Tag Team Review: Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert

One hard-nosed military police officer.

One overly enthusiastic elf.

One poorly timed snowstorm.

Is it a recipe for disaster? Or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for holiday romance?

Teddy MacNally loves Christmas and everything that goes along with it. When he plays an elf for his charity’s events, he never expects to be paired with a Scrooge masquerading as Santa Claus. His new mission: make the holiday-hating soldier believe he was born to say ho-ho-ho.

Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki doesn’t do Santa, but he’s army to his blood. When his CO asks an unusual favor, Nick of course obliges. The elf to his Kris Kringle? Tempting. Too tempting—Nick’s only in town for another month, and Teddy’s too young, too cheerful and too nice for a one-night stand.

The slow, sexy make-out sessions while Teddy and Nick are alone and snowbound, though, feel like anything but a quick hookup. As a stress-free holiday fling turns into Christmas all year round, Teddy can’t imagine his life without Nick. And Nick’s days on the base may be coming to a close, but he doesn’t plan on leaving anything, or anyone, behind.

Average

Adam - 4 Hearts

Annabeth Albert’s Christmas reads always deliver on the sweet romance, a good dose of sexiness, and the holiday cheer. ‘Better Not Pout’ is no different.

This book has a few things going for it - an age gap, a grumpy Santa, a sweet elf, a big family, and all of it in a small wintery town.

I’m a sucker for holiday reads set in small towns. It just makes the story a tad more romantic.

The romance revolves around two very different men who find themselves snowed in together. The situation isn’t ideal, especially for Sergeant Major Nicholas Nowicki, but the sexual tension is undeniable.

Nick and Teddy MacNally are polar opposites. Nick is gruff, isn’t a big believer in love, and isn’t a fan of winter. Teddy is warm, wears his heart on his sleeve, and is all about the candy canes and snowflakes.

But Teddy sees right through Nick’s hard shell to the soft man underneath, and Nick finds it hard to not care for the younger man.

Though Nick knows it’s not the best idea, he can’t resist what Teddy is offering.

And let me tell you - Teddy and Nick definitely bring the heat!

That initial hookup sets the pattern for their relationship - brief captured moments while the two help out with a charity drive, and with the understanding that it’ll end when Nick moves away after his approaching retirement.

But in the meantime, the two men spend the holiday season together. They play Santa and his elf for the charity drive, attend the rowdy MacNally family’s Thanksgiving extravaganza, and cuddle while it snows outside.

And slowly but surely feelings get involved. Because Teddy just wants to love and be loved, and Nick so needs someone to love him.

I wanted to punch Nick a couple of times for being so set against an actual relationship with Teddy. And my heart hurt for Teddy, even as he tried to deny that he was falling hard for his military man.

But this is Annabeth Albert after all, so the bit of angst is worth the spectacular happy ending. Nick and Teddy get the perfect happy ever after, with some mistletoe on top.

If you’re looking for a holiday read that’ll give you warm and fuzzy feelings, give ‘Better Not Pout’ a try!


Ann - 4.5 Hearts

This was the Christmas story for me this year. I love me all the holiday short stories and I have a tendency to gravitate towards them during the holidays for a couple of reasons; one, it’s all the attention span I generally can manage and two, for the gorging, I’m in for the quantity I can cram because I don’t want to miss any of the flavors on offer. I do manage one or two full length holiday novels and I’m so glad this year I read Better Not Pout, it ticked ALL my boxes for a Christmas story.

ALL. MY. BOXES.

Sergeant Major Nick, the reluctant Santa to Teddy’s exuberant elf was an MC I could totally fall for. He’s intense and stoic, but underneath the MP exterior is a big heart that’s been buried under a uniform since he enlisted. Nick’s entire adult life has been the military and as his reenlistment is denied and he’s being forced into retirement he’s at a bit of a loss. Sure, he’s got a plan, and it sounds idyllic on paper, I could tell from the beginning that it wasn’t necessarily a passion for him to look forward to.

Teddy is a homespun young man who gives everything of himself to his town and through the community center he manages, helps his neighbors who need it most. Everyone loves Teddy, myself included and his positivity is infectious. He’s the perfect person for his role in the community and his only struggles lie in the fact that many people still see him as the kid he was before college and his lack of opportunity for romance in his small town.

Nick and Teddy may not have a lot in common, but they have both resigned themselves to living life without romance and frankly, their acceptance of their “fates” is just downright sad. Good thing Nick gets roped in to play Santa for the community center! NIck is in turn irritated and fascinated with Teddy’s effervescence and Teddy is in turn, irritated and fascinated with Nick’s stubborn strength. I loved their banter as they got to know one another and the respect that grew between them during their forced holiday teamwork added depth to their growing relationship.

Nick is concerned about their age difference, but the author gave Teddy a forthright and honest attitude that worked with his personality and showed his maturity organically. He was able to combat any of Nick’s ridiculous arguments to them not spending time together with super annoying (to Nick) logic and reason. The two decide to make the most of the time Nick has before he officially retires and moves to Florida.

The clock is ticking and of course the two are falling for each other hard. The physical relationship is amazing, but the emotional connection they have is something neither of them expected they would ever have. Enter . . . the angst. It’s not out of place though or OTT. It’s reasonable and realistic and once I hit that mark of the story there was no putting my Kindle down until the HEA happened. And we all know the HEA is going to happen, it’s a Christmas story after all and the HEA was delivered with a big beautiful bow. I believed in the epilogue and was all kinds of warm and snuggly as I read it. Better Not Pout was the best holiday book hug and it’s getting a top spot on my reread list.

Blog Tour: Ten by Tia Fielding

Author Tia Fielding came by to celebrate the recent Dreamspinner Press release of Ten and is talking about postcrossing! Don't know what postcrossing is? Read on and find out.

Hey, everyone!

I didn’t have a clear picture of what I wanted to write about on this guest post. I struggle a lot with writing these things with each book, but somehow I get through them just fine in the end, go figure.

