Tag Archives: LGBTQ

The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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The Boyfriend Comeback (The Boyfriend Zone 1) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2022

A standalone, enemies-to-rivals-to-lovers, second chance MM sports romance full of secrets, first times and forbidden love…

Some men are just off-limits. Like, say, all the other football players in the league….

I have to stop replaying the one night I spent with my rival. Trouble is, that white-hot encounter with the other quarterback answered a lot of questions I’ve had about myself, but it also led me into this mess where he hates me.

I never showed up for our second date. Since, well, life happened, and the worst part is he’ll never know how much that night meant to me.

But when I’m traded to his cross-town rivals, that’s not the time to serve up my secrets to him either. My team’s PR department wants to double down on our rivalry. I need to focus on football, not on my interest in men. Except, the more time I spend doing media appearances and charity events with the sexy, generous, popular guy, the hungrier I am to finish what we started.

It’s a bad idea to knock on his door late one night. I could lose everything. He’s probably not even home.

But when the door swings open and I’m face to face with the man I want desperately, I have a choice to make.

•••••

REVIEW:THE BOYFRIEND COMBACK is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult THE BOYFRIEND ZONE erotic, LGBTQ, MM, romance series, set in the same world as the author’s HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC duet. This is cross-town, rival, football quarterbacks Jason McKay , and Beck Cafferty’s story line.

NOTE: There is a prequel novella THE BOYFRIEND KICKOFF focusing on when Beck and Jason first met, but most copies of THE BOYFRIEND COMEBACK include our couple’s introduction.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Beck and Jason) THE BOYFRIEND COMEBACK follows the building romance and secret relationship between cross-town, rival, football quarterbacks Jason McKay , and Beck Cafferty. One year earlier, following an almost one-night stand, Jason McKay was ghosted by rookie quarterback Beck Cafferty. Beck had been traded to Jason’s cross-town rival but Beck’s personal life was beginning to fall apart. Fast forward to present day wherein Jason struggles with his attraction to Beck, believing Beck wanted nothing to do with him but Beck’s attraction to Jason is just as strong, and our couple begin a secrets affair in the face of Beck having yet to come out of the closet. What ensues is the building but clandestine relationship between Beck and Jason; their weekly Monday Morning Quarterback podcasts, and the potential fall-out when our couple are discovered, in the wake of a potential Super Bowl rivalry.

The relationship between Beck and Jason is one of immediate attraction but Beck is bi-sexual, and hasn’t revealed his personal status to anyone else. Jason is willing to keep their relationship a secret, a secret in the face of the cross-town rivalry. Late night rendezvous, and early morning escapes place an additional level of pressure on our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense, without the use of over the stop, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to both Jason and Beck’s fellow teammates, as well as team owners Nadia Harlowe, and Wilder Blaine; Beck’s landlord Portia, IT specialist Zena Palladium, and Beck’s friend Rachel; his therapist Rosemary, coffee shop owners Cheyenne and Mitch, and Jason’s father, and his brother Nolan (Shut Up and Kiss Me).

THE BOYFRIEND COMEBACK is a story of secrets and seclusion; attraction and obsession, friendships, relationships, family and love. The premise is enjoyable and engaging; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are charming and charismatic.

I would like to note that Lauren Blakely’s LGBTQ world is a world with little to no homophobia. The story lines barely scratch the surface of gay -life in professional sports.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Van Alone by Patrick Doyle -a review

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Van Alone by Patrick Doyle -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1,2022

Giovanni Russo has forged a very particular life. Working in the world of rare books, he’s independent, self-sufficient, and alone. Withdrawn but combative, he engages in personal relations only to do business and, on occasion, have sex. His aloofness draws people in. Good for business, he says to himself. Good for sex. Of course, someone so enigmatic is asking for trouble.

Following his father’s sudden death, he inherits the family home, a modest place with no redeeming features other than the roomfuls of memorabilia left by his grandfather. Seeing the house as a chance to further consolidate his very private life, Van moves in. But there’s a catch. The will stipulates that neither the house nor anything in it can be sold, displaced, or otherwise moved for twenty-five years. There’s a notarized list.

One evening while moving his books out of the building where he works to his new home there’s a power failure and, from the darkness, Maurice appears. Claiming to be the janitor, he offers to help Van navigate his way. While slinking through the dark together their encounter develops into something so intense that Van finds himself obsessed. Used to living his sexuality as a series of hit-and-runs, he’s destabilized. Meeting Maurice, however, is only the first in a series of events that will disrupt his ordered existence.

