Audiobook Review: What Works for Us by Colette Davison

An elf costume, a pair of lacy knickers, and a Christmas charity auction might make Sam’s Christmas wish come true.

When sweet barista, Sam, agrees to be a "slave" in a Christmas charity auction, he’s thrilled to be bought by the man he’s had a crush on for the last three months.

Theodore is everything Sam is looking for in a man: older, authoritative, and caring. Unfortunately, Sam isn’t the most forward person when it comes to telling men he likes them. Wearing a sexy costume allows him to be a much flirtier version of himself, but can a naughty elf tempt Theodore into bed?

As their relationship intensifies, Sam finds something in Theodore he didn’t realize he needed: a man he wants to call his Daddy.

But Theodore isn’t out of the closet, and whilst Sam is happy existing in a bubble in the run up to Christmas, he knows that can’t last forever.

Can Sam risk giving his heart to a Daddy who might not ever be able to hold his hand in public, let alone commit to him?

What Works For Us is a Christmas-ish romance with an age-gap relationship, lacy underwear, role-play, Daddy kink, a smidge of hurt/comfort, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Listening Length: 6 hours and 4 minutes.
Narrator: Dan Calley

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Theodore is a settled man in a good job who has most things he needs, but not a relationship or happiness. His upbringing was homophobic and despite his parents being long-gone, Theodore is still in the closet, afraid to give his life as his authentic self.

Sam is the cute barista who serves Theodore his morning coffee and admires him from afar.

Sam’s boss is hosting a Slave Auction fundraiser and manages to convince shy Sam to be a slave for a night dressed as a sexy elf. Theodore is dragged along to the fundraiser by co-workers and can’t take his eyes off Sam and can’t help himself but bid on the lovely young man.

When Sam arrived at Theodore’s house for the cleaning they agreed will be his ‘slavery’ and changes into his sexy little outfit including lacy panties, Theodore doesn’t know where to look or what to do. His dick, however, has a very clear idea of what needs to happen! There are sexy times and Theodore discovers he is kinky, but will Sam be satisfied with an older man who isn’t out?

The relationship continues apace behind closed doors, even though neither man intends for it to happen and before we know it, Sam is heading home for Christmas. Theodore misses him far more than he thought possible, but enough to change his whole life?

There are ups and downs and the heartbreak is real, but the HEA is adorable and satisfying in the end.

The narration is excellent. Dan gives a lovely voice to Theodore who is older but less experienced than Sam and the emotions are so realistic, from breathy anticipation to heartbreak and confronting demons. Sam’s accent was a tiny bit patchy to my ear, but I live near the city in which the book was set. To most listeners, I would imagine it will be fine! It was so refreshing to hear an English narrator read an English book.

Highly recommended for fans of daddy kink, panties on boys and love!

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

Audiobook Blog Tour: What Works For Us by Colette Davison

Author Colette Davison and Gay Book Promotions hosts the final tour stop for audio book, What Works for Us! Find out more about the Dan Calley narrated kinky Christmas tale today!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR

Book Title: What Works for Us

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Independently Published

Narrator: Dan Calley

Release Date:  October 26, 2020

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: May to December, Daddy Kink, roleplay

Themes: Coming out, self-acceptance

Heat Rating: 4 flames     

Length: 6 hours and 4 minutes

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads

 

Buy Links - Available with Whispersync

Universal link   |  Audible US  |  Audible UK 

 

An elf costume, a pair of lacy knickers, and a Christmas charity auction might make Sam's Christmas wish come true.

Blurb

When sweet barista, Sam, agrees to be a 'slave' in a Christmas charity auction, he's thrilled to be bought by the man he's had a crush on for the last three months.

Theodore is everything Sam is looking for in a man: older, authoritative, and caring. Unfortunately, Sam isn't the most forward person when it comes to telling men he likes them. Wearing a sexy costume allows him to be a much flirtier version of himself, but can a naughty elf tempt Theodore into bed?

As their relationship intensifies, Sam finds something in Theodore he didn't realise he needed: a man he wants to call his Daddy.

