Giveaway + Release Blitz: Redeem (Under My Skin #4) by Christina Lee

Welcome author Christina Lee and Vibrant Promotions who are keeping the release party going for Redeem (Under My Skin #4)! Find out more about the contemporary romance, read an excerpt and enter the in the giveaway for a $20 Amazon gift card! Good luck!

Redeem

Under My Skin Series, Book 4

Christina Lee

M/M Romance

Release Date: 02.28.19

Cover artist: Kanaxa

BLURB

Successful financial analyst Michael Walsh leads a picture-perfect life that anyone would envy—unless they caught a glimpse beneath the surface. Haunted by failed relationships and self-doubt, Michael harbors a soul-deep loneliness that no number of casual hookups can fulfill. So why can’t he stop thinking about his New Year’s fling with a man whose quiet desperation matches his own?

Barista Stewart Jenkins has an abysmal track record with relationships, and no matter how hard he tries to keep things tightly under wraps, his life is spinning out of control. His hookup with the gorgeous Michael was only supposed to be sex—hot, dirty, and uncomplicated—but that small taste leaves him desperate for more.

Every no-strings encounter that follows between Michael and Stewart peels away more layers, blurring the lines between them, until they’re left with a raw tenderness and acceptance they’re both urgently craving. A relationship absolutely wouldn’t work on paper; they come from drastically different lives and are plagued by inexcusable sins. All that vulnerability is sure to reveal old wounds, and forgiveness seems so far out of reach unless they can find a way around their fears on the road to redemption.

Goodreads

EXCERPT

“Ah, hell, that’s good,” I gasped as he stroked upward while simultaneously sucking on my neck. I probably should’ve protested because he was sure to leave a bruise, but I couldn’t find it in me to care. Besides, it would be a marker of this night. Like a sexy brand.

His breaths grew heavier, and his chest rumbled in deep pleasure as he jerked sloppily against me. His hand stayed firm and tight on my cock even as he drew back and shuddered out his release. The sound was so sensual that my orgasm slammed through me at nearly the same time.

“Holy fuck.” My body grew limp as my come spilled over his hand and onto the floor. I shut my eyes and kept my head anchored against the wall as he released his grip and my shaft pulsed in response.

The quiet in the room grew deafening—the only sound our breaths and the muted noises of the crowd outside the door.

“You got a name?” I didn’t know why I said it out loud. It was only a fleeting thought through my mottled brain.

“Why the fuck does it matter?” he replied as the sound of his zipper cut through the echoing silence. “Not like I’ll ever see you again.”

“Dunno.” My cheeks flushed red, so I kept my head buried in my arm. “Maybe when I yank on my cock later, replaying this scene in my head, I can call you something.”

He didn’t respond. I heard him straightening his clothes and then pulling a few paper towels, which he forced into my hand. “Michael,” he mumbled against my ear.

And then he was gone.

Once upon a time, I lived in New York City and was a wardrobe stylist. I spent my days shopping for photo shoots, getting into cabs, eating amazing food, and drinking coffee at my favorite hangouts.

Now I live in the Midwest with my husband and son—my two favorite guys. I've been a clinical social worker and a special education teacher. But it wasn't until I wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper that I realized I could turn the fairytales inside my head into the reality of writing fiction.

I write Adult, New Adult, and M/M Contemporary Romance. I'm addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. I believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

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

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Website: www.christinalee.net

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Audiobook Review: Tracker Hacker (Codename: Winger #1) by Jeff Adams

Theo Reese is just an average high school student with a passion for hockey and an uncanny talent when it comes to computers… at least on the surface.

What his teammates, fellow students, and even his boyfriend don’t realize is that Theo leads a double life. When he’s not putting up his facade of normal, Theo is working as an agent for Tactical Operational Support, where his technical genius is more than just a hobby. At sixteen he is responsible for helping agents in the field and keeping the TOS network secure.

