I’m getting I don’t have to work, but I want to. It will give me extra spending money and will keep me busy.” 
I have a feeling that he likes keeping busy so he doesn’t have to face bigger issues inside him. “You don’t seem like you would be happy working in food service to me. Have you thought about doing something else?” 
“Like what?” 
“I know the guy who heads the campus police department, Chief Torres. He told me the other day he has two openings. I bet he’d love to hire you, especially with your military background.” 
“Right.” Adam shakes his head. “A one-legged Marine would make such a great police officer.” 
I am nervous to push him, but have to try. At least he’s mentioning his service—and missing leg. It’s a start. “Adam, I saw you unload that truck and move all those boxes and furniture into your place. You’re strong and capable. You would definitely be an asset to Torres’s department.” 
“You really think so?”
My cell rings. “I know so.” I answer the call.
“Oliver, where are you?” Candy’s voice sounds frantic. “I’m at the engineering building.” 
“That’s clear across campus. You’re supposed to speak in two minutes.” “Oh crap. The time got away from me. I’ll run. Stall if you have to.” “Hurry.”
“Sorry, Adam, but I have to go. I’ve got a speech to give.” 
“I’d like to hear it.” 
“Then follow me.”
Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris's total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was "My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn't it about time? I’ve been out since I was twenty-five." A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer's favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris' influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen. 
 
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Fret by Sandrine Gasq-Dion Blog Tour 5 Star Review and Giveaway

9/10/2015

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Title: Fret
Series: The Rock Series #1
Author: Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Genre: M/M Romance
Published: August 31, 2015 Approx 170 Pages
WARNING: This book contains homosexual relations and crude language. A sneak peek at book 2 follows the ending! 
Former Navy SEAL Axel Blaze lives a solitary life. He doesn't do emotions, and he doesn't do babysitting. Used to being on his own, his job consists of Wetwork (a charming term coined by the KGB) for his former Master Chief, Mac. When an out-of-the-ordinary job lands on his doorstep, Axel heads down a path that includes a famous heavy metal rock band and one quiet, vulnerable, guitar-shredding virtuoso named Gareth Wolf. 
Gareth Wolf's life changed in an instant when a car he was a passenger in crashed, hurting his brother's best friend and the band's lead guitarist. They created the band, Skull Blasters, as kids. Gareth had always been happy in the background, playing roadie. With the lead guitarist's injury, Gareth is suddenly thrust into the limelight and into a frenzied life he never imagined for himself. Finally fed up with living a lie, Gareth comes out as gay in a newspaper interview and finds himself in the bulls-eye of a crazed stalker. Somebody wants Gareth hurt - or worse - and Mac has been hired to be sure that doesn't happen. Babysitting duty is NOT Axel's strong suit, but Mac won't be budged. 
Enter Axel Blaze. 
Against his better judgment, the big man takes the job to protect the shy musician. The more time he spends with Gareth Wolf, the more he admires the man. Where's a simple assassination when you need one? The situation becomes more volatile for each man as the attempts on Gareth escalate just as Axel finds himself falling for the quiet lead guitarist. 
Strong, funny, smart-ass -- and kinda sweet Axel is everything Gareth has ever wanted in a man. Too bad he's off limits. As the stalker grows bolder, Gareth and Axel move closer emotionally - but is it too late? All Axel knows is that they don't stand a chance if he can't find the maniac trying to kill the man he's come to care about. A lot. 
Everyone knows that relationships that begin in pressured or volatile situations eventually fizzle out. 
Or do they?
Picture
Two opposites meet - Axel,  ex navy seal, hard man, in essense tall, dark and deadly but gay.  Gareth, guitarist in the band with his brother, seems shy and also only just out of the closet, which then made him a target of a disgruntled person..

Gareth is very upset that Axel has been sent to be his bodyguard, especially as he didn't know until he arrived back stage after a concert. At their first meeting, Gareth was calling Axel "Conan The Barbarian"!! The names that Gareth thought up for so funny, and Axel usually had a response for each one. 

When Axel saves Gareth from an incident meant to harm him, Gareth soon realises that he does need Axel to protect him, and the two grow closer.  Gareth actually believes that Axel is straight, but still manages to develop some deep feelings for him.  

When another incident has Axel saving Gareth again, Axel finally admits to Gareth that he is also gay, and Gareth is completely dumbstruck.  This actually means that Gareth's feelings go deeper, and Axel is fighting a battle with himself not to touch Gareth.

Can Gareth convince Axel that they can actually have a relationship?? Axel is sure that he would be bad news for Gareth, and even though he is so drawn to Gareth, he is not sure if it is love he is feeling, even if he would give his own life to protect Gareth.

When the disgruntled person is finally unveiled, it is not without one last incident, and this could spell the end of Gareth's dream of being with Axel.

