Drake (Twilight Falls 5) by AM Salinger-Review & Giveaway Tour

Drake (Twilight Falls 5) by AM Salinger-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: April 30, 2021

Roman Campbell. Wild Child. Rebel. Rockstar. Broken.

At the age of twenty-eight, Roman Campbell has the world at his feet. Young, successful, and brutally beautiful, his facade of an uber-cool rockstar hides deep scars that have tormented him for years. After finally putting the pieces of his broken life back together, Roman attends the wedding of his famous movie star friend Carter Wilson in Twilight Falls, where he meets Drake Jackson. Their attraction is instantaneous and Roman hooks up with the sexy builder for one intoxicating night.

Drake Jackson. Wickedly Hot. Serial Heartbreaker. Reformed (mostly) Bad Boy.

Having put behind his difficult childhood, Drake Jackson is content with his life. His one regret remains his lost chance at a relationship with his childhood friend Alex. After a torrid encounter with Roman at Carter’s wedding leaves Drake hungry for more, the builder believes he will never set eyes on the famous rockstar again. But when Roman buys the property Drake has long coveted in Twilight Falls right from under his nose and hires Drake as his contractor, Drake realizes trouble has come to find him with a capital T.

Sparks fly and the two men soon commit to a temporary arrangement that sees them satisfying their carnal desire for one another. But when Roman’s past comes crashing back into his life and his secrets are revealed, Drake finds himself experiencing a lot more than just desire for Roman. Will Drake finally accept the feelings growing inside his heart? Or will he reject Roman’s love and repeat the mistakes of his past?

Join Drake and Roman in this wildly addictive fifth installment in Twilight Falls, the new series by the author of the bestselling, contemporary, gay romance series Nights.

Content Note: this book contains sensitive content that may be upsetting to some readers. Please refer to the page at the start of the book for more information.

••••••

REVIEW:Drake is here! I repeat Drake is here!

The fifth book in the Twilight Falls book has arrived. From the very beginning of this series I was hooked, I loved the characters, the struggle, the happiness, all of it.

Roman and Drake are both so broken in their own ways that they can’t fathom a actual person wanting or able to love them. This book was so heart breaking and moving at the same time, that you couldn’t help but get lost in the pages.

What Roman shows to the world isn’t the Roman he really is. Sure, he’s a super hot Rockstar, money to burn, the world at his feet, but that all hides the scars and pain of a really messed up kid underneath. When they story delves into his past, be warned fellow readers, it’s going to make you cry. It’s sad and scary and it makes Roman deserve his HEA even more than he already does. This book picks right back up where the last one ends, at Carter’s wedding. Just when Roman meets Drake.

Drake the hot and heavy carpenter. I couldn’t have asked for a better fella for Roman! Eeep!
They have their hook-up at the wedding and think that’s that. Nothing more, nothing less.
Ha!

What a joke that is!

Roman and Drake are far from over. When Roman buys the place in Twilight falls that Drake’s had his eyeballs on for practically ever, well let’s just say there are more than just sparks flying between these two. It’s a battle of wills, and neither man wants to lose. After finally coming to an agreement, not only about the property, but their relationship as well, the fellas settle into a new norm. Or so they thought.

That past that Roman has been running from come back to haunt him again, and Drake finds himself wanting to protect the man that he’s come to care for. Will that protection be enough? Can Roman face the fears of his past and come out the other side?

-Sigh-

I was so happy to get this book, and then so sad when it was over. For readers noggin knowing, this is a full-on gay romance, with some sensitive content including child abuse. Be warned when reading.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Alex
Carter
Hunter
Wyatt

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

 