It’s a secret he has to keep—from everyone.

But secrecy becomes even harder when a hacker compromises the system TOS uses to track its agents and Theo’s dad goes missing. Theo must find him and stop the hacker, which means leaving the comfort of his computer screen and venturing into a very real and very deadly world.

And if that’s not enough to deal with, all the secrecy is really putting a strain on Theo’s love life.

Narrated by: John Solo
Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins

Pretty much all the points goes towards this being a great LGBT-YA story about 16 year old computer genius Theo, who along with his parents, fights the good fight working as a top secret agent.

Theo’s like any other teenager. He plays sports, hates math, and has a part time job. He even has a boyfriend, and it was refreshing that this was not once an issue which is probably, sadly unrealistic. Regardless, this was simply an example of what teen life is - balancing responsibilities, suffering through growing pains, and making tough decisions - just with the added bonus of keeping secrets and coming face to face with life or death situations.

Narrated by John Solo, this perhaps wasn’t the best choice. I have no problem with Solo and have enjoyed his performances in the past, but his voice is a far cry from a teenager and maybe in his enthusiasm to bring a more youthful vibe, I found many of his other character voices over the top. However, said enthusiasm did bring a lively vibe to the bite-your-nails situations that Theo finds himself in, and I sorta kinda forgot to be distracted by the incongruous narration.

One might have to suspend belief too, that a 16 year old is the top IT person at supposedly, a covert secret agency whose sole purpose is to do the tough jobs other governments can’t do. When another faction is in direct conflict with Theo’s employer and hacks into their system, it puts all of their agents in danger, and it’s Theo who has to decide whether or not to move his support status to full operational mode. To add to the stakes, Theo’s dad is one of the very agents in danger.

Overall, easy listening and an easy story to enjoy with again, the above reasons just for being representative. That, in and of itself, is enough to bring me back for more!

A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway + Release Blitz: Touch of a Yellow Sun (Colors Of Love #2) by V.L. Locey

Celebrate the release of Touch of a Yellow Sun (Colors of Love #2) with author V.L. Locey and Signal Boost Promotions. Find out more about the sports romance and enter in the giveaway for an e-copy of Lost in Indigo (Colors of Love #1)! Good luck!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Length: 88,600 words approx.

Colors Of Love Series

Book #1 - Lost In Indigo - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

It's been a rough couple of years for Marek Hafer, roaming hockey protagonist and pugilistic expert. Ending up in Berger Lake, Pennsylvania, on a financially unstable minor league team might just be the ending his wretched career deserves. On the other side of thirty, Marek knows his time on skates is dwindling. His goal now is to spend a few quiet years playing for the Berger Lake Badgers, knock a few helmets together as needed, and then call it quits before his salty personality gets him booted out of hockey permanently.


After a bloody encounter his first night on the ice, the Badgers coach suggests that Marek find a way to lower his violent tendencies before he’s sent packing yet again. That decree leads Marek to knock on the door of his next-door neighbor, Shey Pierson, the owner of Sun Touch Yoga Studio. Shey ticks every box Marek has with his soft blue eyes, flowing golden hair, and long limber legs. The only problem is that Shey is yin to Marek’s yang.


Can a man famed for throwing punches find serenity in the arms of a man known for his tranquil ways?

USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, 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, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.


When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

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Audiobook Review: The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1) by Victoria Sue

The Kingdom of Askara has been torn apart by conflict for centuries, where humans exist as subservient beings to their werewolf masters. Legend says it will only be able to heal itself when an Alpha King and a pure omega are mated and crowned together, but a pure omega hasn’t been born in over a thousand years.

Luca is an Alpha-heir eagerly awaiting the choosing ceremony on his twenty-fifth birthday and the gifts granted by whichever omega he mates. His small pack is destitute due to the decisions of its ruling council, but being only an Alpha-heir, he has no authority to challenge them. Not until now—this moment he has waited a long time for.
Kit grew up as a street-rat, an unlicensed human who would never be more than a slave for whichever master owns him. Then one day he came across a young Alpha-heir, attacked and dying of poison, and found out their fates were suddenly entwined.

