Showing posts with label Chubby MC. Show all posts

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!

Guest Review: Shug's Daddy by Siobhan Smile

Grey
I was just a divorced, small town, hardware store owner, and the man most people considered a gentleman. A slip up in my strict routine would send the town gossips into a frenzy. Yet I'd grown up in that town and everyone knew everyone. No secrets were safe, but I carried one that would send my world into chaos if I let it. I was falling for a town transplant and one of my best friends, Sugar. He was everything I wasn't. Spontaneous, fun, and knew exactly who he was. What would he see in a boring man like me?

Sugar (Shug)
I was that fat, nonbinary person who hadn't known the inside of a closet in my life. With a mom like mine, she taught me to never live with regrets, but I had a massive one. I fell in love with my straight, gentlemanly best friend. Grey was everything I wasn't. Thankfully, he was clueless, but our shared friend group wasn't. How long could our friends stay silent in a town as small as ours?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Oh my goodness, how much did I love this book! There is something so delicious about the best friends secretly in love with each other trope that I adore.

Grey and Shug were even better than usual friends, being that they are such polar opposites. I adored that the rest of the friend group knew that Grey and Shug were too busy keeping secrets to notice that their love, affection and need for each other was truly reciprocated. Grey was the archetypal proper gentleman whereas Shug is a totally out-there, larger than life character.

The dawning realisation took a while, and I loved this book so much I read it twice. The writing is funny, sassy and so adorable. I really enjoy a daddy kink romance, and this one was a splendid example. I appreciated the non-binary rep too.

Highly recommended.

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

Guest Review: Chaser (Chaser #1) by Rick R. Reed

Caden DeSarro is what they call a chubby chaser. He likes his guys with a few extra pounds on them. So when he meets Kevin Dodge in a bar bathroom, he can’t help but stare. As far as Caden is concerned, Kevin is physically perfect: a stocky bearded blond. But Caden gets tongue-tied and misses his chance.

When Caden runs into Kevin one night on the el train, he figures it’s fate offering him a second shot. Caden manages to get invited back to Kevin’s place for a one-night stand that turns into the kind of relationship he’s dreamed about.

But the course of true love never runs smoothly—Kevin and Caden’s romance is no exception. When Caden returns from a few weeks away on business, Kevin surprises him with a new and “improved” body—one that fits Caden’s shallow friend Bobby’s ideal, but not Caden’s. Caden doesn’t know what to do, and his hesitation is just the opportunity Bobby was looking for.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Caden and Kevin are a match made in heaven. They are hot and heavy and emotionally connected from the second meeting, if not the first!

The romance is a delight, and then it all goes wrong.

Caden has to go away from work and his mother gets sick so all his energies are directed away from Kevin and his secret plan to get skinny and fit. I loved that Caden and Kevin had kept in touch even though they were miles apart. Their relationship really developed over the time they were separated. The emotional growth was super charming but then…

Caden comes back and is shocked to say the least, and I felt sorry for Kevin that Caden was being so shallow and superficial. Luckily he gets his head out of his ass just in time, but not before his ‘friend’ Bobby got his claws into Kevin!

Oh how I loathed Bobby.

Luckily for us romance fans, the HEA is secure, and we get our cozy smoochy ending. Bobby not so much. He almost ruined his only friend’s happiness. Bobby I was not thrilled with. More about that next time in the sequel “Raining Men” Bobby’s book. Usually I can’t wait for the next book in a series. I am a complete fan-girl of a good series where everyone gets their happily ever after.

For now, I’ll say I loved the writing here, it’s warm and so engaging and most of the characters are delightful!

Recommended.

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

Re-Release Blitz + Giveaway: Chaser (Chaser #1) by Rick R. Reed

Chaser (Chaser #1) is out from NineStar Press! Rediscover this popular romance with author Rick R. Reed and IndiGo Marketing! Enter in the giveaway for your chance to win a $10 NSP credit!

Title: Chaser

Series: Chaser, Book One

Author: Rick R. Reed

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: February 24, 2020

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 67500

Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, Insta-love, family illness, separation, perceived cheating, physical fitness, narcissistic character, betrayal

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Synopsis

Excerpt

Chaser
Rick R. Reed © 2020
All Rights Reserved

Chapter One

“I like fat men.”

“You like big butts?”

“I cannot lie.”

Caden and his therapist laughed together over the song reference, both old enough to remember Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 rap hit “Baby Got Back.” Camille D’Amico reined in her laughter abruptly, pushing her tortoiseshell glasses back up on her nose and fussing with her frizzy halo of brown hair. She adopted a serious expression. “So you’re attracted to heavier men. Is that a problem?”

“Not really a problem, I guess. It’s just that I wonder why. I mean, look at me.”