CHAPTER ONERoman Campbell took a sip of his sparkling water and observed the two men taking to the floor for their first dance as a married couple.
Carter Wilson and Elijah Davis looked blissfully happy as they swayed to a classic Sinatra song, fingers interlocked and arms around one another while their bodies brushed sensuously. It was clear to everyone in the marquee that the grooms only had eyes for each other.
A twinge of jealousy stabbed through Roman at the happiness radiating on the two men’s faces. Carter laughed at something Elijah said and took his husband’s mouth in a hot kiss that had their guests clapping and wolf-whistling.
The newlyweds turned and extended their hands toward a pretty little blond girl in a cream taffeta and lace dress who stood watching them from the sidelines. Maisie, Carter’s niece and his and Elijah’s newly adopted daughter, squealed and ran out to join them. The couple caught her into their arms and resumed their dance, their mouths split in beaming smiles.
Roman swallowed a grimace.
I really am an asshole. I should be happy for them.
He’d been somewhat surprised to receive an invite to what was being touted as the most exclusive celebrity wedding of the year. Though he was friends with Carter, they hadn’t spoken for a while, their busy lives meaning their paths rarely crossed except at social events.
They’d met five years ago, at an exclusive sex club in L.A. It was the kind of place where the world-famous clientele could indulge in their private desires and fantasies to their heart’s content, without fear of their secrets becoming fodder for the paparazzi.
It had been Roman’s first time at the club. He’d hit on Carter the minute he’d walked inside the place, not realizing that the tall man with the dirty blond hair and the body to die for was the A-list Hollywood actor who had practically dominated entertainment news ever since he exploded on the movie scene with his first blockbuster.
Though Carter had flirted with Roman, he hadn’t obliged his invitation to visit one of the club’s private suites for some down and dirty time. He had, however, kept a close eye on him.
Roman had been more than a little drunk and high on drugs when he’d made the impulsive decision to visit the club that night and hook up with a stranger, a fact he had been lambasted for at length when his manager and best friend James Lang turned up and dragged him from the place a couple of hours later.
“At least you had the decency to pick somewhere the paparazzi couldn’t find you!” James had snapped the next morning while Roman lay recovering from his monumental hangover on the sundeck of his L.A. penthouse. “It’s a good thing Carter messaged me when he did.”
“Carter?” Roman had frowned at the unfamiliar name. “Who the hell is Carter? And could you pipe down? This headache is killing me,” he’d added on a groan.
James had clenched and unclenched his hands in a way that told Roman he’d wished they were wrapped around Roman’s neck.
“Carter is the guy you were hitting on last night,” James had explained icily. “He’s a friend of mine.” He’d paused and narrowed his eyes at Roman, a muscle dancing in his cheek. “That headache isn’t the only thing that’s gonna kill you, Roman. You need to cut back on the booze and the drugs. You’re not just ruining your health. You’re sabotaging your career!”
The guilt and anger that had rotted Roman’s insides for as long as he could remember flared into life and had his mouth curving in a nasty smile.
“Are you saying that as my best friend or as my manager?”
The hurt in James’s eyes had Roman immediately regretting his harsh words.
“I’m sorry,” Roman had mumbled in the stiff silence. “I promise I won’t do anything like this again.”
James had watched him for a moment before blowing out a heavy sigh. They’d both known it was a lie.
It wouldn’t be another two years until Roman finally kept his word. By then, the whole of L.A. and the world knew that the lead singer of Crazyknot was damaged goods.
Paradoxically, Roman’s soul-crushing fall from grace only boosted sales of their albums and propelled the band to international stardom. It also turned him into an overnight icon, one he’d assumed the entertainment industry would soon forget. Which made his and Crazyknot’s shockingly successful comeback twelve months ago all the more humbling. Apparently, the world loved nothing more than seeing a former bad boy reform.
Roman’s lips tilted in a self-deprecating smile. Well, almost reform.
He might have ditched the alcohol and the drugs. It didn’t mean he’d turned into a monk. He scanned the marquee, the restless feeling that had been gnawing at his insides a sure-fire sign that he needed to let off some steam in a way that didn’t involve getting intoxicated.
Now, let’s find a guy I can have some fun with.
“I know that look,” someone said next to him.
Roman closed his eyes briefly. He twisted on the bar stool and studied the man who’d taken the seat beside him with a faint frown.
James Lang looked his usual cool and elegant self in a bottle green tuxedo that matched his eyes and framed specs.
Roman pursed his lips.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he’d known James for thirteen years and had seen him puke his guts up on more occasions than he could count when they were teenagers, he might have taken a stab at the guy. James was attractive in the kind of way that made people pause and wonder what lay beneath the impeccable suits and hard exterior.
The only ones who truly knew the infamous manager were the members of Crazyknot and their close friends. For behind the cool, controlled facade James projected burned a fiery and surprisingly passionate soul.
To this day, Roman didn’t know what had turned the outgoing and fun-loving boy he had come to know during what had been the most challenging years of his teenage life, into the stern and reserved man who now sat facing him. It had happened shortly after their first national tour.
Roman and the other members of Crazyknot had long questioned James about his almost overnight transformation, but the manager had always remained tight-lipped on the subject.
“Oh yeah?” Roman grumbled presently. “And what kind of look am I wearing, pray tell?”
James arched an eyebrow. He took a sip of his champagne before leaning in closer. “The kind that says you’re looking for a good fuck.”
Choked off laughter erupted close by.
James stiffened and looked over Roman’s head.
Roman turned, a frown on his face and his mouth parting on a biting remark.
His breath locked in his throat.
Gunmetal blue eyes sparkled with mirth opposite him. Though the stranger straddled the bar stool in a relaxed pose, Roman could tell he was tall and would tower over him by a good few inches. His overlong, sun-kissed brown hair teased the collar of his classic, black tuxedo, the suit doing little to hide the hard angles and solid muscles beneath the expensive material. Silver peppered his short beard and sideburns, framing a rugged, tanned face that wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of an outdoor sports magazine. His fingers were hard and callused where he held a half-empty beer bottle.
The man smiled and tipped his drink at them with a nonchalant dip of his head. “Don’t mind me. I’m just here for the beer.”
Roman’s cock stirred. He swallowed.
Fuck.
Mr. Sideburns was one hundred percent his type. And he looked exactly like the kind of trouble Roman needed to avoid tonight. 


 

Ava Marie Salinger is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary romance. In 2018, she finally decided to venture to the steamy side. NIGHTS is the first of several sizzling series featuring sweet, sexy men with dark pasts and a whole lot of love to give to the ones brave enough to fight for their hearts. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese.
Want to be the first to know about Ava’s new releases and get access to exclusive content, sneak previews, sales, and giveaways? Then sign up to her Reader Group here and join her VIP Facebook Fan Group here.