Luca needs to take over his pack and save his people. He cannot afford to be distracted. But when he meets Kit, he develops abilities indicating he is not just a pack Alpha, but the King his world has needed for a thousand years.

Is Kit really the cause of Luca’s newfound power, the true mate he needs? How is it possible when the young man isn’t even a werewolf, and as merely a human, a mating is not only forbidden, but for Kit, a sentence of death? (WARNING -Contains MPreg)

Listening Length: 8hrs 15mins
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Okay.

Here's the thing.

I rarely have issues with my audio book choices due to screening the samples prior to even buying anything. And even if the book sounds like it would be a match made in heaven for me, if the narrator doesn't mesh in that sample for me, it's a no-go for me.

With Joel Leslie as a narrator to this fantasy/ paranormal romance, it was a match made in heaven! I'm not a audio book OG like some but I'm not quite a newb? I know what I like and this narrator and his penchant for drama and multiple voices just works, especially for this genre.

The premise of Victoria Sue's The Alpha King is a lot of SRAL winning topics: alpha/omega dynamics, KNOTTING, destined/fated mates and cool world building.

At twenty, human Kit has had such a rough life, it's a surprise he's still alive. But he always knew he had a bigger purpose in life... Luca. Beaten, starved and worked to the bone, Kit knew he had to hold on to help change the world. Werewolf Luca didn't have it easy either. At twenty-five he's already had family betrayal and an assassination attempt to deal with. He has to participate in an antquated werewolf mating system to try to regain a hold over his family's pack. He didn't see Kit coming. And after seeing him that night, he didn't want to see anything else.

The story? The story swim in the 4- 4.5 Heart side of the pool. The couple did have communication issues (I don't mind that theme as long as it gets resolved and appropriate groveling ensues) It did mostly. It cracked me up a little when even Kit stated he and Luca needed to learn to communicate.

Luca was overprotective and he did do one major bonehead move *cough*the tournament*cough* where I feel Kit definitely should have made Luca beg more. And Kit proved time and time again he could predict things and get premonitions (of sorts), why was he ignored by Luca? Argh, it was frustrating!

But they seem to get their shit together in the end. I hope it remains so for the future.

I also wished we got to see more cunning from Kit when presented with difficulties, only because for someone who was a "guttersnipe" and had a hard life... I had trouble believing some of his softer reactions.

Other those those hiccups, the story entertains and Sue definitely knows how to keep the story turning. I'm clearly on a Victoria Sue kick and I'm not tired yet.

The narration? Joel Leslie narrating fantasy is definitely his wheelhouse! 5 HEARTS all the way!

He breathes life into characters, to the point where I'm actually thinking about the audio after it is over.  Need another example of Leslie's excellent fantasy narration skills (see Lord Mouse) I could write sonnets on why Leslie won with that book.

I loved Kit so much as a character. And I really like the direction Leslie went with him. Also, Leslie's penchant for different voices added another cool element. I kept wondering on what accent would be present as new characters and territories were introduced.

Just a total audio pleasure to listen to.

Sue and Leslie are a great match. I already purchased the next audio, The Alpha Heir once I saw Leslie was narrating. I can't wait to get my earbuds prepared for more of Askara!

The average is around 4.5 - 4.75 but once again, Leslie's narration elevated a strong story, I can't rate the audio anything other than a 5.

Review: Heated Rivalry (Game Changers #2) by Rachel Reid

Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…

True story. I read the first book in this series AFTER I read the blurb for this one. 

One might say a solid case could be made for me having a "problem" with the enemies to lovers trope based on this information so... let's just keep it between us, k?