Caden stood up, turned around slowly, and sat back down in the comfortable overstuffed chair facing Camille. He knew what he was displaying—a very trim, tight five-foot-eleven frame upon which not even an ounce of fat rested. In the dictionary, if one looked up the word “lean,” there was Caden’s picture, the perfect illustration. He rubbed his hands over his black buzz cut and then brought one hand down to the stubble of his just-coming-in beard. Not only was he very fit, he was a very handsome thirty-year-old man.

“What?” Camille asked. “You think you’re too good for a guy with a few extra pounds on his frame? Think you’re slumming if you take a walk on the fat side?”

Caden shook his head and put up his palms in self-defense. “No, no, that’s not it at all. I don’t think I’m better, not by any stretch. I’m just wondering why, lately especially, I’ve been drawn to heavier men.”

“Is this something new for you?”

“Not really, but it’s only something I’ve been acting on in the past few months. I have this friend, Bobby, who I usually go out with and he’s, well, he can be kind of superficial…” Caden’s voice trailed off as he thought of his gorgeous friend, who looked a lot like the porn star, Dawson, with a trim build, cut abs, closely shorn auburn hair, and luminous gray eyes. The difference between Bobby and Dawson was that Bobby was much choosier than Dawson, although perhaps no less promiscuous—no mean feat when one considered one of Dawson’s films was entitled Dawson’s 50-Load Weekend. Anyway, this session was supposed to be about Caden, not Bobby. “And he always gives me a hard time about wanting to meet, as I said, heavier men.”

“And this Bobby’s opinion is important to you?”

“He’s my best friend.”

“Important enough that you would alter going after what you really want for him?”

Camille’s question stopped him short. He’d never really thought of it that way. Why did it matter what Bobby thought? So what if he didn’t approve of the bearded redhead he met online and invited over last week? And what business was it of Bobby’s if he liked to peruse the profiles at footballplayerbuild.com?

Obviously, it bothered him enough to bring it up here today with Camille, whom he had been seeing for the past three weeks. His visits to her were his thirtieth birthday present to himself. He hoped to figure out why, at age thirty, he had yet to find a relationship that lasted more than three dates.

He had begun wondering if there was something intrinsically wrong with him. He was a good catch—at least that’s what his mother told him—but on paper, he did look good. No one could argue with that. He was handsome, having inherited his mother’s Sicilian olive complexion, black hair, and eyes that ranged from amber to green. His nose was strong, patrician, some might say (his mom again, anyway). He wasn’t a bodybuilder, but years of running four to six miles four to six days a week, along with summertime lakefront bike rides, had given him a good, solid build.

And it wasn’t just in the looks department where he thought he had a lot to offer. He had a good head on his shoulders. That he got from his late father, who had been a fully tenured professor of English literature at Northwestern University in Evanston before passing away unexpectedly one morning in the bathroom of a heart attack. That same head on his shoulders had given him, if not a stellar job, a solidly respectable and reliable one as a copywriter at a medical association in downtown Chicago. He had been there since graduating from Northwestern nine years ago, starting out as an editorial assistant on one of their trade journals.

So why did he feel the need to try to apply the same standards Bobby applied to his own dates, standards that could be summed up by Bobby with the initials FG, which stood for “fucking gorgeous”? If a man was not FG, so Bobby’s rationale went, he was not worth fucking.

Sometimes Caden wondered why he had Bobby as a best friend. But he could be hilarious at times, and he could be a lot of fun. Caden on his own in a bar was a wallflower, but with Bobby, some of his charm and charisma, the devil-may-care attitude, rubbed off on Caden.

Plus, going out with Bobby usually meant he would hook up with one of Bobby’s FG prospects’ fucking gorgeous friends. Because, as Bobby always said, “The hot ones travel in packs.”

Caden shook his head and looked at the therapist, who was sitting patiently, waiting. “What did you ask me again?”

“I asked you if Bobby’s opinion was more important to you than getting what you want.” Camille cocked her head.

“No, no, of course not.” He answered too quickly.

“You know,” Camille said, “I’m like what’s in your own head. There’s no need in here to try and come up with what you think is the right answer. No need to censor yourself. Do I need to remind you there’s no judgment here?”

“No.”

“So, I won’t ask you about Bobby’s opinion again, but I do want you to think about your answer.”

“Why?”

“Because you brought up your attraction to heavy men for a reason.” Camille shrugged. “It doesn’t matter so much what the reason is, so much as it matters what you think about it. Look, people are attracted to other people for all sorts of reasons, and there’s no right or wrong way to be attracted. Take my mother—please!” Camille laughed. “Ever since my father passed away a few years ago, she’s been all about younger men. And I am not talking forties and fifties here. I’m talking about much younger, your age, Caden, and even in their twenties. Mom’s sixty, but she’s a knockout.”

“Cougar?” Caden asked.