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He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer-a review

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2020

We met when you were just a child, but youre a man now and need my protection.

With Christmas Eve approaching, Ill watch over you.
Whether you know it or not.

Because no one is allowed to hurt you.
No one but me.

••••••

REVIEW:HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING by Sara Dobie Bauer is a stand alone, adult, paranormal holiday novella focusing on Kris aka Father Christmas and Jack Benson.

WARNING: HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING contains scenes of M/M sexual situations, graphic violence, murder, abuse and other triggers that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective (Kris) HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING follows Father Christmas aka Kris on Christmas Eve, a night where he goes in search of not only children who believe but children who are in desperate need of his help. At the age of ten, Jack Benson still believed in Santa but the horror that what his childhood found Jack facing a virtual stranger who would become his guardian angel. Fifteen years would pass before Father Christmas returned to help Jack Benson once again, only Jack was no longer a ten year old boy but a man who stirred something deep within Father Christmas, an attraction that triggered memories from the past.

HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING is the retelling of a Christmas classic blending Charles Dickens and the mythology of Santa Claus with a modern twist-the reality of life, death, addiction and abuse. Sara Dobie Bauer writes a dark and gritty short story; the psychological impact, and sociological complexities of the real world blended with the supernatural, the paranormal, and mythology of Christmas, punishment and second chances.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Upside Down (Breaking the Rules 3) by AM Madden-Review Tour

Upside Down (Breaking the Rules 3) by AM Madden-Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 7, 2020

I’ve always been known as the hopeless romantic … the nice guy … the sweetheart.

Everything in my life supported this persona. My students loved my easy personality. My colleagues admired the way I handled myself in the classroom.

But something was always missing.

Like so many relationships before it, my current attempt at love felt like a dead end. When she gave me an ultimatum, I couldn’t promise to give her what she wanted.

So, she ended it.

Explaining another breakup to my family was the last thing I wanted. But doing it on a luxury yacht at my brother’s wedding lessened the hardship.

I never imagined that trip would change everything… and I certainly wasn’t prepared for him to change everything.

Upside Down is a sister’s best friend, sexual awakening, m/m stand-alone romance that contains adult content.

••••••

REVIEW:UPSIDE DOWN is the third instalment in AM Madden’s contemporary, adult BREAKING THE RULES erotic, romance series. This is businessman and cruise ship partner Ricky Burrows, and twenty-eight year old, New Jersey, English Literature professor Cooper Stanton’s story line. UPSIDE DOWN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: UPSIDE DOWN is a M/M story line with graphic same sex scenarios that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ricky and Cooper) UPSIDE DOWN follows the building romance and relationship between businessman and cruise ship partner Ricky Burrows, and twenty-eight year old, English Literature professor Cooper Stanton. Cooper Stanton is a romantic at heart, and seeing his family and friends fall in love was something Cooper wanted for himself but his most recent relationship ended without fanfare or tears, and Cooper struggled with the possibility that there was no one that called to his heart.

Ricky Burrows is a man who knows what he wants, and he sees a kindred spirit in Cooper Stanton, his business partner’s brother in law, and a man clearly conflicted about his sexuality but it was Cooper who will make the first pass at Ricky Burrows then immediately deny there was anything between them. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ricky and Cooper, and the potential fall –out as Ricky’s past comes looking for a possible second chances, and Cooper’s time in Florida comes to a close.

Cooper Stanton was spending his summer vacation in Florida in an effort to help his sister with her expanding family but found himself thinking about the ‘kiss’ with Ricky Burrows, a kiss that stirred something deep within our story line hero. Never thinking he was gay, Cooper struggled with the direction of his thoughts, thoughts that continued to focus on Ricky Burrows. Ricky suspected Cooper Stanton was a closeted gay or at the very least either bisexual or pansexual but never expected Cooper to make the first move considering it was Ricky himself who suggested that Cooper may be attracted to men rather than women. Not wanting to force Cooper into a relationship he doesn’t want, Ricky allows Cooper to come to him while spending his time in Florida.

The relationship between Ricky and Cooper begins acrimoniously as Cooper denies that he is attracted to men. Ricky says his ‘gaydar’ is never wrong but Cooper struggles with his failed relationships and his new found attraction to a man who is all kinds of wrong. As Ricky ‘mentors’ Cooper in his new found sexuality, Cooper finds himself falling for a man who was hurt by his previously love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the stop, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Cooper’s ex-girlfriend Riana; his sister Rebecca and her husband and cruise line owner Marco Puglia (Love on the Horizon #1); Cooper’s brothers Griffin Stanton, Dean, and Sam Stanton and Lydia (Hostile Workplace #2); sister Janis; their parents; as well as Ricky’s mother Cindy, and her boyfriend John Miller.

UPSIDE DOWN is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of confusion and acceptance; romance and love. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the romance is spicy and imaginative-the sexual chemistry is palpable; the characters are energetic and realistic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

USA Today BESTSELLING ROMANCE AUTHOR

A.M. Madden’s romance debut is The Back-Up Series, consisting of Back-Up, Front & Center, and Encore.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally.

A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys.

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NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway, If you have any questions, please contact the author.

