Gay Media Reviews
Pumping Iron (A Bad Boyfriends Novel-Book 2)
by Nya Rawlyns
GENRE: gay romance, gay romantic comedy, contemporary M/M romance

What does it take to bring a slow simmer to a rolling boil?

Sean Rourke is hiding in plain sight as a Bad Boyfriends A-list escort, hoping to dodge the bullet from a few career missteps.

Mike Douglas’ financial backing and very special negotiating skills have him partnering not-so-silently at Bad Boyfriends, as well as running a training center for athletes and gym rats.

Eying each other at a distance is all they’ve allowed themselves until a joint special project at a seaside retreat in the Hamptons, entertaining a wily Boston attorney, shows them exactly how well they fit together, in more ways than simply business as usual.

Thanks for having me today! It’s my pleasure to present my newest addition to the Bad Boyfriends series: Pumping Iron. From the shadowy world of high-end male escort services to the hot, sweaty, hard bodies in the gym, two men with very different skill sets are forced to co-operate in keeping a mutual client out of sight and out of mind.

Sean Rourke is Bad Boyfriends’ A-list talent, the go-to guy when arm candy won’t do. Sean’s a looker and he’s caught the eye of Mike Douglas, the escort service’s silent partner, enforcer and financial backer. He is also trainer-to-the-stars, something that suits his military demeanor and fierce countenance.

They’ve danced around their attraction for each other for months, but when a project arises requiring both their very special talents, the close proximity of sharing a beach house at the Hamptons seems like the perfect opportunity to go beyond business as usual.

Except for one little thing … an interfering client who likes to watch.

Sequestered at a beach house in the Hamptons, charged with keeping Lovett Junior occupied while his law firm does damage control over Junior’s peccadillos, Mike and Sean find it difficult to grab some private time.

Junior’s little secret was that of all the splendid things one could do with one’s time, watching young men fucking each other, in the flesh, was the ultimate viewing experience, and the only way Junior had a chance of coming. It was hit or miss, the coming part, but the watching for pleasure apparently hit the spot all the time.  

If he had even the remotest clue we were going at it hot and heavy, he was going to guilt us into letting him voyeur his way into my checking account. My take on ten large per diem wasn’t insubstantial, and there was the added bonus for keeping him happy and off Boston’s upscale, high end streets until Monday earliest.

It wasn’t going to buy me financial independence but it feathered a nest in desperate need of new options, including paying off a debt that had driven me to Bad Boyfriends in the first place, hocking my cock and acting abilities while hiding in plain sight.

My mini-meltdown had taught me one thing: I could act my way out of a paper bag but that didn’t make me a good card player.

“You done?” Mike was standing, cock at full alert, arms crossed. It was a good look on him. It would look even better with me hammering his ass until he cried uncle, something I suspected wouldn’t happen all that easily.

“Don’t say it.” He smirked. He was thinking it … I think too much. Apropos of nothing, I observed, “We’re naked. How do you propose to do this?”

He pulled me off the bed and dragged my bare assed carcass to the door, opened it and pointed through the wall of trees.

“What the hell am I looking at?”

“Stairs to the upper deck.” 

He tiptoed along the sandy path, his junk bobbing with the exaggerated movements. Putting a finger to his lips, he shushed me, then made a dash across the open space to the near side of the house and an attached ladder leading up to the second floor deck. He was up and over the railing before I’d even taken the first step. Not sure if I was supposed to wait while he secured the booty, or follow him and Tarzan my way up the ladder, I hesitated. He waved me to come up and join him.

Cottage. Single bed. Jerking off alone. Or king-sized bed, high thread count, condom and me buried deep into nirvana fucking a man I might be falling in love with? No contest. I dashed, I climbed, I conquered.

Giggling like schoolgirls, we barged through the patio door, with Mike sprinting to the bathroom. When he came out, I was sprawled on the bed, wallowing in comfort, stroking myself because it fucking hurt not to. He tossed a wrapper to me. It landed on my belly. I ignored it, liking the look in his eyes as he watched, eyes so filled with lust it damn near derailed me.

Taking pity, I said, “Lie down. I want to see your face when you come,” and made room on the bed while tearing at the wrapper and making quick work of rolling the damn condom on. I almost came right then and there. From the grimace on Mike’s face, he was so close it was clear this first one was going to be a quickie, for both of us.

He tossed the lube and drew his knees up, exposing himself to my tender ministrations, my finger easing in carefully. If it had been a while, he needed prep and not me going in like a battering ram, though everything inside my gut screamed for me to do just that.

You’re a professional, Rourke. You can control yourself. Do it right. Do it slow.

Mike hissed, “That’s enough. Just fucking do it already.” So I did, inch by slow inch and when he groaned, “Oh, fucking hell, Sean, fuck that’s good,” I moved, moved in the hot channel, lava hot with him clenching my cock tight, so tight I near exploded at the sensation.

Stretching his legs back, bending him almost in two, I watched his face, his eyes rolling back, felt him tense. And from the corner of my eye I caught Junior staring through the glass panel, drooling.

I rasped, trying to catch my breath, “He’s watching.”

Mike clenched his teeth, wadded the twelve hundred thread count Egyptian cotton in his bear paws, and bellowed, “Then give him his fucking money’s worth.”

So I did.

GMR-4 Stars

Pumping Iron (A Bad Boyfriends Novel) by Nya Rawlyns!

Sean Rourke is working as a Bad Boyfriends escort and trying to survive in his new career. Mike Douglas is running a training center for athletes and gym hotties and he is also the silent but not so silent partner of Bad Boyfriends. These two men have been looking at each other but from a distance and building the sexual and emotional connection.

While away in Hamptons to keep a lawyer from getting into trouble and trying to avoid the guys advances they are finding their attraction to each other to hard to exist. The hot sex and I mean hot sex between Sean and Mike is explosive but turns out to be much more of an emotional connection than they anticipated.

I truly enjoyed the hot and steamy chemistry between Sean and Mike and I loved how they unknowingly became so emotionally connected as that was so much fun to read. I was so happy when Mike offered Sean a desk job to get him out of the escort business. The drama truly starts when their pasts comes back to haunt them and creates some violent situations that these men have to overcome in order to survive and be with each other. I enjoyed the writing styles of this author and look forward to reading her other works.
VIEW ALL MY REVIEWS

AMAZON / ARE / APPLE / B&N / KOBO / SCRIBD

Nya Rawlyns
Crossing boundaries, taking no prisoners. Write what's in your soul. 