“Use that word around her and you might get your eyes scratched out. Anyway, my point is that it’s what she likes, and even though I did question it at first, especially when she was having me meet guys who were younger than I was, it wasn’t my call to make. Attraction is subjective—totally.”

“You’re right.”

Camille laughed. “I’m not looking for affirmation. I just want to understand why you chose to bring up this particular attraction with your therapist.”

And Caden realized he’d like to know the reason himself. If he could only get a handle on it, a love handle, if you will. He shook his head, censoring his inner Kathy Griffin.

The therapy session failed to illuminate the rationale for Caden’s attraction, and he left Camille’s office with homework not on why he was attracted to heavy guys, but why he felt that mattered.

It didn’t matter, did it?

Purchase

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Meet the Author

Real Men. True Love.

Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his beloved husband, Bruce, and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix, Kodi.

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Guest Review: Chasing Eddie (Golden Gate Love Stories #3) by Frank W. Butterfield

Reviewer: Annery

This is the third installment in the author’s Golden Gate Love Stories, which is a spinoff of the Nick Williams Mysteries. I’ll be honest, so far these have not worked for me, and I’ll probably stop at this one, because taking a whirl at other reviews, I’m clearly in the minority opinion. Perhaps these stories are not for me and I’m at peace with that. I love the component parts: non-traditional MCs, age difference, MCs with bodies that don’t conform to IG six-pack model, but the couple stories have not felt true to me. Not liking these more makes me sad. I can feel that the author is coming from a good place, a good heart, and has based his characters in the real world. Sadly the writing and progression of the story doesn’t bear out the wished for results.

As I feared Bob & Mario, from Their Own Hidden Island have inherited the mantle from Nick & Carter, but as I said in my review of that story, and continues to be true here, I don’t think they’re worthy heirs or I can’t say we know enough about them to say bequathe them honor. The book opens in January 2019 with the titular Eddie, Eddie Smith, getting a call from Bob & Mario ***spoiler***who’ve inherited Nick & Carter’s empire after their deaths***spoiler***. Eddie is, by his own definition:”... a light trance channel which, for some people, sounds all fancy but it really isn’t. I just means that I’ve taught myself how to let another kind of voice talk and write through me.” So. Yeah. Some kind of medium? Occasionally he also dabbles as some sort of life-coach and general New Agey type activities. Bob & Mario want him to go to San Antonio, Tx. and perform some sort of coming out intervention for Whitley “Whit” David Hall, a recently retired football player, who they’re not even sure is gay. To complicate things Whit’s parents are leaders of a megachurch in Lakewiew, Tx., which preaches a prosperity gospel, and put me in mind of Joel Osteen & co. Needless to say that more than complicates Whit’s life. I felt for this man-child, who at 35 is struggling be his own person, and I would’ve been interested in his journey but the book is really a love letter/wish fulfillment for Eddie, whom I suspect is a bit of a stand-in for the author or people near and dear to him.

Eddie Smith is 52, 340lbs., and hairy. A bear. But not a muscle bear, though he does work out, and has killer legs, if he says so himself. He’s more like a chub who wears a CPAP mask to sleep. He’s also a bit of a wanderer with “alternative employment?” Whit at 35, has football money, is an athlete, and at 6’7” some kind of Texas size demigod, who resembles the book cover model or Rob Gronkowski, I’m hoping for the former. Wishful thinking and dreams are my bag but … I didn’t buy these two as couple? Not within the immediacy of the story. Not in my book. And quite frankly my stumbling block is Eddie. Like someone past a certain age he’s pretty set in his ways, maybe a bit judgemental (yes lefties can be prejudiced too), and I’ll say nothing about his wardrobe choices. He goes to Texas and I can’t say how his conversations with Whit actually helped, rather they were opportunities for Eddie to expound on his opinions, likes, and dislikes, and then he leaves. Perplexingly Whit follows him to Florida (that’s not a spoiler, it’s in the super long blurb & title) and suddenly they’re in love. How? Why? Worse yet this ends in a sort of cliffhanger with our love birds running away together and what felt like a tacked-on, preposterous subplot about the church & criminal activity on a honeymoon. I’m sorry. I can believe that Eddie being the first gay man Whit opens up to, he could develop an affection for, but I just didn’t buy the insta “we’re in love”. I believe in insta. Have loved quite a few insta books. But insta must be earned.

If you’re interested their story continues in what seems to be yet another series, The Romantical Adventures of Whit & Eddie “Getting to Know You”. Will I follow them? I dunno.

Book Blitz + Giveaway: Chasing Eddie (Golden Gate Love Stories #3) by Frank W. Butterfield

Celebrate the release of Chasing Eddie with author Frank W. Butterfield and Signal Boost Promotions! Check out the contemporary romance and enter in the back list eBook giveaway from author!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link - Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 45,000 words

Golden Gate Love Stories

Book #1 - The One He Waited For - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 - Their Own Hidden Island - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

January 29, 2019

Eddie Smith is a chubby bear of a guy who lives in Daytona Beach and doesn't work much anymore but isn't retired.