So I didn’t have an idea, until I realized one of the cards in my postcard wall had fallen to the floor during the night and I had to reattach it. That’s when I realized that people don’t know lot about postcrossing and what a great hobby it can be.

Today, I’m here to tell you about postcrossing. :) There’s a website, postcrossing.com where you create a profile for yourself. For example, mine has general information about who I am and what I do, and then the sentence “If you want to find a card I'd specifically like, well....” after which I list things I would love to see on postcards people send me. My favorites are, for example, words and meanings, writing inspiration and quotes, tattoos, pin-ups, coffee/tea, books, flowers (especially red poppies and a few others) and so on and so forth.

After you register and make your profile, you can choose to send a card. That’s when the fun begins. The website gives you a code, a profile, and the address of the person in that profile. You will then figure out a card you want to send to them, whether based on what you have at hand, what you like, or maybe what that person says they like in their profile (some have no information like that, so you kind of fly blind in those cases), write the card, add the code, and mail it.

Once your recipient gets the card, they register the code on the website, and the system enters your profile to the draw. Soon, you should be getting a card form someone random, somewhere in the world.

Now, I don’t postcross consistently. Just the stamp for an international postcard costs around $2 here in Finland these days. If you want to send five cards a month, that’s already $10 plus the card costs, which can be high because I like to send people things that might make their day when they get them.

I have, however, sent 149 postcards and received 153 in my time postcrossing over the years. In times when you don’t get “snail mail” anymore, receiving postcards can be so much fun!

Last year I finally made my postcard wall out of some of the cards I’d received. I’m going to attach a photo for you, so you can see the variety and how it reflects my profile.

It’s a relatively cheap hobby if you have the money, and you end up getting cards from all over the world. I’m in Finland, so getting a card from Brazil, or Singapore, or Thailand, or Macao, or even Canada feels exciting to me. The countries I’ve gotten most cards from are Germany, Russia, Netherlands, and USA. The ones I’ve sent most cards to are Germany, USA, and Russia, in that order.

So now you know a bit about postcrossing. I hope you check it out if it’s something that sounds interesting to you! It’s the perfect hobby for a writer who doesn’t leave home much, and for anyone who is interested in other cultures and countries.

Blurb:

Can two broken men build one life?

Ten years.

That’s what Makai lost for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s been exonerated, but the abuse he suffered in prison isn’t so easy to leave behind. He heads to the one place he remembers being happy: Acker, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with his grandpa. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Makai there.

Ten days.

That’s how long Emil, now twenty-one, was held prisoner as a teenager. The mental and physical injuries he suffered at the hands of a drug trafficking ring still haunt him.

Nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD challenge the connection forming between Makai and Emil, though together, they might find a way to move beyond their pain and into a future—and a relationship—that both had thought impossible.

Now they just have to convince Emil’s father, the town sheriff. It won’t be easy with danger closer than they know….

Buy link: 

DSP

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Author Bio:

Tia Fielding is a Finnish LGBTQ+ romance author. She lives in a small middle-of-nowhere town surrounded by nature and silence, just like she prefers. Tia identifies as genderqueer, but isn’t fussy about pronouns, because her native language doesn’t have gender-specific ones. She’s a lover of caffeine, sarcasm, peppermint, cats and dogs, sleeping and witty people.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: One-On-One (Cayuga Cougars #5) by V.L. Locey

Author V.L. Locey and Signal Boost Promotions celebrate the release of One-On-One (Cayuga Cougars #5)! Learn more about the final installment from the hockey romance series! Enter in the ebook giveaway of Snap Shot (Cayuga Cougars #1)!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 57,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Rêverie Design & Formatting

Cayuga Cougars Series

Book #1 - Snap Shot - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #2 - Open Net - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #3 - Coach's Challenge - Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #4 - Overtime - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

The past few years have been a bit chaotic for Cougars new associate coach, Lancaster Hart. After an amiable divorce he began living his life as the gay man he’d kept closeted for far too long. With the recent move to Cayuga, he’s away from his support system and properly made sweet tea. Despite a roster filled with new friends and associates, he’s spending his nights alone.

As his team gears up to make a run at the Calder Cup, Lancaster discovers that not everything in upstate New York is wine, woodlands, and chilly conservative ideals. At a summer music festival, he first lays eyes on Townsend Harris, folksy/blues singer by night and mayoral office assistant by day. Lancaster is enraptured with the man’s powerful sultry voice. Also, Town just might be the most beautiful man he has seen in all his forty-one years.

The two hit it off at an informal meet and greet after the show, where they spend the night talking and sipping wine. One evening of conversation and an incendiary goodbye kiss leads them into a scorching love affair that might be exactly what Lancaster has been searching for his whole life. Can his team pull off professionally what he’s hoping to do privately as well? Or will capturing their dream evade both the Cougars and Lancaster?

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, Dr. Who, Torchwood, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, two Jersey steers and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.

When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.

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Guest Review: Awakenings & French Songs by Nell Iris

An existential awakening and lots of French chansons equal a favorite neighbor seen in a new light.

Iggy Wilker never expected his 36th birthday to turn into an existential crisis. When Iggy’s friends celebrate him with his usual favorite pastime—drinking, dancing, and willing guys—he suddenly wants nothing to do with any of it. He’s fed up and ready for something else. The question is what?

Ronan Clenney has had his eye on his neighbor forever, but as a single father of a precocious eleven-year-old, he’s never believed he stands a chance. But over a late-night cup of tea, it seems that circumstances have changed. Is this the right time, finally?

Iggy has never believed in romance, but can Ronan show him he’s wrong? That love is a real thing?

Reviewer: Annika

For me, short stories are always a gamble. So many of them feel rushed, shallow or incomplete, not to mention the whole insta-love feel many of them have. Awakenings and French Songs really worked for me, It was sweet and angst free and nice escape for when you only have a few minutes over for a quick read.

It's told solely from Iggy's POV, and when we first meet him he's (not) celebrating his 36th birthday by being miserable in a bar. Deciding to skip out on the celebrations early he makes his way back to his apartment, where he runs into his neighbour and friend Ronan and gets invited over for tea. It's there, sitting at his dining room table he realises what's he's been missing, why he's felt so off lately. But Ronan being a single parent to an eleven-year old, anything between them will need to be handled with caution.