He’s burglarized at both home and work, but nothing’s missing. Given Maurice’s nebulous past, Van suspects him but reconsiders when Maurice saves him from an apparent kidnapping. As he becomes increasingly attached to this mysterious man, Van’s defenses crumble and troubling events from his own past resurface. As Maurice asks him — “Why are you alone all the time? Why doesn’t somebody as amazing as you have a life?”

But Van has no time for therapy. Somebody wants something he has and they’re willing to do anything to get it. And he doesn’t even know what it is. Suddenly, he’s very popular. A woman claims to be his dead father’s fiancé. A colleague takes an interest in his movements. Another is intrigued by his family history. A neighbor is always in his face. And then there’s the thugs, sometimes masked, sometimes not, but always violent.

With Maurice by his side, Van searches not only for the answer but for the question. What does he have that everyone wants? His search leads him to a very unusual book, a hidden letter, an unresolved childhood trauma, and a fabled story of lost treasure that may be more than fiction.’

•••••

REVIEW: VAN ALONE by Patrick Doyle is a contemporary, adult, mystery, LGBTQ, noir thriller focusing on rare book and artifacts dealer Giovanni ‘Van’ Russo.

Told from third person perspective (Van) VAN ALONE follows rare book and artifacts dealer Giovanni ‘Van’ Russo as he struggles to stay one step ahead the people trying to destroy his life. With the death of both his father and beloved grandfather, Van Russo inherited his grandfather’s collection, a collection that has caught the interest and eye of every thief, embezzler, collector and fraud. There is something hidden amongst Van’s grandfather’s collection, and Van finds himself a target of their greedy rise but Van never expected to fall for a former prisoner turned thief, his first encounter with the people taking aim at something he knows nothing about. From collectors to royalty, thugs and wanna-bes, Van must follow a trail of secrets and lies, and the ramblings of an old man who is the key to finding the treasure, everyone wants.

VAN ALONE is a story of betrayal and greed, love and loss, secrets and lies. Van Russo is a naïve young man with issues of trust, issues that prey upon our story line hero. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is subtle but seductive; the characters struggle to make sense of everything going on.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Landon (Cerberus MC 22) by Marie James-Review Tour

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Landon (Cerberus MC 22) by Marie James-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 21, 2022

He ruined a lifelong friendship the night he kissed me.
I spent the next three years avoiding him.
Well… I tried at least.
With my dad being a member of the Cerberus MC and his dad married to one of the members it was virtually impossible.
Just like it was impossible to keep from watching his mouth when he spoke.
The same went for staring at his hands and remembering how they felt on my skin that night.
Senior year of college, after years of keeping our distance, we ended up in the same dorm room.
Avoiding him now is no longer an option…
Landon is a bi-awakening, best friends to enemies to lovers novel.

•••••••

REVIEW:LANDON is the twenty-second instalment in Marie James contemporary, adult CERBERUS MC erotic, MC romance series. This is second generation Cerberus Landon Andrews and Rick Matthews’ story line. LANDON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storylines is revealed where necessary. Landon is Dustin Andrews and Khloe Devereux‘s son (KID #2), and Rick is the son of Detective Colton Matthews (COLTON #14).

NOTE: LANDON is a new adult to adult story focusing on a bi-awakening, same sex relationship, therefore there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Landon and Rick ) covering several years, LANDON follows the best friends to enemies to lovers relationship between Landon Andrews and Rick Matthews. Years earlier, high school friends Landon Andrews and Rick Matthews were two of several victims of a drug addled gunman, and in the ensuing rescue Rick Matthews professed his love for his best friend Landon Andrews, forever changing their relationship into something else. Now in their senior year at college, Landon barely acknowledges Rick’s existence, preferring to ignore the ‘proverbial elephant in the room’, an elephant that continues to break Rick Matthews’ heart. Landon more than rejected Rick all those years ago, Landon destroyed a life long friendship pushing the man with whom he would fall in love, into the arms of someone else. With limited dorm space available at school, Landon and Rick will be forced to room together, a predicament that will inevitably push the couple together. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Landon and Rick, and the potential fall-out as Landon struggles to admit his love for his best friend.

The relationship between is a best friends to enemies to lovers relationship wherein Landon is aware that his best friend is gay but never thought of himself as bi-sexual, gay or other. Rick’s profession of love and kiss find Landon adamant in his rejection of his former best friend, a friend that struggles in the face of a broken heart but Landon has always believed himself to be straight, never once suspecting there was something more waiting with his best friend Rick. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Rick’s father Colton and his wife Sophia; Landon’s parents Dusting and Khloe; as well as several college students, dorm mates and school athletes who come in and out of our couple’s life.