Whit Hall has just retired as a tight end for an NFL expansion team and lives in San Antonio.

At 52, Eddie feels at home with himself and has learned how to roll with life. He's happy enough where he is and doesn't expect much to happen anytime soon.

At 35, Whit is ready for a life that put less of a strain on his body. He's banked plenty of dough but doesn't know what to do next.

. . .

About to sit down to his favorite take-out lasagna, Eddie gets a call from a friend who wants to hire him to help Whit figure out what's next in his life.

Eddie is a kinda, sorta life coach and might be able to help but seriously doubts it.

Reluctantly, he climbs aboard his friend's private jet and flies to San Antonio. Once he arrives, he ends up getting a whole lot more than he bargained for. Whit Hall is aggressive, he's angry, and he's under a lot of pressure.

It's a good thing Eddie (sorta) knows what he's doing!

. . .

Now that he's retired, Whit is looking for the next thing.

He's set, with plenty of bank. And he's doing what he can to deal with his parents, who are all up in his business. A lot.

Then, one Wednesday morning, he opens his front door. Before he knows it, Whit is chasing Eddie Smith out of his house, down the street, and even further.

It's a good thing Whit is (kinda) in shape for this new type of chase!

. . .

Neither man wants to go far...

But unexpected changes are chasing them both...

Wherever they end up going, and whatever ends up happening, this will be the beginning of something new and wonderful for them both.

. . .

This 45K word stand-alone contemporary male/male (MM) romance involves a chubby bear guy and a retired professional football player.

Included:

Some tension...

Hints of a coming-out story...

Medium-heat sexual descriptions...

Slightly nerdy details...

Some metaphysics...

And a HEA (that's a happily-ever-after)...

Not included:

Much angst...

Graphic sexual descriptions...

A cliff-hanger...

This story is the beginning of a series of contemporary romantic adventures. It ends with the start of one of those, so there are some loose plot points but no cliff-hanger.

Topics: virgin, virgin hero, out for you, first time romance, mid-life transformation, innocent first timer, late bloomer

. . .

Golden Gate Love Stories are all about the lives and loves of men who fall in love with each other and find the one they were waiting for.

Set in the same universe as the Nick Williams Mystery Series and the Daytona Beach Book Series, these love stories focus on the men who come together, find true love, and really do live happily ever after.

Excerpt

He looked at me for a long moment. His violet eyes got more focused and I wondered what was going on in that head of his with its tufted hair on top and strange gray streaks.

I could feel my attraction for him suddenly come front and center. Like always happened, my knees got a little weak and my mouth got dry.

I held his gaze for as long as I could, wondering what was really going on. I knew what I wanted to happen. I wanted something... Like a kiss or more. I was pretty sure he'd been watching me as if he was attracted to me. His eyes always went to my belly, which was a tell-tale sign. Right then, however, his violet eyes were drilling into mine.

As always, I started doubting myself. Maybe I was mis-reading him entirely. Maybe he was just a friendly straight guy. As we looked at each other, all of those thoughts, and more, ran through my head.

Of course, I'd been hired by Bob to do a job and kissing Whit wasn't in the job description. And it wasn't ethical for me to kiss him. Not that I adhered to some sort of written code of ethics. I just didn't think it was respectful of Whit as a client, even though he really wasn't my client, but that was splitting hairs.

Nevertheless, I was tempted to put my left hand around his waist, but I was afraid how he would react. It was hard to be around a big scaredy-cat who might bite, and hard, at any moment.

So, with all that going through my mind, I stood perfectly still and examined the violet in his eyes, something that was remarkable to look at.

And then, suddenly, it was over.

He turned and looked at the river. After another few seconds, he leaned against one of the trees and crossed his arms. "Knowing this is here is enough to get me to stay."

"Oh?" I asked, wishing I had some water to drink.

He cleared his throat. "Yeah. I talked to my business manager about putting the house up for sale. He thinks I could make a profit on it, considering that I owned it."

I looked over at the river, not wanting to show him what I thought of that idea. But, somehow, he knew I had an opinion.

"What?"

"I guess I would never think of paying a premium on a house because a football player had lived there. Not one like that one. You've got a historical marker, after all."

He didn't say anything. I looked over at him. He was staring out at the river.

"I tried to get the city to let me remove that thing—"

"What!" I couldn't help myself.

He looked at me, frowning. Shrugging, he said, "Well, I don't give a shit about how old it is or who lived in it."

"Well, then, why the hell did you buy it?"

He leaned forward, aggressively. "I didn't buy it. My mother did."

I leaned back. "Oh."