It's the bass beat, the heartbeat, the lyrics rude and true.

Nya Rawlyns is the pseudonym of a writer who cut her teeth on sports-themed romantic comedy and historical romances before finding her true calling in the wilderness areas she has visited but calls “home” in that place that counts the most: the heart. She writes M/M erotic romance because her good friends deserve to have their amazing stories told.
She has lived in the country and on a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay, earned more than 1000 miles in competitive trail and endurance racing, taught Political Science to unwilling freshmen, and found an avocation in materials science. 
When she isn’t tending to her garden or the horses, the cats, or two pervert parakeets, she can be found day dreaming and listening to the voices in her head.

Websites: Love's Last Refuge - Romancing Words - The Men of Crow Creek
Social Media/Books: Twitter - About Me - ARe/OmniLit -Facebook

Her published works include:(Bad Boyfriends)
Curling Iron - Pumping Iron(Crow Creek)Ash & Oak  - Pulling Leather - Strapping Ash
Sorting Will - Flankman(The Strigoi Chronicles)
Penance - Fane - Michel - Dreu
(Hunger Hurts)
Acid Jazz Singer
(Blood Haven)Cajun GothicSeasonal:
The Christmas Toast - The Valentine ToastStand Alone:
The Guardians of the Portals
The Wrong Side of Right - Good Boy BadSkin - The Shadow of This World
Sculpting David - Hunters CrossingDance Macabre (short story)Finish Line (novella)

TWO Rafflecopters!!!
Tour-wide Giveaway:
Original Chain Maille Bracelet by MetaMDesigns (US only)
Ebook (epub, mobi) of Pumping Iron (Book 2) 
Ebook (epub, mobi) of Curling Iron (Book1)
Individual Blog Giveaway:
2 Ebook bundles with (Curling Iron & Pumping Iron) 

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Title: Appearances
Series: Opposites
Release Date: August 31st 2014
Author:  T.M. Smith
Genre: New Adult Dystopian (M/M F/F M/F)
Length: 188 pages
Publisher: TTC Publishing 
GMR 5 Star Review

Appearances, can be deceiving.

Raven and Tanis are trying very hard to merge their vastly different lifestyles, but Tanis issues with his own past could prove to be more than their fragile relationship can handle. Is their love for each other strong enough to weather the oncoming storm? 

Aiya and Sawyer have fought hard to be together in a world where Opposite relationships are generally forbidden. Yet, they are still forced to keep their relationship a secret while they are outside the walls of House Gaeland. 

Everyone assumes that the only threat lies outside their walls, the group of rebels led by Cillian. But something is happening within House Gaeland, something that hasn’t happened since GWI. And with all the attention focused on that, their guard is down. An evil that was under their nose all along strikes, and someone will make the ultimate sacrifice to save another.

Appearances is the second book in the Opposites series, the series should be read in order.

** Warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, straight and lesbian couples. **

Appearances (Opposites Series) by T.M. Smith! This series is best to be read in order to fully comprehend the characters, genre and the amazing stories! 

Tanis is trying to deal with his own past issues but it could be more than Raven and Tanis's relationship can handle. They are very much trying to bring their completely different lifestyles together but not as simple as they believed it to be. Aiya and Sawyer are in a world were being opposites is completely forbidden and very much frowned upon but they are trying very hard to make it work with the world against them. In the house of Gaeland something is brewing and about to go wild. Everyone is more concerned with the threat outside of the house and not realizing what is about to happen inside. There is an evil lurking inside and when it strikes, sadly someone will pay the ultimate price.

OMG OMG Kaden and Aiyan, those scenes almost finished me off, amazingly hot! TM Smith can really write some major hot gay scenes where I question, is she really a gay man...LOL They are getting ready to go home to celebrate pairings and weddings and those are some fun scenes. In my past reviews I have gone on about this genre that the author so brilliantly writes about. In this Dystopian era, it's illegal for opposite sex (M/F) to be together and as a gay man...I love it!!! For one it's about time someone had the sense to write a story like this one and two, it gives it to the straight community.....one for the gay community! So basically same sex couples/pairings is the norm in this fantastic world and the opposites have to hide their sexuality!


TM Smith delivered a beautiful book-two where she writes the story of Tanis and Raven and one of my favourite pairings. Their story will keep you riveted page after page and your heart pounding for more, you won't be able to put the book down for a second. What I loved about these guys is that there is an amazing connection from the very start and no denying their passion, desire and love for each other. It takes them awhile to finally get totally immersed into their relationship as they had to work a lot of things out and their story is so hot, you won't believe it. This book Appearances-Book 2 in the Opposite Series is filled with action, drama, love, intrigue, suspense, hot sex, beautiful love and brilliant amazing writing! I highly and I so mean highly recommend this novel to everyone so please do yourself a favor and read this book and the series, you won't be disappointed for a moment!!!

Guest Post for Gay Media Reviews

Coming up with the concept of a world where gay/lesbian is the norm.

I wish I could claim something spectacular like a waking dream or a vision. But in all honesty, seeing how one of my best friends who is gay was treated sometimes in public, DOMA, and the absolutely appalling treatment that the LGBT community as a whole received several years ago was a key factor. I will admit that we have come a long way in accepting that people are people and that love is love, but until all the violence ends, there is room for improvement. 

My friend Lucien is a 6’3 blonde haired, blue eyed, loud, proud gay man. He loves fashion and pushing boundaries. So there has been a time or two that he has turned a few heads when we have gone out. What I couldn’t stomach were people that glared, pointed, laughed, growled or disrespected him. Why? Because he’s a little flamboyant? Fuck you! I would stare right back at them, and lord god almighty help the person that EVER has the balls to look me in the eye while you are being a jackass, I will mop the floor with you! Lu didn’t give a shit. He wasn’t oblivious mind you, he just didn’t care. I, however, did. I had to learn how not to care, or at least act like I didn’t. 

We had a particularly fun outing one weekend where we went to see a movie and to eat at our favorite Italian place. While walking from point A to point B, there was this kid, seriously not a day over 20 if that, and he just kept staring. I was so done, I went off on this poor guy and in the end, he was only wanting to compliment Lu on his coat and boots, ask where he got them. I was just so used to people being rude or obnoxious instead of nice or complimentary that I acted without thinking. 