LANDON is a story of friendship and relationships, rejection and heart break, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and emotional; the romance is passionate and provocative; the characters are energetic, enthusiastic but often immature. LANDON does not focus on the Cerberus MC or their membership, bypassing most of the characters and previous events but instead, focuses on the relationship between Landon and Rick.

Previous reviews
Jinx
Thumper
Apollo
A Very Cerberus Christmas
Legend
Grinch
Harley

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Let’s see…where to begin…

I’m inching up on the BIG 4-0. The gray hairs are doubling what seems like daily, and the wrinkles and laugh lines are more pronounced than ever.

I have an amazing husband (Married just over 15 years.)

We have two boys we’re doing our best to raise as respectful gentleman.

I have a master’s degree in criminal justice which I used to work as a juvenile probation office until deciding to write full-time in June of 2019. So that means there’s usually always some criminal/law element to my novels.

If I’m not writing; I’m reading.

My favorite genres recently are bully/reverse harem and enemies to lovers. Maybe I’m reliving my traumatic teen years through the girls who actually end up with the boys. (Not that I would change my history since it’s gotten me exactly where I need to be!)

I love coffee. I miss carbs. Music is LIFE. I try not to be too serious.
.

Links

Facebook: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook
Twitter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesTwitter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/BookBubMarieJames
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesIG
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AmazonMarieJames
Book and Main: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesBookMain
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesGoodReads
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesPinterest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesYouTube
Reader Group:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesStalkers
Newsletter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesNL

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Inked Temptation (Fort Collins 5) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review tour

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Inked Temptation (Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins 5) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release July 11, 2022

I thought I was moving on from my divorce, but now my ex is marrying someone else. I shouldn’t be this broken up, but it’s hard to put on a brave face when my family is basically an inked up Hallmark movie.

And I shouldn’t be brooding about what I don’t have, if it’s going to cause me to fall off a roof. Right into the grumpy neighbor’s burly arms.

He’d make a nice distraction, except he wants nothing to do with the burning attraction between us. Until one accidental kiss leads to more.

I’m not ready to risk my heart again, but Killian’s tortured eyes don’t seem to give me a choice. This thing between us is real.

But Killian is still trying to recover from a tragedy. And there are people who will do anything to make sure he never finds happiness again.

••••••

REVIEW:Inked Temptation is the fifth installment in the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series by the brilliant Carrie Ann Ryan. The book can be read as a standalone, but for avid readers I always recommend reading in series order. Inked Temptation is a male/male romance that takes us back to the Montgomery’s family.

Archer is a master plumber with the FC Montgomery Builders, and he is struggling. Archer’s life has been flipped on its head after his divorce with his ex-husband that has left his self esteem in the gutter. When his ex then announces his new engagement, that gutter feeling sinks even further. Through all of this Archer’s only thought is why he wasn’t enough and what was wrong with him. (UGH my whole soul for the man!)

Fast forward sometime and Archer begins a new project outside the FC area a bit, a cabin in the mountains that taunts him with its beauty. With nothing else to do, and no one waiting on him anymore, Archer puts his all into this outdoor sanctuary. How bad could it be right?

Wrong.

Killian is haunted by the trauma of his past, and his dog Cora and the cabin are his safe haven from the store. Peace and quiet. That’s what he wants in his life. Or at least that’s what he thought he wanted before Archer came crashing through his life.

Killian and Archer no doubt have a rocky first impression, but neither can deny the once in a lifetime spark they feel towards one another. Both Archer and Killian seem to know what the other needs the most, and willingly give it. However, life isn’t all rainbows and gumdrops, as both men know. Archer is still dealing with his self confidence and poor Killian has his own demons he needs to open up about as well.

These too are a goofy smile read for me, as a long time fan of the M/M genre, it’s so nice to see the author put so much work into the characters and not make it all be about the sexy bits. Archer and Killian are the balms each needs to heal their wounds and open their soul back up for a new love to begin. The FC Montgomery series has always been a favorite of mine and I can’t wait to see what C.A.R does next!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Inked Persuasion
Inked Obsession
Inked Devotion
Nothing but Ink
Inked Craving

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

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Here Comes My Man (Hopelessly Bromantic 2) by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2022

Let me just say this — fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex.

But my agent tells me I have no choice since I’m ridiculously overdue with turning in the next big blockbuster love story to my publisher.

Not to mention, ahem, writing it.

Falling for the smooth-talking English hottie once upon a time — fine, twice — were huge mistakes that I shouldn’t repeat, but pretending to like the guy who broke my heart is my only chance at saving my job.

That is, as long as no one finds out that every date we go on, every smile we flash each other for the cameras, and every hot, desperate kiss on the streets of Manhattan is absolutely fake.