But Theodore isn't out of the closet, and whilst Sam is happy existing in a bubble in the run up to Christmas, he knows that can't last forever.

Can Sam risk giving his heart to a Daddy who might not ever be able to hold his hand in public, let alone commit to him?

What Works For Us is a Christmas-ish romance with an age-gap relationship, lacy underwear, role-play, Daddy kink, a smidge of hurt/comfort, and a guaranteed happy ending.

About the Author 

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook Page   |  Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub   |   Twitter    |   Goodreads  |  Instagram: @colettedavison

  Mailing List  |   Newsletter Sign-Up

 

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Audiobook Review: A Boy Made of Sunshine by Colette Davison

A strict Daddy. A sassy neighbour. Can opposites attract?

After taking early retirement, Liam is happy avoiding people and tending to his roses. Or he was, until young film star Felix moves in next door.

With his cheeky, persistent, and very naughty behaviour, Felix gets under Liam’s skin instantly.

Felix needs Liam to teach him how to behave, but will calling the older man Daddy be enough to bring sunshine into Liam’s life?

A Boy Made of Sunshine is a standalone gay romance, with mild D/s play, Daddy kink, a cute Dalmatian puppy, a ridiculous glow in the dark toy, and lots of brattish behaviour.

Listening Length:6 hours and 26 minutes
Narrator: Dan Calley

Reviewer: Annery

There’s something to be said about Truth in Advertising. Right or wrong it makes me feel like not everything is belly up. A promise made and kept goes a long way to warming my cold cold heart. Colette Davison keeps her word and Dan Calley delivers another warm hug to the soul.

Felix is 25 and on the cusp of making it into A list celebrity status but after being a child model and later an actor his whole life he needs and takes a break. Said break lands him, first time homeowner, new puppy in tow, in a seaside community in the north of England. Luckily his house shares a lot with Liam’s, a retired detective, giant barrel of a man with a beard close to his chest and a forbidding countenance. He also happens to grow roses and harbor a deep need for care giving which he tries to hide with growly monosyllabic answers. He doesn’t stand a chance in the face of Felix’s good cheer, easy disposition, and willingness to be cared for.

Can you tell I loved this? I listened to it twice because I thought maybe I was just feeling sappy given our current climate. But no. This is that rare story that manages to check ALL the romance boxes without dipping into made-up drama, faux angst, UST, or being ridiculously OTT. The care-taker Daddy and his willing boy aspect is the perfect dash of savory to cut the sweet.

Liam took early retirement because the world he saw as a London DC left him with a grim view of humanity but the Fates are kind to him and gift him with Felix (was ever a character more aptly named?). Felix is, as Liam realizes, made of sunshine: not syrupy sweet (though he is sweet), treacly, or naive but warm, comforting, life affirming, and a light in the darkness. Exactly what Liam needs. And Liam is what Felix wants.

I loved that Felix wanted Liam’s care and not that he needed it. There’s a difference. Felix is young and has had many of his day to day needs taken care of by others because that’s the nature of the industry he works in but he’s not incapable of doing for himself. He chooses to let Liam guide him and care for him. Perfect.

As for the rest? Some spanking, some voyeurism, some made to order toys and we have a delightful Daddy/boy story with the perfect balance of kink and RL romance.

Dan Calley is pitch perfect in the chosen voices for both MC. His American accent on a female character? Iffy at best but she’s only on page briefly so no biggie. The story centers almost solely on the development of the relationship between Felix & Liam and happily so. It’s like a two person play with some kinky goodness as a plus.

***Recommended to anyone in need of a little sunshine. All of us.***

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

Audiobook Review: Heart by Garrett Leigh

Cornish pastry chef Seb Wright dreads the summer tourist season. The cash injection to his artisan fudge pantry is more than welcome, the extra work, less so. Then one summer, a shadowy Good Samaritan catches his eye. Irish Traveller Dex is bewitching, a beautiful sullen enigma who turns Seb's world upside down until he disappears in the night, vanishing like a mystical summer rain.