It was a few days later when Lu was retelling the story of our movie date that I suddenly had the thought, wouldn’t it be nice if the tables could be turned. What if we lived in a world where we, as straight people, were the oddity? What if to be gay/lesbian were the norm of society? We may or may not have been watching a Walgreen’s the town of Perfect commercial at the time, I’ll never tell. But the seed was planted and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. It was the execution I was worried about. How do I write this? How do I tell this story in a way that won’t alienate people? Unless they are those rude, homophobic, judgemental people. Then they can go piss up a rope. 

At the same time I stumbled across this video titled “Husband Missing” about a bi-national couple that were legally married in New York, but because one of the men was not a United States citizen, and they were a same sex couple, their union was not recognized by the Federal Government. I can’t tell you how hard I cried watching this video. I called Lu on the phone balling like a baby I was just heartbroken. It only fueled my fire to write this story. My way of shouting to the rooftops to all the straight hetero’s out there like Britany Spears getting married

and divorced in less than 24 hours, just because she can, and yet these two men that obviously love each other are forced to be apart because of some goddamn stupid ass law???? Your rights and your freedoms as a straight “normal” couple do not trump the rights of David and Jason just because they both have a dick, sorry, it shouldn’t work that way. You notice I didn’t write doesn’t work that way, because sadly it does. 

The more I delved into the LGBT world, the more aware I became. I was never a prude or phobic person, but I wasn’t a fully aware person until I started researching and writing Opposites. 

*Link to watch the video, Husband Missing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyk4Qo2vCpA)

*And thank god above, in the spring of 2014 Jason was granted residency (http://instagram.com/p/kQKzEGLp8o/)

After the initial idea was set, it just took planning and elaborating on that idea. I knew straight away it was going to be more of an epic saga than a basic story. My love for Sci-Fi and Dystopian fueled the world and the society that the book is based in, set a few hundred years in the future. It’s all seriously now just like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, making sure they fit, and I’m conveying what I’m seeing in my mind in a way that readers are seeing it with me. 

I hope you will all grab a copy of Appearances and keep traveling with these people as they journey through life, jumping through hoops to be together, and enjoy them all as much as I enjoy writing them! Thank you so, so much Paul for hosting me today. You have a special place in my heart for all that you do for me and all my imaginary friends! 

Hugs!!

Tams

Amazon | Amazon UK | Are

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. She now calls Texas home from her small town on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex. Most days you can find her curled up with her kindle and a good book alongside a glass of something aged and red or a steaming cup of coffee!

At 42 years young, she's decided to enter the next phase of her life by adding the title of "author" to her list of accomplishments that includes single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Smith is and outspoken advocate for Autism and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

Her Opposites series is based outside the normal parameters of social acceptability, examining a 'what if'... What If to be gay or lesbian were the norm? What if to be straight labeled you as an Opposite and made YOU the Outkast?

Author Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/T.M.-Smith/e/B00D8N818Ehttp://www.amazon.com/T.M.-Smith/e/B00D8N818E

Author website: http://www.ttcbooksandmore.com/

Author Twitter - https://twitter.com/TTCBooksandmore

GoodReads book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17619257-opposites

GoodReads author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6997897.T_M_Smith

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

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ttcbooksandmore/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjm1BpCFi7kCt_KK_VyReA

Secrets In The Air
Liz Borino
Released: July 13, 2014
Gay Media Review 4 Star Review

This M/M suspense novel, Secrets In The Air by Liz Borino!
 
Rhett's passion is flying and he loves his husband Kaden more than anything even flying. He has been entrusted with the family airline, O'Neil Airways. His flights include both corporate and humanitarian. Rhett's mom, Elise tries to help her son with his new responsibilities but her words of advice are leading to devastating actions. Soon the truth about the death of his sister will be revealed. Now Kaden must protect his husband and himself from the family secret or the consequences might put them in serious danger.
 
I love all the twists that are in this story and ones that you don't see coming and what an amazing explosive ending. Rhett has been with his loving husband for 13 years and they have an amazing relationship. Rhett has a very strained relationship with his mother and basically calls his father a sperm donor. When his father enters the story it gets more twisted than you can believe and his mother is another disaster story in itself. I adored the cute relationship Rhett had with his grandfather.
 
The author takes you on a journey of intrigue, suspense and major drama and this was such an interesting and fun read. She kept everything flowing so well and smooth and I enjoyed her characters very much and everything that Rhett and Kaden had to endure. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good M/M suspense novel!

Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA

Title: Take (Temptation #2)
Author: Ella Frank
Release:  July 8, 2014
Gay Media Reviews 5 Star Review

Take by Ella Frank is Book Two in the Temptation Series....make sure to read TRY which is Book One!
 
Logan Mitchell has always TAKEN what he wants and the word NO is not something that he is accustomed too. This way of thinking has always been very successful for Logan in his personal and professional life and this also worked wonders the night he meets beautiful bartender Tate. Logan in the first time in a long time has found himself in a conflict and he has to make a choice and this decision will force him to take a chance on something real.
 
Tate Morrison has always TAKEN chances in his life and this one night he took one of the biggest chances he has ever taken and that was in meeting Logan. He has thought it was just simply a physical attraction to Tate but he soon realizes that this is just the tip of the iceberg. He is now dreaming of what their life would be like together which would be the most amazing and beautiful relationship. Now the questions for both men start and will they make it as a couple? Will their own issues and baggage be too much for them to handle? Can they love each other for exactly who they are? Will Logan and Tate have an HEA?
 
This story starts off where TRY left off with Logan waking up in the bed of the not so straight Tate. I was overjoyed that Logan wanted to TAKE a chance on something that could be amazing and beautiful with Tate. The author takes us on a beautiful view of this new and fragile relationship that they guys are starting. I thought how the author wrote about Tate's attraction to Logan and how new this was for him considering what his sexuality has always been was so brilliantly done. Ella wrote so realistically when dealing about Tate's inner struggle with his sexuality and coming out to his very Catholic family. The bigotry that follows him opening up to his family is very real for many gay men with dealing with acceptance. I was thrilled how Ella wrote it in such a beautifully and heart wrenching way. Then comes the famous ex-wife finding out but it gave Logan more reasons to use his smart mouth when putting Diana in her place, I loved these scenes and was grinning like a Cheshire cat. The coming to terms with being gay that Tate had to deal with was some of the most brilliant and beautifully done writing. His internal issues has so many different variables to it and Ella again got it spot on.
 