To celebrate the release of Upside Down, A.M. Madden is giving away a paperback and a $25 Amazon gift card. Stop by her Facebook page to enter:

https://www.facebook.com/authorammadden/

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COMMON GOAL (Game Changers #4) by Rachel Reid-a review

COMMON GOAL (Game Changers #4) by Rachel Reid-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 21, 2020

New York Admirals goalie Eric never thought his friends-with-benefits arrangement with much-younger Kyle would leave them both wanting more…

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.

••••••••

REVIEW: COMMON GOAL is the fourth instalment in Rachel Reid’s contemporary, adult, GAME CHANGERS erotic, LGBTQ, hockey romance series. This is New York Admirals goalie, forty-one year old, Eric Bennett, and twenty-five year old, bartender/ graduate student Kyle Swift’s story line. COMMON GOAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Kyle and Eric first appeared in book one Game Changer.

NOTE: COMMON GOAL is an age-gap, LGBTQ (MM) romance with graphic scenes of same sex scenarios that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kyle and Eric) COMMON GOAL follows the building romance and relationship between is New York Admirals goalie, forty-one year old, Eric Bennett, and twenty-five year old, bartender/ graduate student Kyle Swift. Eric Bennett is a bisexual man but has only ever had sexual relationships with women. Recently divorced, Eric has thought about his attraction to men but especially his attraction to bartender Kyle Swift, a young man whose obsession with Eric’s teammate Scott is slowly dying since Scott’s engagement to Kyle’s co-worker Kip. Coming out to Kyle, Eric found himself in a friends with benefits arrangement when Eric claimed he had no experience with the same $ex. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kyle and Eric, and the potential fall-out as Eric struggles with their age-difference.

Eric Bennett is a man close to the end of his professional career, and falling for Kyle Swift left Eric feeling old and tired but with no experience with gay $ex, Eric jumped at Kyle’s offer to teach Eric about $ex with a younger man. Kyle Swift didn’t care about their age difference but in an effort to get to know Eric better, Kyle offered to find Eric a partner but found himself falling in love with our story line hero.

There is a definite lack of communication between both men that exacerbated the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’ especially as it pertained to Eric’s issues with their age difference (ad nauseam), and his need to keep Kyle in the friend zone. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Scott and Kip (Game Changer #1), Ilya Rozanov (Heated Rivalry #2), teammates Matti Jalo, Carter Vaughan, Kyle’s roommate Maria, and Eric’s friend and gallery owner Jeanette.

COMMON GOAL is a story of secrets, friendships and relationships. The character driven premise inviting and imaginative; the characters are spirited and inspiring; the romance is edgy and spicy. COMMON GOAL looks at the psychological side of coming out but stays clear of the social and professional repercussions that many professional athletes experience following such pronouncement.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre – a Review

The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre – a Review

 

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Description: 
Perrin deVesey knows pain. As a member of Crimson Rose, a secret club for men who love men, he’s taken the vow “to stand and shield.” Standing together during these perilous times is the only thing keeping their necks from the guillotine. Now their leader is using the club to rescue wrongly accused traitors. After losing a past lover to an unjust execution, the decision to support this treasonous cause is easy…until a devastatingly handsome Committee Officer complicates Perrin’s whole world.

Officer Henri Chevalier hates aristocrats. But the man he finds while investigating Crimson Rose is more than just wealthy and fancily clothed. He’s a rogue that could take him to the heart of the uprising and stop it before it starts. His plan to get close to Perrin and steal his secrets backfires, though, when Henri finds himself falling for the damned aristo and his dangerous smile. His heart is even more conflicted as he learns the truth behind their cause…and the truth his own people have been hiding.

Together they must make the choice—to stand and shield at any cost—and their love might be the deadliest weapon in all of France.

 

 

Review:

The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre is a standalone novel. If I read M/M it’s usually shifter based. So reading a Regency M/M romance it’s a little out of my usual genre. But I’ll give it a go….. 

Perrin is a fop, he gives the impression he’s a bored rich aristocrat, in fact he’s helping to free rich people (aristocrats) like him. The French Revolution may have ended, but the rich are still being persecuted. Julian and Perrin were in a club for men who love other men, but it’s forbidden.

And after losing the love of his life, he didn’t really care for much, but he swore to his beloved he would help wherever he could. So on the anniversary of Julien’s death, he’s back at the club they use to frequent with old friends to raise a glass. And to see if they can help the Scarlet Crest! And who is the scarlet crest? No one knows. But many people want to find out, Perrin must be careful. His life and the lives of his friends are at stake! 

Henri is an officer in the French Revolutionary army. His job is to capture spies, he enjoys his work. Freeing the poor from the reign of the aristocracy. He hates the rich, they ruined his life, and the lives of his family, so he won’t stop until everyone in France is an equal. Getting a password to the Scarlet Crest meeting place, Henri hopes to find information on where and when the next rendezvous is and how to stop them from fleeing the country. 

Perrin and Henri meet by accident, Henri saves Perrin from being trampled. Both have a lustful thought at being so close to a stranger. But reality comes crashing in even Henri realises the man he saved is an aristocrat!! Perrin is mortified that he feels anything, he should still be mourning for his beloved Julien, not lusting after someone else! 