Twelve months later Dex is in the midst of a dark storm. A slave to his master, 'Uncle' Braden, he spends his days cleaning caravans and his nights working in Braden's other businesses. His short summer with Seb seems a lifetime ago. Lost in the savage violence of the murky underworld, he doesn't dare dream he'll ever find his way back, until one night, a brutal crime opens the door for a chance escape. A new life beckons, old faces emerge, and immersed in the heady vibe of London’s East End, new love begins to heal his fractured heart.

Narrator: Dan Calley
Listening Length: 5 hrs 53 min

This is a beautiful classic Garrett Leigh angst-fest. It hurt so good!

Even better, it was wonderfully narrated by Dan Calley. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version.

When the two men first meet on the Cornish seaside, Seb’s not quite sure what to make of Dex. But he can’t deny that he feels a pull towards the vagrant, and he’s happy when Dex seems to respond back.

But Dex then disappears without a trace, leaving only enigmatic memories behind.

The truth about Dex is heart-wrenching. And be warned - the author doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Readers get a front-row seat to the violence of the criminal world Dex was trapped in.

How Dex is treated and what he goes through would break anyone, and yet he keeps a core of fight in him.

And he has that brief moment of happiness with Seb to sustain him. The short summertime when Dex got a glimmer of a different life with a kind man.



When Dex eventually gets the chance to run, he goes to London. Only to end up face-to-face with Seb again.

I loved their reunion. It was awkward, but the electric pull between them was so obvious.

And even better was the friendship they slowly built. Their past and the feelings on both sides are undeniable elephants in the room, but the two men take it slow.

I really appreciated how perceptive Seb was of Dex’s boundaries. The space and care was exactly what Dex needed to gradually come out his shell.

Once they take it a step further, their relationship continues much in the same way - sometimes it’s two steps forwards and one step back, but it’s sweet and the love grows bit by bit.

Dex’s past does catch-up with him and Seb eventually, but they get through it. And their happy ever was a perfect ending, leaving no doubt that they’d build a forever home together.

If you’re looking for a complex love story that will put you through the wringer but leave your heart full, give ‘Heart’ a try!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Tour: A Boy Made of Sunshine by Colette Davison

Author Colette Davison and Gay Book Promotions host today's tour stop for the Dan Calley narrated audio book, A Boy Made of Sunshine! Check out more info on the daddy kink romance!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR

Book Title:  A Boy Made of Sunshine

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Independently Published

Narrator: Dan Calley

Release Date: October 20, 2020

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Grumpy one falls for the sunshine one,

opposites attract, Daddy kink, age-gap

Themes: Patience

Heat Rating: 4 flames        

Length:  6 hours and 26 minutes

It is a standalone story.

Goodreads

 

Buy Links

Universal link  |  Audible US  |  Audible UK

 

A strict Daddy. A sassy neighbour. Can opposites attract?

 

Blurb

After taking early retirement, Liam is happy avoiding people and tending to his roses. Or he was, until young film star Felix moves in next door.

With his cheeky, persistent, and very naughty behaviour, Felix gets under Liam’s skin instantly.

Felix needs Liam to teach him how to behave, but will calling the older man Daddy be enough to bring sunshine into Liam’s life?

A Boy Made of Sunshine is a standalone gay romance, with mild D/s play, Daddy kink, a cute Dalmatian puppy, a ridiculous glow in the dark toy, and lots of brattish behaviour.

 

About the Author 

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

  

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook Page   |  Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub   |   Twitter    |   Goodreads  |  Instagram: @colettedavison

  Mailing List  |   Newsletter Sign-Up

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

Audiobook Review: Lucky Man (Heated Beat #2) by Garrett Leigh

As a diehard music fan, a dirty, smoky gig is Vice Squad Detective Danny Jones’s idea of heaven. While watching one of the most popular bands in Northern England, the sight of gorgeous rock star Finn McGovern changes his life forever.

Beneath the tattoos and leather jacket, Finn is kind and sweet, but when he confesses a dark secret to Danny, it tests their fledgling bond. Danny digs deep to accept Finn, but before long, a terrifying trail of death threatens to tear them apart before they’ve even got started.