This book wasn't about passion or need. It was more of a discovery of wants and hopes. Even though this book is only about 30 pages, you can feel the history between Ronan and Iggy. They have the foundation of comfort, trust and friendship already laid, and are now working on the next step together. The attraction they've both felt and buried since the beginning is finally free to bubble to the surface, deepening to that everlasting love.

This was a sweet love story about two guys finally being in the same place and at the same time and realising that what they have is what they've both been looking for; their happily ever after.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Blog Tour: Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble

Celebrate the release of Whiskey and Moonshine with author Elizabeth Noble and Dreamspinner Press! Find out more about this contemporary May-Dec romance and read an excerpt below!

Hello and welcome to the blog tour for my latest release, Whiskey and Moonshine. A big thank you to everyone at Boy Meets Boy for hosting me today.

I love me a good glass of iced tea!

What does that fact have to do with writing books and my most recent release?

As it turns out, a fair amount.

There’s thing known as fruit tea. It’s basically fresh brewed iced tea mixed with a fruit juice of some sort. It’s not a new invention by any means and I think you can even buy instant tea with fruit flavoring. In the story, Whiskey and Moonshine, one of the characters, Colt, experiences freshly brewed fruit tea for the first time. Later this inspires him to create a line of moonshine with the same flavors. Colt, as you might’ve guessed, is the moonshine of Whiskey and Moonshine.

When I write a beverage is essential. I’m not a big drinker of alcohol, but I consume a respectable quantity of iced tea daily. I love fruit tea! I could purchase it in bottles, but I prefer to make my own. It’s better for the environment and I like my tea stronger than is usually available commercially.

I thought I’d share my recipe for a pitcher of home brewed fruit tea.

I start out with two of the family-sized tea bags that brew a gallon of tea each. I like black, caffeinated tea, but you could use whatever tea you’d like. Then I add four regular sized tea bags of orange spice tea. Again, I prefer the black tea, but there are many herbal varieties that are very good. I’ve used a tea called Constant Comment from Bigelow. Sometimes I use a seasonal flavor from The Republic of Tea that’s Blood Orange and Cranberry. Put all the tea bags in a gallon sized pitcher with sweetener or sugar to taste. I use about three-quarter cup of raw sugar. I’ve found adding the sugar when I brew the tea helps it dissolve and mix more evenly. Sometimes I throw a small cinnamon stick in as well.

Boil two quarts of water and pour that over the tea and sugar. Mix well but be gentle so the bags don’t break open. Put the top on the pitcher and let sit until cooled before removing the tea bags. Then I add some lemon and lime juice. I don’t really measure I just pour a little into the tea. Pick your favorite fruit juice—I prefer cranberry/pomegranate—and add three-quarters to one cup depending on your taste. You could obviously add more or less if you’d like. Fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water and viola!

Do you have a favorite beverage recipe, be it adult or non-alcoholic, hot or cold to share? Or a favorite beverage you enjoy at home or when you’re out? Comment below to be entered into a drawing for a free eBook. I’m offering any eBook off my backlist published 2017 or earlier. All prizes will be distributed via the Dreamspinner Press/DSP Publications webstore. A complete list of all my books can be found on my Dreamspinner Page. I’ll announce the winner in a week, so be sure to check back.

Blurb:

Drunk on love.

Like a well-aged whiskey, master distiller and old-money entrepreneur Malone Kensington is elegant and refined. Unfortunately he’s also a perfectionist who is more dedicated to the success of his generations-old company than his own love life.

That company needs a public spokesman.

What Colton Hale lacks in sophistication, he more than makes up for with the charisma that’s allowed him to survive on the street from a young age and charm his way into the lucrative—if overwhelming—public position at the Kensington Distillery. When Mal takes Colt under his wing, hoping to polish off his rough edges, opposites attract and a passionate romance blossoms despite the differences in age and background. But can it survive a Kensington Board of Directors who believe Colt is nothing but a gold digger and a kidnapper determined to profit from the love of Mal’s life—dead or alive?

Excerpt:

The elevator was full, so they had to squeeze in and squish together. Colt drew a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was at Mal’s side and just in front of him, so their thighs pressed together. Mal reached around, put his hand on Colt’s waist for a few seconds, and rubbed lightly before pulling it away and putting both hands in his pants pockets.

There were several stops, more people got in, and Colt was pushed even more tightly against Mal. The heat from Mal’s body warmed him even as Mal caught his breath every now and then in response to Colt’s closeness. The next time the door opened with a ding, Mal reached over Colt’s shoulder and pointed to the lobby.

“I think this is our stop.” Mal’s voice was low, husky, and sexy. He spoke into Colt’s ear, and his breath gliding across Colt’s cheek made him shiver a little. Colt nodded once and stepped out of the elevator.

The sudden loss of body heat as they crossed the lobby gave Colt a momentary chill. Compared to the crowded elevator, the spacious lobby seemed like a huge cavern, and crossing it gave Colt time to calm his body and collect his thoughts. Only dinner and listening to some music. That’s it, Colt recited silently. Nothing wrong with hoping for another kiss and being held in Mal’s strong arms.

Frank was waiting in the circular drive with the SUV. Mal opened the side door and waved Colt in ahead of him. Once the door was closed, they settled in the seats. The air-conditioning was blowing softly through the vents, keeping the interior at a pleasantly cool temperature. Colt’s heart rate was finally returning to normal.

“Pretty close in that elevator,” Mal said softly. He leaned forward and gave Frank a piece of paper. “There’s the address.”

“Yeah,” Colt croaked.

Mal chuckled. “It was not unpleasant, though.”

“No. No, it certainly was not,” Colt agreed. He shifted in his seat so he was facing Mal. “I’m really looking forward to dinner. What sort of music?”

“Where we’re going, there is all sorts of music. Live music—jazz, reggae, blues, and this is Nashville, so country. Groups of people play on the streets and in the bars. Some have been discovered that way. It’s really very exciting.” Mal did some air guitar, then grinned when Colt laughed.