They meet again at the Scarlet Crest meeting place. It’s still hostile between them, but so is the strange attraction! Does Henri believe Perrin is helping the rich to flee? He doesn’t want to, but why would he be here? And can Perrin trust Henri, when he knows how much he hates the rich? 

I liked the characters, I liked the premise, but I have to be honest, I didn’t really enjoy the book. I’m not sure what spoilt it for me. But something was missing.

I know gay relationships were frowned upon in those days. And I know it’s a crime to have those feelings. But I didn’t get that feeling from the book, it didn’t feel cloak and dagger. I got the intrigue, I got a little suspense. It just fell a little short. I just didn’t believe the feelings. To me there didn’t seem the passion, the fire, the urgency. 

The characters of Henri and Perrin were good, they were solid and well thought out. Loved Quill (Perrin’s friend) he was fun. As I said, lots of great ideas, just not quite there with the execution. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Guy Walks Into My Bar by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

A Guy Walks Into My Bar (The Guys Who Got Away #3)  by Lauren Blakely-Review tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2020

Every bartender should follow one simple rule—don’t go home with the customers.

That’s been easy for me to stick to, until the night a cocky, confident, and sinfully charming hockey star walks into my bar. This sexy athlete is too hard to resist, especially when he makes it clear how much he wants the “sarcastic, witty, hot AF” guy behind the bar—also known as me.

Still, I’m not keen on breaking my own rules since I know where that can lead—no place good.

But when that man makes his case with one bone-searing kiss on the streets of London, I throw resistance out the window.

What could go wrong with a hot, dirty, no-strings-attached fling before he leaves town in five days?

Trouble is, soon our nights together lead to days, to long conversations, to getting to know each other, and to something I never expected—falling ridiculously hard for a man who’s getting on a plane to America when I live a world away.

My life is here. His is there. And no amount of falling or feeling will change that one big problem.

••••••••••

REVIEW:A GUY WALKS INTO MY BAR is the third instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult THE GUYS WHO GOT AWAY erotic, romance series. This is professional hockey player, American James ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald, and thirty-one year old, British bar owner Dean Collins’ story line. A GUY WALKS INTO MY BAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Fitz was first introduced in book one DEAR SEXY EX-BOYFRIEND.

NOTE: A GUY WALKS INTO MY BAR is an LGBTQ / MM story line with graphic scenes of same sex situations.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dean and Fitz) A GUY WALKS INTO MY BAR follows the building relationship between professional hockey player, American James ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald, and thirty-one year old, British bar owner Dean Collins. James Fitzgerald’s sister Emma is about to start school in London, England, and as such Fitz is helping his sister get settled and moved in but Fitz never expected to meet British bar owner Dean Collins, a meeting that will turn into somuch more. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Fitz and Dean, and the potential fall-out as Fitz’s time in England comes to a close.

James ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald doesn’t do relationships having struggled with previous relationships in the past but meeting Dean Collins draws Fitz to Dean like a moth to a flame. Six days together ends with professions of love but neither one is willing to commit to forever in the face of a long distance relationship, and their commitment to their own current career paths. Dean Collins knows to fall in love with Fitz means never getting his happily ever after but time spent with Fitz gives Dean thoughts of a future, a future that would require him to move out of his comfort zone, and to a new place, new country, and new way of life.

The relationship between Dean and Fitz is one of immediate attraction but Dean refuses to be a tourist’s hook-up, and Fitz is leery in the face of his fame and hockey notoriety. A few hours together quickly develops into something more but the likelihood of forever is something neither one had considered until they had fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Fitz’s friends: Leo, Oliver (Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend), Logan Clark and Bryn Hawthorne (The What If Guy), teammate Ransom; Dean’s father Martin Collins, coffee shop owner Penny; Dean’s friends Sam, and bar co-owner Maeve.

A GUY WALKS INTO MY BAR is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The author points out there is zero homophobia in her fictionalized world, therefore the conflict revolves around the thousands of miles that separate our story line couple. The premise is charming, encouraging, sexy and inviting; the characters are sassy and edgy; the romance is provocative and seductive.

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

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He Owns My Heart by Evie Drae – a Review

He Owns My Heart by Evie Drae – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
Only true love can free a captive heart.

Landon Jenks, retired four-time Golden Glove-winning shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, is lonely, heartbroken, and in need of simple human contact. Trapped in the fine print of an ironclad contract forbidding him from revealing his single status until the season finale of his reality show airs, he calls an elite male escort service catering to the rich and desperate.

Accustomed to servicing his often less than savory clients at more upscale locales, twenty-six-year-old Toby Carmichael is surprised when his handler sends him to a run-down motel off I-55. But “surprise” doesn’t come close to describing the shock that rocks his system when a delightful stuttering mess covered in tattoos and nearly ten years his senior stumbles into the room—and right into his heart.

For the first time since Toby was forced into the life of prostitution, a kiss sparks a desire that has nothing to do with money and everything to do with genuine chemistry and the faintest beginnings of something so much more. But Toby’s dark past and troubled present make it impossible to see a future with Landon. When the truth comes to light, a horrified and helpless Landon is determined to save Toby at all costs.

Only true love can free a captive heart.