A monster is killing prostitutes on Danny’s patch, and when a dead girl turns up too close to home, Danny discovers a heartbreaking link between the girl and his bright new life with Finn, a life he’ll do anything to protect.

Narrator: Dan Calley

Listening Length: 4 hours and 11 minutes

This was a romantic drama focusing on musician Finn, and cop Danny. Both have their issues and hangups, but when they spot each other in a crowded venue, they connect immediately.

Those who aren’t reading-series-in-order purists, know that it was nice visiting Jack and Will from My Mate Jack, seeing them live their happy ever after. This sequel was a lot grittier than the first book as it focuses on Danny trying to solve several murders that look to be due to a serial killer. Despite Danny being quite taken with Finn, he’s unsure how he’ll react to Danny’s quasi in the closet status and his unpredictable working hours. Finn in turn, has some medical issues that haven't gone over well with blokes he’s tried to date in the past, and he worries that Danny won’t stick around either.

There was a sweetness to these two’s spotty courting, trying to find time for the other, and trying to fit into each other’s lives. Regardless, each wants to make it work despite several external and personal obstacles.

Again, narrated by Dan Calley, he lent an authentic voice to the accents and was pleasing to the ear. Another “oldie” from Leigh, made new with this audio release!

Overall, this was a nice hurt comfort story showing that despite some daunting challenges, perseverance and faith can have a huge wondrous payoff!

Audiobook Review: My Mate Jack (Heated Beat #1) by Garrett Leigh

Will Barter’s been in love with his best mate Jack for as long as he can remember. They’ve shared everything: love, life, laughs, even Will’s first kiss. But Jack’s straight, and Will’s long-buried infatuation means nothing until their last summer together draws to a close.

Then one night, everything changes, but with Will bound for university in Leeds, and Jack for his dream DJ job in Ibiza, there’s no time to explore their blurred lines. Before long all that’s left are secrets, lies, and misunderstandings.

In the months that follow, anger and hurt overshadow fifteen years of friendship, and Will must dig deep to remember Jack is his mate… his best mate, and nothing matters more than that, right?

 

Narrator: Dan Calley 

Listening Length: 3 Hours

Not that I’ve read a lot of Garrett Leigh but this is probably one of the more easygoing books out there of hers, and it was oh so nice.

As per the blurb, Will and Jack have been BFF’s for forever and though they've shared some very huge milestone firsts regarding their sexual history, Will’s staunch belief that Jack’s straight is the biggest obstacle to these two.  Toss in some no/miscommunication as well as several external factors working against them, and these two besties are unfortunately kept apart for a good bit of time. 

Told in intermittent snippets over a few years, as well as through various texts and emails, I liked the evolution of this friends to lovers story.  Sure, it has some mild angst with plenty of pining, doubt, and jealousy, but it was never heavy handed.

Narrated by Dan Calley, this was my first foray listening to him. Though I personally had some difficulty discerning between characters at times, the British accents and emotions were spot on, and I wouldn’t say no to future listens!

So, if you like Leigh and want lighter fare, then this oldie (originally published back in 2014) is now obviously available on audio which just might catch your fancy this time around!  Highly enjoyable as Will and Jack are very likeable blokes, and despite it taking awhile to get both their heads on track, they do it with lots of sweet sexy aplomb!!

Audiobook Review: Redemption (Darkest Skies #1) by Garrett Leigh

Reformed gangster Luis falls hard for his boss. When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.

Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.

Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.

And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.

Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness.

Narrator: Dan Calley

Listening Length: 6 hours and 26 minutes 

Reviewer: Annery

Who says there aren’t pockets of joy amid all our terrestrial woes? Don’t tell anyone but this is my first Garrett Leigh (shame on me) and Dan Calley is also a NTM narrator. I was delighted on both counts. 

If you’re in need of an emotional, and authentic feeling hurt/comfort story look no further. The fact that this intimate story takes place among actual working class people is a gratifying bonus.

Luis Pope lived his whole life on the wrong side of the law. Now, at the ripe old age of twenty seven (27) he’s getting out of prison with minimal life skills, no friends or family to speak of, and virtually a stranger to the world. His inadvertent savior is Paolo Cilberto who runs a local chip shop/cafe on his own and desperately needs help. Paolo reluctantly and cautiously takes him on. Luis will have to prove that he’s no longer the muscle for or associated with his brother Dante, the local drug lord. 