He took a deep breath and then said, "Sorry. I promised Ossler I wouldn't do that again."

I knew what he meant, but I wanted to hear him say it. "Do what?"

"Get in your face." He did look contrite which, on him, was really cute.

"Thanks, Whit."

He looked down at me and smiled a little. "No sweat, Coach."

I grinned and shook my head.

He laughed and then patted his belly. "OK. Now, I'm hungry."

"Me too."

Author Bio

Although Frank worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast. Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983. After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he now makes his home in a hurricane-proof motel, built in 1947, with superior water pressure. While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.

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Blog Tour + Giveaway: Worst Holiday Ever by Various Authors

Looking for a holiday anthology that feature #ownvoices and characters that fall under different spectrums? Look no further, the authors of Worst Holiday Ever and Other Worlds Ink drop by today on a blog tour! Nine stories from authors Kilby Blades, R.L. Merrill, Marie Booth, Adrienne Bell, Eva Moore, Kari Lemor, Meg Bellamy, Preslaysa Williams and Erin St. Charles for you to enjoy!

Plus R.L. Merrill not only drops by with a ficlet and excerpt from their contribution, The Thanksgiving Parade From Hell. But they also host a $25 gift card giveaway!

There's a new holiday romance anthology out: Worst Holiday Ever.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! OK—scratch that. It’s time for another obligatory family gathering. And nothing spices up the egg nog like bringing your partner home. Surely your belligerent brother-in law, your gimlet-eyed granny and your drunken uncle will keep it classy. With forced proximity and alcoholic beverages, what could possibly go wrong?

Decked Out by Eva Moore

A Perfect Fit by Adrienne Bell

Crazy Old Money by Kilby Blades

Stealing Christmas by Kari Lemor

Touched by Fate by Preslaysa Williams

Ringing in the Reefer by Marie Booth

The Thanksgiving Parade From Hell by R.L. Merrill

Thankful in Perdition by Erin St. Charles

Feliz Chanukah! by Meg Bellamy

This anthology is for readers who love any or all of the following: m/m, #ownvoices, plus-sized heroes, interracial/multicultural families, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Chanukah!

Warning: It is best to leave this one to the mature audiences. Note: Many of the stories in this anthology are not queer.

Amazon | Smashwords | QueeRomance Ink

Giveaway

R.L. Merrill is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card OR a $25 Dreamspinner Press gift card with this tour. Enter via Rafflecopter:

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Author Visit

Author R.L. Merrill not only hosts today amazing giveaway, Merrill also delivers a ficlet based on their anthology contribution, The Thanksgiving Parade From Hell! Check it out!

Ficlet: When Dalton met Orrie

Labor Day Weekend – 2017

“Mr. Bishop! He’s about to take the stage!”

Dalton Bishop had been looking forward to this moment ever since he’d opened his subscription box from Third Man Records three months ago to find Orrie Jones’s debut album. The face on the cover drew him in, but the voice…Oh, this man’s voice. Rough, emotional, soulful, it felt as though Orrie was singing just for him. Dalton was in the beginning stages of planning his company’s End of Summer Bash to celebrate a phenomenal quarter and he’d had the brilliant idea that they should contact Orrie Jones’s management and hire him to perform. Now, the voice that had filled Dalton’s spare moments with impure thoughts was going to be performing for his company’s picnic. Pretty insane.

Dalton waited in the wings opposite where Orrie would enter the amphitheater stage at California’s Great America amusement park and waited, his palms sweating just thinking about seeing the guy in person after all the nights he’d dreamed about him. Orrie didn’t need to know about that, though. Dalton didn’t want him to think this was all a big stalker’s plan to get him alone…Shit.

It was time for him to go speak to his employees and he was freaking out. Not unusual, but he needed to get it together. He took a deep breath and trotted out onto the stage. He received thunderous applause from the five hundred or so employees and family members he’d bought out the park for today. Little kids jumped and cheered with barbeque sauce on their faces. A bunch of guys from engineering were shirtless with painted chests and were currently chugging beers. The mild-mannered IT folks were gathered in front of the stage with giant smiles on their faces, and Dalton couldn’t help but be grateful he could provide this day of entertainment to his employees. They’d voted in the inter-office poll for a day at the park with live performances and he’d wanted to deliver.

“What’s up, Bishop Tech?!”

Everyone cheered and there were some screams. His CFO led a chant of “Bi-shop Bi-Shop Bi-shop” and Dalton shushed them.

“Thank you to everyone for coming out today to celebrate our phenomenal summer! In can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am for our little company to be sitting pretty on the top Silicon Valley companies lists and that our stock is now at a record high! You’ve all worked so hard, and I hope you know how much I appreciate your hard work.”

More clapping and more shouting.

“Now, friends, it is my great honor to introduce you to the incredibly talented Orrie Jones!”