Ilya Rozanov was introduced in Game Changer but this could easily be read as a standalone. I liked the first book fine but I LOVED this one. Ilya and his bear tattoo having "for Russia!" ass shot to the top of my most favorite characters ever list. In the dictionary next to the word "cocky" should be his picture with his devil may care smirk. He knows how great he is and is more than willing to let you know too.

Gawd, I loved him! The whole book had me strung out on snark, feels and swooniness. And it showed. On my face. In the form of a dopey grin.

Straitlaced, do-gooder Shane Hollander is Ilya's arch rival. They are complete opposites excepting hockey. Both are at the top of the NHL food chain and constantly competing. In all things. Their constant smack talking and competitive natures was sports romance gold. Even when the L word became part of their vernacular they were still razzing each other and it was fantastic!

I adored them both. I liked the contrasts in them personality-wise and enjoyed watching both evolve as they realistically moved from super casual to friends with benefits to more over the course of nine/ten years. Ilya is confident in his bisexuality and experienced whereas Shane is still trying to figure it out and inexperienced with men. Shane's sexual discovery felt organic and I appreciated Rose's characterization and positivity so much.

Even though the NHL revels in highlighting their rivalry and differences, they have no issues between the sheets. A couple of scenes... JAYSUS! Have I mentioned how much I love it when they beg? Shane turns out to be quite the bottom. Bless him.

Reid did a great job of gradually building their backstories and showing their connection. They have fun and laugh which I find appealing and I was delighted that it continued throughout the story. Their banter had me doing that weird half bark, half laugh thing that's guaranteed to make strangers look at you like you've lost your damn mind.

Tis true, there's not much I like better than sports romance. But then to add in an enemies to lovers trope, comedy, sexiness that blew my doors off and top it off with a heaping dollop of squishy marshmallowness?

The only thing missing was an age difference which likely would've caused me to burst into a cloud of marshmallow floof, glitter and bubbles so... I think we all dodged a bullet there. #messy

I usually like to close with recommending the book to people, but in lieu of that I will say I like my sleep. Rarely does a book come along that interferes with it but this one did. I couldn't wait to be back in the Ilya/Shane bublé, so I stayed up late and woke early. I also seldom want to start a book over immediately upon finishing it and I'm still tempted to jump back in this bublé.

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

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Helix by Anna Martin

Help author Anna Martin along with Signal Boost Promotions celebrate the release of her latest Dreamspinner Press contemporary romance, Helix! Find out more about below and enter in the giveaway for a backlist ebook from the author!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner

Length: 61,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Blurb

When high school student James has trouble with his truck, Dylan, who is studying to be a mechanic, comes to the rescue. James thinks he hides his immediate attraction well, but is happy to be wrong when Dylan asks for his number. Since James is new to romance, they take things slowly, and because Dylan is in college, James keeps the budding relationship secret from his overprotective dad.


Across town, Mark, a teacher and single father to James and his sister, Frankie, meets Steve at a bar for what both believe will be a quick hookup. Mark doesn’t see any reason to tell his kids about Steve or press Steve for details about Steve’s adopted son…. It’s just sex between them. Isn’t it?


Two very different love stories grow side by side, each hidden from the other. But all of that changes at a family barbecue, when Mark decides it’s time for his kids to meet Steve and for him to meet James’s boyfriend, who none of them realize is Steve’s son, Dylan. The inevitable explosion means the two couples have some explaining to do to soothe the hurt feelings of their families—and lovers.

Author Bio

Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the southwest of England and now lives in the Bristol, a city that embraces her love for the arts. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.


Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, Anna is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theater (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), going to visit friends in other countries, and reading anything thatís put under her nose.


Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, prereading, and creative ass kicking provided by her best friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept responsibility for anything Anna has written.


https://www.annamartin-fiction.com/

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Audio Release Blitz + Giveaway: Out in the Offense (Out in College #3) by Lane Hayes

Author Lane Hayes and IndiGo Marketing host today's release blitz to celebrate the Michael Pauley narrated audio release, Out in the Offense (Out in College #3)! Learn more about the new adult romance and enter in the $25 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Now Available in Audio!