Content Warnings: Discussion of childhood verbal abuse by an adult survivor, homophobia from a close family member, discussion of previous self-harm/cutting behaviors by an adult survivor, prostitution with dubious consent (all interactions between the main characters have full consent and there are no on-page depictions of dub-con situations), consensual and experimental Domination/submission play between mostly-novice characters, mild violence between a main character and antagonist, and human trafficking associated with illegal drugs (nothing explicit on-page, only discussions related to and psychological/mental ramifications of addressed in moderate detail).

 

 

Review: 

He Owns My Heart by Evie Drae is a new M/M series, Owned Heart, Body & Soul. Landon is lonely, he’s usually only wanted for his name and not his company. Having played baseball to a professional level, he’s now a reality star and owner of a custom made bike shop. He’s hiding from life, his last relationship was a publicity stunt orchestrated by his “co-star” to “come out” (more ratings for the show) will he find no one to love him? In a sorry moment, Landon hires an escort. 

But meeting the vibrant young man makes Landon all to aware of his failings….

Tobias/Toby whore, prostitute, hooker, he’s heard them all. He’s sold himself to help his sister (she got caught up with drug dealers) his family are unaware of his predicament, but he’s told often by handler they are safe, for now! 

So an eight year contract had been drawn up, and Toby services the “clients” never off duty, nothing is too much trouble, He keeps reminding himself that’s it’s just three more years, then he’s free. But he’s not sure how much more he can take, he’s slowly losing himself, and it’s killing him inside!!

I liked this story. Yes the usual “pretty woman” scenario, wealthy attractive single man meets prostitute (blah blah blah). But unlike “pretty woman” we have a M/M scenario. The story for me had a real depth (I usually read paranormal romance if m/m involved) but the backstory had me intrigued. And the story had me hooked from almost the first page. 

It’s a Romeo and Juliette type story, a forbidden love, a love that can go nowhere, a love doomed! A week stolen just for themselves. But will it make it harder when Landon has to let Toby go? 

There are a lot of triggers on this book (it does carry a warning label) there is a lot of baggage that both men carry. Abuse, self harm, homophobia and many more. The BDSM wasn’t the usual angry spanky tie me up and whip me scenes. It was about trusting someone to know your limits and to take care of you, putting your wants and needs above their own. 

Yes there is a fair amount of sex in this book, but considering they think they’ve only got a week together, I sort of understand it, and luckily enough it doesn’t go on and on and on and on!! The couples moments had me sighing, the ordinary stolen moments that Landon and Toby were storing up to take out when they were alone were touching. 

Each in love, but too scared to voice it. And if they did, what could they do about it? 

So can Landon free Toby? How can he, when the men controlling Toby hold all the cards? And it had me guessing right up until the last few pages (I thought it would end of a cliffhanger) 

Loved Steffon (Landon BFF) he was a riot! Camp when needed, light relief when things got too heavy, confidant and agony aunt. Every time he opened his mouth I chuckled, that guy had no filter. 

I’m so hoping we get another book. I’d like Steffon to have a book. 

Highly recommend this book. Yes it’s a Pretty Woman story, but my god it’s a good one. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy owned

 

 

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Hunter (Twilight Falls #3) by AM Salinger-Review & Giveaway tour

Hunter (Twilight Falls #3) by AM Salinger-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: June 22, 2020

Can a business rival bring one of Twilight Falls’ most notorious bad boys to his knees?

Twilight Falls’ resident bad boy Hunter Thomson knows he hasn’t quite lived up to his reputation of late and is determined to have some fun while on a rare night out in L.A. But after a torrid encounter with a captivating stranger results in one of the best sexual experiences of his life, Hunter flees to his hometown, scared by his intense feelings and convinced he is about to commit the same mistake he once made in the past.

Theo Miller can’t get the gorgeous man he hooked up with one night in L.A. out of his mind. When he moves to Twilight Falls for the opening of his new store, he is shocked to discover than his business rival is none other than the stranger who ran away from him and their fiery connection.

Sparks fly as the two men engage in a game of cat and mouse. But when an accident makes Theo dependent on Hunter, the game becomes something neither men could have anticipated.

Will Hunter finally overcome his deep-seated fears and succumb to Theo’s passionate attention? And can Theo win the heart of the one man he wants to belong to?

••••••••

REVIEW: Book three in the Twilight Falls; Hunter brings us right back to the sleepy small town and characters that we know and love.

Known as a bad boy, Hunter Thomson hits a club on a trip into L.A hoping to loose a few hours in pleasure. What he was not expecting was to meet a man that filled dreams he didn’t even know he had. After the most meaningful, but puzzling sexual experiences of his life, Hunter makes a run for it. Or rather, the hazel eyed man that invoked those feelings.

Theo Miller is new to Twilight Falls, opening a new location for one of his many other shops, he thought of nothing else but the shop and the mysterious man he meet for a one night stand in L.A. Little does he know that the little town of Twilight Falls holds the key to his heart. As luck has it, the shop owner across from his new store is none other than the mystery man he can’t get out of his head.

While Theo pursues Hunter, the unthinkable happens; Theo is injured in a climbing accident while saving not only Hunter, but Hunter’s friend as well. Feeling guilty, and the pull of all things Theo, Hunter decides to help Theo while he is recovering. Things heat up in more than one way and the past comes to light as we learn new things about Hunter and his “shy” ways. Enter back into Twilight Falls, and into the loving story of Hunter and Theo.