The crowd went wild once more as Dalton held out a hand to call their attention to the gorgeous man taking the stage. Instead of saying hello to his special guest, Dalton hurried over to the wings again and found the best vantage point to watch his set.

***

“Thank you, everyone,” Orrie said slowly into the microphone, a blush creeping up onto his cheeks when the shouts grew louder. He’d played hundreds of clubs in his career before graduating to larger venues on his tour with Jack White, but there was something about a small crowd of rabid music fans. Or in this case, a bunch of tech company employees blowing off steam. He was on a brief break from the tour when his manager let him know that he’d booked him this gig, a request from the CEO himself, who was apparently a big fan. He’d thought he might meet Dalton Bishop before he took the stage, but his personal assistant was the one to pick him and his accompanying musicians up at the airport, get them checked into the hotel, and bring them here an hour before showtime. His introduction was the first time he’d even gotten a look at the CEO of Bishop Tech, and he was still reeling.

The guy was adorable. Unbelievably cute. Orrie didn’t often find hipsters attractive, but Dalton Bishop, in his tight, salmon-colored, pressed khakis and Toms with no socks had Orrie intrigued. Dalton wore a fitted plaid shirt, neatly rolled up at the elbows with a company t-shirt thrown on over it…the guy was geek chic and Orrie chuckled at his enthusiasm on stage. But that ginger hair… again, not something Orrie usually found drool-worthy, but on this guy? Orrie was going to meet him face-to-face when his set was over, that was for sure.

He launched into his set, his guitar growling to life for his first song, Breathless, and the entire crowd began jumping around and dancing. He thought to himself that they must have provided some good alcohol for everyone to be this loose before starting in with the lyrics, but even the kids were dancing along.

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and saw that Dalton Bishop was watching the set from the wings, a huge smile on his face. Something in that smile made Orrie want to give the performance of his life. He threw his all into his covers of “The Lemon Song” by Led Zeppelin, “Hang You From The Heavens” by The Dead Weather, and The Doors classic “Hello, I Love You,” and with every song, Dalton seemed to be enjoying himself even more.

Orrie ended his set with his radio smash hit, “Be Your Man,” and the crowd went insane. His cheeks hurt from smiling as he belted out lyrics about finding that special someone who could get past all of his defenses and make him beg for more. It was definitely one of the spicier tunes on the album and he’d been shocked it was chosen as the first single, but it turned out to be a helluva way to make a first impression with indie rock fans.

The set was over and Orrie thanked the crowd and Bishop Tech for having him, especially their CEO. Dalton joined him onstage and as he was approached by the sexy af genius, still grinning ear to ear as though had some wicked secret. Orrie was amazed by how innocent and naughty the guy looked all at the same time.

“Let’s hear it for Orrie Jones!”

Dalton held out his hand to shake and the moment Orrie took it, he knew something momentous had just happened. Sometimes a person is brought into your life for a purpose, and though that purpose might not make itself known for a bit—in this case it took three days—you just know. And it wasn’t like that feeling of dread you get when someone is bound to end up breaking your heart like Orrie’d had with his ex. No. This feeling was buoyant, light, and full of promise. He shook Dalton’s hand and held on for a second longer than he probably should have before Dalton blushed, turned to wave at the crowd and said, “Enjoy the rest of the food and booze. The shuttle to the hotel leaves in forty-five minutes or you can grab an Uber home on Bishop Tech. You guys are what makes our company special and I’m looking forward to the next year of increased innovation!”

Everyone cheered, Dalton gestured to him once more for a bow, and then Dalton wrapped an arm around his shoulder and led him offstage.

“Is it wrong if I hoped you might accompany me back to the hotel?” He stopped walking. “Not for anything nefarious, I swear. Oh God, that sounded wrong. I just thought we could—“

“You are so adorable,” Orrie said. “Relax. I’d have been offended if you didn’t offer. I want to know why you chose me to play your show.”

Dalton smiled shyly. “I’m going to need another drink before I make that confession.”

“Then take me to the hotel bar and let’s have ourselves a conversation.”

Excerpt

From "The Thanksgiving Parade from Hell," by R.L. Merrill
“You hardly ate anything.” Dalton rubbed Orrie’s back. He’d suggested the donuts because he knew Orrie would be too stressed out to eat.

“I don’t know why she insists on serving quiche at these things. Who the hell eats quiche, anyway?” Orrie picked at the spot on his finger.

Dalton shook his head. “Only old people. And hipsters.”

Orrie laughed humorlessly and leaned back in the seat. “You don’t have to do the boxes this weekend. I can do it tomorrow before I leave.”

“Forget it,” Dalton said as he started the car. “I get you to myself tomorrow until I take you to the airport, and I’m not losing a single minute of time with you.” He leaned over and kissed Orrie sweetly. “It’s been a long six weeks, baby.”