Title: Out in the Offense

Series: Out in College #3

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Narrated by: Michael Pauley

Original Release Date: January 10, 2019

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins

Genre: Romance, New Adult, Bisexual, College romance, Football, Coming out

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Synopsis

Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.

Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him. When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.

Excerpt

"Can I do anything to help?” I asked, setting my backpack on one of the two barstools at the narrow counter space.

“Nope. As soon as the veggies are sautéed, we’ll be ready to eat. Want something to drink?”

“Yes, please. Water is fine. Where’s Buttons?”

Rory pulled a water bottle from the small fridge behind him and handed it over, then pointed at a basket next to the sofa.

“She’s hiding behind that basket. She’ll make an appearance if she decides you’re worthy. In the meantime, there’s bread in that basket on the counter next to your bag. Help yourself. I’ll bring dinner out.”

I thanked him, then twisted the cap from the water bottle and took a generous sip before rounding the corner in search of the bread. I was ravenous. I bit into the baguette with gusto before turning to check out my surroundings.

Rory’s apartment was tiny. Probably half the size of mine and much older. But unlike the rough exterior, it was…pleasant. Surprisingly so. A short wall delineated the narrow kitchen from the main living area. There was just enough room for a sofa, an ottoman, a TV console, and a smallish television. Two barstools were tucked under the small peninsula by the cut-out in the kitchen wall. The palette was basic “dude”…dark leather against stark white walls, though a large red throw rug anchored the room and provided a nice splash of color. It was simple—but tidy and very clean.

“Your place is cool,” I commented when he entered the room, carrying two plates and a large bowl.

“Thanks. Let’s sit on the sofa. We have more room to eat there,” he said decisively as he set his burden on the coffee table. “Help yourself. I’ll get some forks, napkins, and extra veggies.”

I obeyed and quickly got to work, scooping chicken fettucine Alfredo onto both plates. Rory joined me a minute later, handing over the silverware before taking a seat next to me. I shot a bashful sideways glance at him as I reached for a napkin.

“Do you eat like this every night?”

“It’s really nothing special. I make sauces in bulk and freeze them. Then it’s just a matter of adding protein and veggies. By the way, this Alfredo is a healthy version. If you want to drown it in parmesan, feel free. I won’t be offended. Cheers.” He tapped his water bottle against mine and winked.

“Cheers. And thanks again. This is incredible and very unexpected.” I smiled as I twisted the pasta around my fork.

“You’re welcome. You sounded anxious, but you said we’re cool. Are we?”

“Of course.”

Rory tilted his head and shot me a challenging look. “Then kiss me.”

“Um…now?”

“Yeah, now. The other night could have been a fluke. Instead of wondering, let’s get it over with. One kiss should be enough to tell. C’mere,” he commanded, leaning sideways.

I set my fork down and met him halfway until our noses brushed. Then I waited for him to make the next move. He stayed stubbornly still. When I couldn’t stand the growing tension, I pressed my lips to his. And wow…amazing.

Rory was a great kisser. He had the simple art of give-and-take down to a science. He molded his mouth to mine and gently pushed his tongue inside. The connection was sweet but bold. It was more about discovery than possession. I hummed as I snaked my arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He sucked my tongue, then bit my bottom lip playfully before pulling back.

“Definitely not a fluke," he said with a devilish grin.

Listen to an Excerpt & Purchase at Audible

Meet the Author

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and won First Prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

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Meet the Narrator

Michael has well over 50 audio book titles currently available for purchase on Audible.com. He is versed in multiple styles and genres including fiction (novels and short stories) ranging from romance to science fiction to crime dramas to thrillers; business strategy books; health and wellness books; and even an occasional children's book.

Fans of Michael's narration are welcome to follow him on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud.