First things first, while you can read Hunter as a standalone, I personally recommend reading the first and second books in the series to get the most out of the series. This is a man on man romance, if that isn’t your cuppa tea, then just be aware. If you haven’t explored this genre much, then come on in, this a good one dip your toes into for beginners.

Hunter and Theo’s story is so sexy and sweet, you can’t help but like it. When I first started, I was unsure how I felt about Hunter, he was stand offish and kind of cold, but after reading more, you learn why and what makes him that way. The vulnerability of his past gives Hunter a tough outer shell that hides a shy, loving inside. Theo, now he’a upfront, bold and sexy. He knows what he wants and isn’t shy about going after it. Their relationship is somewhat bumpy at first, but throughout the book the story line flows and the chemistry is so real. 5 out of 5 stars, and very much hoping for more in this series. I think Tristan would make a great book!

Reading Order and previous reviews
Alex
Carter

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers due to language and content

 

Theo Miller watched the man freeze as he started to reach for the door handle. He lowered his hand and twisted on his heels.
Stormy gray eyes cut to Theo. The guy frowned.
“What do you mean?”
Theo suppressed the chuckle working its way up his throat and did his best to look solemn. He didn’t think the man would appreciate his amusement.
“You know?” Theo waved a hand vaguely south of the stranger’s belt buckle. “Like that.”
A flush of color bloomed on the man’s cheekbones when he realized Theo was talking about his erection.
Mighty fine cheekbones they are too.
Theo would be lying if he said he hadn’t noticed the stranger when they were at the bar earlier. Though the man was dressed pretty casually for the club, his striking face and confident bearing made him stand out from the crowd.
It was clear he was utterly comfortable in his own skin and his sexuality.
Admiration darted through Theo as they eyed each other across the washing area.
The stranger was facing him boldly despite his arousal.
Theo could tell the guy wasn’t used to backing down from anything, which intrigued him even more. It wasn’t just the man’s face that was to his liking.
Though not overtly brawny, it was clear from the stranger’s physique that he took great care of his body. The smoothly defined muscles Theo could spy through his jeans and T-shirt made him want to peel the guy’s clothes off and find out if they were as nice as they looked.
And that ass is something else.
Theo’s fingers twitched slightly as he imagined wrapping his hands over the nicely rounded, tight globes he’d spied strutting on the dance floor a short while ago. The guy sure knew how to move to the music, his sultry expression matching the wicked way he’d rocked the songs pounding through the club.
The stranger seemed to come to some kind of decision. He closed the distance between them, leaned a hip against the sink, and raised an eyebrow. He raked Theo slowly from his head to his toes and back again, his silver gaze daring as he met Theo’s stare.
“Why, are you proposing to do something about it?”
Theo blinked, surprised. He swallowed a grin.
His body isn’t the only sassy thing about him.
Theo moved until he stood toe-to-toe with the stranger, forcing him to look up. He could tell the guy wasn’t pleased by their height difference.
“Would you like me to?” Theo murmured.
The man’s pupils flared in surprise. He licked his lips nervously.
The sight of the pink, moist flesh darting in and out of the stranger’s mouth and the flash of white teeth he glimpsed almost drew a groan from Theo.
Shit. That’s sexy.
Theo didn’t know what possessed him in the next instant. He raised a hand and traced the man’s plump lower lip with his thumb, wiping away the trace of dampness he found there.
“So, what’s it gonna be, Gray?” he said huskily.
The man’s eyelashes fluttered as he blinked, clearly flustered despite his brave expression.
“Hunter,” he blurted, his breath washing hotly across Theo’s finger.
Theo’s dick thickened at the sensation. He angled his head closer, a little stunned by how brazen he was being. Something about this guy just flipped all his buttons, in a hot and dirty kind of way.
“What?”
The man shivered at the question, dark pupils dilating in a sea of smoky gray. There were only a scant few inches separating their mouths.
“My name is Hunter.” His gaze grew heavy-lidded as it dropped to Theo’s lips.
Damn.
***
Hunter didn’t know who moved first.
One minute, Hazel Eyes was edging him on, the next their mouths were glued together in a torrid kiss. Desire stormed through Hunter as the man shamelessly probed his lips open. A wave of dizziness swept over him when their tongues clashed hungrily a heartbeat later. Hunter’s hands found the stranger’s broad shoulders, his fingers sinking into firm, warm flesh as he clung on for dear life.
Holy crap, he’s a good kisser!
He was dimly aware of the guy guiding him to the back of the restrooms and around the corner to a cubicle at the far end. The sound of the metal door clattering open and closing behind them reached him hazily above the sound of blood pounding in his ears.
A small part of Hunter’s brain told him he needed to stop. The last time he’d had sex in a public toilet, he’d barely been past the legal age of drinking.
His lower half, however, had other thoughts on the matter.
Though he’d very much wanted to find his release in the comfort of his hotel room tonight, his dick was doing press-ups inside his jeans and he was dying to deliver it from its tight confines.