Their drive wasn’t long, and the restaurant they went to was more of a big saloon. Frank took up a position at the bar while Mal and Colt sat at a nearby table.

Colt picked up the menu. It was a double-sided, laminated, thick piece of cardboard. Mal pulled it down. “Trust me?”

“You are the chef.” Colt set the menu on the table and folded both hands on top of it.

Mal signaled the waitress. She came over with two tall glasses of water with lemon wedges and took their order. When she was finished, Mal asked for two plates and the food to be brought out in serving dishes.

“Anything from the bar?” the waitress asked.

“Right now, we’ll take some fruit tea,” Mal said. It only took a few minutes before she returned with two mason jars filled with iced tea.

Colt took a sip of his, expecting the sweet tea he’d come to enjoy. “Oh wow. This is different.”

“Like it? There are fruit juices mixed in with the tea to sweeten it,” Mal explained.

Bio:

Mystery, action, chills, and thrills spiced with romance and desire. ELIZABETH NOBLE started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into books and fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with others is really a dream come true. She has a real love for a good mystery complete with murder and twisty plots as well as all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.

Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess, a spunky Welsh Corgi and their sidekick, tabby cat. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe and Cavs!). When she's not writing she's working as a veterinary nurse, so don't be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives.

Elizabeth has received a number of amateur writing awards. Since being published, several of her novels have received Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards. Jewel Cave was a runner-up in the Gay Mystery/Thriller category in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. Ringed Love was a winner in the Gay Fantasy Romance category of the 2016 Rainbow Awards.



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Giveaway + Blog Tour: The Spirit Key (Lock and Key #1) by Parker Williams

Welcome author Parker Williams who's here today promoting his new Dreamspinner Press release, The Spirit Key. Find out more about this paranormal romance by reading the exclusive excerpt below and be sure to enter in the giveaway for your chance to win a signed paperback of it too! Good luck!

Exclusive excerpt

“Scotty?”
“Hi, Mom.”
It took only another moment before we were hugging each other and both of us were crying. I was trying to find justification for leaving, and all my excuses were for shit. I left everything heaped on her shoulders and ran because I couldn’t handle things. Yes, I was young, and yes, I was scared, but what I did to her—to everyone—was unforgivable.
Tim was right—payback sucked.
“Where have you been? I was so worried.”
“Can we sit down?”
“Yes, yes! Of course.”
She guided me into the house. She’d redecorated, and it looked nice. She ushered me over to the couch, and we sat, her clutching my hand. “I missed you so much.”
“Missed you too, Mom.” The lump in my throat hurt to swallow around. “And I’m so very sorry for worrying you.”
She regarded me expectantly, and I knew I had to tell her something. It wouldn’t be the truth, though. I couldn’t do that to her, especially after everything I’d already put her through.
“I know, and I’m sorry. I went to Chicago for... help. I was so lost when I was at home, and I knew I was hurting you and Ryan, so I thought it would be better if I left. I know now that was a mistake on my part, and I’ll never be able to say I’m sorry enough.”
Her eyes were misty as she leaned in and hugged me again. “I’m sorry we couldn’t be enough to help you. You know I was going through my own problems. With your father leaving and trying to raise two boys.... Things just got to be too much for me. I started drinking and thought it dulled the pain, but it didn’t. Every morning when I woke up, the problems were still there.”
“We both needed help, and I should have been here for you.”
She scowled. “No. I mean, yes, I wish you had been here, but it wasn’t your job to help me. I had to choose to do it myself. And I did.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a coin that she handed to me. On the one side were two lions, and between them the words Wisdom, Courage, and Serenity. On the reverse was the motto “To Thine Own Self Be True,” and a triangle beneath with the words Unity, Service, Recovery.
I rubbed the coin between my fingers. “I’m glad you found someone to help you.”
“It wasn’t easy. The church group was too preachy for me, so I found a secular group who did the same thing but made me be strong for myself by helping others. I haven’t had a drop in four years.”
I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed hard. “I’m so proud of you, Mom.” She’d taken responsibility, gotten help, and was now helping others. I hid in Chicago, too fucking scared to have a life.
She bit her lip. “Did you get the help you needed?”
A deep sigh rolled out of me. “I thought I did, but I see now that it’s still a work in progress.”
“Your whole life you’ll be a work in progress.” She paused. “So you’re leaving again?” The pain in her voice was unmistakable.
“I have a job in Chicago, but I’m not going to vanish. Can I have your phone?”
She reached into her pocket and drew it out, then handed it to me. I programmed my number in, then called my phone so I would have hers.
“You look good, you know.”
Her cheeks pinked. “Thank you. So do you.”
We sat there for hours, with Mom telling me what she’d been up to. She was seeing a new man, and I couldn’t have been happier for her. And just when I thought things were going well, she dropped a bombshell on me.
“He has a gay son too.”
“He... what?”
“Has a gay son,” she repeated, looking at me like I’d grown a second head. “His name is Connor. He’s a sweet boy. You’d like him, I think. Though he’s not really your type.”
My head was spinning. “What do you mean?”
“I always saw you. Even when you thought I didn’t notice, I did. Maybe I was wrong for not telling you, but I hoped you’d come to me. Of course, I wasn’t the kind of mother who you’d want to tell that to, I guess.”
Oh fuck no. “Uh-uh, you can stop that right now. I didn’t run away because I was gay. I ran because.... Because I thought I needed to get help from a professional. My leaving had zero to do with you and nothing at all to do with being gay and.... How did you know?”
She chuckled. “The first place moms look for porn magazines is under the mattress. Boys have been hiding them there for a very long time. Though your brother was a little bit different. He used to hide his in a plastic bag that he velcroed to the underside of the lid of the toilet tank.”
My cheeks heated. “So you found...?”
“Yeah, I saw them. You have good taste in guys. I thought Simon Rex was a cutie. And, damn, that boy’s hung.”