“Too long. I missed you.” Orrie closed his eyes and Dalton took that as a good sign. He hoped that meant Orrie would be able to relax at their next stop. Because he sure the hell wouldn’t.

Ahhhh, Casa de Bishop. The eternal bachelor pad. The house where Bishop men went to lick their wounds and drink. A lot. And today being Thanksgiving and the holy day of the pigskin, Dalton had prepared his defense. He just had to get past this next two hours, and then he and Orrie would move on to…his mom’s. Okay, make that the next four hours.

He pulled the car out of the pretentious neighborhood where Orrie’s grandmother lived and drove down the hill to the more blue-collar area of Castro Valley. It was a funny town in that way. You had these newer, expensive developments up in the hills and canyons, but a lot of old neighborhoods from the forties and fifties that remained affordable for the low- to middle-income folks in the East Bay.

Peter Bishop, Dalton’s father, lived in such a home, one he’d inherited from his parents. The boys had grown up there, and currently, Dalton’s brothers Terrence and Stanley lived there with him. Both had broken up with their significant others in the past year and now, with their divorced father, they lived the life of swingin’ singles. Dalton just hoped the house was in better shape than it had been the last time he was here.

“Hey, doll,” Orrie said, reaching for his leg. “I know how much you worry about them. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. If you want to go…”

And that was just one of the many reasons Dalton loved this man more than anything. He looked over and Orrie was smiling at him in that way that made Dalton feel like any second he was going to be a weeping mess on the floor, but in a good way. Not in the way he’d grown up experiencing.

“I want to see them. I do. We’re supposed to be thankful on Thanksgiving, right?”

Orrie nodded, frowning. “You are the most thankful person I’ve ever known. You see the positive in everything. Sometimes to your own detriment.”

Dalton barked out a laugh and his eyes burned. He was tired of fretting over a situation that was never going to change.

Orrie got out of the car and walked around to Dalton’s door, which he promptly opened, pulling Dalton in for an embrace that felt more supportive than seductive, and yet it had both effects. Dalton may have been the one to pursue Orrie, but Orrie had seduced Dalton with his compassion as much as his passion, with his love as much as his loving.

“If you promise not to take any shit from your brothers, I’ll promise not to cause any bodily injury.”

Dalton snorted and dropped his forehead onto Orrie’s shoulder. “You know they’re going to give me shit, and I know you’re going to give it right back. Just don’t hit anyone this time. You don’t have that luxury, you know? You can’t afford any injuries.” He thought about Orrie picking at his finger and hoped it wouldn’t get worse as the day wore on.

Orrie sighed and kissed Dalton’s head. “I’m insured,” he said against Dalton’s hair. “If I happen to have an injury, they’ll find some other poor schmuck to play guitar for me. Shouldn’t be too hard. Any adolescent boy could play—”

“Stop it right there. You’re as full of shit as a Thanksgiving turkey.” Dalton put a finger against Orrie’s lips.

“I’m serious, baby. Please.”

Orrie laughed. “We have an audience. Should we give them a show?”

Orrie just loved to be demonstrative in front of Dalton’s brothers. They couldn’t contain their disgust, not so much because Dalton was gay, but because the thought of their oldest sibling being sexually active with anyone made them want to hurl. Since Dalton had been more of a father to Terrence and Stanley than dear old Dad, they tended to treat him that way.

“I’d say we should give them a show, but honestly, that’s not playing fair. If I want them to behave, I can’t exactly go sinking to their level.”

“So I shouldn’t fondle you right here?” Orrie slid his hand down Dalton’s chest.

Dalton winced and sucked in a breath.

“Did I hurt you? I’m sorry.”

Dalton pressed his lips together firmly and pulled back from Orrie. “I’m fine. Really.” Was that my voice coming out sounding like a little girl’s?

Before Orrie could interrogate him, which would really ruin the surprise Dalton had worked so hard to make happen, Peter Bishop slammed open the front door.

“Hurry up, you two, before Terry burns the damn turkey!”

Dalton stared wide-eyed at Orrie. “Did he just say turkey?”

Orrie nodded, his brow furrowed once more. “Are your brother’s actually cooking?”

“Come on, you two. I gotta get in the backyard.”

The screen door slammed shut and Dalton jumped at the sound.

“Have your phone ready to call the fire department,” he said to Orrie as he sprinted up the walk. Dear God, don’t let those idiots burn the place down.

Author Bio

Eva Moore: As a young woman, Eva Moore loved nothing more than to dive into the pages of a book. She even met her husband while reading a romance novel. When the second baby came along though, she found she had little time for diving into anything but laundry. Missing her stories desperately, she began to make up her own. The stories she played with while she washed dishes and changed diapers demanded space on the page, and she was hooked. Winning Cherry Adair's Finish The Damn Book Contest has propelled her career into high gear. Eva now lives in Silicon Valley, after moving around the world and back, with her college sweetheart, her three gorgeous girls, and a Shih Tzu who thinks he is a cat. She can be found most nights hiding in her closet-office, scribbling away, and loves to hear from the outside world.
http://www.4evamoore.com.