A throaty groan rumbled out of him when Hazel Eyes did just that, his long fingers unbuckling Hunter’s belt swiftly before he slid his zipper down and dipped his hand inside his boxers. A hiss of pleasure left him as the stranger palmed his cock and gently pulled it free before backing him against the wall.
Hunter stiffened slightly. He was used to being in charge under these kinds of circumstances. It unnerved him how easily he was letting this guy take control of the situation.
Hazel Eyes let go of his mouth and leaned away slightly, his heated gaze dropping to where he was touching Hunter intimately. The tender expression on his gorgeous face scattered Hunter’s anxious thoughts to the four winds.
“Theo.” The man caressed Hunter’s erection lightly, as if it was the most precious thing in the world.
Hunter sucked in air, too focused on the sinful feeling of the guy’s hand on his sensitive member to pay much heed to anything else.
“My name.” Intense hazel eyes met Hunter’s own dazed ones. “It’s Theo.”
Hunter’s belly contracted with a spasm of pleasure and something else.
Oh. His eyes get greener when he’s excited.
A clink sounded. Hunter looked down and saw Theo unzip his own pants. He swallowed when he saw the enormous erection Theo unleashed seconds later.
“You’re big,” Hunter blurted.
Theo stared. A sexy chuckle escaped him in the next instant. “I’m going to choose to take that as a compliment.”
Hunter shuddered when Theo wrapped one large hand around both their dicks and started rubbing, his movements skillful.
“Fuck, that’s good!” Hunter mumbled.
Theo took his mouth in a passionate kiss as he gave them both an expert hand job, his breaths leaving his nose in sharp pants, color staining his cheeks a dull pink under the light illuminating the cubicle.
Hunter curled his fingers in Theo’s thick, dark hair and returned the kiss greedily, his body straining toward the man who was pleasuring him, seeking closer contact.
Theo parted Hunter’s legs with his right thigh, clasped Hunter’s left knee with a powerful hand, and hooked it around his own leg, pressing their bodies together. Hunter moaned, stunned that Theo had done exactly what he’d been hungering for.
Theo let go of his mouth, nipped his jawline with strong white teeth, and lowered his head to nudge Hunter’s chin up. Hunter gasped when Theo’s hot lips found his throat. Theo rained scorching kisses across his feverish skin before finding the pulse at the base of his neck. He started a seductive bump and grind with his hips while he sucked on Hunter’s flesh and kneaded their swollen cocks with a firm hand.
The metal partition they were up against rattled loudly.
Theo stopped, his grip tightening on their erections in a way that sent sparks exploding across Hunter’s vision.
Hunter’s head reeled when Theo wrapped an arm around his waist, twisted around, and backed him against the tiled wall of the cubicle, his thigh still firmly wedged between Hunter’s.
“That’s better,” Theo said huskily. “Wouldn’t want the whole world to know what we’re doing in here.”
Hunter’s rationality dissolved into nothingness as Theo resumed his sexy thrusts, his movements indicating exactly what he wanted to do to Hunter while he stroked their stiff dicks briskly.
Pleasure sent bolts of whiteness shooting across Hunter’s mind. He could feel his orgasm building in throbbing waves in his belly and thighs. His balls tightened and his ass spasmed when Theo flicked a lazy thumb across the head of his leaking cock.
“Oh, Jesus!” Hunter panted. He fisted his hands in Theo’s hair and bucked his hips hard against Theo’s. “I’m so close!”
Theo grabbed a handful of tissue from the toilet roll dispenser. His mouth found Hunter’s as he worked them both toward their climax, his movements unrelenting.
He swallowed Hunter’s grunts of pleasure when they both came violently a moment later, his fingers closing on the heads of their pulsing shafts, capturing their shooting cum in the thick wad of tissue.
Hunter’s heart raced as he continued rolling his hips helplessly against Theo’s, his orgasm causing sweat to bead across his upper lip.
Theo licked at the salty drops, his hazel gaze torrid with lust as his dick throbbed and jumped against Hunter’s.
Their bodies finally shuddered and stilled. Blood thundered in Hunter’s head as he blinked dazedly at Theo, dumbfounded by how much pleasure he’d found in the man’s arms.
Theo leaned his hot forehead against Hunter’s, his breaths coming hard and fast in the aftermath of his own powerful orgasm.
“I want to fuck you so bad right now.”
Hunter froze at his words.
“I—we can’t,” he stammered after a shocked pause.
Theo’s expression grew serious. “I know. I heard what you said to those guys.”
Awkward silence fell between them as they stared at one another.
“I’m sorry.” Hunter pushed Theo away, zipped himself up hastily, and barged out of the cubicle.
He heard Theo call his name and practically ran out of the restrooms, scared by the feelings twisting through him. Because, for one disconcerting moment, he’d actually entertained the idea of letting Theo do exactly as he’d wanted.


 

Ava Marie Salinger is the pen name of an Amazon bestselling author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary romance. In 2018, she finally decided to venture to the steamy side. NIGHTS is the first of several sizzling series featuring sweet, sexy men with dark pasts and a whole lot of love to give to the ones brave enough to fight for their hearts. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese.
Want to be the first to know about Ava’s new releases and get access to exclusive content, sneak previews, sales, and giveaways? Then sign up to her Reader Group here and join her VIP Facebook Fan Group here.

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