If you are interested in working with Michael to produce your next audio book, you can contact him directly at voice@michaelpauley.info

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Echoes by L.A. Ashton

Celebrate the release of Echoes with author L.A. Ashton and IndiGo Marketing! Learn more about the paranormal romance and enter in the $10 NineStar Press credit giveaway!

Title: Echoes

Author: L.A. Ashton

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: February 25, 2019

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 78500

Genre: Paranormal, LGBT, Vampires, werewolves, paranormal, romance, friends to lovers, immortal, reunion, Viking

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Synopsis

After one thousand years of listless eternity, Oskar is used to his particular brand of loneliness. But a long walk through Middle America and a few chance encounters will lead him straight to a man he’d known to be long since dead―his childhood best friend, Aranck.

Being undead hasn’t stopped Aran from living life to the fullest. He has all the money and power his charm and business savvy could earn him, and plenty of friends. Lately, though, something seems to be missing. After a millennium, perhaps the world’s shine has worn off—and that’s when Oskar stumbles back into his life, reminding him of who he used to be.

Together the two vampires remember what it felt like to live, all the while navigating a conflict with the local pack of werewolves. A lot has changed in a thousand years, and only time will tell if those changes will bring Oskar and Aranck closer together, or ensure they remain apart.

Join NineStar Press Authors Alex Harrow, L. A. Ashton, and Tash McAdam on FACEBOOK for a virtual launch party of their releases, EMPIRE OF LIGHT, ECHOES, and WE ARE THE CATALYST!

Find the party HERE. The event is February 25th from 8-10 PM CST, but feel free to drop by and stay as long as you wish!

For more info on each author and their books, visit:

EMPIRE OF LIGHT by Alex Harrow
ECHOES by L.A. Ashton
WE ARE THE CATALYST by Tash McAdam

Stop by for exclusive snippets, character takeovers, prizes, and swag!

Excerpt

Echoes
L.A. Ashton © 2019
All Rights Reserved

Prologue
Ana’s eyes opened, unseeing. Her limbs were heavy, anchored to the floor by her own weakness and fatigue. And yet, she was alive.

That confused her.

The rough punctures of a bite burned at her neck. Blood dripped slowly from the wound, traveling the few short inches from her throat to the hardwood. Everything else felt fine; no broken limbs, no gashes or extraneous injuries. Her head rang, a high trill in the dark―perhaps a minor concussion sustained while collapsing.

The room smelled like blood, wolves, and a bit of spilled beer. But shapes were still hazy black masses in dim red lighting, and even with her superior sight, she couldn’t discern foreground and background, solid artifacts and darkness.

She closed her eyes. What would be more useful to grasp first, memory or sight? She could recall vague things: the laughter of her brother beside her as he beat them at another hand of poker, the limited light of the room, and the shuffle of cards against skin. Then there was…

She tipped her head, pressing her cheek against the coolness of the floor.

A vampire. A vampire had charged into the bar―their bar―and attacked.

After all the work she and Jackson had done, after all the effort they’d put into pack and vampire relations…

She opened her eyes again. There was movement, slow and deliberate as if the person wasn’t entirely coherent. She could barely see her packmates around her. Four of them were strewn about the floor, unmoving. They were alive, though, and that confused her as well. Their heartbeats and breaths filtered into her range of hearing as her mind cleared, and she could see the steady rise and fall of her brother’s chest.

Why would a vampire attack them? No―why would a vampire attack them and leave them alive?

She attempted to track the motion. There was a figure moving above them, heavy boots clomping against the floor. She looked toward their face and they paused, gazing down at her with a face swathed in shadow.

Her focus was bleary. She wouldn’t have been able to make out their features even if they’d looked at her full-on, dead in the eyes. They were all outlines… short or close-cropped hair… average height…

They had no heartbeat.

Her lips parted. She wanted to ask them why. Here lay five of her pack, drained to the point of immobility but not death. They would heal fast, as werewolves do, and they would track this assailant, as werewolves do. And then, without trial, they would kill them.