I held up my hands to ward off the evil woman who had taken over my mother. “Oh my God, Mom! Never, ever say that to me again.”

Blurb:

Lock and Key: Book One

When he was eight years old, Scott Fogel died. Paramedics revived him, but he came back changed. Ghosts and spirits tormented Scott for over a decade until, thinking he was going mad, he did the only thing he could.

He ran—leaving behind his best friend, Tim Jennesee.

Scott’s had five normal, ghost-free years in Chicago, when the spirit of Tim’s mother comes to him and begs him to go home because Tim’s in trouble and needs him.

He isn’t prepared for what he finds when he goes home—a taller and sexier Tim, but a Tim who hasn’t forgiven Scott for abandoning him… a Tim whose body is no longer his own. The ghost of a serial murderer has attached itself to Tim, and it’s whispering dark and evil things. It wants Tim to kill, and it’s becoming harder for Tim to resist. To free the man who has always meant so much to him, Scott must unravel the mystery of the destiny he shares with Tim.


Pages, Words, or time (for audiobooks): 74,439 words

Book Categories: Ghosts/spirits/paranormal

Sales Links:

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Author bio:

Parker Williams began to write as a teen, but never showed his work to anyone. As he grew older, he drifted away from writing, but his love of the written word moved him to reading. A chance encounter with an author changed the course of his life as she encouraged him to never give up on a dream. With the help of some amazing friends, he rediscovered the joy of writing, thanks to a community of writers who have become his family.

Parker firmly believes in love, but is also of the opinion that anything worth having requires work and sacrifice (plus a little hurt and angst, too). The course of love is never a smooth one, and happily-ever-after always has a price tag.

Website
Twitter: @ParkerWAuthor
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Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Giveaway prize offered: Signed Paperback copy of The Spirit Key delivered anywhere in the world!

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Review: Ten by Tia Fielding

A Love by Numbers Story

Can two broken men build one life?

Ten years.

That’s what Makai lost for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s been exonerated, but the abuse he suffered in prison isn’t so easy to leave behind. He heads to the one place he remembers being happy: Acker, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with his grandpa. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Makai there.

Ten days.

That’s how long Emil, now twenty-one, was held prisoner as a teenager. The mental and physical injuries he suffered at the hands of a drug trafficking ring still haunt him.

Nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD challenge the connection forming between Makai and Emil, though together, they might find a way to move beyond their pain and into a future—and a relationship—that both had thought impossible.

Now they just have to convince Emil’s father, the town sheriff. It won’t be easy with danger closer than they know….

In a word, boring. I admit I was anticipating angst and/or emotionality given the blurb. I was looking to be gutted, but that didn't come to pass. What did come to pass was an extensive amount of mundane daily activities and a whole lot of naps.

Makai is new to town having been recently exonerated of a crime he didn't commit. Ten years and an untold number of traumas survived, he's surprisingly well adjusted and not at all bitter. He meets Emil who was once kidnapped and tortured and is skittish as a colt. Emil continues to struggle with his disorder mightily.

Thanks to a precocious gender fluid child named Joie the two cross paths a few times and shortly thereafter begin one of the most ordinary and prosaic relationships I've ever read. Their days are filled with running errands to the closest major city, shopping, Netflix, playing with the kittens, working on the various buildings on Makai's property, going for walks, lunching at the local deli, going to the grocery store, making and eating meals and visiting with the locals.

Then napping. Extensive napping. I'm not sure either one of these guys can go ten minutes of semi-strenuous activity without napping shortly thereafter.

Truth be told, I'm more than a little jealous of their lifestyle. Must be nice being independently wealthy or, in Emil's case, having a boyfriend that is.

Despite the monotonous nature of their relationship I didn't hate this book. It's not memorable in any way but it is a low angst read that features a quiet sort of romance between two men. The character development is sorely lacking but the relationship development was fair. The problem is, I saw them as friends rather than partners. There's no chemistry between them but they are refreshingly frank with each other.

Even though their relationship develops over several months I still had trouble reconciling Emil's seeming mental health transformation within the context of their relationship. Seemed a little too easy  to me.

I did like the cat, Joie and the fact that the author chose the slow burn trope for them considering their respective backgrounds which isn't delved into too deeply, if that's a drawback, more automaton recalling events that happened to someone else. However, it's a well known fact that I heart the angst and pain, so YMMV.

An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Rough Terrain (Out of Uniform #7) by Annabeth Albert

Celebrate the release of the final installment from the Out of Uniform series, Rough Terrain (Out of Uniform #7), with author Annabeth Albert and A Novel Take PR! Check out the character interview and teaser today! Enter in the Out of Uniform series giveaway!

“Sexy, sensitive, smart, and thoroughly researched, Annabeth Albert’s gay romances have rocketed to the top of my to-be-read pile. I’ve fallen as hard for her books as her heroes fall for each other.”
-Christopher Rice, New York Times Bestselling author of A DENSITY OF SOULS and the Burning Girl Series

"Rough Terrain was a delicious blend of cool Navy SEAL and sweet former drummer with a sprinkle of some of my favorite flavors like "fake boyfriend" and "trapped in a storm" mixed in. This story was both healing and heartwrenching in the very best ways. A strong finish to a definite auto-buy series. Strong recommend!"
-Lucy Lennox, bestselling author of the Made Marian and Forever Wilde series

ROUGH TERRAIN by Annabeth Albert

Series: Out of Uniform, #7 *Final book in the series*

Publisher: Carina Press (Harlequin)

Release Date (Print & Ebook):
eBook: Monday January 14, 2019
Print (mmp): Tuesday January 29, 2019

Length (Print & Ebook):
384 Pages

Subgenre:
Contemporary Romance, Male/Male Romance, Military Romance

Warnings (if any):
No content warnings needed. Hot fake relationship shenanigans dominate along with being trapped outdoors, but HEA for everything. No addictions/bdsm/deaths etc.