I loved the character of Tate and all his struggles and waiting for him was the man who loved Tate more than anyone else is the beautiful Logan. I completely felt these men so much and  their love for one another was some amazing reading. I can't recommend this novel TAKE by Ella Frank enough as it was one of my favourite gay novels in a long time and you will love reading about the love that Logan and Tate share!!!! 

Invicta: Salvation-Book One in the Invicta Series by Piper Kay.....5 Star Review
 
Kaiden and Holt have been together for 15 years and now it's the grand opening of their new club, Invicta and now they're taking a look back at how they met. When they met, Holt wakes up to a very angry and abusive father and then finds himself homeless and alone in the world. He meets a guy who helps him out and starts to realize that maybe this was for the best. Kade has always avoided the closeness and intimacy and goes from guy to guy in search of what he has always longed for and then he meets Holt and everything changes.
 
I loved how the story starts out 15 years after the morning they met which takes them on their discovery of love for one another. I adored how much they mean to each other and how much they support one another. Holt has many insecurities which does seep into their relationship. Now it's up to Kade to prove to the man he loves that it's always been him and will only ever be him. It was hard to read how Holt's father treated him in such a hateful and disgusting way but very important to the story. This is a very realistic part of a gay man's life and so great that Piper wrote about something that happens all the time.
 
Pipers writing is so beautifully done and how she kept the lines from past and present so very clear and concise was very well done. The way the characters complimented each other was just so brilliantly written and you really felt their love for each other. I loved how Kade was the true bad boy but when it came to Holt, he gave himself completely to the man he loves which didn't come easily for Kade. The characters were so much fun to read and their journey and self discovery just made for a beautiful love story. I truly cherished the relationship between these two men and what they meant to each other. In this world it's just the two of them and their love will withstand any outside forces that try to separate them. I highly recommend this beautiful love story to anyone who wants to know the absolute true meaning of what love actually means.

Being Sawyer Knight (Book 1-Souls of the Knight) by Nicola Haken!

Sawyer Knight is living the dream as the lead singer of Souls of the Knight. He has everything that anyone would dream of...fame, wealth, music, women throwing themselves at him but yet he has nothing at all. Sawyer is the most sought after musician but he leads a life of always trying to please everyone like his mother, manager and especially the world. There is one person that he has forgotten to please and that is himself!

Jake...more Being Sawyer Knight (Book 1-Souls of the Knight) by Nicola Haken!

Sawyer Knight is living the dream as the lead singer of Souls of the Knight. He has everything that anyone would dream of...fame, wealth, music, women throwing themselves at him but yet he has nothing at all. Sawyer is the most sought after musician but he leads a life of always trying to please everyone like his mother, manager and especially the world. There is one person that he has forgotten to please and that is himself!

Jake Reed, his ex-bff is now back in Sawyers life as the lead of security. Jake has always wanted Sawyer and now he must convince him that he feels the same. The last time they saw each other was many years earlier in high school but Jake moved away with his parents but before he left, Jake kissed Sawyer good-bye which did not go well for the closeted Sawyer. Now that Jake is back will Sawyer let him into his heart and admit to the feelings that he actually has for his friend?

This is a nice story of m/m romance and coming to terms with your sexuality and stop living the life that others expect you to live but to be true to your own self. I did enjoy the characters of Jake and Sawyer and I felt a connection between these guys which is beautiful. I truly liked how Jake knew exactly what he wanted in life and what he wants is Sawyer as it has always been Sawyer and now he must convince Sawyer to take that scary step out of the closet for true love. Nicola really connected the sex scenes so well with these characters and their story. I felt for Sawyer and all you want him to do is to admit his true feelings and stop living a lie to make others happy. For everyone who wants to read a sweet gay romance book than Being Sawyer Knight by Nicola Haken is the one for you!

Unable to hold back any longer, I started undoing the knot in his robe, teasing it open with deft fingers and pushing the towelling fabric open so it draped behind him on the bed.
“So fucking perfect,” I moaned into his mouth, trailing my fingertips along the hard ridges of muscle cocooning his chest, tracing the outlines of what can only be described as exquisite pieces of artwork decorating his skin. Slowly, I worked my way down to his semi-erect cock, curling my fingers around it and smiling as it hardened instantly at my touch.
“No,” Sawyer interjected, grabbing my hand and pulling it up to his chest. “I…I want to touch you this time.”
Sighing in anticipation, I opened my robe and shuffled out of it, tossing it to the floor behind me. Sawyer did the same before bringing his naked body close to mine, pressing our chests together. Placing his hands on my torso, he closed his eyes and let out a heavy, almost pained sigh.
“What’s wrong?” I asked gently, wrapping my hand around his and encouraging him to smooth it across my chest.
“I, um, well I’ve never… touched a man this way before,” he admitted, his eyes sweeping the mattress in embarrassment.
“You’ve never experimented before?”
“There were a couple of guys in college,” he confessed, shrugging. “But… they touched me – never the other way round. To touch them would’ve felt too…” he trailed off, unable to find the word.
“Gay?”
“Something like that.”
“Are you saying no one has ever been here?” I asked, sneaking my hand between his pressed together thighs, encouraging him to part them before circling his puckered rim with the tip of my finger. He shook his head, refusing eye-contact with me. I grinned devilishly at him, and then buried my face in his neck. “I will be going there, baby. Not yet. Not tonight. But soon.”“Jake, I-I…” Ignoring his doubts once again, I slowly pushed my finger inside his puckered hole, causing his cock to start pulsating against the back of my throat. “Ah, fuck,” he groaned. He was close, and it made me feel like a fucking king. After letting his arse adjust to the intrusion, I slowly worked my finger in and out while continuing to suck him harder and faster. When I entered a second finger, he started falling apart. “Jake stop. Stop, I’m gonna, I’m gonna come…”
Of course I ignored him. I had fantasised about tasting every last drop of him too many times to give up now. So, pumping my two fingers in and out of his tight hole in line with the same fast rhythm of my mouth on his cock, I worked him until the end.
“Jesus, fuck!” he growled through clenched teeth, as hot spurts of the most delicious fucking nectar I’d ever tasted shot towards the back of my throat. Easing my fingers out of him, I stroked his balls one last time while I licked his cock completely clean. Climbing to my feet, I stared at Sawyer, watching as he panted with his eyes closed.
“You taste so fucking good,” I whispered against the throbbing vein in his neck, before kissing my way up to his ear.
Then it came…
The regret.
The doubt.
The fucking denial.
He pushed me off him with two hands pressed against my chest and when I looked into his eyes, bursting with what looked like shame, I knew I’d lost him. Again.
“You need to leave,” he said, his words swamped with guilt.
“Don’t do this Sawyer. You can’t tell me you didn’t want that. That you didn’t enjoy it? The taste in my mouth is proof that you fucking loved every damn second of what I just did to you.”
“Please,” he practically begged, shoving his semi-erect cock back into his pants. “Leave. Now.”
“I’ll leave,” I surrendered. “But I’m not leaving. I won’t give up on you, Sawyer. You mean too damn much to me and I know you feel the same. You’re just scared.”
“Fuck you!” he spat, anger making the vein in the centre of his forehead pop out. That vein has reared its ugly head for as long as I can remember. If he got into a fight back in high school, it would protrude so much I used to worry it might explode. “You’ve not seen me in fucking years, Jake. So whatever you think, you don’t know me at all! Now get the fuck out of here before I do something I regret.”
“Funny, I thought you just did that,” were the last words I said before straightening my tie and turning my back on him.
This is going to be harder than I thought. But not impossible. He was right about one thing. We have changed – we’ve grown up. Back then I was his follower, I’d have done anything he’d asked because I was so fucking in love with him. But now, I’m in charge. He’s still living so far back in the closet if he were to stumble he’d end up in fucking Narnia. He’s still afraid, scared to go after what he wants.
Good job I’m not. I’ve grown into a determined man – a confident man. I get what I want, always. And I will be getting Sawyer Knight.