This book is first in the series, and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2, and I hope that we still continue to hear about Gareth and Axel in future books.
Thumping music was shaking the walls of the Dome as I headed for my designated spot. I guess I’m meeting Paul, the band’s manager.

I took mental notes as I passed through the crowd of screaming, jumping people. The band was rocking it out and I sought out Gareth Wolf. There were two guitarists, but I found him right away. Black hair touched his shoulders and his lean body moved with his guitar. 

He was in his element. 

The song was wrapping up and the floor was shaking from the bass drum. The floor-to-ceiling speakers pumped out the last notes of the song. The crowd immediately went wild as Ransom Fox leaned over the stage.

“Let’s hear it for the best lead guitarist on the planet!” he shouted.

Gareth shook his hair back and bowed with one hand out. Again, the crowd screamed, shouted and whistled. Ransom went on to give some love to the other members of the group.

I rolled my eyes and pushed my way through the crowd toward the side of the stage. A large man eyed me and then nodded as I walked by. Again, I could have been wearing a ‘Hello, I’m God’ tag and security wouldn’t have batted an eyelash. As it was, my tag faced backwards; he couldn’t even see my name or credentials. 

Security for the Skull Blaster band was sorely lacking.

I sat through another hour of bone-jarring hardcore metal before the band finally left the stage. I scanned the area for their manager, but no luck. 

I walked right behind the curtain and fell into step with the band members as they trudged toward their dressing rooms. They didn’t even notice me — and I’m really hard to miss.

They stepped into the dressing room; I followed and slammed the door shut behind me. Ransom turned and his eyes widened.

“Who the fuck are you?!”

“Nice of you to finally notice me,” I pointed out.

“Paul!” Ransom thundered. He immediately moved in front of Gareth, shielding him.

“Oh for fucks sake.” I rolled my eyes.

The door behind me opened and a startled man looked me over from head to toe. He flipped my name badge over and sighed audibly, clearly relieved.

“It’s cool, Ransom. This is the guy I was telling you about.”

“You could have mentioned he was a semi-truck.” Ransom’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you,” Paul apologized to me. “I ran into some media and couldn’t get away.”

“Not that this isn’t fun — because, oh so much fun — but I’m here to do a job. So I need to speak to whoever is in charge of ‘security.’ Now.” I leaned very slightly — but effectively — in to Paul’s face.

“Why?”

I turned to see Gareth peeking out from behind his brother’s broad shoulders. His eyes were a shade of green I’d never seen before, and with his pale complexion and dark hair? The guy was a looker and then some.

“Because band security royally sucks. I walked right on back here with them and not one person noticed or stopped me. That is not acceptable.”

“Who are you?” Gareth gaped.

I pinned him with a hard look. “I’m your bodyguard.”

Ransom chuckled.

“What the actual fuck?” Gareth stepped in front of his brother. “Is this a joke?”

“Nope.” Ransom shook his head.

“Jinx, Harley, Rebel. Give us a few, eh?” Paul opened the door and tilted his head toward the hallway.

“Sure thing, boss.” Rebel tipped his hat and winked at me.

I leaned against the wall as the members walked out. I overheard one of them, not sure which, talking to another.

“Did you see the size of that guy?”

“How could you miss him?” another one answered.

Paul shut the door and turned to Gareth with an apologetic smile. 

“I knew what you’d say if we told you beforehand,” he admitted.

“Oh, did you now? You had to get me Conan the Destroyer? Jesus Christ!”

“Gareth,” Ransom warned.

“What? This is stupid! I don’t need a human shield!”

“You’re going to play nice and allow this man to watch your back, Gareth!” Ransom shouted. “You’re getting threats since you came out! I insist you be kept safe!”

“Gareth, why don’t you go clean up? Then you and Mr. Blaze can get acquainted.”

“Seriously? Blaze?” Gareth snorted.

I narrowed my eyes at the kid. Well, to me he was a kid, after everything I’d seen in my life. Gareth was almost twenty-three and I was pushing thirty. We locked eyes for a few seconds before he turned away.
Best selling author, Sandrine (Sandy) was born in Inglewood, California. Raised by "Old School" French parents, she later moved to Tucson, AZ. It was there that writing became a hobby. Always told she had a great imagination, Sandy wrote short stories for her friends in High School. In college, she took more writing classes while working on her Criminal Justice degree, but it wasn't until a soap opera caught her eye that she got involved in male on male romances. On the advice of a friend, Sandy dipped her toes into the world of M/M Romance. Sandy takes the writing seriously and has had countless conversations with gay men as well as hours of research. She's been involved with the military in one way or another for over twenty years, and has a great deal of respect for our men in uniform. She's traveled the world, but has finally returned to Arizona.
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