Links:
Harlequin (eBook): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488081347_rough-terrain.html
Harlequin (print): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335983732_rough-terrain.html
Harlequin (audio): https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335983732_rough-terrain.html
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rough-terrain-annabeth-albert/1129264753?ean=9781335983732
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rough-Terrain-Uniform-Annabeth-Albert/dp/1335983732/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Shorter: https://amzn.to/2FfZ9ZY
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/rough-terrain-2
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rough-terrain/id1424224874?mt=11
Google play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Annabeth_Albert_Rough_Terrain?id=nt5rDwAAQBAJ
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Rough-Terrain-Audiobook/1488205566

Synopsis:

The camping trip from hell may be the first stop on the road to happily-ever-after in Rough Terrain, the final book in Annabeth Albert’s critically acclaimed, fan-favorite Out of Uniform series.

Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi has a soft spot for Canaan Finley, and not only because the man makes a mean smoothie. He’s the first guy to get Renzo’s motor revving in a long time. But when he agrees to Canaan’s insane charade—one all-access fake boyfriend, coming right up—he never expects more than a fling.

Creating a hot Italian SEAL boyfriend to save face seemed like a good idea…until his friends called Canaan’s bluff. Now he’s setting off into the woods with the very man who inspired his deception, and Canaan is not the outdoorsy type. The sparks are already flying when a flash flood separates them from their group, leaving Renzo and Canaan very much trapped…very much alone in the wilderness.

Working together to come up with a plan for survival is sexier than either of them expects. But back in the real world, being a couple is bringing its own set of hazards…

Teaser

Maybe they were better off as buds. But telling himself that didn’t stop his brain from taking note of how Canaan looked digging into the soup. His lips parted, a sigh escaping, and his eyes went soft, happiness smoothing his features. The sound of pleasure he made at the first taste of the broth had Renzo shifting in his chair.
To distract himself, he asked Canaan all about his favorite foods while they ate, and he liked discovering that they had a lot in common with a taste for all things Asian, a dislike of beans, and a high tolerance for spicy foods. Hell, he liked just hanging with Canaan in general. He was fun and spontaneous and easy to be around.
The food was as good as Canaan had advertised—well worth the drive—spicy broth balanced with sweet barbecued pork, loads of delicious noodles, and crisp veggies. Heaven.
“Good thing this isn’t closer to base. I’d lose all my ab definition in a week,” he joked.
Canaan gave him an appraising stare that made Renzo’s face heat. “I don’t think you have much to worry about there.”
“Ha. You have no idea how hard I work for this body.”
“I think I speak for all your admiring fans when I say it is well appreciated.” Canaan gave him another of those looks that made Renzo think about sex again. Damn it. Just buds was hard.

Exclusive

Interviewing Canaan

Hi! Thank you so very much for having me today! I love this blog. I’m here celebrating the release of ROUGH TERRAIN which stars a big, sexy, Italian SEAL and a feisty smoothie barista who steals his heart. I thought instead of me telling you all about the book, I’d interview one of the heroes, let him tell you a little about himself. I picked Canaan because it’s his crush on Renzo, the SEAL, that really drives the first part of the book. And he’s fun to talk to!

Question One : You first appeared in the Out of Uniform series in ON POINT (Book Three) in THAT scene. The one everyone talked about. Did you know then that you wanted a book of your own?

Answer: Yeah, I secretly did. Everyone wrote me off as this twinky SEAL chaser, but there’s actually a lot more to me, and as I watched others get their HEA, I kept thinking “why not me?” I wasn’t sure I was ready for one yet, but then Rooster walked into the smoothie joint where I work, and the rest was history. I had to have him.

Question Two: You used to be in a band. But now you make smoothies. What happened?
Answer: Man, don’t go there. Leaving the band was one of the hardest choices of my life. And it was the right one, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it.

Question Three: So, I hear you need a boyfriend. Fast. Wanna tell us why?

Answer: Me and my big mouth. I might have told a former bandmate and ex-boyfriend that I was dating a SEAL. Then everything spiraled out of control. Now, I’ve got to produce a boyfriend but there’s only one SEAL I want for the job…

Question Four: What is it about Rooster that makes you crush so hard on him?

Answer: I hate to admit it, but at first it was all physical. I mean, have you seen the guy? He’s ripped, even by SEAL standards. Massive arms. Hot as fuck, the effort he’s put into his appearance. But I’m not completely superficial. He’s a nice guy, cares about his friends, good tipper, always lingers to talk with me while I make his drink. And he’s willing to try new things, which is sexy too. He makes me want to get to know him better.

Question Five: Tent sex. Good idea or best idea ever?

Answer: I’m in favor. But then again, I’m in favor of just about everything where Renzo’s concerned. I’d give up a lot of creature comforts for the chance to make-out with him. Hard ground? Cold air? Flimsy sleeping bags? Bring. It. On. As long as he’s coming too, that is.

Bonus Question: Was the journey you go through over the course of the book worth it?

Answer: You’re an evil, evil author. But yes. Absolutely. No spoilers, of course, but totally, completely worth it.

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this little peek at Canaan and that you check out ROUGH TERRAIN! Thank you again for having me!

About Annabeth Albert:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series include the #OutOfUniform, #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat, #RainbowCove and #PerfectHarmony series.

To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Connect with Annabeth Albert:
Website: http://annabethalbert.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477494.Annabeth_Albert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annabethalbert
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbertauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabeth_albert/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv
Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/

Giveaway information:

Prizes:
1) Paperback copy of any back catalog Out of Uniform series book. Open Internationally.
2) e-copies of any back catalog Out of Uniform series book. Open Internationally.

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Virtual Book Tour + Giveaway: Perfect Match by A.G. Meiers

The Perfect Match blog tour visits Boy Meets Boy Reviews! Author A.G. Meiers and Riptide Publishing drop by to promote the new romantic release. Comment on today's blog post to enter to win a $20 Riptide gift card!

About Perfect Match

Secrets can derail even the most powerful attraction.

Logger Sven Larson has never found a man worth publicly coming out of the closet for. But his family has other plans. As a thirtieth birthday gift, his mother hires the online dating service Perfect Match to find Sven the love of his life. To say Sven isn't thrilled is an understatement, but it's too late to cancel, and Jayden Calver arrives.