Except…it’s not. At least for me.

And he can never know…

•••••••

REVIEW:HERE COMES MY MAN is the second instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC erotic, LGBTQ, MM erotic, romance duet focusing on American journalist/ author TJ Ashford Hardman, and actor Jude Graham Fox. TJ is Chance Ashford’s brother –THE VIRGIN REPLAY (Rules of Love 3/Men of Summer Crossover).

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there are a number of MM sexual situations.

Told from dual first person perspectives (TJ and Jude) HERE COMES MY MAN picks up approximately ten months after the cliff hanger and events of book one HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC in which, former lovers and friends try once again to make a go of their relationship only to find themselves at odds when each is offered a chance of a lifetime. TJ Hardman is now a number one best selling author who is struggling to write the next big story, and Jude Fox has lost a part to another actor in the face of a paparazzi nightmare. In an effort to keep both TJ and Jude relevant and in the minds of social media, their agents devise a fake relationship scenario in which our couple must pretend to be lovers, lovers who know the heart break of loss from one another. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Jude and TJ, and the potential fall-out when their secret is revealed by an jealous rival and an enterprising media blogger.

The relationship between Jude and TJ is one of second chances; a rekindling affair in which our couple had been living separate lives for close to eight years, as each ventured forward with their own careers. Rekindling at the premiere of Jude’s latest play pulled the couple back together but perceived betrayal ripped them apart, once again.Ten months of wondering where everything went wrong, our couple are pushed back together, in an effort to restart both of their careers. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jude’s friend Olivia, JT’s friend and rock star William Halifax; wanna-be author Malcolm Mann, and fellow actors Christian Laird and Sebastian Lowe; TJ’s agent Mason. Sebastian’s story line is next in HEART THROB.

HERE COMES MY MAN is a detailed and complex story line that follows many paths towards reconciliation. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are wonderful and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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Hopelessly Bromantic (Hopelessly Bromantic 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 3, 2022

Look, when I met the sexy, witty Brit on the streets of London last night, I had no idea who he was. He was just that hot guy I wanted to have a drink with so I asked him out for my first evening in town.

One thing almost led to another. After a midnight kiss, we made plans for a whole lot more the next day.

But when I unlock the door to my rental in the morning, the English hottie is lounging on the couch like he lives here too. Great. For the next year I’ll be sharing a tiny flat with the sexiest guy I’ve ever known.

Time for a few simple rules — don’t walk around the flat wearing only a towel, don’t spend our nights together exploring London, and don’t crack open my secrets for him.

Even as I smash all those rules, I try to resist falling for the cocky charmer. But after a taste of his lips, I give all the way in, telling myself one night and we won’t fall in love.

Too bad in the morning I discover that hiding my true feelings is the least of my worries, compared to a twist I never see coming.

•••••

REVIEW:HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC erotic, LGBTQ, MM romance duet focusing on American journalist/ author TJ Ashford Hardman, and actor Jude Graham Fox. TJ is Chance Ashford’s brother –THE VIRGIN REPLAY (Rules of Love 3/Men of Summer Crossover).

Told from dual first person perspectives (TJ and Jude) covering approximately eight years HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC follows American journalist TJ Ashford as he is contracted, for one year, to work in London England where he will meet aspiring actor Jude Graham but unbeknownst to our couple, they would soon become flatmates as each is without permanent housing, and a sexual relationship will ensue. Only three weeks will pass when TJ gets a promotion, a promotion that sends our hero back to America, where neither TJ or Jude will see or talk to one another for close to seven years. As Jude’s acting career skyrockets, he watches from London as TJ’s writing career takes off but an opportunity to perform overseas finds Jude and TJ reconnecting only to lose one another, once again, to a perceived betrayal.

The relationship between TJ and Jude begins eight years earlier as a prospective date that is halted quickly when TJ and Jude discover they are to become UK flatmates. Refusing to cross the line between roommates and lovers, our couple dance around one another until their barely veiled sexual attraction wins out over a levelheaded decision but seven years would pass before TJ and Jude would reconnect, a long-lost connection that feels perfect but quickly spirals out of control. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Jude’s friends Olivia, and rock star William, as well as the reintroduction of TJ’s brother Chance.

HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC is a story of friendships and relationships, struggle and success, love and loss, acceptance and misunderstanding. The premise is inviting; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and charismatic. HOPELESSLY BROMANTIC ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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The Bromance Zone (The Good Guys 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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The Bromance Zone (The Good Guys 1) by Lauren Blakely-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2021.