Kilby Blades: Kilby Blades is a fresh new voice in smart contemporary romantic fiction. A business executive by day, by night she writes dynamic characters into (and out of) tantalizingly complex predicaments. Critics laud her "feminist romance", noting empowered heroines and multi-dimensional heroes who are staunch advocates for their partners, stepping back from their own spotlights in order to let their women shine. From dry wit in her angstier books to blatant humor in her lighter ones, her characters are resplendent in their witty repartee. All her stories, regardless of genre, serve up delicious dilemmas and never-before-seen plots. When she's not writing, Kilby goes to movie matinees alone, where she eats Chocolate Pocky and buttered popcorn and usually smuggles in not-a-little-bit of red wine. Kilby is a mother, a social-justice fighter, and above all else, a glutton for a good story.
https://www.facebook.com/kilbybladesauthor/

Erin St. Charles: Erin grew up watching Star Trek and reading Barbara Cartland novels (don't hate), wishing she could create something that brings her love of science fiction together with her love of romance. Still a romantic nerd at heart, she writes sensual, diverse stories that blend fantasy, adventure, and love.
https://www.twitter.com/erinwritesbwwm
https://www.facebook.com/erinstcharles/

Kari Lemor: Kari Lemor grew up as one of those kids who read all night under the covers. Once she had her first glimpse of a romance novel at age 12, it was all over. Romance was in her blood. It would be many years before the stories that ran rampant in her head finally drove her to put words to paper, though. She wrote self-indulgently for the first few years and only recently began penning stories to share with others. She still writes stories that are self-indulgent but hopes others might get some enjoyment from them too. Now that her children are all grown and have moved out, she uses her spare time to create stories of love and happily ever after romances where heroes ride to the rescue of damsels who have already saved themselves. She lives with her husband in a small town in New England dreaming of warmer weather. But only if it's near the ocean.
https://www.facebook.com/Karilemorauthor/

Adrienne Bell: Adrienne Bell is the author of over a dozen action-packed romances including the bestselling contemporary Second Service series and the new Exiles of the Realm paranormal series. She loves nothing more than writing quirky heroines with a knack for finding trouble and the hardheaded heroes who help them fight their way out of it. Adrienne lives with her husband and sons on the far edge of the San Francisco Bay Area where she spends her downtime reading, binge-watching nerdy television, and scrolling through Disneyland fan websites.
https://www.facebook.com/AdrienneBellAuthor/

Meg Bellamy: Along with her husband, her family and her books, language is Meg's passion. In fact, by day she's a mild-mannered language teacher. Currently, she teaches ESL (English as a Second Language) to international students, but in her early teaching days, her main subject was French. Though her French is a bit rusty these days, she figures a trip to France would help fix that. She's also studied Russian, Spanish and Italian. This love of language spills over into her writing craft and appreciation for books -- and travel! Meg also has to travel to see other family members in New Jersey -- a mere continent away from Meg's home in Northern California. Being a published member of the community of writers with her contemporary romances and women's fiction is the fulfillment of one of Meg's most cherished dreams. Her first release, Homecoming, was released October 19 -- a week before her birthday -- from The Wild Rose Press.
https://www.amazon.com/Meg-Bellamy/e/B00655VO1S

Marie Booth: Marie's a Northern California girl with a love of all things artsy fartsy - as her brother says. A theatre and fantasy geek, she writes sexy paranormal romance and has a hot contemporary series releasing this year. You can contact Marie here:
http://www.mariebooth.com
https://www.facebook.com/marieboothbooks
https://www.twitter.com/marieboothbooks

R.L. Merrill: Once upon a time... A teacher, tattoo collector, mom, and rock 'n' roll kinda gal opened up a doc and started purging her demons. Several self-published books and a debut from Dreamspinner Press later, with more tucked away in her evil lair, R.L. Merrill is still striving to find that perfect balance between real-life and happily ever after. You can find her lurking on social media where she loves connecting with readers, being a mom-taxi to two brilliant and busy kids, in the tattoo chair trying desperately to get that back piece finished, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more Rock 'n' Romance.
http:/www.rlmerrillauthor.com

Preslaysa Williams: Preslaysa Williams is an award-winning author and actress. She writes contemporary romance and women's fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist. Preslaysa has a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University and is currently earning her MFA in Fiction from Seton Hill University. Connect with Preslaysa online at her website (www.preslaysa.com) or on any of these social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/preslaysa
https://www.twitter.com/preslaysawrites
https://www.instagram.com/preslaysa

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