Review: Jam Packed (Destination Daddies) by R.J. Moray

A chubby shy boy and a jaded older Daddy strike sparks in a cosy small-town B&B. Will this hot vacation hook-up burn out or blaze into a happily-ever-after?

Shy jam maker Sammy Martin has never got what he really wants, too self-conscious about his body to ask for it. After a humiliating rejection, he signs up for Cuffd's Destination dating event and books a ticket to a Dream Daddy Weekend in Sweet Hill, California, that promises to find him his perfect match.

But the sight of all the slender hotties in attendance kicks his self-doubt into overdrive. He knows he's not perfect, but would it be too much to ask for someone to actually want him, just for a weekend?

And if he's secretly hoping for forever? No-one has to know.

Retired Daddy Dom Axel Eriksson isn't looking for the One. Been there, lost that, learned his lesson—he's pretty sure there's no such thing as true love. Now he's a strictly one-night-stand man, and that's not going to change. But one look at the chubby boy with the shy eyes has him doubting his resolve.

He knows Sammy is the same as the rest. He knows Sammy won't be his happily-ever-after. But he can't help thinking that if someone could be his forever guy? Sammy would be a perfect fit.

JAM PACKED is a spicy serving of age gap Daddy romance, with a HEA and a side of size kink. This book is part of the Destination Daddies multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are so many destinations and Daddies to discover, why not grab them all?

 

This was a sweet little read that picked me up from my book slump!

This was my first time reading anything from this author or series. 

I got the daddy kink novella as a freebie and enjoyed it so much I just had to review. 

Jam Packed stars 28 year old chubby ADHD jam maker Sammy, who is shy, insecure and looking for someone to appreciate him. He shares a business with an ex who walks all over him; has tried putting his hat into the dating scene but gets more losers than winners. Sammy treats himself to a weekend getaway for daddies and boys looking for a good time. He doesn't hold much hope but, one thing Sammy is: a trier. 

Enter 47 year old retiree and former Daddy Dom, Axel. Axel is tired of the skinny twigs and likes his mean with some meat on their bones. He goes to the weekend getaway as a favor and think he's hit the jackpot when he sees Sammy. 

Sammy and Axel's chemistry is pretty hot. I liked how Axel reacted to Sammy's needs and wants with care Sammy isn't that kinky. In fact, Jam Packed isn't really kinky at all. I'd recommended this for readers anxious of kink and like to keep it light and fun. I like a good caretaker Daddy Dom and I think Axel fit the bill. He never controlled Sammy and was there to give a helping hand when asked (especially with Sammy's disability).

What I enjoy from an author that writes about a plus sized lead is when they explore the character's layers. I want to read about their emotions, insecurities and experiences while dealing with others. Moray did so in Sammy, who IMO was the stronger character. The sex scenes? Were hot and not fetishistic. The logistics and body mechanics were also a factor with sexy times and I appreciated the author's effort.

I think the story could've been longer, just to flesh out the business aspect of the jam business for Sammy. Also, Carson, Sammy's ex/business partner had ulterior motives but the lead up to where I though it was going to match to the quick ending. 

Overall, easy sweet reading that gave solid main characters and a quick romance with a helping of daddy kink.

I am so happy with this freebie because now I'm going to check out the author's back list!

 

If mild daddy kink with no age play, hurt/comfort and a chubby, sweet shy MC are your jam (pun intended), give Jam Packed a try!

Audiobook Review: Starting from Zero (Starting From #1) by Lane Hayes

Justin Cuevas is going through a rough patch. A broken relationship, a scandal, and the demise of his band have shaken the aspiring rock star’s confidence. Working two jobs and sleeping on his friend’s sofa isn’t ideal, but Justin isn’t ready to give up yet. With a little luck, he’s hoping to re-launch his music career in LA with his new band, Zero. The key is to stay focused, and not get distracted by his past...or the sexy songwriter he can’t get out of his head.

Gray Robertson has written dozens of hits and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. But he’s never met anyone like Justin. The younger man is fiery, passionate, and smart. A powerful voice for a new generation. Other than an unforgettable one-night stand and a passion for music, the two men have nothing in common. Or do they? Justin knows the out-of-the-blue challenge to write a quintessential love song is a huge opportunity. And it’s the ultimate test for someone who’s doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When sparks fly, Justin and Gray realize they have a shot something special if they start from zero together. Maybe even love.

Narrator: Michael Pauley
Listening Length: 7 hours and 8 minutes

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Oh my goodness how much did I love this book?? Spoiler alert: a whole lot! It’s a gorgeous story with quality representation.

I listened to it in practically one-sitting (with slight pauses for snacks and bathroom breaks!) and I loved every second.