Title:  Measure of Devotion Series
Author: Caethes Faron
Release:  April 10, 2014
5 Star Review

Jason Wadsworth is finally headed to university. Leaving behind his father's cattle ranch in favor of the posh, gaslit streets of Perdana, Jason is determined to climb the social ladder and forget his country roots. If only his father had gifted him with a more upscale slave. Kale's been a country slave his whole life. All he wants is to keep his head down and live as comfortable an existence as possible. Unfortunately, his dramatic master despises him and makes life difficult at every turn. Humbled by his first breakup, Jason grows to appreciate his ever-faithful slave and soon discovers that Kale is everything he's ever wanted. Now he needs to prove to Kale that his love is genuine. Kale, meanwhile, tries to convince himself that he simply feels the devotion of a slave to his master, but his actions prove what his mind is unwilling to accept: he's falling in love. When Jason's future happiness is in jeopardy, Kale sets himself on a course to make Jason's dreams come true, even if it means facing up to the fact that, for the first time in his life, he loves someone else more than he loves himself. Follow Jason and Kale as they rely on the strength of their devotion to each other to weather the storms they unwittingly enter in their quest for peace. Measure of Devotion is a bittersweet love story that contains sexual content and adult language.

This is the Measure of Devotion Trilogy (Book 1-3) by Caethes Faron!

Measure of Devotion is a slave devotion, a masters love and the promise of Peace!
 
Jason leaves behind his families ranch for the flashy streets of Perdena and now headed to university. All Jason wants is to forget his country roots and climb that social ladder as fast as he can. He wishes his father would have left him with a more upscale slave. Kale is a country slave and only wishes to live his life as comfortable as possible but his master despises him and makes life more difficult for him.
 
Jason grows to appreciate his very faithful slave and soon discovers that all he has ever wanted or needed is Kale and now he needs to prove to Kale that he truly loves him as he was basically an ass to his slave. Kale tries to convince himself that his feelings for his master is simple devotion and can't accept that he truly loves his master. Kale is doing everything to please his master Jason but now he feels that for the first time he loves someone else more than himself which is very new for Kale.
 
Measure of Devotion-Book One
I loved how Jason at the start of the story is not great to Kale but then he starts to have feelings for his slave. I cherished the devotion he had for Kale and how he protects him. They face some tough challenges in their relationship as the society is telling them they can't be together and some painful events occur which made the story even more emotional.

Measure of Strength-Book Two
Measure of strength occurs three years after Kale is sold by his master and now Jason's guilt is eating him up over what he has done to the man he loves. He has to hold onto the feeling that he sold Kale as a way to better his slaves life but he still desperately loves him and can't let go of Kale from his aching heart. Kale's life has not been for the better as he struggles daily and has to remember a time of beautiful memories that he shared with his master..Jason. On a chance meeting that brings Jason and Kale together again, they must forgive each other in order to be together and let their hearts heal.
 
Measure of Peace-Book Three
Now finally Jason and Kale are together and they have made a nice life together but of course drama plagues them as Jason is hiding something from Kale that will change their lives forever. Kale is plagued with very bad memories that he's afraid to tell Jason. Their devotion to each other will provide the strength they need to survive the drama that faces them.....will these poor guys have that HEA?
 
I completely loved this series or should I say saga and the journey of love that Jason and Kale have taken and their love gave them the strength to survive everything they faced. It was fun reading this as a trilogy as it was like reading a mini-series. The author created such amazing and fascinating characters with Jason and Kale and not to mention the sub characters too. I felt the love these guys had for each other that I was thinking about them when the trilogy was over and I wanted to make sure they were ok as I felt very protective of them. Her brilliant writing left me wanting more and more of this great love story. It was also amazing how the author brought us into this world of man slavery and what society dictated life should be like and how these guys had to fight to be with each other. I highly recommend this trilogy of Measure of Devotion by Caethes Faron for anyone who loves to read a saga of redemption, forgiveness, hot M/M sex, drama, journey of love, Devotion, Strength and Peace!

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It was beginning to get too cool for comfort, so on the rare days when the weather was nice, Jason would sit in the back garden with Kale. Kale had a strong suspicion that this was a kind gesture toward him. Jason rarely chose to be outdoors. For Kale, it was an especially relaxing time, and he was grateful to Jason for making the effort, even though Jason often used these times for awkward conversation.

“Would you ever run away, Kale?” Where did this boy come up with these questions? They were in their usual position, side by side on their backs, eyes closed, trying to absorb as much heat from the sun as they could.