Two great friends. One road trip. And eight inches …
… of snow that night at the cabin.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Friends don’t bang friends.
I want my friends to stay in my life, especially that flirty, clever, outgoing best friend of mine.
It’s a damn good thing Owen and I made a pact in college to never ever sleep together, or else I’d be tempted.
Trouble is, eight years later I’ve been wondering what his kisses taste like. And I’ve been curious if our chemistry would extend into the bedroom. If he might feel the same risky pull.
But I don’t want to lose Owen, and history says there’s no way a tryst between friends can end well.
So as long as I avoid the bedroom with him, I won’t break that hard-as-steel rule.
Except the snow has other plans …

••••••

REVIEW:THE BROMANCE ZONE is the first instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult THE GOOD GUYS erotic, LGBTQ, MM, romance series-a spin off set in the author’s Men of Summer world. This is PR rep Owen Hayes, and bar owner River Michaels’ story line. THE BROMANCE ZONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: THE BROMANCE ZONE is a story of love between a same $ex couple, with graphic sexual scenarios.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Owen and River) with one chapter by TJ, THE BROMANCE ZONE is a best friends to lovers story line focusing on PR rep Owen Hayes, and bar owner River Michaels. Eight years earlier, while still in college, best friends Owen and River made a friendship pact agreeing never to date/bang or fall in love with one another. Fast forward to present day, and a Thanksgiving ‘Friendsgiving’ celebration is hindered when Owen and River find themselves snowbound in a remote chalet, on the way to Tahoe, where our couple will act on their mutual attraction, and the love they have always felt for one another.

Owen Hayes fell in love with his best friend years before, and struggled in the ensuing time, wondering if River felt the same in return. One night together proved both men felt the same about one another but arriving at the Thanksgiving celebration was about to put a damper on feelings when it looked liked River was backing away, and Owen thought he would lose the man that he loved.

The relationship between Owen and River is a best friends to lovers relationship, set in a world where same-$ex relationships are accepted and the norm. Owen and River have been in love with one another for close to eight years but neither one was willing to ‘break’ the friendship pact, in fear of forever losing his best friend. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters including Declan and Grant (Men of Summer series); romance author TJ, River’s friend Nisha and her partner Hailey, and Nisha’s cousin Tobey.

THE BROMANCE ZONE is a story of friendships, relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is inspiring; the romance is flirty and realistic; the characters are sensitive and spirited.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball.

Until one man suddenly changes everything…

Beckett Stanton is out and proud—and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing.

For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

 

 

Review: 

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is the 7th book in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Donovan is a sports personality, so has an image to uphold. The last thing he needs is to be found out that he’s gay! So much pressure and financial worry has Donovan firmly in the closet! 

Beckett a financial genius, gay and proud of it. It’s taken him a long time to accept and live himself, and he’s dated men who are scared of being found out, he’s not going to do that to himself again. He wants a man to openly show his love. 

I loved the beginning of this story, the moment their eyes locked across the crowded restaurant, the chemistry practically sizzled off my kindle. Introductions are made and Donovan is just a gibbering wreck, he knows Beckett knows he’s gay, and hopes that he stays quiet. But at some point he wants to get to know this man. But working together is going to cause all types of hassles. 

Donovan is dismayed that Beck is going to be working at the club he’s at! People will only have to look at them and know he fancies Beck! Beckett Stanton is a wonderful character, gentle, kind and totally gets where Donovan is coming from. He’s patient when Donovan has a melt down, he’s assertive when needed, and such a foil for the rough and gruff rugby player. He sees the real Donovan and does his best to bring that side out. 

It’s about weighting up the pros and cons of a relationship. It’s about doing what’s right for you, and damn the consequences. But in Donovan’s case, he has his career/family to think about, what will his daughter think? What will his family and fans do? 

But spending time with Beckett has him questioning those values. What if he misses out on the best thing that will ever happen to him? Doesn’t he deserve happiness? Yes he could wait until his career is done. But would Beck wait that long? 

Beck understands where Donovan is coming from, but he won’t be a dirty little secret. He’s allowed to show his love, and if Donovan doesn’t want to show the world, then he’ll find someone who will! 

It does slow down a little, and the constant looking over his shoulder has me wanting to shake Donovan, you understand his reluctance, but he going to lose Beck if he’s not careful! 

This book is in a series, I’ve not read any of the previous books, but I probably will go back at some point. It doesn’t spoil this book if you don’t read the others first, but I was surprised to find it’s an MM (male/male) read in a FM (female/male) series (I’ve noticed a lot of authors branching out recently, which is good, nothing wrong with a little change up).

It’s also a sports romance (not a big fan) but it’s written really well. A slow burn romance that will tug at the heartstrings and the face muscles. It’s left me with a smile ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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