What kind of fool are you?

But she didn’t ask; her mouth was too dry and her body too slow, and by the time her mind had formed a proper question, the vampire was walking toward the entrance. The door opened up―a single rectangle of blue-black cut into the red-black of the bar―and bright stars shone quietly, like everything in the world was at peace.

The vampire sent one last look at her pack. Then they closed the door―softly, as if to not disturb. Ana stared at the doorway in sedated wonder.

Eventually she closed her eyes. The rest of their pack would find them, or their hearts would slowly beat them back to health, and the hunt for a vampire would begin.

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L.A. Ashton is an LGBT+ author writing LGBT+ fiction. They enjoy rock music, traveling, and anything else that adds color to their daydreams. They believe in the healing properties of art and of having a cat firmly stationed on one’s lap. Their official site can be found at www.LAAshton.com.

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Review: You. Forever. Always. (The Underdogs #3) by K.A. Merikan

---Years of loving in secret. Now the secret’s out.---

Mage. Reasonable. Mature. In love with his best friend’s little brother.
Dawn. Painfully shy. Crazy talented. An anxious cinnamon roll in need of protection.

Mage has always been Dawn’s hero. He’s been there for him when Dawn was bullied, when Dawn came out, and when he joined The Underdogs. He’s also been Dawn’s first and only love—painfully unrequited, since Mage is straight. But that’s only for the better, because they’re bandmates, and Dawn’s brother is Mage’s best friend.

It would all be too intense, too complicated, too real.

But then one drunken kiss proves Mage might not be as straight as he seemed, and their whole world turns upside down. Even though Dawn craves Mage’s love so much his heart could burst, his shyness stands in the way of any future they could share.

While they have to keep their budding relationship under wraps and they prepare to sign a major record deal, Dawn’s anxiety gets out of control. Mage will have to choose between the success he’s always craved and the love of his life.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: rock band, bandmates romance, older brother’s best friend, coming out, bisexuality, first love, anxiety, compromise, music, secret love
Genre: Contemporary M/M Rocker Romance
Heat level: sweet, explicit scenes

Length: ~50,000 words (Can be read as standalone, HEA)

2.75 Actual Rating

Hmmm… I’m not sure why I thought this was my first Merikan read but it wasn’t. However, it's worlds different than Laurent and the Beast which is my only other read by this duo. This was sweet, really sweet and while I know I’m not one to gravitate to fluff, this one didn’t hold my attention. At all. So, I’ll just move on over to my dissenting-opinion-table for one and get this lonely party started.

Dawn has been in love with his brother’s best friend (Mage) and now they’re both adults playing in the same band, The Underdogs. Mage, being older than Dawn has always looked out for him starting from a young age. When Mage saved him from bullies, Dawn’s kid heart fell in love and hero worship began. As both grew older, their bond strengthens and they become inseparable.

Dawn has anxiety, is very sensitive, and comes off as super fragile. Mage is here for it though and has been and continues to be his protector. Dawn feels everything- too much of everything. It doesn’t help that he’s in love and that it’s supposedly unrequited. Until, it isn’t.

See? Mage is soooooo sweet. But, something is missing. There are time lapses that skip over parts I actually wanted to read. How did Dawn and Mage go from a panic attack while kissing to making out and curled in bed together? Tour dates are mentioned without much detail and somehow they go from roughing it at the beginning of their tour to nice hotels? There’s not a lot of sex which is totally fine because it fits Dawn. However, many of the moments where they were apparently deepening their connection happens off page and then mentioned after the fact.

I haven’t read any others in this series and maybe that was a mistake as they could have potentially filled in some of the holes? Maybe not? IMO, not much happened in You. Forever. Always. that will entice me to read the others. It was just okay and not a ride that I will continue. As always, while I won’t recommend it, YMMV.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.