“No.”

“Are you just saying that because I’m the one asking?”

Kale kept his eyes closed, but he smiled. “It is a dangerous question.”

“No it’s not. I can understand why you’d feel that way, but I’m just curious. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to be you. If I was in your position, I think I’d try to run away.”

“No, you wouldn’t. You had parents who love you. The first thing they would teach you if you were a slave is that hoping for freedom is the quickest way to get yourself killed. Focus on what you can change, on what you can control—which is precious little—and don’t let yourself worry about the rest.”

“Your mother teach you that?”

“Yeah.”

“What else did she teach you?”

Kale opened his eyes and looked at Jason. All his life he had kept his personal thoughts secret. Why was it so easy to surrender them to Jason? He tried to summon the healthy apprehension that kept him safe, the

instinct that told him to keep his mouth shut. It was nowhere to be found. He wanted to share with Jason. “To act more like a gentleman than a slave. She wanted me to be a valet from the start.”

“What did your dad want?”

Kale turned his face back to the sky and closed his eyes. “Never met him.”

“What?”

“Most slaves don’t know who their fathers are. It’s hard enough keeping a mother and child together; no use making it harder on a kid by introducing a father they’ll hardly ever see and will most likely be separated from.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. That’s the point: I can’t feel bad over something I never had.”

“Still, no one should have to go through that. Especially a child.”

Kale could feel the intensity of Jason’s stare. Opening his eyes, he met his gaze. “Thank you. I appreciate your concern, really, but don’t worry about it.” Kale knew Jason did worry about it, and it baffled him. “Believe me when I say I never think of it.”

“What about your mother? And your brother?”

The familiar pinprick hit his heart, and he pushed the feeling away before a similar pricking hit his eyes. Any other time, Kale would have immediately withdrawn, but that was before he saw the sincerity in Jason’s face. This was not idle talk. Jason was reaching out to him, and a part of Kale that he had thought buried with his childhood wanted desperately to cling to what Jason offered.

“I miss them. The worst part is not knowing whether they’re even alive, not knowing what work they put my brother to. But that’s one of the things I can’t control, so I don’t think about them much.”

Jason reached over and grasped Kale’s hand. Before he even realized it, Kale squeezed back. The silence between them was peaceful, but Kale didn’t like the way his personal thoughts lingered in the air. He wanted the conversation to turn back to Jason. “What about you? Do you ever think of your mother?”

“Yes, all the time. The woman was pure love. The way she acted with me, you would have thought everything I said was genius. I always knew I could tell her anything, and she would understand. She’d get as excited as I was about whatever idea or story I told her. I often wonder what she would think of me now.”

“She’d be proud.”

A few moments passed as Jason pondered something. Then he focused back on Kale. “Thanks, I hope so.”

When the chilly air chased them back inside, their hands were still warmly interlocked.

***

A week before Holy Saints’ Day, Kale sat in the kitchen helping Marge. It wasn’t often that Jason went places without him now, but when he did, Kale came to the kitchen. He claimed it was because the kitchen was the warmest spot in the house, but really he felt most comfortable there. It was odd to go back to the slave quarters when he never slept there anymore.

As Kale sliced potatoes, Charlie came whistling into the kitchen. “Well, look who we have here. I’m sorry, sir, but do I know you?”

Kale looked up. “Stop it. I’m here all the time.”

Charlie grabbed a piece of bread and sat next to Kale. “Really? All the time? It’s been over a week since I’ve seen you. Of course, some of us keep busy doing actual work.”

“Hey, I work too.”

Charlie snorted. “Yeah, I wish my master considered fucking me enough work on my part for the day.”

“I’m cutting potatoes, aren’t I?”

“That’s different. You don’t have to, and you’re only doing it so Marge will give you a treat. Which reminds me: you are looking a little pudgy. I hear your master’s feeding you like a free man.”

“Pay him no mind, Kale. I think someone’s just jealous.” Marge shot Charlie a stern look.

“Jealous? Not on my life, Marge. Everyone knows I love everything you fix.”

Kale knew Charlie was joking, but he had noticed lately that he wasn’t as firm as he once had been. A little padding had appeared on his abdomen, but he wasn’t pudgy, was he? “That’s what happens when you’re a good slave, Charlie, you get rewarded.”

“A good slave? You? No, this is what happens when your master falls in love with you.”

Kale stopped cold and dropped his knife. He looked up at Charlie and saw his usual smile. Did the other slaves think the same way Charlie did? “He’s not in love with me.”

“All right.”

“He’s not. You don’t think he is, do you, Marge?”

“I’m staying out of this one. It’s none of my business.”

Charlie chuckled. “Are you blind? Or just stupid? He’s got it for you worse than he did for Eric.”

“No, he doesn’t. He just feels guilty for what he did while they were dating, and he’s overcompensating. I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.”

Charlie sobered. “You don’t really believe that, do you? Kale, that boy is completely in love with you. He’d probably buy you a pony if you asked for one.”

“Charlie, you really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t? I guess you’re right. I would have thought it would have been easy for you to spot the signs since you’re in love with him, too.”

All of a sudden, it was hard for Kale to breathe. How had Charlie gotten that idea? More importantly, if Charlie thought that, then did the others too? “I’m not in love with him.”

“Really? So why haven’t you had sex with anyone else since you started sleeping with him?”

“Because I’m sleeping with him, Charlie. When the hell am I supposed to have sex with someone else?”

“I can think of dozens of times we’ve had sex in the middle of the day. Do you want to have a go now?”

Kale didn’t have to think about it; the immediate answer was no.

“Come on, you can top. I doubt he’s been letting you.” There was a glint of mischief in Charlie’s eyes.

It was true. Kale had never topped with Jason. But that didn’t change his answer. “No thanks, Charlie.”

“Why?”

“Because. He fancies we’re lovers. If I were to sleep with someone else, he would see it as cheating. I’m not about to throw away this cushy life just to plow into your scrawny ass.”

“My scrawny ass was fine before you started sleeping with him. But you’re right. It doesn’t sound like you two are in love, not at all.” Charlie gave Kale an incredulous look that matched his sarcastic tone.

Kale decided not to rise to the bait, and they lapsed into silence as Charlie finished eating his bread, and Kale continued to cut potatoes. The steady mindless work was easy to get lost in, and Kale could let his mind go blank.