Perfect Match's success rate is unsurpassed, but they don't come by it honestly: if a client can't be matched, the agency uses a stand-in to fulfil their guarantee and protect their profit.

Tough luck has left Jayden in debt, and playing Perfect Match's deceptive game is his only option. So he travels — sparkling toenails and all — to a remote camp deep in the mountains to meet Sven Larson and pretend to be his perfect match for a few days.

Sparks fly on first contact. But as the two men get closer, Sven grows more and more suspicious of Jayden, and Jayden struggles with guilt over his deceit. They both want a future together, but first they must find the courage to be honest with themselves and each other.

Now available from Riptide Publishing!

About AG Meiers

Eighteen years ago, AG Meiers came to the US for adventure and stayed for love. Currently, she lives in New England with her husband and two awesome kids—balancing work, friends and family, and writing.

When she has some free time, her favorite thing to do is travel and visit new places. Her past trips have already brought her to a variety of countries on four continents. She never passes up an opportunity to experience different cultures, diverse people and amazing locations.

Even though she has been dreaming up stories all her life, she has only recently started to write them down and share them with the world. As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after.

Connect with AG Meiers:
https://www.agmeiers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ag.meiers.1

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Perfect Match one lucky person will win a $20 Riptide Publishing gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on January 18, 2019. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Valor (Until You #4) by Karrie Roman

Author Karrie Roman and IndiGo Marketing celebrate the release of Valor (Until You #4)! Learn more about the contemporary romance and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title: Valor

Series: Until You, Book 4

Author: Karrie Roman

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: January 14, 2019

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 85800

Genre: Contemporary, law enforcement, shark photographer, kidnapping, attempted murder, older MC

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Synopsis

Years ago Asher Winsome almost lost his life in the jaws of a great white shark. It was the scariest moment of his life—until his four-year-old nephew is kidnapped. Called home to be with his family, who see him as the black sheep, Asher must rely on every bit of his courage if he’s going to help get his nephew back. But this is not an ordinary kidnapping. And the outcome will leave Asher running for his life.

Former FBI agent Alec Banner buries himself in his work to forget everything that’s missing in his life. His job, at a private company run by an old friend, locating missing children can be tough and brutal, but Alec is no stranger to working with the worst of humanity. From the minute he’s called to help on the Winsome kidnapping he knows something is different.

Thrown together under such difficult circumstances Asher and Alec are drawn to each other’s unrelenting courage even in the face of their fears. But a relationship begun under such impossible stress can’t survive. When his job is finished Alec runs from Asher and his growing feelings, but the danger hasn’t passed, in fact it has only just begun. And both men will need to be brave if they are to survive.

Excerpt

Valor
Karrie Roman © 2019
All Rights Reserved

Prologue
Jesus Christ, he couldn’t get out of that happy, fucking home quick enough. The fact he’d put a bullet between the eyes of an abusive monster less than twenty-four hours ago wasn’t what had Alec Banner’s heart aching, his breath stuttering, and his legs itching to run. No, he’d had little trouble doing that.

What had him fleeing from the company of a man he considered his best friend, and three other men who’d become very important to him, had been all the fucking love wafting around the room—infecting everyone but him.

Alec had been friends with Ben Cronin for well over a decade. Though they’d lost contact for a few years, they’d reconnected close to a year ago. These days, he spent plenty of time with Ben. They’d been working together for several months now, locating missing and abducted children. Working at Chasing Hope was grueling, but very rewarding. Alec didn’t regret leaving the FBI to join Ben’s company at all.

It wasn’t Ben he was fleeing, though. Nor was it Ben’s partner. Ethan was a fucking dreamboat, but Ben was the lucky asshole who’d snagged his heart. Alec had no problem admitting he had a tiny crush on Ethan. Would it ever cause trouble between him and Ben? Fuck no, because no matter what, there was no way Alec would ever do anything about it. Alec Banner had a lot of faults, but disloyalty wasn’t one of them. He’d pine away for Ethan like a miserable bastard until he—hopefully—found a dreamboat of his own to love.

No, despite his messy feelings, the reason Alec was fleeing Ben’s brother’s house before he completely fucking lost it was because he couldn’t stand to see how happy the two couples there were. He’d witnessed the love between Ben and Ethan for months, and despite them going through a really rough time, they’d been going through it together. Alec had seen firsthand what it should be like to have a real partner. Someone to love, to care about. Someone who’d have your back no matter what.

Instead, he was expected to fucking sit back and watch how happy Ben’s brother, Cameron, and his lover, Zach, were? He couldn’t do it. Selfish maybe, but he was nearly forty years old and he’d had one boyfriend who’d lasted six months and a nine-month relationship with a woman, which had been explosive but ultimately fizzled out because she wouldn’t walk down the aisle with him. Her refusal had hurt like hell at the time, but looking back on it, years later, he was so glad Heather had rejected him. He was pretty sure he’d be a divorced father of three by now if she hadn’t.

Here was Zach, who was twenty-fucking-two and had found the love of his life in Cameron, and try as he might, Alec couldn’t shake the jealousy. He wanted that; he wanted what those men had.

There was only one thing Alec knew of to help when life went to shit, and that was work. He never turned to the bottle or eating his feelings when he was miserable, like some people did. Alec’s choice of pick-me-up was to tuck his head down and his ass up and get stuck into as much work as possible.

He pulled out his phone and thumbed through his contacts. Ryan Lowe was near the top of his list. Ryan was the brains and bank behind Chasing Hope, the company Alec worked for locating missing kids. Ryan had told Alec earlier he may have a job for him, and as he hit the call button he hoped to god Ryan did. Alec desperately needed something to keep him busy.

“Alec, how’d it go?” Ryan answered without preamble.

Alec knew Ryan would have heard from Ben or Ethan that they’d rescued Zach from Cameron’s crazy ex, but he wasn’t exactly sure if they’d have told him how far they’d gone, so he offered only a concise answer. “Good. All done. What else have you got for me?”