The premise is awesome. A talented guy (Jason) down on his luck who is spotted by a second guy (Gray) playing in a club/dive bar. Jason and his new band had been set up to have a public confrontation with Jason’s ex, who had started her own band and the breakup was public and acrimonious. Gray is a super talented and award winning songwriter 18 years older than Jason. So we have a bit of a May/December & Silver Fox vibe, plus Jason is Bisexual, Latinx and has ADHD. As I plugged in my headphones to start listening I was practically shaking with glee and this book did not disappoint in any way.

The story is awesome and has plenty to keep the reader/listener engaged, the narration is stellar, and the writing is gorgeously observant, funny and relatable.

Gray is the knight in shining armour with a messy ex/godson situation, loads of cash and a brilliant reputation. A lesser man would exploit Gray fro anything they could get, but Jason is a stand up guy who’s pride makes it tricky for him to accept help from anyone. Add in, sexy times and perhaps even love (Yes Love! Of course, we need a HEA for our romance novels) and this is a superbly engaging and enjoyable book. I was rooting for the guys from the outset, and the side characters were brilliant too. Both guys had a family situation to work through, but I’d love to read Charlie’s story next!

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: The Arrangement by Felice Stevens

Carter Haywood lives for the weekends—specifically the one weekend every month when he escapes real life, with all the pressures of work and caring for his special needs brother, to do whatever he wants, with whomever he wants. Sex is only a release; he's not looking for love, a relationship or even a second night with the same man, until he walks into a bar and finds someone who makes leaving it all behind impossible. After one incredibly passionate encounter, he breaks his rule and goes back. He needs to see this man again. And again.

Damaged goods. That's all Reed Kincaide sees and hears when he looks in the mirror. Anxiety and ADHD define his life and he’s learned to keep people at a distance, never letting them get close enough to know who he really is. When Carter proposes a monthly weekend of sex without strings, it's the ideal arrangement for him. Or so he thinks. Every month, leaving Carter proves to be more and more difficult. It’s not only the intensely hot sex they have in their hotel suite; Reed wonders about the secret life Carter refuses to share.

As months pass and they grow closer Reed finds himself falling for Carter, but he needs more than hurried hugs and farewell kisses. He wants it all. Letting Reed into his carefully constructed family life could upset Carter’s whole world, but it might be the risk he’s finally willing to take, if it means keeping Reed. Once bodies are engaged, the heart is sure to follow, and Carter and Reed discover that holding on to each other is the first step in letting go of the past.

Narrator: Charlie David
Listening Length: 7 hours and 1 minute

I read this book on my kindle when it was first published, and consequently jumped at the chance to review it in audio! I absolutely adore audio books and usually listen on my long commute, or whilst doing chores. So great, to be able to enjoy a book when I normally wouldn't be able to. If you’ve not given in to the lure of the audio yet, I urge you to do it!

Our two lovely men (Carter and Reed) are both carrying so much baggage, its a wonder they can make it into the hotel where they hook up! Carter is the sole caregiver for his little brother who had beed dropped off on his doorstep by their mother and abandoned when he was seven years old. Carter gives Jackson everything a surrogate parent can, working hard in business to provide for the therapists Jackson’s additional needs require, and putting his persona life on the back burner save for one weekend a month where he goes in to the city and finds a man to meet his needs for a night or two. On his special weekend, he is scanning the bar for a bed partner, when the gorgeous bartender catches his eye. Reed is in grad school, but works plenty of hours in the bar to support himself. He is immediately attracted to Carter and being so very busy with his studies, and believing himself too broken by his ADHD, anxiety and abandonment of his own, he accepts Carter’s arrangement for a sex only relationship just one month per weekend.

The tragedy that these two men had both been abandoned by their mothers gave a story a sad thread running through it, but the shared experience gave them something powerful to bond over was amazing.

Of course it all goes awry when Reed develops feelings for Carter and Carter runs a mile at the suggestion of a real relationship, and the idea that his sex life and his real life might crash in to each other. There’s a break up, tears, fatherly advice for Reed and fledgling independence of Jacks for Carter. Eventually we have our HEA, of course, this is Felice Stevens writing after all, but it’s not without it’s struggles.

Highlights include Carter’s amazing neighbour Helen, the plate painting Jacks does (I really cried and had to pull over at that since I was driving!), and Reed’s dad Walter. My personal highlight was the author’s explanation of, and description of living with mental health issues, in this case anxiety and ADHD. Superbly clear, honest and realistic.

It is such a beautifully crafted tale, that I want you all to get the story, the book was great but the audio is better. Charlie David’s characterisation is fabulous and his interpretation of the emotive stuff is outstanding. The only thing better than a great romance novel, is having that romance novel read to you by a wonderful narrator. This is exactly that.

I was given a free copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review.

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