 I really loved everything about this story. The keen insight into people reentering society after prison. The burden and joys of family. Luis and Paolo are both pan, or as Luis calls it “extra-sexual” and that was kind of perfect for these guys, none of the oft trod angst over sexual orientation or coming out. Instead we get to witness Luis, like a newborn horse, take trembling steps into ‘civilian’ life, learn that he has value, explore what he actually likes. He more than likes Paolo. Paolo who has a reserved spot in the lovable grump shelf:

“Paolo Cilberto was a moody motherfucker. All day long he growled and swore, muttered under his breath, and kicked anything that got in his way.”

and Luis can’t get enough of him. Luckily Paolo has had a thing for Luis since high school and once he gets to know Luis the person, once he becomes the keeper Luis’s innermost secrets & fears, that like quickly morphs into more. I love how protective they were of each other, willing to face true danger, how though Paolo has more of an education than Luis it isn’t something he wields like a cudgel, quite the contrary. I loved how vulnerable Luis allowed himself to be with Paolo, how he trusted his person to Paolo, how Paolo jealously guards that trust. I loved that there was no miracle come to save them, that after all was said and done they continue to be two ordinary people living by the sweat of their brow. Working class people also get love stories too. 

Enthusiastically recommended and Dan Calley’s narration will put you over the moon.

Audiobook Review: Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh

Tree surgeon Aidan Drummond is content with his own company. He works alone, and lives alone, and it doesn’t occur to him to want anything else until a life-changing accident lands him in hospital. Then a glimpse of the beautiful boy in the opposite bed changes everything.

Ludo Giordano is trapped on the ward with a bunch of old men. His mind plays tricks on him, keeping him awake. Then late one night, a new face brings a welcome distraction. Their unlikely friendship is addictive. And, like most things in Ludo’s life, temporary.

Back in the real world, Aidan’s monochrome existence is no longer enough. He craves the colour Ludo brought him, and when a chance meeting brings them back together, before long, they’re inseparable again.

But bliss comes with complications. Aidan is on the road to recovery, but Ludo has been unwell his entire life, and that’s not going to change. Aidan can kiss him as much as he likes, but if he can’t help Ludo when he needs him most, they don’t stand a chance.

Listening Length: 5 hours and 41 minutes
Narrator: Dan Calley

‘Kiss Me Again’ is classic Garrett Leigh - complex characters, gritty yet realistic situations, and an incredibly romantic love story.

The excellent narration by Dan Calley made the book even more enjoyable! This is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook read by him, and I would definitely do so again.

Aidan and Ludo meet under less-than-desirable circumstances - the hospital, to be exact. From the moment the two men look over at each other, they’re drawn together, no matter the situation they’re in.

Habitually-cranky Aidan softens for Ludo, and Ludo’s mind calms when he’s with Aidan.

While Aidan slowly recovers from his life-changing injuries and Ludo’s mind returns to a semblance of “normal”, their mutual friendship becomes a lifeline.

And slowly, it becomes more. I was all heart eyes while the two fell for each other. This is a book where you can really see the characters on the path to love.

The bubble they live in bursts once Ludo and Aidan are discharged from the hospital. Building a real and solid relationship takes work, and it’s even harder when both men have some major hang-ups or limitations.

Garrett Leigh doesn’t pull any punches here. As always, she portrays disabilities - both mental and physical - in all their harsh realities.

But despite the up-hill battle, Aidan and Ludo keep finding their way back to each other. I loved how the two men did whatever needed to be done to make things work, despite the odds.

And I loved what Ludo and Aidan did for each other. They brought colour and joy to each other where before things had been beige.

But most importantly, the two men support one another. And that might be a really simple thing, but it’s something neither Ludo or Aidan had, and something they desperately needed.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Kiss Me Again’. Aidan and Ludo’s story is sometimes harsh and definitely angsty, but their happy ever after is so worth it!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.