“Well, I’m sure we’ve got a case, but I’m waiting to hear back. I’ve already got Jacey putting a file together for you. Little boy, four, was taken this morning from his local park. The family is affluent and well-known in their community. The mother is certain there’ll be a ransom demand. She wants the cops called, but she’s getting pushback from her husband and the in-laws. I think you should head out to them ASAP, see what you think and be ready to act.”

His phone beeped as Ryan spoke, likely to signal the arrival of the file from Jacey. She was an absolute genius with technology, and he expected she’d have provided him with information, not only about the immediate family but the extended one, including friends, staff, and coworkers. Knowing Jacey, he’d even get information on the people the parents went to kindergarten with. She’d have dug up whatever dirt there was to find in a short amount of time, and no doubt she’d already be digging through old data to find even more.

“Got it. Where am I headed?”

“Del Mar. Get a flight to San Diego. I’ll get a hotel booked for you in Del Mar and text the details.”

“On my way.”

“Hey…you okay, Alec?”

Ryan was a sweetheart, tender and caring and far too innocent for this line of work. And yet he’d dragged himself into the misery of missing kids because he wanted to help—and found himself in a position where he could. He was one of the good guys, but Alec worried how it would all affect him. Alec had been dealing with scum for years; he knew the horror stories, and he’d hardened his heart to them, but Ryan? Alec worried about him.

“Tired, that’s all. I’m fine, Ryan, but thanks for caring.”

They exchanged a few niceties regarding Ryan and his partner, Lucas. Alec repeated several more times that he was, in fact, all right, despite the events of the past twenty-four hours, when Ryan asked before hanging up.

Alec made his way to the airport and settled in to wait for his flight. Getting in and out of Cody, Wyoming, wasn’t always easy. He didn’t mind curling up on one of the uncomfortable chairs common to most airports while he waited, though. He pulled out his tablet and opened the file Jacey had sent him.

The Winsome family of Del Mar wasn’t simply affluent, they were filthy fucking rich. The patriarch was one Edmund Winsome, who was a founding partner of one of the biggest law firms in Southern California. Matriarch Phyllis Winsome had brought her family’s considerable wealth to the marriage and together they had built a formidable empire for their two sons. From the images Jacey sent, they were an austere-looking couple who screamed wealth from every perfectly coiffed hair on their heads.

Oldest son—and father of the missing boy—Kane Winsome worked for his father’s firm. He hadn’t quite made partner yet, but from what Alec read, he was well on his way. Alec found the photo Jacey had sent and studied the image of Kane Winsome. He was a younger version of his father. Light-brown hair was cut to within an inch of its life and was gelled into what was probably the latest style, steel-gray eyes glared at the lens, and thin lips pursed to show their impatience with whomever had taken the photo. Alec tried not to judge a book by its cover, but if he had to, then the title would be Pride and Prejudice. A more modern day Fitzwilliam Darcy he couldn’t imagine finding.

Kane’s wife, Madeline, came from a wealthy family herself, though not on the scale of the Winsome’s wealth. She worked as a florist and could not look more opposite to her husband if she tried. She had a mane of flowing, dark, almost black hair that perfectly matched her dark skin. Her eyes were a deep brown but were lit by what Alec suspected was her natural joie de vivre. It was hard to tell from a photo, but she looked petite. Alec had no doubt she would be a lioness, though, when it came to her loved ones. While her husband glared and pouted at the camera, Madeline Winsome laughed and flirted with it.

He scrolled to another image—this one of Kane and Madeline together each holding hands with a toddling child he assumed to be the missing Jack. The photo must be at least a year old given that Jack was now four. The family looked—happy. Gone was Kane’s stern face, replaced with a beaming smile, his gaze fixed on his son. Madeline looked the same as in the solo photo as she, too, stared at her son. The little boy was adorable. His smile matched his parents’ as he seemed to be frozen in an attempt to take an ungainly step. The photo captured more than a simple image of family—it portrayed love, purely and simply.

Alec would read the file more thoroughly on the plane and over the days to come, but for now, he only wanted to get a feel for this family. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the hell they must be going through.

Movement around him alerted him to the fact that his flight was boarding. Alec took his place in line, greeting the staff politely as always. He was a firm believer in catching more flies with honey than vinegar, and a pleasant exchange with airline staff had him either sitting in an exit row or with an extra beverage more times than he cared to remember.

He made his way to his seat, delighted to see an almost empty flight. With luck, the two seats beside him would remain vacant so he might be able to get a couple of hours sleep. He settled in and took another look at the files while he waited for takeoff.

Next in the file was the second son, Kane’s brother. As Alec skimmed his bio, he realized instantly that Asher Winsome was the black sheep of the family. He too had studied law, as his father and brother had, but Asher’s most recent job was listed as marine photographer, location—varied. Interesting.

Alec scrolled to the attached photograph, his eyes popping like some kind of cartoon character. Jesus Christ, he’d never seen anyone more gorgeous. Asher Winsome was drop-dead stunning. The photo wasn’t even a good one, so he could only imagine how devastating the man would be in real life. His hair was a few shades darker than his brother’s, and he wore it long, just scraping his shoulders. His gray eyes were lighter than Kane’s. Alec couldn’t wait to see them in person to find out if they were as silver as they appeared in the photo. His smile was crooked and shy; his entire demeanor coy. Alec was insanely jealous of whoever had taken the photo and coaxed that look out of the man.

He knew he’d sat there staring too long when the flight attendant had to actually tap his arm to get him to prepare for takeoff. He shut down his tablet and fastened his seat belt. He leaned his head against the fuselage, letting his eyes drift shut. Glimmering gray eyes and a crooked smile followed him into sleep.

Purchase

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Meet the Author

Karrie lives in Australia’s sunshine state with her husband and two sons, though she hates the sun with a passion. She dreams of one day living in the wettest and coldest habitable place she can find. She has been writing stories in her head for years but has finally managed to pull the words out of her head and share them with others. She spends her days trying to type her stories on the computer without disturbing her beloved cat Lu curled up on the keyboard. She probably reads far too much.

Website | Twitter

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