“So how do you think things are going to go when he takes you back home?”

Kale shook his head. It took him a minute to comprehend the question. “What are you talking about?”

“Holy Saints’ Day? Everyone’s going home. Didn’t you know?”

No, actually, he didn’t. “I guess I never thought about it.”

“They do celebrate Holy Saints’ Day where you’re from, right? You’re not that cut off from civilization.”

“Yes, we celebrate Holy Saints’ Day, Charlie. My master just hasn’t mentioned it at all. I suppose he’s planning to wake up the day he wants to leave, and I’m supposed to have magically packed all of his trunks.”

“That sounds about right. He’ll probably want to leave the day after classes get out.”

“Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Sure.” Charlie rose from the table. “I’ve got to go. But listen, watch yourself back home. I know you say this thing between you and your master is nothing more than the usual, but you could have fooled me. You’d better hope his father’s more dense.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Kale could see the concern on Charlie’s face, and his words did nothing to alleviate it.

After Charlie left, Kale sat at the table staring at nothing. Had he gotten too comfortable? Mr. Wadsworth was a fair slave master, but he wouldn’t tolerate any kind of impropriety between Kale and his son. There was no reason to worry, though. There would only be cause to worry if Kale had developed feelings for Jason, and despite what Charlie said, that simply was not the case. Everything should be fine. Really. It had to be.

Caethes Faron is a bisexual, genre-queer writer. Her books are equal opportunity, featuring gay, straight, and bisexual characters. Her bittersweet tales of love and loyalty are just as likely to leave readers in tears as smiles, and her love scenes don't fade to black. She enjoys empowering the powerless and exploring the nature of human relationships, especially in differing power dynamics. All of her books feature adults in adult situations. Foul language, diverse sexual situations, aspects of BDSM, and other things that are sure to offend some people make regular appearances in her novels.

Caethes's writing is influenced by her observations of this imperfect world and the flawed characters who inhabit it. She's lived in seven states and is always looking for the next place to call home with her husband and two dogs. She currently resides in Florida.

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Make You Mine
Book 3 in The Rock God Series
Ann Lister
Released: April 29, 2014
5 Star Review

Cooper Rand is the high-energy drummer for his band Ivory Tower. Everyone is drawn to Cooper; which makes him the go-to party guy for those lucky enough to call him friend. He loves the lifestyle that comes along with being a rock star and feels perfectly suited for the role. He is also a professional when it comes to the hook-up, unwilling to stick around long enough to allow emotions to enter into what he's doing. He's lived his entire life 'in the moment' and it isn't until he meets Jayson that he begins to question the direction of his life and if he's been missing out on something truly special all this time. 

Jayson Keller has spent most of his life living on the island of Martha's Vineyard working as a builder. Living on a small island also has Jayson working overtime to keep his sexual orientation secret. He has

mastered the art of hiding in the closet, but he doesn't want it to be a forever thing. Jayson always said if the right man came along he'd happily leave the safety of his closet and live openly as a gay man. The problem is, living where he does limits his partner options and finding someone worth coming out of that closet for seems an unlikely prospect.

A party at Alex Metcalf's island estate brings Cooper and Jayson face-to-face. Lightning strikes hot and fast and suddenly their lives take a whole new path. Has Jayson finally met a man worth leaving his self-imposed closet? Have a couple of hours spent alone with Jayson opened Cooper to the idea there is a deeper meaning to life beyond the stage and the value of a committed relationship? But, a bigoted family and the rock star lifestyle could ruin everything and keep both men searching for what was standing right in front of them: a soul mate

Make You Mine is the third installment of The Rock Gods by Ann Lister!!!!!

The drummer for the band Ivory Tower is the talented Cooper Rand. He loves this lifestyle of the rock world and everything that comes with it. Everyone loves Cooper and everyone want to be him or be with him. He knows how to work the hook-ups like no one else and as soon as any emotions start coming into play, he is out there as he has lots too loose. Cooper has always lived his life in the now, that is until Jayson enters his life. Now Cooper must re-evaluate his life and decide if he has been missing out on something special.

Jayson Keller works as a builder on Martha's Vineyard. He has always kept his sexuality a secret considering the very conservative island that he has spent most of life on. He has been waiting for that special guy to come along and he would gladly come running out of that closet to be with that special someone. Unfortunately where he lives doesn't actually give him many chances at love. At Alex's party is where Cooper and Jayson meet face to face and then the sparks fly and their lives take on a completely different direction. Now Jayson is thinking has he met the man of his dreams and is it safe to come out? Has Jayson opened Coopers mind and eyes to being in a committed relationship with a guy? Will the Rock Star life and a homophobic family tear these guys apart or will they fight for each other?  

I completely loved this story of acceptance and pure love, the author had me at page one and I didn't let go until the very end of the book. What was so much fun was the relationship build-up of Cooper and Jayson that was so great to read and I couldn't get enough of them. The beautiful and hot chemistry that these guys had was unbelievably sizzling and the way Ann wrote and created them was simply brilliant writing. Ann brought these characters to life in such a way that I truly felt their love for each other and I found myself rooting for them from the very start. Now speaking about the hot gay sex and how the author got it spot on and that doesn't always happen in all MM novels but she got it perfectly and I so felt their heat. The high level of detail in which Ann writes is amazing and it's so smooth and moves swiftly through the entire book. I can't recommend...Make You Mine by Ann Lister enough and once you read this novel, you will be hooked on these beautifully written characters and her style of writing. So if you love reading about love, hot chemistry, acceptance, drama, hot gay sex and the true meaning of love then this is the book for you! This is a MUST READ!!!!!!

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Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living on the island of Martha's Vineyard with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.

After graduating art school and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted Telly Award. It was this 'behind-the-scenes' exposure to the music world that inspired many of her novels.

In 2013 she released Book One of her new rock star series: The Rock Gods. Book One is titled, Fall For Me. This novel is her first full-length gay, erotic romance and it is also a Finalist novel for the 2013 Rainbow Award.

Book Two in the Rock Gods series is titled, Take What You Want. This story is a m/m/f menage and released in early November 2013. Book Three, titled: Make You Mine, is expected to release in Spring of 2014.

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Title:  A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House #2)
Author: Jaime Reese
Release:  April 29, 2014
5 Star Review

After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.

Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he's lonely.

Hunter's world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he's ever experienced. When Cam's past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam's hope for a future begins to dim.

These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they'll have to get past Hunter first.

This is the second installment of The Men of Halfway House....A Hunted Man by Jaime Reese!
 
Cameron Pierce has survived his 10 years in prison and now he must try to put his past behind him which is no easy task. Now that he is a free man he must adjust to the outside life which brings him to the halfway house and a job. The one thing he has learned in prison is that hope can be a very dangerous thing to strive towards. Hunter Donovan is the Assistant State Attorney and he loves nothing more than a challenge except maybe justice. He has dedicated his life to his career and now that his career is thriving, he has come to realize how lonely he actually is.
 
When Hunter meets Cameron everything in his world is about to change. Young Cameron awakens things in Hunter that he has never experienced before and this opens his heart to love. Cameron's past comes back and it threatens their new blossoming relationship and might possibly be too much for them to endure. Now Cameron's hope for a fresh new start and a happy and loving future doesn't look as bright. Will the outside forces that are hunting Cameron to send him back to prison be able to catch him or will Hunter protect and defend the man he loves? I was very happy to see Matt and Julian from book 1 in The Men of Halfway House but they are secondary characters but so nice to see them again. I loved the beautiful bond that Cameron and Hunter developed as I was glued to their connection and to see how much they cared for each other. The author wrote these characters in such an emotional and brilliant way that I couldn't wait to see what happens next. I fell in love with Cameron and Hunter and was so rooting for them and I felt very protective of their characters, especially when outside forces were trying to break them up and take Cameron away from his beloved Hunter. I adored how Hunter becomes so emotionally committed to Cameron but Cameron has a hard time expressing himself to Hunter as he's afraid that Hunter will disappear with his heart.  I loved that the author introduced new characters in this 2nd book as it's always fun getting to know her characters. Hunters father is quite the most amazing father ever, the way he loves his son unconditionally and even cares deeply for Cameron also. I just love his father and how his character brings so much much love and caring to the men was so brilliantly and well written. I highly recommend this beautifully written love story to anyone who loves reading about M/M love, hot sex, redemption, trust, loyalty, drama and brilliant and I mean brilliant writing!

#1

Chapter 1

Cameron Pierce didn't really know what to expect when the entire nightmare began days before his eighteenth birthday, but here he was, standing behind a large metal door waiting for it to open and grant his freedom. Nine years, eight months, two weeks, and five days of hell. Even though he had to stay in a designated halfway house for the next few months, at least he wouldn't have these bars or barbed wire fences to constantly remind him of his nightmare.

He fidgeted. In exchange for almost ten years of his life, the prison system gave him a hundred bucks for expenses during transfer, and a plain, standard-issue cardboard box containing his

personal items—a watch, ten bucks, and a pack of gum. Everything broken or useless, which pretty much mirrored his existence. He ditched the box and everything else then pocketed the cash. 

The gears of the large metal door ground as they inched open. Cameron shifted his weight from foot to foot, waiting for just enough space to squeeze through the door. He looked over to the guard and concluded he'd be better off attempting to walk out of this prison with a little dignity. At the pace these doors opened, he figured he'd age another decade in the process. He closed his eyes and counted, begging for a little patience to come his way. He finally heard the grinding stop and opened his eyes.

There, in the middle of the empty parking lot, Sam leaned against a car with crossed arms and a smile.

Cameron groaned as he finally exited the prison gates.

Mr. Samuel Issacs, rehabilitation officer, also secretly campaigned for sainthood every chance he had. His job was to help a group of assigned inmates rejoin the world with others but his mission was to mentor them. Sam wanted to talk, help, and offer support. Cam, on the other hand, knew better than to open his mouth, and he damn sure wasn't going to risk Sam becoming some form of collateral damage. 

Cam had learned that lesson the hard way.

"Hey, Sam," he said once he arrived where Sam was parked. 

"Hey, Cam. I thought I'd give you a ride to the halfway house instead of having you take the bus," he said as he opened the passenger side door of the car.

Cameron waited, not sure if sitting in a car for hours with Saint Sam was a good idea. 

"C'mon, Cam.  I can guarantee you the drive with me will be better than a busload of people coming back from Universal Studios with stinky feet and a crapload of gas." 

Cameron groaned.

Sam laughed. "Besides, I already filled out the paperwork so you're stuck with me. Get in."

Cam didn't say a word. He climbed into the car, sat in the passenger seat, and then closed the car door.

"Buckle up, it's the law."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nope, state of Florida, it's the law."

"Since when?"

"Just strap in so we can get out of here."

Cameron groaned again as he pulled the belt and clicked it in place. He hated the way it cut into his damn shoulder. Who knew what else had changed while he was in prison. Just another reminder of things he had missed. He shifted in his seat only to have his movement limited by the seat belt restraint. 

Wonderful. 

Here he was, finally out of prison, yet somehow still found a way to be constrained in a small enclosed area.  Hell, this was even smaller than the six-by-eight cell he’d called home for almost a decade. 

How ironic.

#2

Hunter stood in line and watched Cam tend to the few lingering post-lunchtime customers. Cam's smile came a little easier and his stance less guarded.

His body, although still lean, was tighter and a little broader from the yard work at the halfway house. A slight tan colored his skin now, the faint golden tone further accentuating the blue in his eyes and the white of his smile. His hair had a sprinkling of highlights as if the sun had kissed his head. Sunrises gave him hope, but they also seemed to awaken a natural physical beauty that had been hidden for far too long.

"How can I help you? Sir," Cam said when it was finally Hunter's turn at the register.

Hunter leaned over the counter. "You know that drives me nuts."

Cam smiled and grabbed Hunter's tie to pull him closer. "I know." After a quick peck, Cam released him.

Hunter reached over and rubbed Cam's stubble. "Are you letting this grow out?"

Cam shrugged. He looked away and scratched his growing scruff. "It makes me look older."

"Since when do you want to look older?"

Cam shrugged again and fidgeted with the receipts.

Realization finally hit Hunter. He grabbed Cam's chin and forced him to make eye contact. "Are you doing that for me?"

Cam's mouth narrowed and his brows lowered. "There's not much I can do for you. So if growing some hair on my face will make you feel a little less self-conscious, then I'll grow a full fucking beard if I have to."

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.